I mentioned few days ago my nasty insect bites which were so itchy I couldn’t resist scratching.

While I have since made sure to disinfect them regularly, I haven’t covered them up nor used topical antibiotic. Since I stocked up on antihistamines in Lusaka, I’ve no longer given them much attention. That’s seemed fine, until this afternoon.

When I peel off my socks and leg coolers at camp, it should become clear why I’ve felt so low on energy throughout my riding day: my bites have all gotten infected, my ankles are all red and swollen, and— worst of all—the infection is causing me to feel terrible.

As the afternoon progresses, my energy plummets from barely able to put up my tent to barely able to sit straight. All my muscles ache.

I go to bed as soon as I’ve finished dinner at 6pm. Skyrocketing body temperature and sweat outbreaks throughout the night remind me of the night after our last off-road day in Sudan. Just like back then, when my leg was swollen, my brain is playing doomsday scenarios—blood poisoning? can I still ride tomorrow?

Stage 60: Lusaka – Speke Bay (Zambia), 156km

Road & traffic condition:

Rough tar and quite a few potholes. Also lots of trucks cycling out of Lusaka in the morning—not so much a safety issue, more noise and air pollution. Still relatively good overall.

Weather:

Pleasant in the morning, sunny and hot (above 30° C) in the afternoon. Combined with my infection, I’m suffering in the heat today.

Culinary highlights:

Beef stew, rice, salad.

Group highlights:

• Camping amidst cows

  

• Mike’s birthday—happy birthday Mike!!!

Personal highlights: