Today’s course will take racers into a section of the restricted area of the Alma Project, which is an astrological laboratory jointly set up by the EU, US and Japan. With rarely any clouds in the sky, this is the perfect location for such scientific research. There are however quite a few clouds above us right now, which should mean less intense heat from the sun for the racers, but also means that, even in this part of the world, the weather is not what it used to be.
Mary had to go into town to stock up on water, allowing us a brief encounter with civilisation, and also things you would normally take for granted and not appreciate enough, like a proper toilet and a hot cup of tea. It was quite a welcoming change to see my hands clean again, although there was not enough time for a long overdue shower. I was really tempted to stay in town for even one night, but no, I have to hang in there until the end to get the full experience.
On the way to tonight’s camp, the media team went off road to get some better pictures and ended up getting their car stuck in the sand. They tried for ages to get the car going again, but it seems the driver is not quite experienced in such situations. Only after Joel of the route marking team drove by and with me helping to push (every little helps!), did we manage to get the car out, using what Joe termed the Chicago method. I don’t know that there is a lot of sand in Chicago but it surely worked.
Tonight’s camp is set up on top of a sand dune above an oasis, which makes such a dramatic backdrop for the stage finish line. We are told there is usually little wind in the area, but what I could feel now is a strong gust coming from all sides, with sand all over me. I hope the wind will drop a little tonight, as wind plus sub zero temperature are not great combinations for a city boy like me here. Although I am not usually very religious, I said a little prayer. Let’s hope it will be heard and answered.
