Hello Dawn here,

So here it is, my Race Around Rwanda race report. If you follow the podcast, it comes as no surprise that it is a DNF story.  I did not finish the race. I peddled - and walked - some 713 km out of a possible 1000km in the race that took place in early February.

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, this, part 1 discusses the day-by-day of the race and Part 2 chat’s through my thoughts on not finishing and what I would have done differently.

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. 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