We aim to get you to Mekelle, the starting point for your tour, as quickly and efficiently as possible. To do this, you will have to take a short connecting flight from Addis Ababa to Mekelle; which flight you take will depend on your international flight arrival time. You will be met on arrival at Mekelle airport and taken to your guest house in Mekelle. This will give you time for some food and rest, before you assemble your bike and – tiredness permitting – go out for a short test ride before evening dinner.

Overnight stay at Parrot Guest House in Mekelle

After taking breakfast in your hotel, you set out on the road leading north towards Eritrea. Following a tough 5km climb as you leave town you get to enjoy some stunning descents into Agula and Wukro. Between Wukro and Negash there is a 8km ascent taking you past the 7^th century mosque at the top end of town. The gradients become easier in the second half of the ride but the road still undulates through Frewenyi and Idaga Hamus before you reach the final 10km descent into Adigrat. Tonight you will eat out at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant.

Ride distance: 118km

Overnight stay at Canaan International Hotel

You rise early ahead of your longest ride and after breakfast in the hotel set off on the road going west to Adwa. This opening section comprises a challenging 12km climb (5-10% gradient) to the summit at just over 3000m followed by a breath-taking 20km descent into Bizet where you make your first stop. Over the next 20km, as the jagged Adwa Mountains come into view, the road undulates until you reach Enticho where you stop for lunch. There are more climbs ahead on the road to Adwa and on the final stretch into Axum. Before darkness falls, you will have a chance to see the magnificent Stelae Park and its underground burial chambers.

Ride distance: 130km

Overnight stay at Armah Hotel

Your final ride takes you back to Adwa, where you turn south and climb out of the town on the road back to Mekelle. The middle part of the ride through Maykenitil is largely downhill on snaking roads and through mountain passes. After crossing the river at the foot of the valley you climb for 12km (10-15% gradient) towards Workamba cresting several false summits before a short descent into the town. From here you ride the final 20km into Abbi Adiy. After taking a shower and food, you transfer by vehicle to Mekelle airport for your flight back to Addis and overnight flight home.

Ride distance: 125km