Segou is the regional capital of the area that my village, Markala, is in. About 2 times per month I travel to Segou for banking, meetings, and visiting other volunteers. It is 35 kilometers away, or about 20 miles. I could take a bus for 2 dollars, but they are crowded, dirty, and irregularly scheduled. I could take a basche for 2 dollars, but they are VERY dirty, but travel more often. So I prefer my bike.
Before I leave my home, I prepare my luggage (mosquito net, sleeping gear, 1 change of clothes, work materials), and load them on the bike. Then I have breakfast at a local street vendor, and head out of town. I pass a police guard post going out of Markala, and going into Segou. Generally at exit and entrance points to cities and villages there are police checkpoints. Over the 35 km, there may be as few as 10 cars during the 2 hours it takes me to ride to Segou. On on busy day, there may be 100 cars and trucks. The paved road is barely wide enough for 2 cars. When a bus and a car pass each other where I happen to be, I get over on the shoulder. YIKES!
Sometimes I take side trips to very small villages along the Niger River, which generally pararllels the road. See my separate article on trips along the river.
When I get to Segou, I am hungry, and it is often lunch time. So I have lunch, and one of my favorite treats served from a local family.... milk with sugar frozen in a plastic bag. I bite off the corner of the bag, and squeeze out the delicious contents into my mouth. Um um good.
Enjoy the pictures of one typical trip. Remember, if you have any questions, just send them to me and I will answer them.