Day 149 – Nain, Esfahan – Iran
Woke up in the Old Clay house which was my private Hotel in the Desert for that night. The Air is still cold outside because the weather changed overnight and Temperature dropped, so it’s hard to get out of my warm and Cosy sleeping Bag. Had Bread, Hony, Dates and Nuts for Breakfast in my tent, wile the Sun give me some extra heating to get myself going.
I am not a morning Person, also this Day and after a last look back to the Clay house
I started my Cycling Day at 10:30 am.
Before the small town Kuhpayeh I passed the Sign with “Yazd 237km” on it. In my head i divided it in half, today 120k and 120k tomorrow to let it seems more doable for the two Days of valid Visa i got left. So built some Motivation, stashed up some food and drinks in the almost empty town of Kuhpayeh and go on.
The sky turned darker till I spot a big rainfall in the distance which turned the wind straight in my face and the Rain-cloud moving slowly towards me. I tried to cycle a head so the cloud will pas the road behind me. Unfortunately that didn’t work out at all. Instate of riding ahead I slowly followed the outlines of the cloud, which drained me slowly. The Temperature dropped again down to 9 degrees with a frustrating Headwind in my face, 600 Meters elevation on 35km to go, it became a battle.
My Legs had no power and in total I felt very weak from the beginning today. Maybe the Antibiotic Pill for Breakfast is not so good for hard exercise like this. Definitely not a hard day in the saddle just a pure Mindgame.
Continued the way and tried to snack a Coke and Cake to gain a little power and reduce the sickness which worked out semi. The last 10km up the climb I had to take a break every 2km. This was not exhausting, its pure weakness. Took a last break to catch some breath at a parking place where people came over for a chat from the religious Celebration nearby. I answered the same Questions which I got asked thousands of times during the past weeks like a routine, but my consciousness was somewhere between my pedals and the sky above me. People noticed that, so there Phones went back in their Pockets, no funny selfie Session today, I said Goodbye and continued the last effort to the top.
Arrived at the top on 2400 Meters altitude, changed my wet and cold clothes to some dry and warm. My fingers were numb, Arms and Legs stiff, took forever to open my panniers and sort everything. Now I am definitely to weak for celebrate and only the goal of a warm place and Tea brought me back on my Bicycle. I followed the Signs of the red Crescent station, every Km one sign, it felt like a Countdown to end this Battle: 5km, 4km, 3,2,1 There it is. Pushed my Bicycle in their big Yard, while the Guys watched me surprised, covert in thick red and white coloured jackets. Done. Tea time.
A Plate full of Tea and Chat with the Guys cured me so far to get a Selfie Session in with them before continuing Downhill. With Gloves on my hands and 5 layers of clothe on, I cycled downhill into the upcoming Sunset. The Scenery made me stop for a Moment. The Mountains on the Horizon are shaped in red Light and dark Shadow through the sinking sun. In front City of Nain where I checked out a Cheap hostel, Camping is not an option this day. Flying on the straight and 10km Downhill to Nain.
Checked in a Simple Hostel which is well enough for my situation. Put the Panniers on the floor of my Room. Set myself on top of them, my Head laying on the left knee, Armes hanging down spend 20 Minutes in this pose, still fully dressed. I am done.
The upcoming hunger and the delicious smell of grilled Kebab wandering through the corridor brought me up. Took a shower. Headed out to find the source of this intense smell. One step out of the Hostel I looked to my left, walked 3 steps and found myself in a Restaurant. The wall behind the counter showed a big Image of Elgoli Shahgoli Park in Tabriz and the flag of Tractor Tabriz the local Football Club there. This made me remember to a great time I had in Tabriz with awesome People there.
While eating I took a look on the Road for the upcoming Day. 170 km to Yazd, the first 60 Downhill, after that flat. If the Wind is like today I am able to do this? No I have to do this! I have 1 Day of Valid Visa…
