Divjake to Fier

June 29, 2023

I have been carrying a pack of steroids to take over the course of the week in case my foot gave me problems. I took my first dose last night.

I am happy to say that RideWithGPS’s route was awesome. Quiet roads in farmland all day. I was worried I could end up in dirt road hell again

Omg. NOT AGAIN! Flashbacks of my Africa trip. Also, an obstacle course because I don't want to hear one crunch under my wheels!

Gag! All over the road eating the ones that had been killed. When I rode by, they would all jump away. One hit my leg and I felt all its legs try to land on me. I did scream a little.

One of those vile little creatures on the plant. These are super sized grasshoppers!

Those trees across the river might have been rubber trees. They were planted in rows.

They left me a little plate of traditional Albanian food. It was Okra and I was pleasantly surprised. Tasty!

My foot’s mostly okay for biking. Just not walking. When I arrived at my place, I got a warm welcome from the hosts parents and the place is fantastic. Too bad I only booked one night and she is full for tomorrow. I had written the hosts this morning and asked them to freeze a bottle of water for me and they did. Ice is not a thing in Albania btw unless I get lucky. At least I can ice my foot this evening.

I definitely need at least one day off, probably two to give my foot a proper rest and give the steroids a chance to help. When I leave here, I have a couple of climbs and one will be the biggest of my trip so far. I already know it will require some pushing because sections of it are too steep. I don’t know how I can do that with my foot like it is. The reality is, I probably can’t because I can’t put full weight on the ball of my foot at this point.

I do have a contact and I can get a ride part way and just pay for petrol. At least that will get me further down the road. By direct route, I am about 90 miles away, but I was doing a couple of detours before that.
Trying to stay positive, but I am beyond sad and frustrated.

Today's ride: 24 miles (39 km)
Total: 750 miles (1,207 km)

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