19 May: Cycling to the Chemka hot springs

Cycling distance: 74 km

Total cycling time: 4:31 hrs

Elevation: 837 m

Ave speed: 16.4 km/hr

After a much-deserved rest day yesterday, we decided to take a fun ride to Chemka Hot Springs about 35km from our base, TPC Sugar Estate. At last we were on a dirt track, relatively flat, very muddy in patches, whizzing past rather remote villages. A detour here and there, due to taking the wrong turnoffs, and several river crossings later, we arrived at this oasis in the middle of nowhere. Crystal clear, deep water, rising out of the earth, surrounded by gigantic ficus and palm trees, greeted us. Lots of jovial locals and tourists were there creating a fun experience for all of us, and a fabulous swim. Kathryn and Kayla took to the swing rope like pros, and “trapezed” into the water.

There was a delightful kiosk producing delicious hot chips and tough, but tasty, roasted goat. With bellies full, and another quick swim we started the homeward journey. About 7 km into the ride, crossing the second flooded part of road, Kayla’s derailleur snapped and she came to a grinding halt, calf deep in water. This is not a good situation at all, the bike had to be loaded onto the trailer, and all going well, she might get a replacement in Lilongwe, Malawi in two weeks time. Kayla’s spirits were low as she climbed into the Hi-lux and watched Chris, Tim and I flying along the slight descent towards the sugar estate. On one of the link ups, Kathryn jumped on my bike and completed 10km like an absolute Tour de Tanzania champion. We swapped bikes around a bit and Erick got to ride the last 15km though the sugar cane, arriving safely at the Pitot home just in time to take cover before the heavens opened.