The route for Day 2 took us from Ramabanta to Malealea Lodge via some truly epic mountain terrain.
The first 20 km’s were both the slowest and the best mountain biking we could have imagined. Raw rocky descents- some terminating in adrenalin-spiking drop-offs. Loose, technical climbs that put the heart straight into the red zone, and a few of which required more hiking skill than bike handling. The altitude had us gasping for air at unexpected moments.
As stage race rookies we were quite happy to settle in at the back of the field and enjoy the jaw-dropping scenery and tasty treats on offer at the water points.
From the first water point on we were mostly on farm roads and jeep track mountain passes, and here our general lack of fitness began to kick in. We took turns to pull in the windy areas and traversed several valleys at a comfortable pace.
The sting in the tail came 55km into the race after we had already completed about 1400m of climbing. A brutal switchback climb that went on for eternity. This was followed by 10km of cruel jeep track, in sight of Malealea Lodge, with a strength- sapping gentle gradient. At one point a stately bull blocked the track, until us city-slickers summoned up the courage to inch around him. We finished 69km, 1750m of climbing later, tired, but excited to see what tomorrow holds.
Once again we managed to hold on to our third place (out of four), by a whisker, in the open mixed category.
All the Stage 2 results are available here.
That looks absolutely brilliant!