Sector Distance 226
Total distance 226
Altitude gained 3481 (all rises inclusive)

I always knew there would be complications riding through Afghanistan. I knew it would be hard leaving Kabul (1800m) descending on to the Shomali valley at about 1400m and then climbing up to 3300m to go through the Salang tunnel. Not so much crossing as getting near the top and piercing the Hindu Kush, the tunnel is about 3km long, built by the Russians in the 1980's, and is a serious piece of engineering. I knew it would be hard riding after a 3 week layoff and effectively 12 months since I did any riding other than on a wind trainer. Being an inexperienced tourer I knew there would be things I got wrong in the planning... I was right. 

Aside from that a great 3 days. I found myself quickly adapting to the strange handling of the bike and the odd looks I was getting. I also became aware I had a shadow; in the form of a black Hilux pick up. Far from alarmed, I knew this vehicle and I began to suspect a conspiracy. Maybe Mum had been in touch with my friends in Afghanistan, maybe my girlfriend; or maybe just the way things are here. My good friend Latif has decided to ensure I got through without too many hiccups. As it was, he was incredibly helpful as I approached the top of the Salang, he decided he would get out and help me push, (my legs having having long ago given up pedaling as a cruel joke), and we finally made the tunnel, about 12 hours late by my reckoning. 

It is common that weather on one side of the tunnel is completely different to the other. The wind a was hard on the nose on both sides,apart from the all to brief respites where I could get blown up the mountain. The worst case was when coming around a corner the wind stopped Latif and I both trying to push the bike forward. Once on the other side the wind was the same but a storm was brewing. Primarily a dust storm, it did not stop me enjoying the descent. 

Having been supported by The HALO trust all the way here I am writing from the North Base in Pul-i-Kumri (you know that one is) before heading to Kunduz and on to the Tajik border in the next 2 days.

As for the PC's well they hurt. I managed to get up to 2 hr consistant pedaling before I went to Africa for a few weeks but this part of the journey left me struggling somewhat. I am doing an hour with a rest of about 10 min. The cranks stop me from spinning the way I would like to, well actually my lack of fitness stops that.

Dan