From the Captains Saddle
THE WEEK THAT WAS.
Day 7 has seen us rumble into IMLA GUEST FARM, in Clocolan, Orange Free State. Johan and Jannet Smith have very kindly sponsored us in their 1800’s BNB farmhouse, which is simply stunning. Today was 81 km , 800 m climbing …hot & windy !
The Tour stats thus far 545 km, 9165 m of climbing which exceeds the height of one Mount Everest (of which their are 4,5 to summit this tour).
The daily routine up at 4:15 am to pack and ride by 5.30 am is onerous. Averaging just under 80 km per day on tar and gravel with knobbly tyres and climbing every mountain pass available, is quite some ask especially as it warms up to +33 C most days and as you imagine in the Free State ………. head winds 😅 eish !!
Ryan Mutare Moss is doing a sterling job of chaperoning our ride , taking incredible photos and videos and posting to facebook every day. Follow us on the the “Old Legs Tour”.
Specialist bike mechanic Matambo finally came to the fore repairing Badger Fivaz’s bike which had developed a disturbing gear rumble which was causing him considerable psychological financial stress and a few sleepless nights 😂. Sleepless nights probably because he is bunking with me, a professional snorer ask anyone 😂
David is the second person i know who suffers from Tourettes syndrome ( where every sentence contains at least one expletive normally more) usually about the tour organiser, the route planner, the guy who talked him in to joining in, the weather app guy…….. the prick who built the road, as he ground his way up a 21 km climb (Oliviershoek pass) at + 30 c was particularly impressive.
Deidre has developed a new sports tan, which proves that her bling goggles do actually work…… may the supplier please send us all a pair for the trial and promotion! The Pink pedallo has now got its first scar, causing much consternation in the Simpson team given the expensive PVC wrapper supposed to protect it.
Zinc ointment battered on seems the only way to protect our dry, chapped lips from the elements, arriving looking much like the minstrels, causes a few chuckles !
So the week in summary, we have pedalled from Hillcrest through the Drakensberg valley , crested at Little Switzerland aptly named due to its friggin altitude 😂 1735 m, and around via Golden Gate National Park, Clarens, Fouriesburg and now at Clocolan. Route pic attached !
All of this in aid of fundraising for Zimbabwean pensioners, who have been financially ruined by years of disaster. Spare them a thought, and us having to suffer Davids curses as we pedal across South Africa and donate where you can. With much gratitude and thanks
Yours in the saddle
Chris C J Bradshaw
