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map that evening and noticed two facts: first, I only managed 43 kilometres and second,
we were only 45 kilometres from Côte d'Ivoire's border!
The next day was to prove to be the most physically challenging day of my tour
(so far). After our usual breakfast of bananas, bread and rice we left by 9:30. Erik sped off
andIremainedalone.Theroadwasinaslightlyworseconditionbutmanageable.Iquickly
formed a routine of gliding down the hills and slowly cycling up. My one-gear bike plan
was working to a small degree. The chain was slipping between the first and second gears.
The plastic disc I placed between these gears was useless.
I decided to change my strategy and place the chain on the largest chain ring at the
front and the smallest at the back (ideal for high speed but not for climbing). The chain
remained in position and I managed to keep a good pace. Needless to say, trying to crest a
hill with all that weight on the bike and in the toughest gear was extremely challenging.
I came up to a hut and found Erik waiting there. I didn't realize that it was a border
crossing so I stopped rather abruptly which caused my brakes to squeal loudly. The guard
was annoyed and accused me of charging through. I apologized and told him that I didn't
realize I was at the border. After a short 10 minute delay, he stamped my passport. It was
2:00 p.m. when we crossed the wooden bridge into Côte d'Ivoire. I refrained from taking
a picture even though it had a lot character. It goes without saying that it is dangerous to
photograph any border crossing. As I entered my next country, I reflected on the previous
one:
“AfterfinishingGuinea,it'shardtosummarizemyfeelings.Imetmanywonderful,
caring and selfless people here- volunteers and locals alike. I've seen the daily
struggles of people as they cope with the poor infrastructure- farmers trying to get
their produce to markets along poorly maintained roads. As a cyclist, however,
Guinea was a paradise. From challenging terrain to beautiful scenery, the insects
and the heat to the coolness of the mountain regions and the overall air that 'To-
morrow is Tomorrow'. I have been pushed to new limits in my endurance and pain
threshold and have experienced in elation the sounds, landscapes and rhythms of
Africa. I thank God for watching over me.” Oct. 13, 1992.
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