Stage 23 – Gardereff to mountain top camp Ethiopia

99km (21.6 kph average), 4.58 hrs riding time, 3060’ vertical.

Over 2000 years ago Heraclitus said that there is nothing permanent except change.

Crossing from Sudan to Ethiopia was just that. Geographically and culturally. The dress has changed, no more burkas. Women are out and around. Children everywhere yell you, you, you, you you, you!

Africa has come alive, like someone cranked up the voltage. Lots of energy and color.

Arriving at camp we find a perimeter of string being patrolled by men with AK 47’s. I’m not really sure who they work for but they are friendly to us.

The bulk of our climbing is done during the hot part of the day and the hills are steep.

I found out the day before leaving that the gears that MMC ordered did not fit and I ended up with a set that were higher than I can manage well. Some reported climbs at 17%.

I am very tired when I reach Camp, have dinner, and go to sleep by 8. A little disheartening, is it the gears or am I just old and not up to the task?

About 2am I am awakened by donkeys from a nearby village then dogs. Pre dawn and I am ready to start our biggest climbing day yet. I feel rested but my legs are still sore.