Day 4 - Sun City to Lichtenburg
Not really, but another late sleep was enjoyed by most with the requirement to be ready and be at the Gary Player Golf Course by 06h00 for a photo session. When we arrive there Nicole Flint, Miss SA and some of the press was already waiting for us as we took official photos prior to our departure.
Once done with we all had to get back up to the Cascades for our official departure. Many spectators decided to go Bridge 1 to wave goodbye which causes some confusion however we depart from the Cascades and cycled past the group on our way out. Cherié, our official photographer, had to run like a mad person and make up a lot of lost ground due to the change to the start but at long last we were on our way as again the team from the Sun City EMS was there to cheer us on and lead us through the Sun City property out onto the main road, luckily this time not as much noise due to the sirences howling as yesterday!
We left at 07h00 sharp and knew we had a hard day ahead of us due to the tough route ahead. Sun City security, Savika Security and EMS staff and vehicles traveled with the team for approximately 40 kilometers before they turned back to the Sun City Resort. We thank them all for their assistance and support!
The first 100 kilometers was really challenging to the not so good climbers and the tandems as well as to some of the riders who has been on the road for 4 days. Terence, Johann and George put in extra effort to assist specifically the tandems and Dominique however this stretch passed quickly to the relief of all the riders.
We knew before the time that the route has been cut short by approximately 20 kilometers because of bad road works on the road going into Lichtenburg. The state of the road presented a few challenges along the way but we managed to get through most of it unscathed. With 50 kilometers to go we stopped at Rietpan (the tours first overnight stop for the last 7 years) for our last refill of the water bottles and to meet Sakkie and Magdel who were going to assist us in getting through all the road works etc we would encounter shortly, their assistance was most definitely required as we would later find out with local law enforcement. Luckily all our traffic permits were in order however inspector Du Plooy thought that we were in the wrong however he changed his tune without any issues upon presentation of all our approved documents.
We arrived in Lichtenburg at the Scot Manor Guest house later that afternoon at around 3:30pm after all our stops and proceeded directly to the beautiful lawn inside the property for our all important stretch. The team had done well for the fourth day on tour and everybody was in high spirits. The rest of the afternoon was spent at leisure with physios working their magic again!
We later met for our daily briefing and the two awards for the day were handed out. The first, the wooden spoon went to Leonard, one of the MMC paramedics for wining the best support contributor for the day. The second award and first Polka Dot jersey on Tour went to George for the best contributor on the bike for the day for all his efforts.
Dinner was served shortly thereafter considering the next day was approximately 260 kilometers and we knew it was early to bed for another early wake up call! Everybody filled their water bottles with EVOX S2S and the jury remained out on this new product and if it will be successful or not. The team agreed that time will tell as we laid down our tired bodies for a good nights rest!