The wintery weather continued on Friday’s stage into Grabouw, with the fields at Oak Valley being flooded and requiring gumboots instead of tekkies.
The heat and dehydration of Robertson was now replaced by hypothermia as even the pro’s looked blue upon arrival. The weather did start to improve later in the day, with my Dutch friends pulling back substantial time and clearly ‘riding themselves in’ while several others were moving in the opposite direction.
Our accommodation was spectacular; the Yellowwood Creek in Grabouw retreat@yellowwoodcreek.com, where one awakes to a view of the Groenlandberg and surrounding forests.
We managed to secure a set of used wheels for Arnold from CycleWorx http://www.cycleworx.co.za and Hermanus Cycles http://www.hermanuscycles.co.za, enabling him and Frank to enjoy a leisurely 80km spin from Rooiels to Grabouw through the beautiful Appletiser valley. Thanks to Eugene and Wynand for their help.
The final two days were business as usual, with Bert and Egbert-Jan getting stronger. Although slowed by a broken chain on Saturday, they finished well within the daily time cut and were elated to cross the line in Lourensford after and ‘epic Cape Epic;’ arguably the toughest thus far. I can second that statement, with only the 2008 edition coming close to the severity of this year’s route and conditions.
Thanks to our mechanic Mark Weedall and masseur Jodie Louw http://www.ppfitness.co.za for their world class support.
Friday's stage into Oak Valley was a mud bath.
Many a rider came a cropper on this final obstacle just before the finish, including our friend Andrew Koen, who broke his nose on the bridge.
Only two more days to go.
My room in Grabouw had its own library.
Saturday dawned brighter, with happier faces all round.
Laundry done and ready for delivery.
It was a long week, but this shot proves it was all worth it.
Egbert-Jan receives his finishers medal from past winner Stefan Sahm.
The pride of Utrecht. Egbert-Jan and Bert will have bragging rights for years to come.