Flat as a Pancake!
Flat, flat, flat...but for once we are not talking about punctures (28 at the last count by the way!). We are now well and truly in the desert and after watching it from the comfort of a bus into Ashgabat, it was time we got dirty.
The first day couldn't have been kinder. There was a nice cool breeze at our backs in the morning and new tarmac in the afternoon. What a way to welcome our new rider, Bill Dodds (UK). Those of you who followed the Silk Route last year will remember he rode Istanbul to Baku in 2007. He is now knocking off the middle section with a view to finishing off China next year. Welcome back!
If the desert pampered us during the day, it took its revenge that night - a sandstorm followed by a rainstorm and then a windstorm - there was more than one rider up at 3am putting on their fly!
Day two continued flat but now the heat was back. It was good-bye to the beautiful 2nd century ruins that had provided such a stunning backdrop to last night's camp. We headed out into the sand which was full of wild camels but not much greenery and even fewer coke stops! Fortunately, the staff managed to round up some refreshments for the evening.
Water is very scarce so the tour is now a 'shower-free' zone but at least everyone smells and the camels don't seem to mind.
The third day led us into Mary, Turkmenistan's second city, but really the only town of any significance in the area. The riders collapsed into the hotel and jumped into their baths - especially James who wanted to be spic and span for his birthday and who was happy to be finally free of the tenacious police escort that has relentlessly shadowed the cyclists for their visit in this country.
|
Posted September 02, 2008 by Paul Wilson
Turkmenistan |
|
