Sunday morning we got away at 7.30 am in order to be back in Bujumbura for lunch to give time for packing for those of us that were scheduled to fly out that same evening. Along the way we had a 5 km race in which Andrew, James, Matt and Llad took part. Andrew started as favourite but after some close racing was beaten to the line by James.
The road was generally pretty flat with just a few slopes along the way and now that we were essentially at Bujumbura level it was very hot. The 15 km section over which we expected to be in the bus turned out to be good enough to ride, albeit by weaving our way around a myriad of potholes. It was nice to be able to ride the whole way.
Dean's knee continued to trouble him but he was determined to finish the ride. He coped by cycling much of the way using just his left leg and on the uphill sections a number of people helped by getting alongside and giving him a helping hand on his back.
Just before we reached Bujumbura, we were met by Freddy Tuyizere (the head of Burundi Youth for Christ) in his car together with Nadine and Melissa, the wives of Josh and Dean. They joined our convoy into the city and at times we occupied the whole road width as we lined up for photos taken from the vehicles.
We arrived back at our accommodation, the Rainbow Centre, at 11.40 am in time for welcome cold showers followed by a pizza lunch then Dave, James, Paul and I packed everything up as we were the only ones flying out that evening. Then it was off to YFC's head office where we were honoured with a display of traditional Burundi drumming followed by yet more food!
Freddy gave us a farewell speech in which he gave us some fascinating insights. He told us how much our visit was valued by local people. Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Bill Gates have all visited Rwanda but have never come to Burundi; Burundi is overlooked and ignored by so many and so having our group cycle around the country is much appreciated. It's a part of the healing process that Burundi needs and a sign of change. Until quite recently such a trip would have been impossible for security reasons but peace is more firmly established now and our tour demonstrates that both to Burundians and people elsewhere. The positive welcome we received everywhere bears out Freddy's words. Local people might have quite reasonably reacted with resentment and jealousy to us privileged musungus on our fancy bikes but that was never the case.
Burundi has all sorts of problems still and there's a long way to go but there are signs of hope. If you fancy being part of that story then Simon is already looking ahead to the second Tour next year; if that appeals to you then do let me or Simon know; I promise you won't regret doing it. If "The Old Codger" can do it, so can you!
Some final statistics for the ride courtesy of my bike computer:
Total Distance: 684 km (425 miles)
Total Climbing: 9,961 metres (32,680 feet)
Total Calories burned: 27,484
Total time in saddle: 36 hrs 39 mins
The flight home via Nairobi and Brussels went very smoothly with farewells at various stages along the way. James and I landed early at Bristol and all our bags came through so quickly that were out only five minutes after our scheduled arrival time. I was met my Lindsay and Phoebe and it was wonderful to see them and to get home.
Final notes of thanks: Over the last several months, and even more so in the last eleven days, Lindsay and Phoebe have had to put up with me being away from home training for or actually doing the Tour. That has inevitably meant part of the burden of this ride falling on them and I very much appreciate their willingness to allow me to participate. Thanks also to my elder son, James, who has helped to keep the blog updated when I have had difficulty out in Burundi.
Best wishes to all.
Paul (aka The Old Codger)
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