Xmas Eve Mountain Biking
We returned to the hills of Aburi after hearing about Ghana Bike Tours from our friends. We selected one of about a dozen possible rides. Each ride was charted for elevation changes, distance and time required. Our ride was 11.5 km long. It began with a steep downhill plunge – whee! Then we turned onto a singletrack trail, actually a footpath maintained by locals. We went over plenty of rocks and roots as well as a stream. Our guide pointed out some of the plants we passed – corn (called maize here), cassava and cocoa. We passed a few pedestrians who responded warmly to our greetings.
At one point we passed a field that had been burnt to the ground. In the middle of it was a dead vulture tied by its feet, hanging upside down from a post. Our guide said it was a warning to stay away from this place. Okay.
It was hot, hot, hot, and we dripped with sweat as we pedaled uphill. Our guide suggested we take a break at the top.
All in all, it was a nice ride. Next time we’ll go earlier in the morning though, to avoid the worst of the heat.
Tags: Aburi, mountain biking, Travel
January 3rd, 2007 at 9:21 am
That first pic is beautiful! You look so happy and it’s so lush and green there. (It’s very gray here, you know.)
Bit creepy re: the vulture and the burnt field. There is a story in that for sure!
January 3rd, 2007 at 1:11 pm
Oh wow, the nature shot is soooooo pretty (I almost wrote lush and saw that Dorothy already used that verbage!!)
I’m glad I found your blog again. 🙂
January 4th, 2007 at 8:45 am
Thanks, Dorothy and Laura! Come on over, and you can see the lush beauty in person.