Sunday Bloody Sunday

What an amazing day. I went to bed feeling very anxious about my ride today. Not sure why. I knew the route, the distance and every other aspect about it. The distance was very manageable 100kms and the ascent was a healthy 1800 meters. 

I get up. Shower. Only because it is cold 🤣🧊 get my stuff packed and get water from the river. It is deliciously good. First kilo meter is just to get out the park. Then hit the road hard. Yip I made a slight error and the front wheel slips out. Not to worry. I get up dust myself off and carry on. Start up the first pass and it starts raining. Should I go back and call it a day 🙅‍♂️ no way Hose A, my Mexican friend. Quickly cover the sleeping bag in a black plastic bag. A bag in a bag sounds like a good porno movie. Or horror! Or comedy. 

I get to the top way quicker than I thought I would. The descent is wonderful. It stops raining and the sun starts its work for the day. I am enjoying this now. See a car go past me with a family in and the parents in the front are not sure if what they see is real. It must have been a moment for them. 

Suddenly I find myself on the border of Citrusdal town. Wow 2 and half hours and half way. I pull in. Spar is packed (not good for me) the coffee shop she is closed. I go to the shabeen and try and order a beer. They all laugh. I say one coffee then. He says milk, I say no a coffee you twit. He says do you want milk. I said yes please do you want payment. He says Lunch Bar, I say don't be so cheeky to me then. We both laugh and I pay for my coffee (with milk)

I leave the town thinking my god it has grown a lot. It is a big town now with plenty going on. Must be all the farm labourers. Well I tell myself that anyway. 

The ride from here for the next 30 odd kilometers is predominantly uphill. Never really too steep but very little in the way of free miles. I pedal and try and keep myself upright. The reward for this effort is breathtaking views. All around. Every direction. Miles of stunning landscape. It is a sight I have seen before on a previous ride and will no doubt see again soon. Probably even this trip. 

The descent on the other side is fast and furious. I count my lucky stars I am not in a Porsche. I also say a quick thanks that there are no lampposts. 

It takes all my skill to keep myself from not going over the edge. Don't forget I have 10 odd kilos of gear and luckily the brakes are working without any fault. Let's hope they stay that way. It is not too long before I reach my goal for the day. A beautiful campsite I have been before. 

I chat with the boss lady and soon she has me upgraded to a caravan for free. FA. Sweet I will take it.

Dinner was not exactly nutritious or filling as the bloody spar was too busy. It was a packet of biscuits. My safety packet of food. 

So on the shopping list for tomorrow am is to replace them. They have been a life saver tonight. 

So off to bed soon. I am a bit worn after today's ride. A magnificent one but it has taken its toll. 

Chat soon 

G