Morning start. The wind is building up from the west strong by the time we get going. We are told the new road only lasts for 5k. Heading up the first hill blown sideways and wonder if I can keep going. Reach the top and 3 have bailed waiting for the first truck. Road ends and I take the dirt. Real bonus new road alongside is partially sealed. No traffic as not open. Direction is now from the rear and I fly along through rolling desert country. No trees and sparse vegetation. Use up the whole road. This goes on for 25k. Fantastic riding, stand up and keep at the same speed with the wind.
Then the road stops and massive construction crews creating the new road. Some is
newly rolled gravel. Still good to ride on. Country very boring flat to rolling no trees just clumps of ground cover. Then the gravel on the new road is large and difficult to ride. Move to the old dirt road as the west wind is now driving hard and e bank of the new one gives shelter. Disappears under a new fence so put the bike and me under. Bit like an army obstacle course. Now a cross head wind. Try to crouch down on the bike and some shelter from the bank. Country the same endless rolling flat with flat topped hills surrounding. Tough and the lunch truck finally appears next to a workers hut. Give up for the day.
Good decision as pass the whole field who have been battling into a cross head wind and only the last 5 k paved.
Sunset disguises the strength of the winds
We were supposed to have a bush camp but we end up at a half built road side place.It apparently was started 3 years ago. Built out of blue stone. Good finishes and a big hall for us to eat in but the wind is gale force. Find a half finished blue stone hut more like a prison cell building materials everywhere thick dust on the floor but sheltered from the westerly. Put up anna’s tent interior and we sleep together nose to tail. At least it is warmer. The builders are uncooperative and the others have to put up tents outside. Freezing cold. No water showers or toilets. Wonderful