Yesterday was far, today was hard! Andrew, our Zimbabwean Maintenance Manager that we had at Elands Nursery, could not speak much Afrikaans, but he had this saying: Die son bak genadeloos! Well, this was the case today, also had a head wind, and loooots of climbing.
As I left Garies and got onto the N7, I started climbing and this carried on for more than 24km's. Don't think it stopped then, there was just a short respite before it continued. Add to this a head wind, tired legs from yesterday's far ride and temperatures in the 30's and you get a tough, challenging ride.
I have a saying: Never underestimate a short ride. This was proven again today. For the last 20-odd km's I was rationing my water and Game (Energy drink) and at one stage considered opening a tin of tuna so that I could drink the water! The lesson learned is that I will from now on, carry the extra 2 litres that I can accommodate in my hydration pack, irrespective of it meaning that I am carrying an extra 2 kg's!
Distance traveled today, was only 49.07km, but it took me 3h57 of cycling (4h22 including rest stops). Average cycling speed of only 12.38km/h! Shocking, but that was all I could manage.
We are camping tonight at the Kamieskroon Hotel Caravan Park. I think the only time they do business, is in the spring flower season. But it is neat and clean. We are the only people in the camp tonight, and I have decided against pitching my tent in favour of sleeping in the ladies bathroom! My inflatable mattress is there and hopefully there will be no mosquito's!
Tomorrow is another tough day with lots of climbing up to Springbok. Distance should be around 80km and weather forecast says more wind from the front, sigh.....
If I reach Springbok (Goegap Nature Reserve) safely, I will be rewarded with another rest day. Well deserved, I think. I have also decided to buy a new GPS, and Desireé, my friend from Gordon's Bay, will have it posted overnight to Springbok for me. Maybe I must ask her to switch it on when she posts it, so that I can get the profile from down south to where we are!
Anyway, let me get offline, our vegetables are steaming away and we will have some sausage with butternut and potatoes and apples for dessert.
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Karenkie
ReplyDeleteEk het jou blogadres aan Roddy Macleod gestuur (nou afgetrede bibliotekaris in Skotland) en ek sien hy het op Twitter die adres die wereld ingestuur!!!!! So verwag meer belangstelling in jou blog hoor!
Liefdegroete
Tillie