Again

Seems like yesterday I was writing about my last trip. Tomorrow is a new beginning. I don't have answers or questions. Just going to try and find a bit of peace and quiet to ponder my next move. Same as usual. My next move. Who knows. Who cares. What is this all about. What is first prize. Sleeping in a tent. Freedom. Peace. Tranquility. Stupidity. Intelligence. 

I am excited. A little nervous. Absolutely no idea where I am going to end up. Tomorrow night is with my brother. After that. Stuck. Not stuck. Slow. Fast. No distractions. It will be. Today is a rest day. Fun ride this morning. Chat soon. I hope you are all well. I look forward to getting this one going. Keep me updated on the world. 

G

Beginning

And so with endings there must be new beginnings. That's where things get exciting. New beginnings. Like a new car. Like a new partner. Like a new day. Like a new bike trip 🤪🤯🥳🥳🥳. As I mentioned I have a few things to sort out first. My sleeping bag. I talked about it once... it is falling apart. Well it is called an oz trail so I expect that from the ausatraaliaans. Should have bought one made in china 🤣🤣. That will be a ride out to their place on Wednesday. I need a good ride so should be interesting. Bike needs a few new items. I need a job 🤔🤣🤣🤭. Lots of needs in this world. I need... I need... who cares what we need. All we need is love.. I feel a song coming on. Kum bi ya my lord kum bi ya! Tsek. 

My current departure date is Sunday morning. It may be shifted a bit, depending on how the week goes. As usual a big thank you to all the people I know. I am truly grateful and very lucky to have the people in my life that I have. It all adds up. It all works. Spar... (good for you) Not sure how that crept in. 

So I will get going again and writing again once I am on the road. It has been a disappointing few days but the air has been cleared and my focus is on the right things now. My next trip. I am looking forward to it. Excited. New places. New challenges. New people to meet. No job to find 🤐😳☠. The job thing! Keep running Greg. The way I am going it will never find me. (please click below to make donations) 🤣🤣

Okay beautiful people. Keep happy. Keep safe. Look after who you need to. Look after yourselves. 

Chat soon. 

G

Ending

As this particular journey is coming to an end I feel a bit sad and emotional. I have covered about 1600kms I think. Give or take. I will add it up later. Met some really incredible people. Met some terrible ones too. The racist German who is also a hunter. Needless to say he was probably someone I hope to never meet again. While travelling to my destination yesterday I met a group of guys doing the small freedom challenge. Quite a cool bunch of friends who seemed to be having a great time. Respect to anywho does that race. 

Saw some friends at places I have been before and enjoyed myself on this trip. It is quite something to be out far away from towns riding my bike and being allowed to enjoy what I love. Who knows when the next one will start but I don't think it will be too far away. For the most part I just think people want to be happy and have enough to survive. 

If you haven't been out exploring this country yet do yourself a favor and go. It doesn't need to be for a long time or at expensive places, you just need to get out there and see how lucky we are to have this on our doorstep. 

There is lots to see, lots to do and great times to be had. Be careful of caravaners, shit they are a strange bunch. 

I went on this trip for many reasons. I don't remember them and I don't care. I had fun. The weather was almost perfect and the riding was top notch. There were some tears 😥 but let's not get into that. Riding a bicycle 🚲 is one of this worlds greatest pleasures. No wonder kids dig it. 

Tomorrow sees me doing the final leg of this trip. Into CT. It is without a doubt the scariest part. My last 2 trips I have been collected just out of town so let's see if we can complete this one.

This trip completed. Alive. Got back. Survived 4 weeks again. Next trip... imminent. So basically between tomorrow and the next 7 days. Few things to sort out but the bush is calling. Calling me. My love. My passion. Sorry abrupt and crazy. So is my life. I am happy. I am alive. I am off living again soon. 

Love you all. Life begins again soon. My own brain has been on the blink. A good 5 trillion volts and it seems to be back on track. 

Peace 

G

What's Your Name

Back Roads

Yesterday was a good day. A tough day but good. Lots of thoughts, beautiful, beautiful scenery and a few animals on route. 

So it started as it always does. A long shower. Most of these places have gas geysers so the water keeps coming. It is spectacular. This particular place had very clean, very very nice ablutions. I was happy it was recommended to me. I had slept soundly and was now gearing up for the day. 🚿✅ 🚾✅ ready to get this beast going. I stopped in quickly at the head haunchers place to thank them and then, like lightning ⚡I was gone. Well more like a fat 🦛 but anyway. 

I sort of knew the way to go. It was my first time 😉 on this particular one but we both know how it would end. Me sweating like a mad man but completely satisfied. 

So, down the drag. No queens in sight luckily. About a couple of clicks until I was back on the tar. It was reasonably good going. Speed was being consumed consistently and the conditions were sound. It was great. Then like water off a 🦆's back it was there. ⚡ in a 🍳. You could now see the heat rising from the dirt. That wavy look you see rising off of the ground. I had creamed myself earlier so this should be no bother. It was the H2️⃣⭕  🚰 situation that was on my mind. What to do. Get going Rodney! 

Up until now the ⛵ had been pretty sweet. But then it arrived. Something that has been looking for me for the past few days 🌬🌬 the headwind. Not overly aggressive but enough to cut my speed in half. I was not amused. In order to cheer myself up I decided to finish what was left of my coke. It certainly gave me a buzz. From here on I only had 2 liters of water. I needed to start the rationing. 🚱. As far as I was led to believe there were no shops until Montagu roughly 100kms away. The dirt was slow and demanding. I guess I now know what it feels like to have children! I kept wishing the 🌬 away but to no avail. It was there to teach me that patience is a virtue. A virtue that sucks by the way.

A few farms are passed. Looking surprisingly good by the way. I was pleased for them. I couldn't see a drop of 💧 anywhere. I keep going. The temperature 🌡 is now pushing mid 30's. It was warm. Then over the horizon I see some movement. What was it? A 🐆❓ A 🦏❓ A 🦁❓ No it was a small group of 🦌. Well not reindeer. I think they were blesbok. Not sure. Biggish buck. The white stripe on the face. Grey beautiful fur. Stunning animals. They ran next to me for a bit before deciding to go into the bush. It was lekka. I get on with the job at hand. While I no longer use my bike computer for information I do now and again see what altitude it is. I had started at around 200 meters. Currently at about 700. This with all the ups and downs in between. I was doing what I could to keep moving. There were no information signs on this road so I did not know my progress. 

It keeps going. Then I sort of see what looks like the top of the world. It must be. It can only be. There is a 🚪 I am not sure what is going on. I knock. I knock again...knock, knock, knocking, then suddenly it hits me. It's a bad song that has been stuck in my head for the last couple of hours. There is no door. I shake my head. Keep going boy. I push on. Out of 💧. Out of bad jokes 😏. It really is the top this time. The descent is fantabulous. Long. Fast in places. ⛑ but most importantly it leads me to the spar (good for you) in Montagu. Water is consumed by the dam load. A few essentials are purchased and I am on my way to my campsite. 

Little did I know this is the spot the freedom challenge riders have to check in at. I was hoping to get a sighting of a few over the next 16 or so hours. Unfortunately none showed up. The winner to be of the race had already blown by. He was on a serious mission to divide and conquer. He did just such thing. 

Today was an easy day. Pack. Shower. Pack again! Say my goodbyes. Leave. Ride back through town. 7kms up then hey presto. Voila. You can catch me at the guano Caves for tonight. Well you better hurry as I leave quite early tomorrow. It's a pretty cool spot. Cheap. So I like it. Budget still good for the week boss jimmy. 

A lesson I learnt yesterday. Carry more water. Take a 🐫🐪 with. Carry more water than you think you need. Lipice does not take away a dry mouth. It only makes you more thirsty. I have the 🍉 flavored one. And lastly carry more 💧. Make space for it. 

I enjoyed yesterday. It was a good ride. The 💧 was an issue but the rest of it was top notch. 

Anyway peoples. I got to go now. Well I don't got to but I am. A hot 🚿🧼 is in order. 

I hope you are all well. On second thoughts I hope you are all fantastic. Keeping healthy and happy. Until we meet again. 

Peace and love 

G

Real Woodpecker

BEEP BEEP

Rooiberg, Ladismith

The stay at Karoowater, pronounced Karoovater if you is English was not great. They have cages. Yes you heard me, cages. Animals in cages. I don't like that. The only things that should be caged are politicians. 

To add to it and I 💩 you not, the bloody Kumar's were there. They were not much better this time either. Arriving back at nearly 11pm, waking me up then one of them bloody mugs snoring like a freight train. They were 5 spots away from me and this rodney sole woke me up thrice. When I left that place I was happy to go. I shall be returning there when our friend Je sus returns from his sabbatical. 

The ride was good that morning. A decent climb out of there. Sort of like wiping your bad memories away. It was fitting. Rooiberg Pass. Untamed. Epic. Rocky. Balboa. Gruelling. It was not fast but it was steady and rideable. 🍬. At the top, views for days. To the left undulating mountains. To the right much the same. Pretty. Lots of colours. It was a Kodak moment. Descending was fun. The bike shop man had done well. Squeal gone. No shudder. Just pure enjoyment. 

The usual ups and downs. Smiles and laughter. Screams and whistles. I see a signboard to my venue for the night. It can't be. It's only a little after 11am. Well it be. I go through the gate and ride on to reception. 1 tent spot please captain. He looks at me... "you mean one camping spot sir". If you insist I say. Just show me the grass. He obliges. With a little shake of his head he points me to my resting spot for the night. It is SUPREME. Grass like nobody's business. Green, lush. Ablutions WITH a free washing machine to use. Hold it. Hold it. Hold it. Yip you guessed it. A flippin dryer too. Do you know one thing you do not need in the Karoo. A dryer. Anyway, the place scouted. Tent erected. Washing done 👕🦺🧤🧦🩲👙 oops cancel that last one. It was only 2pm. What to do? Let me tell you!! I had seen a track going up the hill not far from where I was. Seen as I was still with energy I decided to tackle this ve hic ular path. I get going. Nice. It's fair work. My style. Get to what I thought was the summit. ❌ short flat and then more climb. Okay bring it on. ⛰ again I am pushing. It's just up. Not too steep. But quite loose. A bit like Stifler's mom. I hit the summit this time 🚫 that's a negative. Stop. Look around. Aha! I see the summit. Back on. Sweat dripping down my face. 30 ➕ degrees 🌡 met eish. I get to the summit. Well. It's not is it. I 🔨⏲ my decision. Ff that. I shall return back down. 🧺 wash these clothes and go for a 🍺 at the restaurant. Excellent decision. 

This morning is next level. I wake. Open zee front door 🏕🚪 and what is there drinking from the dam? Aminals. A group of them. I think I saw 5️⃣ in total. Impala. Beautiful. They saw me and moved off. Lucky for that because I was feeling hungry. Impala steaks for breakfast 🤔 🦌🥩🍽🥛 delicious. I tried to catch one but to no avail. It was to be my usual breakfast! 🍞🤨😔. 

With the bill paid I was on my way. The road was fast. I was trying to push hard to strengthen my 🦵's. It was a fun ride. I found a belt lying in the road too. Genuine 🐍 skin. Just needs a buckle. My first port of call, Ladismith. I arrive. A good ride. Not broken, but a nice burn in the legs. Straight up to... spar (good for you). Essentials bought. Unfortunately the town has gone really downhill. Dirty. Lots of people asking for money. Sad!

Back on the 🚲. I had been informed about a place called Oaksrest earlier in my travels. Well! What a spot. Not the G but I am sure close to it. I need to say this place is good. Better than the last 🤔. Not sure. Rooiberg and here are 2 spots I shall definitely be seeing again. A bit more than I would like to pay but man, 🆒️🆗️. Just really well maintained spots. You know well maintained, groomed. Nice smelling 👃. Just really classy. Like a good hooker I would imagine. Anyway! 

It has been a good couple of days. I am in a better place. Mentally. I feel a bit happier. Probably cause I just had a bottle of wine 🤪. Tomorrow looks like a big day. 130 I think. Montagu side. ↙️ that way. 🛐 for no 🌪🌬. While I have enjoyed the last few days, I need a big mileage day again. Just something about those days that makes me feel 🈯️. You know what I mean. 

So join me in prayer quickly please.

Dear lord. Please no wind tomorrow. Thanks Greg. 

That should do it. 

Okay people of the reading this ridiculous blog. Sleep tight 🛏😴. Keep warm. Keep reading. And most importantly pray for no wind. Cause if you don't there will be no story tomorrow. Okay peace out ✌

Love G.

Belt 🐍😥

Abode

Breakfast Company

Coffee * note the rusks

Sunset

Pretty

Tsek

Was It?

Last night's spot was tremendous. It had my name written all over it. Well it did by the time I left. I have taken up graffiti artwork and must say it is fun. Couple of cans and practice is all you need. If you are shit 💩 like me I suggest you don't leave your initials. 

I was the only camper there. It was ever so quiet. Perfect for the night after the night in the town. I didn't see a soul let alone an R. I sit here questioning myself why I did not stay a second. Think about that word. Second! 2 meanings. Same spelling. Do you know which meaning I was referring to? Moving on. Yes here I am. Moved.

The ride was good. Nothing in it today. 55kms. Tailwind. All downhill. Stopped off at Calitzdorp for a coffee ☕. 15 bucks. Should have had a second 🤔. Proper filter coffee too. Yum yum. 

Then take a guess 🤷‍♂️🧐. Come on guess. A little hint... it's good for you! Wrong. It was the spar (good for you) get it right next time please. No, I am not sponsored by them (yet). Park the bike. Go in. Get the stuff I need. No chocolate today. Trying to give up. Have bought some patches to help with the cravings. Alcohol patches. They work well. Put 10 on at once and you forget what you went in the shop for.  Shopping done it is time to go. 

Tarred road to my destination. It's fast. One car, then a second, then a second car. These guys are travelling awfully close together. Slight downhill to my destination. An enjoyable ride. The bike seems to be behaving so I am grateful for this. I cherish my bike. It gets cleaned daily and treated like part of the family. I have given it a rewarding name that I think really suits it. Probably quite different to what most people would do. It took a while for me to get the right name. My first attempt not my second! So it shall be called "bike" what do you think?

I find the entrance to my destination. They wanted 350 notes for the night. I said wait a second. It is just me and my trusty bike, bike. She said hold on a second. It was more than one until she returned. 250 she says. 200 I say. Okay. We shake hands and the deal is done. It has warm baths and at the second door, a warm pool. I will try them later. On second thoughts they looked pretty grimy so maybe not.

Unpacked. Tent erected 🏕. Had a beer in the bar 🍺 then a second 🍻. Budget blown for the week. Oh well. Washing done, I am relaxing near my tent. Every second site has campers. It is a popular place. The wind has picked up. It is quite amusing watching people who camp. Very different bunch they are. I exclude myself because I see myself as a homeless cyclist 🚲 with a tent 🚲🏕. 

Be good my friends. Be safe. Give your partner a hug for at least a second. Chat with them. Maybe a second hug. Depends if you like them or not. But most of all send me money. Remember no second chances in life. This is the one we have. Don't waste a second of it.

Sleep tight and peace out. 

G.

Coffee In The Karoo 35 Degrees

24 Hours ⏳

It was sleep so good it took 15 minutes to wake and get my eyes open. Dreams aplenty. The soul and spirit had been revitalized. It was to be a grand day. As mentioned the boss man was to ride with me out of town. The weather was excellent, 30 odd degrees. Wind... wind... not today. It was a tad past perfect for riding conditions. 

Coffee... yes sir. Right next to my bed. A fine cup it was. With the bowels starting to work I was up and go. First 🚽 then 🪒🚿🧼🧽. I felt like a restored vintage car. No more rattles or creaks. Just a finely tuned motor. With the necessary completed it was a quick spin down to the bicycle angels. Just another great big GRACIOUS and ariva dache. Spar (good for you) was next. Lipstick with a sun 🌞 protection factor please attendant. All sorted. Back to villa de fantastic, pack and ready to burn rubber. 

It was a short road section before we were on the gravel and sitting at a comfortable pace. The odd car but that was it. 

Suddenly out of nowhere. I get the fright of my life. I scream. I cry. I try everything in my power to avoid it. All useless and pointless. It is a decent sized 🐍 in the middle of the road. Unfortunately it has been dead a while. Beautiful magnificent brown skin. I was tempted to retrieve the animal and make a coat for my own 🐍. It would have just been way too weird seeing a snake skin jacket 🧥 on my own snake. 

I ditch the idea and we carry on. Lots of fantastic stories about races and life. The boss man of the villa is a good companion for the trip. We go through some incredible scenery and ride a long section of the Swartberg Private Game Reserve. It is sights and sounds that are taken in. A couple of races follow this route. It is not tough nor technical just plain old good decent riding. My bike has no shocks, electrical or suspension. 5kgs of food and stuff I use and probably 8 or 9kgs of stuff I may need at some stage. The kind of things if you don't bring... you need. If you bring them... well you won't need them. They have probably seen more of this country than most of you 🤷‍♂️😅🤣🤪🤭. So single track and technical riding will be for another time.

The seed has  been planted for a very very big race called the 3️⃣6️⃣1️⃣. Distance 🤔 361kms. It's in the name. Time allowed 😳🤦‍♂️ 3️⃣6️⃣⏺1️⃣ hours... again... the name. Apparently the fastest time so far for this race is not much over 🔟 hours. That is simply incredible. If I was to attempt this thing at all my goal would probably be the 🥈⭕ hour region. So as you can see many hours of training to be done. 

The riding continues to be spectacular and the banter just as good. We end at a little art shop/cafe for lunch. Pie 🥮 and salad 🥦🥬🍅 each and lunch is done. Absolutely delicious. The boss man has a ride home on the cards now and my camping spot is probably 500 odd meters back down the road. 

It has been a good day. A much needed good day after yesterday. Fingers crossed 🤞 the bike is back in top shape. My mind is back in the game. The journey continues. I am ever so grateful for the right to be doing this. As usual a big thanks to all I meet, met, will meet and anyone who has any form of impact on my life. Our paths have crossed for a reason. I thank you.

Sleep tight. 

G.

Quickly

Today has been a rollercoaster. Broke another spoke on my way down Swartberg Pass. Got really really frustrated at what was going on. My brakes were screeching like absolute cats being put through a grinder. I was not doing well. 

I find a bike shop.... I find this place called heaven. It is a bike shop. I speak to the boss man. Hey boss, spokes no good. Brakes broken. Chain think it's toast too. Pedals feel like sandpaper. Rider seriously unhappy. 😔 You got solutions? He says go across the road. Have a coffee ☕ and a food. Take your time and come back just now. I said is that it!! He says go. I go'd. I do what he says. I feel sad. I can't see my bike. It's gone. Trip is over. Call 911. Life is ending. Bring me the rope. 

I pull myself together with the cable ties I find in my pocket. Not great but it works. I go back. Boss man is nowhere to be seen. I start crying. Young dude comes over and says "your wheel?" and shows me my wheel. It is fixed 🤩🤩🕺🕺. I cry, he cries. The lady at the desk starts crying. It is reunited to the bike. I cry, he cries. The lady at the desk cries. I ask about the other shit. He says chain it's no gang but it is good. I cry, he cries. The lady at the desk cries. I ask about the pedals. He looks at me. He starts crying. I cry the lady at the desk slaps her hand down and says shut up, enough now. I stop crying. He stops crying. We all look around to see if anyone is watching. The boss man is crying of laughter from his "perch" above the store. 

I had mentioned to the lady at the desk about my accommodation dilemma. She had kept quiet up until now. After I had settled my very reasonable tab she says... oh yes. I got an option for you. R300  for a 4 star 🌟🌟🌟🌟 place down the road. I cry, she cries the bossman and the mechanic piss themselves laughing. I shout sold! 

Here I am. 4 star accommodation. 💵💵💵. Three hundred notes. No sleeping bag. No blow up mattress. No windy tent. Today had been a very emotional day. For reasons above and other. I don't know how to explain things sometimes. I just feel I live my life how I can. I don't always get it right. I don't always do the right thing. 

On this trip I have learnt many things. Most of all sometimes when you feel you are being kicked in the balls, don't look down the barrel of a gun. Change your mindset. I was very negative when the second spoke broke. Angry. Confused. Disappointed. Pissed off. Bitter. But life came through. 

I stopped at the campsite on my way in and asked how much. 280 she says. For a campsite. Here 300 for 4 stars. I think I am going back to the campsite tomorrow 🤣😅😆🤣😅😆🤥🤥🙈🙉🙊.

Just for a little icing on this... the couple who own this palace are legendary. He is a bicycle rider like myself. In fact he owns a company that does exactly what I want to do. He says times are tough. He also has another gig going to pay the bills so they will get through this. He has offered to ride with me out of town tomorrow. So it will be. 10am kickoff. Today has been a learning curve I hope to remember. Never look down. There is nothing down there. Look up. The sun is shining. Let it shine on you. On me. On us. Look up. The sun is shining my friends. If you are reading this. Look up. Let's go there together. 

Be safe all. 

Lots of love

G

R300per night 🤔

5 🌟 accommodation

Keep Going

Hell 😳

Not Sure

Not sure what to make of today! I am kind of deciding where to put it. Maybe by the end of this I will know. 

It was an easy up. I knew the day was perfect and I was sort of sure I knew where I was going. A shower 🚿 was taken and fresh clothing awaited me. It somehow put me in a mood I hadn't been in for a while. I felt like life was coming together. Things were falling into place. Little bit like a tetris game where you are smashing it. Very warming indeed. Yes that's right. It was already 20 plus degrees and only shortly after 🕗am. Time to hop, skip and jump into this day.

Packed, it was up to the lizard for a coffee. Still no rusk!! Tsk tsk. Should have gone to the gaf down the road. All settled it was time to go. Neeoooow and off. Not far out of town and I hand signal to turn right 👉. Onto the Swartberg Pass road. I haven't ridden up it from this side. Let alone with 15kgs of my most prized belongings. It starts with a couple of kms of flat. Mmmm so far so good. Over the first water crossing. The legs are in good shape it seems. Over the second. Then, like a shooting star I am blinded by the sight. How could this be? Who did this and why. I was gobsmacked. Stunned. Almost in tears. It was the climb to come. Not exactly steep by it looked like it ended where me mate Buzz said he landed. That's right folks. This climb peaked on the moon 🌚. Without hesitation I grabbed hold of the handlebars and started swearing as I went up. The words were of little use. They didn't make it less flat. It did feel comforting inside though. Just a little over an hour later I was rewarded. It was the turn right to Die Hell. They didn't call it that for any other reason than the road to where I was going is tough. 40kms to my destination now. The sign says expect 2 hours travel time. That's in a car 🚘🚙🚗🚖

So it was to be. It started off pretty good. Got quite bumpy, then went straight to death con 5. Teeth rattling. Bike almost falling to pieces. Panniers hanging on by a thread. Rider deciding to close eyes and pray. It was bumpy. No it was shake, rattle and roll. In fact it was just plain nuts. This carried on, up and down for 3 hours. It was solid riding. Finally after having to cable tie almost my whole bike together I arrived at the top of the hill. All that was left was the descent into "hell" YAY!

I go as smoothly and as carefully as I can. It is really tough going. Unfortunately by the time I get to the bottom I have broken a front spoke. The wheel is not badly out but I am not happy. I ride through to the restaurant which is about another 7 kms. 

My plan was to stay the night here at the campsite. I don't feel happy with the wheel and decide that after a coke and a chocolate I will head back out. 

The climb out is horrific. I can see why my wheel broke. It is a really hard day. Up, down and all around I am now camped here half way back to the turnoff. It is magnificent. I can hear the flowing river close by. A small one but very peaceful to hear. I am where I need to be tonight. I am grateful. 

Quick side note: the actual valley that is called die hell caught fire about a year ago according to the restaurant owner. The place looks sad. Empty. Black. Burnt. Non existent. I was very disappointed. I used a shit load of my energy to go and see the place and it looks like hell 😳😳 but isn't that what it is called. Eish! They really need to get working on it if they want people to go there. It is not nice at all.

Anyway I leave you now. Hopefully I won't get eaten by 🦧🐆🕷🦂🐍🦇🐀🐑 or any of the other animals that live around here. It is spectacularly quiet. A few 🐸 from the river chirping but that is about it. Also not expecting the moon to produce much later. Perfect conditions for a grand sleep. Pitch black and quiet. Not to mention I am drained out from the ride.

Sleep tight all. 

Chat soon.

G.

I Believe I Can Fly

Tuesday PM

Last nights sleep was grand. Under a bridge. Like a little troll. Waiting for my victims to come scratching above me. Well not really, a 50 ton truck would probably make me part of the tar. Luckily the traffic was very minimal and barely noticeable. Except the 50 ton trucks 😅.  It seems the soft sand underneath makes the blow up more comfortable. It seems to all just fit better. 

I wanted to get here (Prince Albert) (the place not the ring) early so I could wash, do some washing and have a coffee at the lizard. Well that was my plan. The winds plan was otherwise. No exactly a headwind but a sidewind that was making it pretty sketchy and quite frankly bloody annoying. Tailwind I will accept, all the other winds including Allan can quite frankly just piss off. So I battled and cried and shouted and screamed. Then I got on my bike and rode into town. It wasn't too bad. Straight to the lizard. Coffee please my good man. And add a free rusk with that. That's how they do in the bush so I expect nothing less here. Well the coffee arrived but no rusk. Tsk tsk not quite good enough. While at said lizard drinking not draining I googled where I could rest my head for the night without handing over the rest of my lifes savings. Bada bing bada boom. First place looks legit. Olienhof caravan park. At just 1.5kms from my main lizard shop I will go and check it out. Perfect. I see a few other cyclists too. We chat briefly before I go and pay my nights toll and set up camp. At 💯 madibas it will work just fine. 

After the camp is set, another chat with the friendly cyclists, it is back into town for shopping. The usual please spar (good for you). They should know my order by now. It is quick and painless. Food should last for a few days and I got myself a little chocolate too. White chocolate obviously. Dark chocolate makes you put on weight. Home to the camp. Feet up and writing to you lot. Sometimes y'all can be draining you know. You never tell me shit. Just me telling you. Seems like all my relationships I have ever had. One sided. I do all the work and they put their feet up. Met eish! 

Anyway. I don't hold grudges. I am good like that 🤭🤥🤯😶🔫. 

Tomorrows affair will be tough. Up the Swartberg pass. It's steep. 1000 meters of climbing in 2 kilometers. Nah I am kidding. But it is steep. Then to die hell. Gamkaskloof for those checking up on me. Ride in tomorrow. All being well ride out the next day. 🍬 like chocolate (white chocolate) we have been over this.

Sorry it was so boring. I hope you stayed till the end. Well when it ends. Not the world. This post. The world will end soon. I hate to be doomsday guy but it will end soon. More than likely the day I die. I mean what's the point of keeping things going when I am gone? Be like boring. Very boring. Anyway we nearly there now. Not the end of the world. The end of the post. 

Yeah I am done. Chat soon. I miss you all. Well some of you. One or two maybe. Okay maybe one of you. Okay none of you. Sorry. 

Okay bye for now. 👋

G

Karooo

Karoooo

Karoo

Troll

Beep beep

Monday 🗓

So, yesterday as already decided was up to SALT to see it. Wow what a thing. It is massive. I don't mean bigger than normal, I mean this thing is massive huge. You definitely can't carry it around 🤪🤣. I wonder what they have found with it 🤔 🛸🌝🌜🌠🌌✨🎇🎆. It really is an impressive piece of equipment. 

I get back, and without informing the boss man I was staying another night they had planned a party for that day. Oh 💩. Yip DJ and all and all. It was just kicking off when I returned. Oh well not much I could do. It was lekka slap Afrikaans music all afternoon until about 9 when they closed up. The plus side is the boss lady brought me a plate of 🐑 they had braaied. Man it was good. 10 points to the chef. It went down like the titanic 🚢.

Today... up. Shower. It washed all the cobwebs and bad karma right away. Squeaky clean and ready to roll it was off. 9kms to the turn off to Merweville. Dirt road. No complaints. I have the correct equipment 🚲. It couldn't have been more perfect. Fair tailwind. Not too hot. Not too bumpy. Not too sandy. Not too corrugated. Not too hilly. Not too much traffic. None actually. Think the last time someone used this road was before C19. It was fun. I enjoyed every second until... 😳😲🤯. I couldn't believe it. Believe it because it is true. Are you sure? To be sure to be sure. 

In front of me was the Karoo. Another side to it. More beautiful. More picturesque. The eyes were taking it all in. I was happy I learnt about this route from the elderly man I met a few days ago. It is sublime. I rode on, stopping now and again to take it all in. Photo credit.. me.

I descended the pass cautiously. Some parts were very steep with loose gravel. It was fun and a little scary. Eventually it flattened out and all that was to be done was the 60km ride to Merweville. It was an outstanding ride. One I will never forget. Maybe my best ride to date. Definitely top 2️⃣. 

I get to Merweville. Well what a 💩🕳. I mean this place was 🚽. I see a fella standing outside a building. It has closed doors. I ask where I can buy a 🥤 and a 🍫. He informs me at this very place. However it only reopens at 🕑pm. It is a 1️⃣/4️⃣ to and my bum has started aching again so I decide to sit and wait outside. On time the doors open and I acquire my goods. Done, I feel there is more to achieve today. I get back up and manage another 5️⃣⭕ odd kms. 

And here I lay. Under a bridge about 30kms away from Prince Albert. My destination for tomorrow. It should be a simple task and I may even get there in time for 🥓🍳🥚🥞🍞. It has been a really good day. I have enjoyed it tremendously. I am so grateful to be on this trip. Sometimes sleeping under a bridge is part of the gig. It is a little scary but I feel safe(ish). 

I hope you have all had a good Monday. I thank you again for reading and being part of my journey, our journey. I am truly grateful for this opportunity. I know the real world is calling and I will get to it. But for now "this is where I need to be". 

Peace out all. Look after each other for me until I get back. 

Chat soon. 

G.

Excuse Me 🥶🥶

Verkykers

Saturday

Last nights sleep was down right 🚾 🚽. Not sure why. I was tired. I hadn't eaten much so was sleepy. It was cold, but I was warm in my new sleeping bag that is busy falling apart. It was just hard to get some proper sleep in.

Anyway I got up. Packed. It was a 500 meter climb with 20kms to "finish" my trip to Sutherland. I needed to get here. I was starting to get hungry and when that happens the proverbial 💩 hits the ☢. That's a fan for today. It was quite muddy where I slept. The owner fella is still busy making it a campsite. At 150 smackers a night I think that was my last stay there. I will stop by for a 🍺 though as I enjoyed the bar!

So, ice wiped from my nose and my bottles warmed up (they had frozen solid 🧊) it was ready to freeze to death ⚰. I got going. To my surprise it got colder. Yaay. I had all my clothes on. Even my sleeping bag. It was not working. I stopped and light a fire in a basket on the front of my bike 🔥. It was slowly bringing me back to life. The first 8 or so kilometers was up. Never too hard, but up. Weaving all over the place trying to get the fire to keep me warm and not set my sleeping bag alight. It was pretty much a circus act 🤡. I swear if I was in a car and saw what I looked like I would have run me straight the fuck over. 

Anyway all my hacks were starting to work. The blood was becoming liquid again and I could feel a massive beating in my chest. I was mildly satisfied at my attempt to "stayin alive stayin alive". With the hill crested I thought I would have a simple ride to freedom. Well not to be. The heavens started to open up. I prayed. It worked. It was no more than just a few heavy drops. Not enough to warrant a stop for a raincoat that was currently about 4 layers under my sleeping bag. Relieved I pulled over and put more wood on the fire. It was grand. The plateau was stunning. Well it would have been if I could have seen past the icicles hanging from my eyebrows. 

A quick descent, about 3km flat and I was "where I needed to be" the WhiteHouse. It is a B&B, Restaurant, Campsite, Bar and much more in Sutherland. After a short agreement with the boss man I had my tent up and I was in the 🚿. I need to explain this 🚿 to you. It has the pressure of a fire engine hose. Warm. Hot. Scalding. Lava temperature hot water. It is absolutely fan tastic. No need for 🧼 this thing basically pressure washed the dirt right out of you. Not only do you come out clean, your teeth have been deplaqued. Your head heavily massaged. I think it actually washed the sunburn off of my arms. It is simply phenomenal. I love this 🚿. 

Here I sit now. Just eaten. Feeling legit again. Tomorrow will be up to SALT. Maybe a small ride around the one 🐎 town. The weather, let me rephrase that... the wind looks less than desirable for my next 🦵 of my journey. Monday looks much better. So there being no ⏳🖼 on this trip I may as well chill out in this busy metropolis for a day. I mean there is an endless list of things to do. 

I also need to recoup a wee tad from yesterdays ride. My bottom is still slightly violated and it needs a little more TLC than just one day. So sightseeing tomorrow it is. 

I hope you are all well. I hope you are happy. I hope you are in good spirits. 

It is beer time here so catch you all later. 

Peace out.

G.

No Temperature 🤔🥶💀

Yes.......

Off To Space

Karooo

Karoo

Yesterday

I Want This

Has Anyone...

Has anyone ever asked you where you are supposed to be? I have a feeling that on this trip every minute of every day I have been where I am supposed to be. 

Yesterday was such a cool day. I just rode around the AB site. Took in all the sights. Not quite the same as party time but I was where I needed to be. The place is amazing. Even if you never go to the party, I recommend you go to the old site and just look around and be present. It has a great energy and even better views. I do love it there. 

Today was a big day. Supposed to hit Sutherland. Well I nearly made it 😅. I am about 20kms shy. The wind made its presence and so did the rain. 2 of my most all time favorites 🤭🤥. Yes 🐃💩. Riding into the wind is like putting your hand into a meat grinder. No fun at all. 🥺👉. It takes away huge amounts of energy and swiftly destroys your soul. Oh yes just to throw in some good fortune the road is so badly corrugated I think 2 fillings fell out and my boobs now hang 10cms closer to my 🥎🥎, yes my balls. 

The views and scenery while doing this... absolutely worth it. Stunning. I love this part of the world. (I think I said that Greg) 🥱. A decent days climbing and ride that I won't forget. My ass is getting sore though. I mean I have excellent cycling pants but my sit bones are a bit numb right now. I think tomorrow night will be in Sutherland so hopefully a short day.

I do enjoy the riding, however being alone all day long is tough. Lots of thoughts. Lots of ideas. Lots of questions... too many questions! My mind sometimes goes beyond where I want it to. Learning to understand it all is hopefully part of this journey. For the first time the other day someone said to me "enjoy your journey". That is what this is. It is not a ride or exploration. Not even a cycle trip. It's also not about the bike. It is a journey. I am still a firm believer that ever human should have at least one journey. Any time they desire. Any place they desire. But I believe we should all do it. 

So todays ride brings me here. Tjol se Gat. 20kms before Sutherland. What a place. On the mountain side. An elderly man and his wife own this spot. It is "where I needed to be today". I am camping on the other side of the road. There is a little bar on the other side where the couple live. It is old school. An old man's pub. He sells booze obviously. It is very cool. A couple of construction guys building the wind turbines down the road stopped in for a few beers and I went over and joined them. It was good. Old school banter. Just lekka people getting on with their lives. Pretty much how life should be. 

Anyway I will bore you no longer. Take care friends. Be safe. Enjoy YOUR journey. Take time to be present. Be happy. And most of all be warm. It's fucking freezing here. -2 I think tonight 🥶🥶

Peace out G.

International 😅😅

AB

Wolf Time

Boat Trip

Here

It was a very tough day. I didn't realize how hard today would be!

It was a good start. All the usual done pretty quickly. Packed and ready to go by 8.30. I was pleased so far 🦄🤣

Down to the river crossing. Didn't see Kyle from Monday. Guess  he was with hangover. He lives there by the river crossing. The middle of nowhere. I mean absolutely nowhere. He has about 6 offroad motorbikes 🛵 and that's pretty much all I know about him. 

So I take all my stuff off of the bike. Put the bike on the pontoon. I see all my stuff sitting there. Mmm why did you take it off dumbass 🤐. So I take the bike off, repack it nicely then put it back on the pontoon. Voila. Unfortunately while doing this I stepped in the river in my shoes. Yaay now they are wet. I place them on the bike and use the cable to shift myself over. Pretty easy really. 🍬. I take the pontoon back over with the cable. Then walk back over. To get back to small details it was only waist high!! Oh yes I was naked here 🤣🤣.

Chomp down a few biscuits while waiting for my shoes to dry 🤪. Dry enough I put them on and get going. About 4kms up. Nothing hard. All rideable. Then the plateau. My god. It is beautiful. I have never seen anything like this place. I sit for a few minutes. 

Back on, let's go baby boy. It takes me through some of the most beautiful scenery. I really am just taking it all in. This is where the Cederberg meets the Tankwa. Long beautiful flats with mountains in the background. There has been much rain as there are still large pools of water and even the odd make shift dam around. The flowers are showing off too. I am here at the right time.

Current time 11.30am. Directions are a bit of a hack. I have google maps, the download directions and Kyle's "short cut explanation". All 3 so far have been quite accurate. Then comes a right turn. Neeeeoooow. On track exactly where it should be. 10kms in 😳😳 suddenly a road to the left that looks like maybe the way to go. So I go. 5kms down, a farm with 2 staff having food. We chat... I speak they listen. No English. 🖕 seems no sign language either. I mean I am 60kms from even the smallest village. Get back to the main road. Neeeeoooow another gate about 5kms short of where google says so. 🤔 I go left. Come to a house. Scream, shout and all sorts no one there. I go back to the gate and carry on. Come to a farm house. Yaay. Knock. The biggest afrikaans dude j have ever seen ever opens the door. We chat. Sort of. I ask for some water and directions. He obliges and comes back. Tells me I am lucky with the wind hey... I said sure. I have had a pretty strong side wind for about 2 hours. I guess I was lucky 🤣🤣.

Get going neeeeoooooow. I am getting worried now. It is 4pm. I am hot. I am on fire it is so hot. Running out of water too. Your mind starts playing tricks on you. Exactly as you see it in the movies. I am getting worried! About an hour and a half later I see the R355. I know where I am now. 1km north then 6kms to the tented camp. My destination. It doesn't take too long. I am here. 

I dive to the tap. Gulp, gulp, gulp then vomit. The water is not so good. Tastes like shit actually. Oh dear. I walk around and find the manager. She says don't drink the tap water it is brackish. Thanks I say. Got any bottled water? I grab a few. 

Showered and ready for bed. It is only 8pm. Today was one of my toughest rides I can remember. Poor directions and being in the middle of nowhere, with limited water and such heat made me realize I need to plan better out here. Well I am not going to but I thought about it a lot 🤣🤣.

I saw such beautiful scenery today. It was good and bad. A few things I won't mention which make me really question the goodness of mankind. Also the assistance of a stranger who kept me going. 

I look forward to tomorrow and hopefully walking around the Africa burn site.

Until then. Stay safe.

G.

Return

It was to be a local ride today. To Wupperthal and back. 30 clicks each way. An enjoyable ride. The weather had been slightly turned up a bit. Not too sure of the exact numbers but I could easily say mid 30's. 

It was up early. The usual. You know the routine by now. At 7 I was already starting to feel the heat. It was vay raaaaaam as some would say. Quick shower to wash away any bad karma for the day and make a selection from the local wardrobe. You may see me in the same kit more than once. Don't worry my days clothes get washed at least once. 

I get moving. Not too bad to start off with. Slight breeze and still in the mid twenties I guessed. Arriving back at the crossroads I had been yesterday I took the turn up that dreaded hill. I had psyched myself up for it on the 11km warm up to here. I was ready. Bring it on. Asta lavista baby. I will conquer all. I get going. Happy with my progress I step it up a bit. Turn the corner to the big climb 😳😲 say whaaaaaaaat. The road doesn't go that way. Instead it heads off for a gradual 10km 800 meter odd climb. This is way more my style. Hammer time. 

It actually goes by quite quickly. Soon I am at the drop into Wupperthal. It is short and very steep. I head down with no concern for life. It is fun and also quite cooling. Near the bottom I stop. Mmmmm. WTF, there is a horse. But it's not a horse. It is a cross between a horse and a donkey. It must be a honkey. Well I'll be darned. Now I know what a honkey is. School being over I finish the descent. It is fun. 

I ride around the town a bit. They are rebuilding it. There was a massive fire about 22 months ago. There is evidence of it everywhere. Few refurbished buildings that look absolutely amazing. Lots of work going on. I hope to return when it is completed. 

My coke and chocolate eaten and drunk, I have to get out the same way. You guessed it. Blood out the eyes. Tears out the eyes. Sweat out of every single part of my body. Even my toes. I can feel the wetness. It means I am pushing hard so I reward myself with a sip of water. Only one as the bottle has to keep me alive until I get back to Enjo.

Like time has no meaning I get to the crest of the hill. A breather is welcomed. Another sip for good measure. Here comes the fun. 10kms of return downhill. I feel the excitement building. Slowly but surely I get going. I almost miss a corner but who cares right. Chances are there to be taken. The brakes sound awful screeching worse than our politicians. The speed is too much fun. I simply don't care. 

Before you know it I am back here and in the shower. It was a great ride. I enjoyed it tremendously. 

Luckily I have a set of new front brake pads. The old ones are toast. I get my jam out and enjoy the two together. Vitamin iron for the week. Yummy. I hope they stop my diarrhea. 

Guess what I saw tonight... no guess. Just guess. Okay I saw a 🦇 and guess what... just guess, come on... okay okay I had absolutely no inclination to eat it. Boom right there I just saved a million lives.

Okay people. It is sleepy time. Be good y'all and chat soon.

Much love G.

Traffic Was A Night Mare

Baby

What Is This

River

Pontoon 😳

Expect The Unexpected

I had no idea today would be anything like it was. I was expecting a long hard ride. Well only 50kms but I expected sand, hills and the usual blood, sweat and swear words. It was not to be. Why.. I hear you ask. Well keep reading and you will find out.

It was a lazy start. The days seem to be starting slower and later. Why not. I thought I knew what was ahead of me so no point in rushing to the pain. 

Showered and smelling like daisies 🌺 it was departure time. Out the main gate and down the road. Pretty straightforward. Well with all the bends. Into the Padstal. Coffee please my good Sir. It goes down well. I have already done my business for the day so I am not expecting any surprises on my trip. It tastes good and boom chaka lakka I got a free rusk with it. Mmmmmmm soooooooo goooooooood 

Back on the road. A few kilometers of easyish climbing. The road has 2 signs. Calvinia or Wupperthal. Are they trying to catch me out 😳🐒. I know where both these roads go. I have been on the google maps for days checking them out. I turn right. Wupperthal road it is. Not much to do here. Up, down, up, down, up, down, left 🤣🤣 got you. Then a massive drop. I mean insane. If there was no road you could probably sky dive off this pass. While I am descending I look over the valley. A huge, massive climb out of where I am descending to. I quiver. What the hell man. Did no one think to just build a bicycle bridge across this valley. Lazy asses. I mean this climb was insane. It looked to be at least 20 degrees incline for 10kms. 

So I get to the bottom. Fill my bottles in the river. Get going. Like a ultraviolet light to flies, a bottle store to alcoholics, charlie to a druggie there it is. I feel a song coming on.... I saw the sign. Yes a sign made my day go from zero to here. It said Enjo Farm left, Wupperthal straight. I was elated. My goal today was actually Enjo farm. The road is flat. Even downhill maybe 🙌👏 high five ✋. I turn down said road. 11kms to my destination. It doesn't take long and I arrive.

The boss lady says the campsites are full but I can camp in the overflow area. About 500 meters away. Job a goodn. I'll take it. Camp setup I head back to the house of the head hauncher. Apparently the river I need to cross is shoulder height. I query whose shoulder. She is probably 5 foot, I am 6' 3". If her shoulders about my knee height. The joke is lost on her. I say how far, she looks at me like it is another joke. I say "how far is the river crossing?" Speaking like a child with hand signals. She says 20 odd kilometers. I inform her I will quickly pop down and have a look. She asks me "on your bike?" I say "no, on my pogo stick" done with my jokes she goes indoors to the air conditioning. 

I hop on my bike and spin down to the river. Just before the actual river I see the land owners house. Right on the side of the road. We get chatting. Lekka dude. He pours me a coke and we discuss the river crossing. He says I can take my bike over on the pontoon, bring the pontoon back and then use the cable to cross back over. He assures me it is sort of safe. I thank him and leave. It is going to be a fun day tomorrow. The days movement is just shy of 100kms. Add my balls up with the pontoon and who knows what is going to happen. I can almost not wait for the next episode of my blog. It is going to be hilarious or this will be the last post.

Anyway that is tomorrows problem. Today was amazing. Warm, but amazing. 

I sit here now, very very remotely. Happy. Sad. Joyous. Emotional. Excited. Thank you to all of you for reading. Being part of this show. 

I wish you all good night and sleep tight. 

G.

Couple Days

So early up Saturday. Clean, shave and the usual other stuff. Pay my tab at the Oasis. Happy to. I enjoyed my stay and it kept me dry and warm over a few very wet days. Bargain. I also like the owners. Nice people. They slowly doing the place up I think. Well I don't know. It seems there was a new shower there. Or not. Whatever!

On the road. Catch a few cyclists who left Oasis before me. We chat. Friendly enough chaps. They can see I am loaded up. They tell me they are going to slow down as they are over doing it 🤨😳. I honestly couldn't ride that slow. I buggered off with them both wishing me "great success".

My goal is Jamaka. I am meeting the SMALL'S there. Rich and his family and his wife's sisters family and her parents. I have seen them often as of late so I am looking forward to seeing them all again. 

Him and I agree that he will leave at 12 and we will meet on the road. Well that was great until I realized I had quite a tailwind and was making good time. We meet at the crossroads close by. We return to Jamaka so I can drop my stuff off. I get the campsite next to them and erect my tent. 🏕. We agree to head back to a short piece of single track, ride it then return to camp for beers. An outstanding plan. The ride takes no time and we are back at camp. I won't get into the details but that was the first time I have had a rum and coke in many many moons. 🥃 chin qui. 

This mornings get up and go was snails pace. Over the course of my sleep a tiny wee little something had gotten into my head and was using a jackhammer on my brain ⚒🧠. I was not particularly amused. 

We all pack and Rich and myself decide to go for a short ride while the others have decided on a walk. We don't get far before we decide to call it a day. 

Fortunately for myself a shower clears the cobwebs and I am ready for the days move. To De Pakhys it will be. I have been here more than once. It is a lekka spot. 

So, to the shops for supplies then I find myself on the road here. When I say road I mean hill. When I say hill I mean mountain pass. When I say mountain pass I mean it would have been easier to ride to heaven. It was tough. When I say tough I mean barta takkies tough. It was like hell. I climbed, then more climbing. Stop. Wipe the blood and tears from my eyes. Get going. Stop. Wipe the sweat and snot from my eyes. Get going. Stop. I mean really. It was one of my hardest climbs in recent history. Okay this week. Okay my hardest climb today. 

I think I heard the Nigerian coffin music at one stage. Not sure. Could have sworn I saw them at least twice 🤔🥴. 

The reward from the top of the pass was absolutely worth it. This is why I do this. As far as the eye could see and right then it was only about 10 meters ahead of me, it was just mind blowing scenery. Mountains, hills and just perfectly carved landscaping. It was magnificent. 

So all in a good day. 

Again a big thanks to everyone I know. Just for being you. Being part of my life makes you part of this trip. Photos will start soon. I appreciate each and every person I know for their contribution towards my life. I am fortunate to know you. I thank you all.

So off to bed now. Sleep tight. Sleep right. And most of all don't fucking snore. I can hear you you know.

Peace 

G.

🍺 ➕ 🍷 Tasting

It was a very slow get up this morning. Not much to do! The rain and the wind from the night before were absolutely incredible. It had rained on and off the whole night. Heavy proper rain. I was lucky. The boss man let me put my tent up under a zinc roof so I was dry and warm. 

Once up and dressed it was to be a spin to the wine farm and beer shop to test their produce. Well I shouldn't have been so eager to throw away my morning. 

The ride was legit. On my way seeing a few other cyclists. Probably ten in all. They were just out for a cruise. Well I presumed so. They looked a bit older than me. Some looked like they were having the time of their lives. Wait for it... the ones who looked pissed off were the ones at the back on.... ebikes 🤣🤣🤣. Can you Adam and Eve it? Maybe their 🔋 had run out. I was nearly in the mud laughing my ass off. I should have offered them a push.

Anyway with the mornings joke done I proceeded to Cederberg Wines. Well what a place. Beautiful. No expense spared. The staff however were bloody shit. Like they were doing me a favor. I can't stand those kind of assholes. Anyway I went through the wines and left. 40 bucks. Should have been 50 cents. A place I shall not return to. To boot I hear when I get back here that they have a lekka beer tasting room upstairs. Well i won't go back twice then. Poof.

Off to Kromriver. It has to be better right. I have had many of their beers while in lockdown at Jamaka. It is nice. I go there looking for the Cherry Blond. Guess the only one they don't have in the fridge 🤔. Yip you guessed it. Cherry Blond. So I grab a Weiss and a lunch bar. Again the staff 😶🤨 just fucking useless. Anyway. I drink and eat my bounty. It goes down well. I might just mix the 2 together and make chocolate weiss (with nuts)

The ride back is a fun one. More chances taken than normal. Not sure if drunk or brave or stupid. But it was a laugh. 

If you go to either of these places please let me know the service you receive. I would be interested to know. Maybe cyclists are just not liked in this part of the world. Who cares. 

Back showered and ready for a snack. The rain has been hammering it down. Proper time. Like get your boat out proper time. 

Sorry a boring one. You get a virtual high ✋ for making it to the end. Well nearly the end. Just got a short way to go. Nearly nearly. Not far now. Almost there. Okay we done. Well now we are. Okay okay chill out. For realzies now. Or now. Look a dog, ha ha made you look. 

Okay enjoy your evening. Be safe. Be warm. And most of all send me money 🤣🤣. Just kidding. Well not really. 

Peace out.

G

Shortie

Today was always going to be a short day. I have had 3 full days of riding and covered about 380 odd kilometers until today. This is what makes me happy. Riding my bike and keeping away from towns. 

One new thing in this trip is I have stopped using my Garmin for the day. I don't need to know any details while I am riding. Feel strong, ride further and faster. Feeling toilet, slow down and look for a spot to sleep. Riding really is that simple. It is great to know the details once you are done and I have an app for that. But while you are enjoying the day live by the above rules. 

So I get up. The toilet is required. I am staying in the bush. Oh crap! Literally! I find a spot with a view I am sure no toilet in the world has. The business is done. Covered with sand and rocks. No much else I can do. The previous days clothes are fitted. A jacket this time. For good reason too. You see being in town and cold is fine. No real issue. Being in the Cederberg with a wind chill factor of ball freezing temperature you need a little help. So I make my way out of the trees and onto the road. It is quiet. I like quiet. Boom. Boom again. The legs are in fantastic shape today. Pity I am only doing 25kms 😅

Up, down, up, it is it what the doctor ordered. Fun to the degree of laughter and smiles for miles. More tailwind. WTF. Who did I piss off to get this lucky. I take my time and stop here and there taking in the views. This place makes me happy. I need a job somewhere here please job handerer outerer. Over a small pass and what do I see? I mean it is 8.30am what is going on. I almost have to stop and wipe my glasses. Can it be. Are you sure? To be sure are you sure...

It is. 2 cyclists. A lady and a man. Not sure how they go together but who cares. They have just left Mount Cedar. I stop. They stop. We get chatting. For some or another reason I point out the obvious. The headwind they have. My tailwind 😅😅 I feel joy right here for some reason. Anyway we have some small talk. They are also touring. However they obviously have jobs as they are staying in accommodation with food. I mean what's the fucking point. You may as well be in a car then. (ok ok I am very jealous) they seem to be having fun which is all that really matters I guess. The girl can't stop talking. The poor fella just nods his head and agrees for the most part. We say our goodbyes and I wish them well. They do the same. It was a blissful meeting.

I have one climb left to my destination. Last time I did it fully loaded it took me 58 minutes. I managed to knock nearly 10 minutes off of that today. I won't say it was the tailwind and neither will you 😉

So I find myself here. Oasis. It is a regular spot for me. I like it. It is cheap. It is friendly. And it has cold beers.

Good bye. 🍻🍻

Sitting Here

I sit here now in a spot I have camped before. Someone's land. Don't know whose. Not too fussed either. It is a magnificent spot on the Cederberg road. Stunning mountains surrounding me. A little windier than I would prefer but I wouldn't change it for the world. 

It was a fantastic start to the day. Not the best sleep I have had but there was some sleep. A hot shower to get the day going. It was grand. I slept in a campsite. Tried to find someone to pay for my accommodation this morning but it was not to be. Not the best campsite as it was on the Breede river with more than one fly there. 

So clean and ready to go. Off like a bomb. It was cold. Very cold. I had chosen not to wear a jacket as the air was so crisp, and cold. Very cold! Back down the dirt road onto the main tar to Ceres. Man was I lucky. Slight tailwind pushing me along. Good progress was being made. Quick pitstop into a Padstal for 2 Grabouw pies. One was smashed immediately the other was packed for a later stage. Back on the tar and a right up towards Ceres. Michelle's pass was dealt with quite quickly. I must have gained a little muscle on my last trip!!

Into Ceres. Nothing to do here except a coke and a small chocolate at the Puma garage. So far I was making good time but I know what is ahead. I am not scared but the last time I rode up it I nearly died. D E D dead. Brown bread. Daisy pusher, whatever you want to call it. I smash on. Feeling good I approach the incline with caution. Checking all sides for any interference from outsiders. It looks clear. I check again just to be sure to be sure. Still... all clear.

I get going. GYDO PASS. Here I come beeeeeyatch. Keeping in mind the last time I tried to ride this I think I rolled back down it about 9 times. This time no ways hose a! I find a good rythm and attack. Surprisingly I am enjoying it this time around. The legs are burning but it is not too bad. I reach the lookout point. This is where the second pie will meet its fate. Slowly but surely it is devoured. It is a hell of a treat. I was in need of a little stomach fuller and this did the job to perfection. 

Back on the bike. A little more climbing before the flat. I wasn't sure what the wind be doing up here. I didn't need to give it a second thought. More tailwind. I was blown away. My next stop was to be Op Die Berg. This town has lots of memories for me. A tear ran down my face. Emotions are high. I do my best to get on with business. Pull in at the spar (good for you) and get the necessary. Once the bill is settled I ride across the street to the coffee shop. Burger and chips please my lady. Add a flat white (coffee not human) to that please and make it quick sticks. I have a venue to get to. She does her part. It is only minutes and both items are delivered in front of me. 

It doesn't take more than a skip and a hop and I am done. I pay the toll and get on my way again. Boom turn right. About 20 to 25 kms down this road is my destination. I hope for the best but expect the worst for the riding conditions. I need  not have worried. It was absolutely perfect. 

There is something very very special when I hit the dirt road coming to the Cederberg. It is a calmness. I almost feel at home. This is funny because I have been homeless now for nearly 4 months. Well I still own my flat but I don't live there. I don't have anywhere else that is home. So does that make me homeless... I feel a Paul Simon song coming on. 

I am very very fortunate to be doing another bicycle trip. I know this. I am grateful for this. But I know that I need to return to the real world one day. Unless I win the lotto. Then I won't need to.

So I wish you good night. A sleep you enjoy. For the morning comes a new day for us all to enjoy. Peace and love everyone. Good times are never far away.

G.