24 May: Katesh -> Singida

Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Naomi and her team this morning and continue our journey. Finally the rain had cleared but boy, was it windy!! Luckily, with a back wind, we started our cycle uphill. When we turned around looking back at Katesh, we could see Mount Hanang, the third largest mountain in Tanzania. We cycled 20 km at a steep, continious, unrelentless incline, having no rest on our legs and although there was no rain, it was icy cold and windy.

The fields of sunflowers continued and we passed a few large dams and rocky outcrops. Chris had me in hysterics making up songs as we went along, trying to keep motivated.

It has probably been the toughest cycling day as we climbed the whole day. Physically tough as we struggled fighting the wind and cold with sore bums as well as mentally, trying to not give up and keep peddling. Eventually, after having climbed all this way, we had 15 km downhill all the way to Singida. We had planned to stay at the Stanley Motel, situated slap-bang in the village centre surrounded by vibrant pubs and local taverns. We were served complimentary veggie soup and then informed us that they had a function on this evening. We got onto maps in search for a place to stay and found the Regency Resort and Hotel. We arrived to a magnificent view of Lake Singida and a 4 story hotel, very unexpected. The hotel has a stunning pool overlooknig the lake. We had a hot shower and were pleased to get out the icy wind. With hardly any English being understood or spoken, its going to be an interesting stay here.

Cycling distance: 87 km

Cycling time: 5 hrs

Ave speed: 17 km/hr

Max speed: 64 km/hr

Ascent: 619 m