Distance: 112.68 km
Ridetime: 04:20:22
Average: 26.0 km/h
Total distance: 5608 km
A fast and funny day on the bike. A part of the secret was cycling 30 km behind a tractor. The reduced wind resistance you get from cycling behind a vehicle is significant. While I might comfortably be able to cycle at a speed of 20 km/h on my own, the wind shield boosts the speed to 30 km/h or more without further effort. The problem is of course that most trucks and buses drive too fast, but the tractors are just perfect.
The day also brought the first flat tire since Christmas. After 1500 km of Egyptian and Indian roads that was not really a surprise. I’m really amazed how long I can ride without flats on my narrow road tires.
When I cycle I very often get accompanied by a scooter or a car. The usual questions include “where are you from” and “where are you going”. Sometimes a scooter drives up my side, the driver find his camera phone, takes a shot of me and then accelerates away. I find this very amusing. When I stop for a drink people also join me for a handshake and a photo. Sometimes I ask them to take a photo with my camera as well. It all feels very normal by now!
It looks like very flat terrain there. Must make it a little better although that is probably the reason for so much wind!