May 11, 2025
11May2025
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Another day in the desert. I left a little earlier at 8am to beat the midday heat, and managed to do so, but the temperatures continue to rise unseasonably such that I may have to change my start time to 7am in days ahead. I rode up to the Kizilkum Teahouse, which is a tourist bus stopping cafe and is the only possibility of shelter and food 80km either side of it. Remote, to say the least. To my dismay, I was turned away on arrival and settled for second best... Aziz, a friendly Uzbeck chap from Bukhara had started building his own Chaikanna a few meters away from where I was turned away. He called me over and offered me shelter and food and some WiFi hotspot in his construction site. Not ideal, but I had no choice so was very grateful. Aziz speaks a little English and is very friendly, so I am happy for now. The challenges that come with desert riding are many, both psychological and physical. Constant hydration is crucial, and keeping moving (to create the effect of a breeze) equally so. I monitor my hydration by checking that I am peeing clear regularly, and so far have been successful. The temperature today maxed out at 38, and over the next few days maximums are predicted to be 41-42, which will be too hot for me. As a general rule, I will not ride when the air temperature is above body temperature. May is usually a lot cooler than what I am experiencing, and I am frustrated with the current unexpected heat wave. It's out of my control, but may affect progress if I am having to reduce ride times significantly. The days ahead will tell.
Today's ride: 77 km (48 miles)
Total: 927 km (576 miles)
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