Dubious pasts

From the internet a story of the beginnings of the Tour du Faso

A Russian cycling lesson

But in 1987, the shock of the meeting was severe for national pride. Against a team of young riders neglected by the Soviet delegation heading to the World Junior champion­ships, the disappointment was huge and close to humiliation. Troubled by the succession of Russian victories, the host riders were even forced to use not very advisable means to boost national morale. During the final stage, Sayouba Zongo was hid­den in a truck to overtake and distance the pack before eventually winning on the line. This story just showed how important this new competition was for the people of Burkina, without however jeopard­izing the future of the event. After all, the first editions of the Tour de France also had some rid­ers who enjoyed trains, while the first winner of the Olympic marathon, Spiridon Louis, seemed to have covered a part of the 42 km on a cart!

The immediate next year, the Burkina riders made the best to bring glory and honour back to their na­tion. This time the pack was only bunched by Af­rican riders and indeed it was that continental su­premacy that was at first their main concern. Be­hind Mady Kaboré, a suc­cessor to Igor Luchenko for overall victory, the locals captured every single stage win and proved they were the strongest, especially against the Nigerians.

Random photos

Some random pictures


Recycle art


Neville doesn't understand the concept of glass.


Lovely restaurant we ate for our 10 year wedding annivarsary


Doghouse? Playhouse? ??


'Official 12th man' The Dutch football supporters are called 12th man to complete the 11 on the field.
Most common is Eto'o, Cameroonian star player (my favourite as well), also seen Sneijder (Dutch) Kaka and many others.


Lamb on a string, as the restaurants name suggest.
This is what we ate last night for Hazels birthday.

Culture

We actually left town. For Hazels birthday I took her to a sculpture park 30km outside Ouaga. When you leave Ouaga there is a toll booth, we paid 400 CFA (0.60 Euro 0.50 GBP) for there and back. The country is amazingly empty and flat. The road is mostly straight and, this part, pothole free.

The sculpturepark was an idea of government, basically they found a heap of stones and didn't know what to do. Invited international artist to have some fun and now charge people to see it. I admire the idea. As we found out the execution lacked the final finish.

We arrived at a huge newly made carpark, and we were the only ones. When we left there was another group, they were smart enough not to park in the carpark, but opposite in the shade.

The first ten meters of the path was well made with red gravel, but for the rest we had to find our own way. Good start, not so good finish. The fact that they left most building material just behind the entrance is not very inviting. We are hoping that our contribution of 1000 CFA each will be well spent. It is not as if they didn't have time, some stones were dated 2005.

One of the better ones.

Hazel found a snakeskin, wondering whether there are venomous snakes around. It was not that long, around 30 cm.

We made our way back to Ouaga to have lunch at Baratapas but found it closed. So we went to the american club. We didn't know what to expect, but it had more of a feeling of a local neighbourhood centre than an international club. The food was good though.

Tonight we (hopefully) will have another experience. Gigot a la ficelle (Leg of lamb on a string)

http://legigotalaficelle.skyrock.com/

Camping Ouaga

Found it on this weeks bikeride: The camping we stayed at 15 years ago, almost to the day.

Nothing changed, yet a lot changed.

The only way I could tell it was the camping was a sign at the entrance, for the rest it looked just like any other 'marquis'. A marquis is a pub in Burkina, basically a (outdoor) place with some tables and chairs and a fridge with a small selection of drinks. The owner (I presume) didn't let me take a picture. I could not see inside very well, so I don't know if the pool is there, or the sign 'no pissing in corners'.

Nothing changed: The sign has probably not been painted since, nor has the road been done. Therefor I assume that the camping is not longer functioning as camping.

A lot changed: The major Ouaga international truck stop is right next to the camping, I don't remember this, I think I would have noticed. It is a huge truckstop including checkpoints and whatever more belongs to it (I never get the logistics of these places). Right next to the truckstop is a 'market' with wood and metal workers and the camping is right at the back of this all; not what you would call a top spot.

For those who like to play with Google earth.


Big bit in the middle truckstop. To the left market and busstop. Top, right of the centre entrance to camping. Coordinates: 12°20'16.77"N 1°30'37.79"W.

Bike ride

I went for a cycle tour while Hazel was at her tea, sorry, ART club. I decided to go of road and try to avoid the main roads, after all it is a 'nearly all terrain bike' . So a tour round the airport. A few things struck me.

- What are they using goat tails and (I assume goat) leather pieces for? Looks a bit bush doctor to me.
- Shortcuts are longer as you have to dodge all the potholes.
- Don't be afraid of mud.
- People are friendly; no 'Mzungu' but 'bon jour' and 'mon ami', all with a friendly smile. Makes me smile.
- The bike is faster then I thought (if the GPS is correct) an average speed of 20 k/h is not bad considering the route. A stretch of 30+ k/h.
- I am well out of shape, but I blame the 32 degrees C and 60 humidity.


My new bike

Conclusion: Great fun, as long as you can jump in the pool after.