We left the winelands of the Roberston valley for the wheat fields of Caledon yesterday, with a brutal 140km stage skirting the Villiersdorp mountains.
It was 'touch and go' for my Dutch friends, with Bert and Egbert-Jan making the cutoff by a scant nine minutes to put me out of my worrying misery. Soaring temperatures coupled with dust and wind turned Wednesday's trek into a a true 'afkak.' Unfortunately, Frank and Arnold our now out of the race, with serious bike problems and a back wheel to replace. They will travel with me and ride a leisurely few hours daily once the Arnold's wheel is sorted out.
Thursday was no different, with a storm on the horizon and a gale force northwester bringing heavy rain by last night and into today - the mechanics will be busy tonight. Speaking of mechanics, thanks to Mark Weedall and his team for their world class service; these guys work regularly into the wee hours, with last night's bedtime being 5am this morning.
Standby for a quick photo-essay:
Arriving in Caledon at hour beautiful accommodation and ever attentive hosts, Jean and Didi.
Our watchdog across the road.
Plotting my next move on the stoep.
Inside Jean's home bar...
...and bioscope!
Ominous clouds on the horizon.
Less than fun conditions for the riders.
Bert and Egbert-Jan finish strongly, but are in need of some revitalisation. We speed back to our Mill St residence and they dive into the shower, while I prepare them hot tea and pies.
"If the tea is good, all is good!" The colour comes back into their faces after 9 hours in the saddle.
Our mobile laundry, ready for the move to Grabouw this morning. The weather is no better. Thanks to Jean and Didi for their hospitality.
After arriving at our Grabouw accommodation, I can honestly say we are in heaven. My room with a view
Life is good.
Also managed to catch of with some 'chinas' yesterday, who are also battling along with their own problems. Lieuwe Boonstra is rapidly recovering after a fall two days ago and some serious gravel rash. With partner Al Davies, they are soldiering on after some serious bad luck.
Both these guys have recently appeared on the covers of SA's two foremost cycling magazines; Ride (Lieuwe) and Bicycling (Al). Bearing in mind that they both have full time jobs and manage to race at an elite level, it is great to see these 'part-timers' mixing it with the 'full-timers'. All of that pre-dawn training is paying off.
Signing off with the hope of better weather tomorrow.
