2 May 2010 Kenhardt to Van Wyksvlei

Day 26 on the bike, can you believe it!

What a day, I had the wind from behind and I believe the people of the Northern Cape must be spoiled by their roads department. I was warned by 3 people that the road was in a very poor state (at least the first 30km, followed by some rocky bits), but as far as I am concerned, this was one of the best dirt roads I have been on since the start of this trip. So, people from the Northern Cape, appreciate what you have!

Today was also the longest distance I have done on a dirt road. 143,53km and it took me 7h25 (6h30 of which cycling). The route profile for today also shows a very slow climb most of the way, with very little down-hills. As I mentioned yesterday, this means very little freeing down-hill. All hard work, but with the wind from behind, I was doing up to 35km/h on stretches of flat road.

After the upsetting incident with the Steenbokkie yesterday, I had another one today, but I think this bokkie was training for the Comrades Marathon. He ran along the fence just ahead of me, for approx 7km's! He must have died from a heart attack after this....

Also saw another dead porcupine today, the 12th one I think.

My butt hurts today, but I know I will be fine tomorrow. We have a short day tomorrow, only 40km to the farm of old family friends of mine. We will stay there for 2 days, then head off to Loxton.

Amanda, my friend from Knysna has asked for the rest of my itinerary, so here goes:
From Loxton to Beaufort West (Karoo National Park for a few days), Prince Albert, Gamkaskloof (The Hell), De Rust, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, George, Knysna and back home. I might still decide to change my route and cut out the trip to Gamkaskloof, as it is tough enough without panniers! Will see how I feel when I get there.

We are staying in the one and only Guest House in Van Wyksvlei this evening (Thys and Nerina are camping in their rooftop tent though, but are using the house for computer work and bathroom etc) Another one-horse town. It is just incredibly sad to see how the ... my English deserts me: Die ontvolking van die platteland is ontstellend. There are so many farm houses standing empty and falling apart. The people have for various reasons, moved to the cities or larger towns.

I am quite tired this evening, but still feel good. My visits with "Tannie Mima" (Aunty Mima) are always very pleasant and I am looking forward to a rest day there. They farm with sheep, and start shearing tomorrow. This should be quite an experience to watch!

So cheers from me, take care and catch ya later.