Stage 6: Desert Camp to Luxor (106 km)

Wednesday: Woke up after a relatively good nights sleep in the Desert, packed up the tent, had breakfast and we were ready to leave quite early, only to be told there would be a slight delay while we waited for our Police escort to arrive. They duly arrived, and we were off.

Sunrise over the Police camp.

Mark returning from his early morning ablutions.

Some of the riders getting ready, while others wait for the Police escort.

We had a relatively short day of riding, in perfect conditions (overcast & no headwind).

Fortunately both Judith and I had a great days cycling, and it was a good change to see some green appearing against the desert as we approached the Nile Valley. 

We were near the back when stopped for lunch at the 71km mark, and had a relatively panic-free lunch, as we knew we would finish the day. Lunch consisted of hamburgers with oranges for desert (the food at lunch has really been quite amazing).

 Liz, Mark and Dr. Helen enjoying their lunch

At about 10km outside of Luxor, we were joined by a police vehicle which escorted us both into the city center where the Hotel was situated. This was greatly appreciated, as the level of traffic had increased considerably compared to the stretches of desert we were used to. 

On arrival at the Hotel Rezeiky Camp, we took a room (at own cost) and after a refreshing shower,  joined the rest of the riders for a braai (barbecue) given by the TDA Kitchen Staff (the evening meal before a rest day is usually for our own account).

Alex writing up her Blog while the rest of the party animals discuss the culinary delights to be expected on the tour.

Tomorrow is officially our first Rest Day after over 700 km of cycling, which will be spent exploring and visiting the numerous Tombs and Temple's around Luxor. 

Cheers,
Mike T

Stage 5: Safaga to Desert Camp

The Sun Rising over the Red Sea

Tuesday: We packed up the tent without much hassle; watched a fantastic sunrise over the Red Sea, had our first meal, and we even had Strawberries at breakfast! What more could one ask for, all before 6.30 in the morning?

The day's notice board, and strawberries at breakfast.

Early Morning Bike Park.

We left Safaga and cycled up into a head wind and our first day of climbing. It was quite a strenuous day of cycling, with long uphills into the mountains, and the day soon warmed up!

We even have a Fire Engine accompanying us (when you're hot, you're hot).

The mountains look similar to those in parts of Namibia.

"It's a long and winding road, which leaves you with no return."

Judith did not have a good ride, and we were last to arrive at the the Lunch Truck, with most of the other riders having had lunch and out on the second leg already.

I had stayed with her the whole of the first leg, she was buggered, but I wasn't so far away from being blown myself.

With a further 70 km to go, and without a faster rider available to use, to draught behind, to complete the second half (as I had done on Stage 1) I couldn't see my self finishing the stage, so discretion being the better part of valor, I lost my EFI status and climbed into the truck with Judith.

We trucked to our next camp, and camped at the Police Camp, our first real desert camping. Tent went up and after dinner we had an early nights sleep, in bed by 7.30pm. It had been a very tough day for the both of us.

Tented Camp in the Desert next to an Egyptian Police outpost.

Fortunately Tom from Minneapolis, gave a group of the riders an intense yoga session, which Judith attended, after which she was more relaxed about the days cycling and how things had developed. 

Tom, taking some of the cyclists for a Yoga session in the desert.

Group Briefing before Stage 6 tomorrow.

After a tough day cycling, Leo the Bike Mechanic helping Kyle change his setup.

In the evening, had my first "bos kak" with shovel in hand (BTW the shovel's name is "Doug") and I am sure Dough and I are going to get quite attached to each other as the tour progresses. 

Brad (one of the Crew) had a exciting experience to say the least. He went out into the dead of the night with "Doug" and he had his headlamp on with the red light (so as not to disturb anyone who was sleeping) only to be surrounded by four policemen with AK47's drawn, who demanded to know who he was!?

All in all, It was a tough day on the Tour for the two of us, but at least no one died.

Cheers,
Mike T

Me with my best girl by my side.

Sunset over the Desert Camp.