WOW!! I honestly don’t have the adequate English vocabulary
to describe the awesomeness of this day!
I think it must have been the best biking I have ever done!

I must admit that I had absolutely NO clue as to where we
were – almost the whole the time! We hit what looked similar to the Transkei rural
area. Miles of rolling hills, little houses scattered along them and every kind
of 4 legged animal strolling along (and in!) the road. And many friendly locals delighted to see 2
bikes passing. Most of this riding was tedious, as potholes where everywhere,
yet unexpected. Conditions of the gravel varied from very rocky, to potholes to
severe ruts going of for miles at a time. Not to mention the graders –
loosening up all the gravel and rocks and leaving them scattered to make riding
a constant concentration. Albeit this, the scenery was to die for and the
challenging ride right up my alley!

The scenery once again started changing when we climbed
higher and had much larger valleys to look down into. More trees, a huge dam
and dangerous roads surfaces took us to Eliot where we refuelled. From there
the varied scenery was once again something to be hold. We were getting terrible
winds all day, but hitting the tar for a while, almost blew us off the bikes.
We met up with other bikers for supper and coming from 4 different directions,
all of them were talking about the wind! Then we started climbing the 13-kilometre Barkly Pass,
1990 meters at its summit. Rock formations are a magnificent display of
mountain splendor. It is part of the southern Drakensberg; ... Barkly Pass is apparently the only one of the eight passes in the Eastern Cape that is
tarred!?
Twice we were met by sheep returning
home, walking the entire breadth of the road and oblivious to our time
constraints! Once again riding through farms, up masses of mountains and going
through hairpin bends.
At one place the road was covered in mud paddles and as
I went through, I caught a pothole and almost came down. Thankfully I managed
to stay on top, but my bike and I was covered in mud!
This last stretch was
really tough, but also the most spectacular part of the trip for me. As we were
reaching our last kms, the sun started changing the magnificent mountains in
pinks and purples.
Riding this trip today, I cannot but admire
the handy work of a great God. I am so
thankful that I have had the opportunity to see this part of the world, in such
a way – one really does experience it so much better on a bike!! I always say I
live in the prettiest part of our country, but what I have seen today, confirms
that South Africa
cannot be beaten when it comes to the most stunning scenery! A sight to behold
– once again!
I am knackered and glad I am not sleeping in
my tent on the ground tonight! I had forgotten what hard work it is to keep a
bike going when conditions are so difficult. Yet, every single km was worth it!
I loved not only the scenery, but the challenge of a difficult road that was
within my limits.
I have seen, I have ridden, and I have
conquered!
Happy you have someone with you who knows the way! Sound and looks AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures of you with your bike!
Hope the roads get smoother tomorrow for you!
~Debbie!
I am so glad you are having a great time. Be safe, and enjoy all of it.
ReplyDeletebattle scars already!? hope that the mud flap is the last of it. what you lack in english vocabulary to describe your latest route, you make up for in pictures and description. it must have been very challenging and i am thrilled that you got through unscathed. you are right, of course. there is not a more beautiful place in all the world than this which we have right here and i am so glad that you have made the time to stop and look. glad you had a decent bed to sleep in. really envious. stay safe, jinx. come back in one piece, hey!
ReplyDeleteThanks Douw! I had a fantastic time and nice knowing there are folk back home vouching for my safe return. I love the stops and the pics cannot do just what I am seeing and experiencing, but at least you can get a glimpse! I will be back in one piece!
ReplyDeleteGreat photo's . Glad you are having so much fun!!
ReplyDelete