Just a few things to add:
The climb up from our overnight camping spot to Blantyre was impressive that is starts at 81 meters above sea level to more than 1200 meters at Blantyre. within 50 odd kilometers.
Also the whole time riding on these roads, the concentration levels had to be high at all times as the cattle, goats and people roaming across the road is quite terrifying at some times, the usual 60 km/h in towns every 20 km's can also become quite irritating when you are pushing for a destination at the end of the day...
Blantyre is a beautiful city - one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Most parts of the city are really clean and the people are generally very friendly, definitely a place to go visit in Africa.