Wednesday the 7^th of March 2012 – Laingsburg to Worcester

These cycling days only get better and better and that is why it is such a shame that the end is so close.

We were once again privy to start the day with a picturesque sunrise even though there were some very VERY long stretches making the saddles feel even harder. But it was not long until it came to an end and you know what they say, what goes up must come down! First it was a mandatory stop and check of all the tyres and breaks and then the fun started. Going downhill sure makes the child come out in our cyclists as they did some daredevil speeds of up to 110 km/h.

Worcester greeted us with a welcoming committee fit for a celebrity, but the real celebrity was the beneficiary we had the opportunity to give R50 000 to. Our accommodation was luxurious to say the least, making it seem fit that we did a lot of fun group photos at this destination. The evening’s supper was a buffet that made some of us go back for even a third helping.

We are on our way to the final destination of this fantastic journey, Table Bay Hotel.

Monday the 5^th of March 2012 - Britstown to Beaufort-West

We seem to get better with the 3h30 rise and shine as everybody was all smiles and enthusiasm for the day ahead. We were off to a slow start in the dark once again, warming up the sore muscles of yesterday, realising early on that today will be the true test of endurance as a whole new mental block would have to be broken to get back on the saddle.

This tour is a tour of extremes as yesterday we had to ride in the scorching heat and today it felt like icy gale winds were trying to freeze us to a halt. Nevertheless there is no stopping these cyclists, they just kept going and going and going.

The distance really started taking its toll on the cyclists in the afternoon as was evident in the amount of old injuries that started to play up again, forcing some of the cyclist to get off their bicycles and into the busses, not only for their own safety but also for the better of the group.

16h30 we arrived at the Wagon Wheel lodge, everything ready to just get settled in for a nice relaxing evening, with great food and some even better company. Hopefully the muscles will be well rested for tomorrow.

Happy birthday Anton!!!!

Tuesday the 6^th of March 2012 – Beaufort-West to Laingsburg

5h00 the freezing ride started but what a lovely day. We had a beautiful cycling day and were spoiled with some strong winds pushing us from the rear. Unfortunately that didn’t stop punctures and mechanical problems from forcing some riders into the busses.

Some great news for the organisers and cyclists alike is that the tour features in the Beeld newspaper today, revealing some fantastic photos taken by our own photographer.

13h00 saw the arrival of the group at the Laings Lodge which was quite a deal faster than originally thought, thanks to some dedicated cycling. The lodge was also the lunch destination with their famous fish and chips, refreshing not only body but also mind as we had the whole afternoon off to just kick up the feet and enjoy Laingsburg.

Sunday the 4^th of March 2012 - Kimberley to Britstown

Mental preparation was drilled into our minds for the very long day was lying ahead of us but that didn’t stop us from celebrating Oom Sarel Botha’s birthday today. Happy birthday Oom!!!

3h30 rise and shine to get ready for the 4h00 breakfast; and what a feast it was. The road lodge made us feel extra special by having some delicious treats for us to snack on. 5h00 the ride started, all wearing their reflector jackets as we have risen before the sun did.

The ride really took its toll. Mechanical problems early on, loads of punctures, oodles of road works with stop and go intersections and a scorching sun burning not only pale German skins but also the tough old South African skins.

We are tremendously proud of the boys and girls today as the classification of the tour, “endurance race”, really earned its classification today and they made it through. The reward was fantastic though. A feeling of camaraderie boosted the spirits and the enthusiasm for the achievement is creating the necessary stamina for tomorrow’s equally hard ride.

We were spoilt once again with the most mouth-watering dinner possible and a beautiful birthday lemon meringue for Oom Sarel. Now off to bed as tomorrow will be a whole new test in itself.