Hello Dawn here,
So here it is, my Race Around Rwanda race report - part 2.
If you follow the podcast, it comes as no surprise that it is a DNF story. For background, the Race Around Rwanda is a self-supported ultra cycling race that takes place annually in February. It is 1000 km with 20,000m of climbing and this year it was billed as 30% gravel.
Joining me to relive the experience is my coach Niel Copeland who did the race a couple of years ago, and also reported on the race for Dotwatcher. Because Niel and I love to chat, I’ve split this episode into two parts - both live now.
To keep it simple, Part 1 discusses the day-by-day of the race and this, Part 2 chats through my thoughts on not finishing and what I would have done differently. We also touch upon safety in the ultra cycling world for all participants and women in particular.
It’s impossible to share all that happened in the race but I want to give a thank you and share handles and resources on some of the things discussed across the two parts. In no particular order:
Thank yous
🙏 Edge Cycling for the loan of my Curve Cycling GXR (AKA Kevin), a bike I loved so much that I bought it. A big thank you also to mechanic Oliver Tugirimana
🙏 The Intercontinental Fujairah (@icfujairah) who invited me for a wonderful staycation post-race. Just a note that this hotel is in a great location for exploring road and gravel cycling in the Northern Emirates of the UAE
🙏 Coach Niel Copeland (@nielcopeland) for getting me race-ready
Rwanda Cycling & Accommodation Resources:
🇷🇼 For more information on the race: www.theracearoundrwanda.com
🇷🇼 The African Rising Cycling Center - https://arcc.rw
🇷🇼 Clement House on Booking.com
🇷🇼 Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge on