Reflections on Sudan

It has been almost a week since we left Sudan. Most people have been able to dust off the final bits of sand from their chains and cassettes, however it still often shows up in the tent and other places always reminding us of the sand storms and scorching hot desert days. I will remember Sudan for the long stretches of desert riding with not a soul in sight and the relief of the shade found under the tarps at camp. We had easy riding days and we had some of our tough, but they all made us stronger each day. It is funny how we cross a border in Africa and it really does seem like a different place, as we crossed the border into Ethiopia the desert days and flat roads ended and the views turned to mountains and hills with more fertile soil. We will miss Sudan for the lovely people and the amazing ginger tea and coffee and delicious flat bread. It is amazing to think of the genocide that occurred in Sudan as it seems like such a peaceful place with caring people. I feel blessed to have gotten to see this country and would encourage anyone who had a chance to visit here to come. I think we often view Sudan as a war torn country which it has been in the past but it has moved on and it is a beautiful place with a soul. I will remember the caravans of camels coming from Darfur to be sold in Egypt. Khartoum, a dusty, hot city in such an inhospitable hot desert stretch, with its only source of water the Nile floating ominously through the heart of the city. The Riders will never forget the infamous Dinder national park or the difficult scorched earth we biked over for days. Sudan is etched in my memory for several reasons, time went fast here, despite the fact some of our riding days felt like months in themselves. We are a month into our expedition and race and the time is taking its toll on riders. Riders are injured and sick and generally fatigued, the 3000 kilometers we have riden so far has beaten us down and built us up simultaneously. Each day we become stronger riders but each day the kilometers also take their toll on us, with rest days our only chance to recoup and regain the massive amounts of energy we are dolling out on a regular basis. Ethiopia has us anxious and excited - with each new country having a new vibe and with new challenges in themselves.