Reality Hits........Hard

Day 2:  Almost 7 hours start to finish today!  58 miles (97km) and 2,600m total ascents (8,800 FT). I lay here in bed now, 40 mins removed from my bike's saddle and fresh from a cold shower. My legs are tingling as muscles try and stop twitching, a few fingertips are numb ("normal" cycling issue) and my lower back is occassionally spasming. THIS is Day 2, challenging, painful, oh and 5 more to go!  

1,400m climb from lake, 12km, 8-12% grade

Not enough, so BIG headwinds added.

I could not make it, walked about 1km😟

Started to fast into the big climb, heart rate jumped, legs said "no!", walked.  10 of us made the climb.  Recovered and made all of remaining climbs, including final 8km. Lesson learned:  ease into climbs, keep heart rate low (145), gut it out at 8.5kmph (next time a 3rd and smaller crank will be on the bike too!).

Always drawing a crowd at stops.

Just in case we think we have it tough on climbs, locals provide perspective. One rider today had 10 bricks balanced on his bike!

Road was closed due to "market day"

Finished the day just before sunset, adding to the beauty of this mountainous and hilly country!

Final "road" to hotel with extra obstacles.

We did have a bad accident today. Geoff was going down from our 2nd big climb and lost control of his bike at maybe 55mph and went flying over the front, skidding to a nasty stop on the road with a cracked helmet flying off.  Luckily we were still all close by (but no one so close as to be taken down as well) and he got immediate attention from Craig, a rider that is also an MD.  Lots of skin lost on the back and shoulder as well as elbow, w a slight concussion. We have all re-committed to the 60kmph limit.  A tough lesson for us. 

Now it is post-dinner and 20:30.  I cannot stay awake. 55km ride tomorrow and allegedly easy.  After we have time in Gitega to visit the newly opened hospital there (where Geoff is) and the Gitega secondary academy.