Tail wind redemption

At 6 am the bike got a bucket rinse off in the bathroom to deal with the residual salt from the ferry crossing. We'd done the same thing using some local bowls after the crossing but the facilities weren't the best so determined it needed a second rinse. Our later arrival yesterday meant that task was delayed. Packed, lubed the chain, and headed off, a few minutes after our 7.30 target. we climbed to 320 m in the morning, but needed 650m of ascending to get there. Thems the climbs. Sunday traffic was moderate but some nice quiet periods in contrast to the riding into Dar es Salaam last week. Late breakfast at km 35, then onwards until a cold drink stop, as a psuedo lunch. As we got into the upper 300 m and turned more westerly the breeze came through pushing us up, as 400m arrived. The last 20km was gentle roads and wonderful tailwinds as I chased Mingi into Mombo where we were stopping for the night. I'd return here for later adventures in the Usambaras Mountains that dominate the landscape. With a hose handily positioned the bike got a 3rd and more comprehensive rinse for good measure. A good selection of street food turned into a decent meal finished off with a freshly peeled melon. The lodge was comfortable and quiet, and cheap.Read more