It was an ominous early morning sound, deep rumbling thunder ! After realising that it wasn't coming from Henley's still sleeping / comatose body I pulled open the curtains to reveal an "end of the world" looking skyline !
We were soon hit with a downpour big enough to have us threatening strike action over breakfast. Our seriously weakening tour leader (yes he too has succumbed to Henley's plague) put various options on the table but indicated that it was best if we got underway as soon as possible.
With the rain stopped we commenced our days cycle in much cooler conditions than we've been accustomed to. It wasn't long though before we got back into climb mode with a 4km stretch at 6-10%. The descent to our morning tea stop that followed took a victim when George one our stronger riders and invariably up the front, lost control rounding a corner suffering bad grazing to his hands and legs while taking a nasty chunk out of his chin.
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| Aussie Kev on descent ! |
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| George a little worse for wear after his dismount ! |
With George now taking a seat in the bus after coming back from medical repair and Kiwi Pete also on board after coming down with an illness, our team bus was fast becoming a hospital ward !
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| Kiwi Pete takes the bus ! |
The 15kms following to lunch were a slow grind riding into headwinds and on roads that appeared flat but did in fact have a continual uphill gradient.
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| Partisan Memorial |
The mounting casualty list was becoming startling - Pommie Kev and Julia both ill, Kiwi Pete now ill, Kirk ill (not sure if we can blame that one on H but we'll try) George injured and now Henley pulling the plug after doing just 37 kms. Even the plaque carrier himself was suffering !
The rest of us (down to 6) set off after lunch and it wasn't long before Lee pulled over with a seriously warped wheel - the culprit was a broken spoke and luckily with so many in the bus she was able to swap her bike albeit with a bike a size too small.
With our Canadian love couple (Carine & Mike) up front it left only Pommie Pete, Swedish Linda, self and Lee to fly the flag on the tough remaining 30km segment
While the climbing was steep, the views were outstanding, amongst the best on trip so far as we headed into Albania's isolated hinterland
Sweeping bone jarring descents soon followed the climbs which most of us took cautiously not wanting to repeat George's earlier incident.
The last climb for the day was a never ending 5 km 6% rise through lovely forest like scenery.
We finally rocked into our Eco style cabins on a farm style property to finish the day and count our casualties preparing finally for a much easier day tomorrow !
Sent from Samsung tablet
G'day Mike, I'm loving your great descriptions. Despite your fast approaching state of illness (courtesy of Typhoid Kev) you seem to be enjoying, if that is the right word, your trip. I bet Kev didn't expect all the ups and downs, as he didn't read the trip notes, but he can use his plague as an excuse to inhabit the sag wagon. You'll be pleased to know that we are shivering here as the spring stubbornly resists warming up. Stay safe and keep the rubber side down.
ReplyDeleteHope you are clear of the flu when we meet up.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to catching up in a week.
Rick
What exactly is plague kev carrying? Ebola?
ReplyDeleteMake sure you find an Albanian pub showing tiges v cats. Enjoy