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.
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