Had to get up extra early this morning because the shuttle trucks from the Lodge were going off for some maintenance work – but they did give us a “packed lunch” so that was good!! So we were back at camp at about 5.30 am while it was still dark. Jorg and Adam left and I was waiting for Dennis and Paul was waiting for me – we were also kind of waiting for Scott, but he then helped Bastiaan who had a problem with his bike. So in the end I left with Paul and Dennis. We had a fairly long day ahead of us – 139 km. We rode together over bumpy, sandy, corrugated roads for the morning. I stopped to take some photos of a lodge we passed that looked like a castle and so then I had to chase them down to catch up. Then we were lucky with a tailwind after the earlier headwind. All this time we are riding through the most beautiful valley – I can’t believe how deadly quiet it is – there is nothing! We might ride for 50 km and then see a sign for a guest house or farm – and then ride another 50 km before seeing another one!! No stops along the way today. Suddenly I seem to be on my own having dropped Paul and Dennis. There are sandy gulleys in the road where wet soft sand collects and they can really bog you down. I decide to speed up to try to catch Jorg and Adam. I found myself a really good track just off to the side of the toad through the trees – more protection and so less of the soft sand over there! I was looking around as I rode – just enjoying the scenery – saw some springbok out in the field. A whole lot of nothing – but still quite amazing to look at – you can get lost in yourself looking at nothing!! Big fields, big plains, big mountains!! Caught up with Jorg and Adam about 10 km from lunch – and Paul had done one of his usual magic trips about that time as well – suddenly appearing at my side!! He then decides to go out in front – pretty damn quick – he turns and asks me if the pace is fast enough!!! We climbed a short hill into lunch – the 4 of us now. Adam bought Jorg a beer for his birthday and we sat and enjoyed a good lunch together. Adam left first saying he wanted to ride easy for a while – I have given up on these guys when they say that – if I say it I mean I will go about 5kmph until the others catch me – you never know when they say it!!! When Paul, Jorg and I leave Adam seems to be getting further and further away – so I speed up and Jorg decides to drop off. As soon as we reach Adam he really takes off and we are travelling really fast over corrugation and sand with a fair headwind as well. Finally about 30 km out we reach a rest stop and Adam realizes he has a slow leak – he sorted it and then went off fast again only to have to stop a little later to sort it again!! Paul and I were happy to slow down as well although we did eventually lose him. Just the 2 of u snow and the miles were dragging on and hurting even though we weren’t really pushing now. In the distance we could see 2 water towers and we knew that must be where camp was – it was the only sign of life – there was nothing else around!! In fact camp actually came 2 km earlier than expected – great!!
I was able to pitch my tent under the shelter of a car port like structure and then went off to the shop to stock up on drinks and ice cream – I was feeling slightly dehydrated today. I spent all my money so went back to camp to borrow some and then returned to the shop for more snacks and a toastie – much to the amusement of the woman there! After a lie down in the shade it was time for cheeseburgers – and we were treated to yet another amazing sun set – the colours through the clouds are incredibly stunning. Then we had a drink to celebrate Jorg’s birthday and off to bed. I wanted to get a good night’s rest to be ready for tomorrow’s mando day!!
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