Day 71, 2011/07/11 Dese to Lalibela

Day 71, 2011/07/11 Dese to Lalibela

Day 71, 2011/07/11

The GPS says it is only 260 km to Lalibela however, I know that the last 60 odd km is dirt. I thought i would not have to do anymore dirt on this trip as, besides personal safety traveling alone, I do not want to expose my bike to any additional wear and tear that it does not need to. However, there is no other option of i want to get to Lalibela. I hit the road at about 7 am. The previous mornings early morning mist has reminded me of the fact that, too an early start can actually be counter productive. The scenery is once again spectacular. I must have done 20 long Tom passes one after each other and, except for the sheer number of people, I have the feeling of being in Lesotho, in the Drakensberg. Eventually, the road takes me up to an altitude of 3500 m where, i discover this never ending plane. It is cold up here and, my heated grips are a very welcome accessory on my motorbike. What is most surprising, is this plato just appears to go on for ever and, the cold does not appear to deter the people and their ability to farm. Very amazing to experience. The road is actually beautiful straight and flat and, i am able to ride at 100 km/h very comfortably. After consultations with the locals, i decide not todo the shorter more direct route to Lalibela,  I got told that the road isn't pleasant so, I end up doing an additional 70 km detour. Eventually, I turn north off the main tar and onto the dirt road. I take a look at the GPS screen which shows the road ahead andi almost have a heart attack! I have never seen such a twisty road in my life,and the thought of it being dirt is not comforting! However, I percevier. The road is extremely steep so intake things carefully, there are some sheer drop offs that my vertigo kick in and my head spin. However, nothing like a low gear and both hand and foot on both breaks to make sure that I crawl down the hill. The first 15 km are hair-raising however, I manage to negotiate it well. It also helps that the road is nicely graded and in perfect condition. The road eventually levels off and besides the odd up and down hill it is lovely road all the way to Lalibela. 
In Lalibela,i find the Lal hotel where thou expensive, all of $36 dollars a night, I decide to spend the next two nights.