The Weak and the Gorgeous

TDA - Day 36 (Ethiopia)

Whether it's because I'm too weak or too lazy or maybe I'm far too distracted by the surrounding scenery, there is no doubt about me being the slowest rider on the tour. I am slow. And on the uphills I definitely suck. All I had to do - I figured - was to learn how to do it with dignity.
We reached the rim of the gorge by mid-morning enjoying sweeping views of the huge land fracture and the surrounding slopes. We could not see the road down, long and relatively steep in spots but we could clearly see the way up on the other side. The road was snaking up the slope gradually, without any hint of shade or mercy. I knew it was going to be a grind.

The descent was long and fun alternating between pavement and gravel and offering spectacular views of the area. On the way up I found myself to be - as expected - last and extremely slow.
It was very hot and the ~1500m elevation gain over 20 km did not appeal to me very much. But the walk! Walking at trekking speed I had all this beauty for myself. I was singing, talking, smiling, taking pictures. I was sweating and thirsting and yet declining all the ride offers from the stopping trucks. I knew I could walk 20km easier than ride them. And I also had the support to do so from our awesome tour leader, and - for a fair stretch - enjoyed the company of Dr. Luke. Eventually, I was ok to let go off my bike and trek the remaining way up without it provided Dr. Luke rode the bike up.

To have all these fantastic views for myself I felt happy. And seeing them at my pace made me even happier. I could bet that I saw a lot more of the scenery than anybody else: the trees and the cliffs, the little villages on the way, the locals returning home from work in the field, the golden fields below and in the distance. Little did it matter that I got to the rim - and camp for that matter - only shortly before sunset, a great place to watch the sun go down from.
In the warm sunset glow the landscape looked magical and fascinating. Ridges upon ridges of escarpment were fading in the distance.

The next day shrouded in haze at dawn the gorge looked mysterious and cold. The views from the rim were sweeping yet not capable to encompass the whole span of the gorge. Farewell Gorge-ous!