We’ve had a team time trial today. Max assigned us into random teams of five, each with a mix of faster and slower riders. The time trial went for 40km before lunch. It was not a race for time, but accuracy. Each team estimated beforehand how much time it would need to complete the challenge, and the team with the closest estimate would win.

Of course, we were asked not to check our bike computers and watches during the time trial. However, there were no checks—it was a game of honor and would have been all too easy to cheat.

The winning team came within seconds of their estimated time. Cheating, luck or genius? While I trust that it was due to long-standing cycling experience that allowed the winning team to maintain a consistent pace, the accuracy of their estimate also caused suspicion. Either way, it didn’t really matter—the time trial was insignificant and just for fun. The point is that incredible results will always be confronted with suspicion and doubters, rightly or wrongly so.

On the far opposite end of the significance scale, Elon Musk’s biography by Ashlee Vance has kept me captivated throughout my afternoon ride—very interesting and highly recommendable! One of his success secrets—he persevered and followed his dreams despite the naysayers and doubters. They will always be there, especially the more one dares to think outside of the box, the bigger one’s dreams, or the more incredible one’s success. Just ignore them 🙂

Stage 69: Bush Camp – Ghanzi (Botswana), 143km

Road & traffic condition:

Very good.

Weather:

Same same.

Culinary highlights:

BBQ chicken, cooked vegetables, potatoes, coleslaw.

Group highlights:

Team time trial.

Personal highlights: