26 Jan
Wadi Halfi to Nile Camp – 150km
Sudan is absolutely beautiful – wide open stretches of sand, dunes and perfect road. We struggled a bit in strong head winds, but the group riding managed it well. The roads are in very good condition and the country so far looks very clean and the people are very welcoming and friendly.
The bread differs from the Egypt pita to a softer type of white round bread. Every day we are served this nice bread with tuna or egg and salad and of course peanut butter for lunch. For breakfast we have good old oats porridge and sometimes even muesli, fruit or pronutro. For Dinner we will have spaghetti bolognaise, meat and vegetables or mashed potatoes. After the ride of the day we always get soup to replenish. And furthermore we have 2 energy bars per day and energade as electrolyte drink and then we stock up on chocolate bars also – so lots of eating! I do not think I have lost any weight so far, as do most of the girls. The men seem to be losing weight more easily.
After a good day of cycling, averaging 25km/hr, we arrived at the camp at about 15:00. Then we went for a nice dip in the Nile. I even washed my hair.
27 Jan
Nile Camp to Nile Camp – 148km
Another day of long cycling. I was still so amazed at the beautiful landscapes.
Arriving in camp – we went for a swim in the Nile again. This time nice and deep and washed up.
My achilles tendon tinnitus has flared up again after the ride. I adjusted my seat a few days earlier, made it about 1cm lower and moved my seat to the back. It did help and now my body just needs to get used to the long hours on the bicycle.
28 Jan
Nile camp to Dongola Zoo Camp
Today was an easy 107km of cycling. With an average speed of 27km/hr we were at camp nice and early. The camp is the Dongola Zoo, although we are the only strange animals here. As today is Friday, most of the shops are closed for the Muslim prayer day. We did get some fruit and chocolates at a shop and then had dinner at a place next to the road consisting of half a rotisserie chicken, rice and bread. It was delicious. The chef looked a bit nervous though having to feed so many hungry cyclists .
29 Jan
Rest day in Dongola Zoo camp
Relaxing day, waking up after 7:30am, although the prayers were about an hour long at 5am.
Washed the rest of our clothing, the bikes and trying to sort out the luggage. Most people's luggage do not fit in the lockers.
We had some falafels, fresh bread and fuul at a local shop in the market which was very good
30 Jan
Dongola to Dead Camel Desert Camp - 141km
Today we once again cycle on great roads and perfect conditions. The scenery stays the same open desert landscape, which is amazingly beautiful. Along the road we came across several dead animals and the camp actually had a dead camel!
1 Febr
Yesterday I was too tired to write or do anything.. I followed Peter and we cycled at 30km / hr and then 37 to catch up with the racer group. They usually go slower before lunch and then really take off. We then did a few kilometers with them at a good 30km/hr for a few km's until the group left us for a faster group. We kept our speed constant at about 29-30km/hr. I really pushed myself and was very tired when we got to camp. I did not even take one photo.
Today we started a little earlier and cycled with a very nice group. We averaged 30km/hr until lunch time, but after lunch we had some head winds and everyone suffered a little. It was a very good day and we took very nice photos of camels and people next to the road. The Sudanese are so welcoming and friendly.
About ten trucks with army tankers on passed us on the road, on their way up north. We speculated that maybe they want to man the border to Egypt with the protest happening there and all.
We once again camp in the desert. One of the most difficult things in the desert is to find a spot to dig a hole, without anyone seeing you. So you have to wait for the dark..
2 Febr
Desert Camp to Khartoum - 100km
This morning we cycled 66 km to lunch were the whole group gathered together to be escorted by police to Khartoum. It was a very long cycle... A rider in front of me did not see the train tracks and crashed - so I crashed into him. I luckily fell back on my bum and did not get hurt, neither did he. My bicycle tyre did burst.. which was an inconvenience for the whole group as the convoy had to be stopped. They provided me with another wheel and I could continue cycling. Tonight we are staying in the Acropole Hotel in Khartoum, which is a great hotel. We have free Wi-fi and the rooms are clean - and most important - we have a shower and a normal toilet. This may not sound like much - but after days of camping in the desert it is great!
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