Thursday, August 27, 2009

Day 4 - Betano to Maubisse

DAY 4: Betano – Maubisse 70km


PAUL PIAIA'S BLOG
This stage was always set to be the hardest day with 2500m of climbing from Betano at sea level to Maubisse high in the mountains. From the offset the climbing began, not to steep but gradually got worse and worse and never let up until the fininsh. It was important to pace myself as the roads got steeper and steeper as the stage went on. At one point the inclination was atleast 20% for about a kilometer or two. Most of the ride was not done in packs but in solitary and it was harder on the mind than on the body as you looked ahead and could see riders above you on the steep zig zag roads. The stage finished in the hill top town of Maubisse. A town close to the highest point in Timor-Leste, Mount Ramaleu made famous by 300 brave Aussie soldiers during WWII who held off 50,000 Japanese soldiers with no supplies and would climb this mountain numerous times to escape the Japs and use as a great observation point. They succeeded but not before 60,000 Timorese lost their lives helping the diggers.
 
TEAM BLOG

For Matt, day 4’s focus was the “spectacular scenery, on a winding road to over 1800 metres, before a rapid descent to Maubisse.” For Frank it was almost the opposite, “one of the hardest things in my life!” From Paul, “at one point the grade was at least 25% for a couple of kilometres, it was extremely challenging.” From Piotr, “making it to the top is quite an achievement.” Our campsite is on a hill with 360 degree views and we look forward to seeing the sunrise.

No comments:

Post a Comment