And so, to sum up ....

A marvellous tour, encompassing masses of what Africa has to offer. Very much of what I saw was utterly magnificent, mainly the geography of the continent and the wildlife. Some was less wonderful, for example the stark contrast between the haves and have-nots in the more prosperous regions. The individual highspots have been in the hundreds, and it would be completely impossible to select one, so the final photograph (courtesy of Helen) is to be exactly the opposite, the afternoon the deluge came to Hobas Camp, Fish River Canyon.

The very last word, though, has to be to praise the crew, Maryke, Gary & Mike for their humour, skills, fortitude and dedication to ensuring that the trip delivered what the brochure promised. It certainly did that, and more.

Alfresco Cuisine at its Finest

01.02.2015 : Day +2

I have to wonder if there is a great lot of point in blogging on, as these final few entries are certainly going to get a touch samey. I added the few days onto the end of AiF in order to cycle the cape a little, so all will essentially read the same.

The only differences from yesterday are :

a) I reset the saddle, so bum now OK, although bruised from yesterday;
b) I rode the quieter city streets today, taking advantage of it being a Sunday;
c) I hit a faulty storm drain cover and damaged the rear wheel, so...
d) I tinkered with it to get it OKish for tomorrow;
e) I returned to lime, following my excursion to caramel yesterday.

31.01.2015 : Day +1

A late breakfast - the bike was not due until 1000. Good planning, as it had rained early on anyway. Everything imaginable was on offer in the breakfast room, even the very adaptor I needed for getting the iPad charged (odd, that; I got the whole way across outback Africa being able to hook up with the adaptor I brought, but it was not able to help me in the most modern venue of all visited.) Proprietor Gary really does like to assist his guests at every turn. Where possible, he even makes a point of taking folks to the airport.

Mark arrived with the Le Mond bang on 1000, and we did a bit of tinkering before I took off on a mini loop or two to feel the fit. The loan shoes fitted perfectly, and off I went, heading south towards the cape. It soon became apparent that there is more tinkering yet to do tomorrow, as the saddle soon became unbearably uncomfortable, cutting into my delicate bum summat awful. I am hoping that it is merely misaligned a touch.

Consequently, only 20-25 miles got done, and the afternoon was spent walking the stretch between the B&B and the heavily tarted-up waterfront. Yes, milk shakes were indeed available. Caramel. May go for that again.

Nervous; 8 weeks without turning a pedal