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 Booking.com 

For Further Listening and Viewing: 

🎧 Listen - EP 24 - The Women of Race Around Rwanda Episode - Part 1 on Apple and Spotify

🎧 Listen - EP 25 - The Women of Race Around Rwanda Episode - Part 2 on  Apple and Spotify 

🎧 Listen - EP 16 - So You Want to be an Ultra Cyclist - on Apple and Spotify 

🎧 Listen  - EP 16a - Ultra Eating with Coach Niel Copeland on Apple and Spotify 

📺 Watch - Juliet Elliott’s YouTube series on the Race Around Rwanda on YouTube 

With that, I hope you enjoy the episode and don’t forget to check out Part 2. 

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed