130 km (ish)

Focused on keeping the Cairo traffic at by was taking my full focus. Paying attention to the signs to give riders estimates but otherwise trying to ensure that the intersections were kept clear to protect the riders was job one.  It wasn’t until our Tour Director rode up to me and asked if I was looking left.  I was focusing on the incoming traffic and had yet to look up.  In between the buildings I got my first view of a pyramid.

Suddenly the nerves of the riders were gone and the excitement of the journey ahead was upon us.  The only thought amoungst all of us was 12,000km. 

Cairo traffic is like nothing that can be explained by any North America.  I’ve been to Seattle, Dallas and New York and nothing prepared me for what it is.  Tucktucks whipping in and out of traffic, pedestrian traffic walking across the 4 lanes of chaos on what we know as a freeway.  Gong show.

It was this traffic that we took 91  riders in a peloton formation from the pyramids out of Cairo. In Egypt we are treated to ‘Tourism Police’ If you can pick up on my sarcasm these police officers are anything but a treat. Their idea of a good time isn’t shuttling cyclists thought their country.  It’s a constant battle with them.  They are trying to protect us but from what…we are not sure. 

Neverending sirens, cars trying to squeeze between riders, shouting and general bewilderment from the people of Cairo.  Spendex is a rarity in this city let alone 91 people kitted out in their finest  (and cleanest) spandex.  This many people on Agolla (Arabic for bicycle)  is crazy

 One rider getting her first flat towards the back of the peloton stops the convoy in the middle of a freeway.   We were trying very hard to ensure that all riders were able to keep their EFI (Every Frickin’ Inch) status for the first day.  The flat meant udder and complete gridlock behind the peloton while we tried to get her going again.  As I raced between the protection of the police and the rider with the flat second flat happened.  Riding backwards into a Cairo traffic jam might be otherwise cause for concern.  But today it’s was my job.  I talk about a different personality that comes out when I’m cycling in traffic.  My generally pleasant demeanour is gone and I shout and point and fight me way through traffic.  I think it’s important to be more aggressive when dealing with cars.  It’s a fine line between aggression and stupid but I try to float between it.  I shout at the rider with the second flat and they need to have their flat tire changed before I get back otherwise they are going on the truck.  It works and with only one rider losing their EFI status for the day we are rolling.  I can add The Peloton Master  to my skill set and add this moment to my list of top 5 life moments.