Another impressive day unfortunately with a different outcome as expected.

Early morning sport means a steady 18 km climb away from the hotel and 1300 meters up. Was not challenging because the slopes were within limits, so max. 8%, but still a beautiful forest ride at dawn. We started at 7:30 because it should be a long day. And it should be a day with gorges rides, although actually mountain stage was on the sticker.

Riding canyons means these jags down in the elevation profile were real canyons, with a decent, down a bridge to cross the river and then up again. And more often than visible on the profile. Here are a few photos about it:

So the day went by and it got hotter and hotter, means looking for cafes, hunting for a coke, refilling water, etc.

I was pretty good on the road and thought so with myself, the slight pulling around back due to uneven pedaling (52%/48%) is gone, the slight cramping at the tendon on the left calf also and so uphill it is but much better today, obviously I adapted myself to the circumstances. Great.

Was then on the way to the last marked climb of the day and stopped at a cafe, drunk a coke, refilled cold water and eat a power bar, come to rest and refocus. As I have always done for years before I get on my bike, I check the brakes and tires no matter how long or short I am off, so this time too. Lance Armstrong said, always check your bike before you go.

Freshly strengthened I thought still so with me, it is hot today, 33 degrees, and I ride that now in the walking mode to the end, the remaining 50 km are not worth mentioning anyway, as long as I have to drink. Then I rolled down a new ravine and BUMM front tire from one to the other second flat. No change to react, violent fall, carbon fork broken, collarbone broken, continue = no.

I am the opinion of, if you already write such reports, you must also stand to the negative things in life. On a descent in a curve the front tire suddenly flat, is probably the worst scenario you can imagine on a two-wheeler, because you have no change.

That means the tour is over for me and I fly home. Have no pain but some skin abrasions, but the right clavicle is broken and (!) Not displaced, means if I put that now still grows so again. Diagnosed a medical doctor among the drivers.

The group is shocked and saddened and I could cry. Everyone comes up to me sympathetically and “condoles”

I’ve been with wonderful people here and it’s been really fun, every encounter has been a win and now I can’t finish. This tour was just spectacular, beautiful and rich in encounters. Such a shame, would have loved to go to the sea with the guys.

This is the end of an outstanding Velo year for me, so sad.

Surprised I am at the amount of WhatsApp and SMS and how quickly word gets around. But again shows me what great people I am dealing with in this international community. That’s great, thanks for that and see you in 2023.

Take care, things can change instandly.

Roland

PS: Her’s my last STRAVA for this season.