In my last blog I forgot to mention my cousin Sharon, thank you so much for pulling through to spend time with me when I was in Durban!
The last stretch of my trip has been incredible, an awesome way to finish!
The ride from The Prawn Shack into Richards Bay was a lekker ride, I had a tail wind which made life so good! When I arrived in Richards Bay I met up with Craig and Cher. I met them when I pulled into the Prawn Shack the previous day, and they offered me accommodation at their house in Richards Bay. They were so kind to me, really incredible! I was spoilt with an awesome curry, a very comfortable bed, amazing conversation and to top it off, Craig and Cher organized me an interview with a local magazine, and a new back wheel at the local cycle shop, Zululand Cycles! Thank you so much to Craig and Cher for your awesome kindness and care! Really an incredible couple with big hearts!
Zululand Cycles is an awesome shop, no doubt the friendliest, most helpful and efficient bicycle shop I have ever been to! They gave me a new back wheel, as I had buckled my one quite a while back, for no charge! Thank you to Terrance and everyone at Zululand Cycles!
The next day I planned to ride into Mtubatuba along the N2, however I met an awesome guy by the name of Ian at a farmstall on the side of the N2 when I was about 30km from Mtubatuba. He was a mountain biker and told me about this epic route that would take me to St Lucia. He drew me a map and I was off, I got lost a couple of times on the farm roads that branch off everywhere, but always managed to have a jol on these new detours. Then my luck ran out, I suffered two punctures in quick succession only to find out that I was out of spair tubes and my puncture kit was missing vital components that I needed to fix the puncture! It was 4pm and I was now 30km or so from any town as I had taken this new route, so now I had to make a plan to get into a town to get a puncture kit and somehow get back to the same spot the next day to carry on the ride. So I started to look for cars passing by to give me a lift, the only issue being that I hadn't seen any car on the road I was on for the past half hour that I'd been on it. Then I started to think of other plans, I realized that I was on the banks of the Umfolozi River and if I could find a boat I could float down to the river mouth which I hoped would be right next to St Lucia, this idea died when I couldn't find a boat and got told that there where crocodiles in the river. I then started looking for a lift again, my saving grace being a tractor with a trailer, such an awesome guy who was more than happy to take me to a more main road where I could find a lift easier. Once on this main road it was no issue getting a lift into St Lucia!
Once I reached St Lucia I went to the nearest bar to find directions to a backpackers in St Lucia, at the bar I was called over by an awesome family! They were so kind to me! I was fed a huge burger that was so good and had awesome conversation with all of them! Thank you so much!
The next day was a day that I had been looking forward to for a very long time! I would be meeting my incredibly awesome family and beautiful girlfriend, Jessica, along the way and I would be with them the last three days of the trip! I had been looking forward to that day for a very long time, and it was an awesome feeling to be able to be with them again!
I was spoilt with incredible food by my Superwoman Mother and Master Chef Sister! It was so good to be mothered again! There was not a piece of dirty clothing, not a single space left in my stomach, not a chance of skipping a shower or going for more than 10minutes without being smothered in hugs and kisses by my mom, really awesome to be with my incredible mom again!
I got a whole box full of my sisters famous ginger bread biscuits which didn't last longer that the first two days! She has been too cool! Fussing over me non stop, making me tell every story about my trip! A very awesome sister who has been an inspiration to me throughout the trip!
Spending time with my girlfriend Jessica again was too epic, she has given me such support the entire trip! I am really lucky to have such an epic girl like her in my life! There was not a day where I didn't get a message from her wishing me luck for the ride and ensuring that I had arrived safely, what a babe!
I had such an awesome time riding the last few days with my dad, we made sure that we found a Tavern within the last 10km or so everyday we rode together! It was a jol! It was very cool to not be the only one moaning and wining if we woke up and saw that we would face a headwind that day. It really was 3 days of riding that stand out for me!
I was bowled over with surprise and excitement when my best mates Jono and Gav and the legendary Jane came all the way from Joburg to be with me when I reached the border! Absolutely incredible people!
My dad rode with me the full three days, and I was super lucky to have my sister, gav and jono ride a good portion aswell! The three of them not having peddled a bicycle for ages! I was super stoked to have the opportunity to share part of my trip with all of them!
The finish line came with very weird feelings, it was awesome to know that I had achieved what I set out to do and would be seeing all my friends and family again, however I was extremely sad in that I had actually finished and would have to go back to living in 'reality' again.
I will be writing another blog after this one to fully thank all the people that made my trip so special.
Thank you for all the support, in supporting me and most importantly, supporting the cause! It is much appreciated
Www.alzheimers.org.za
Sunday, 25 December 2011
Sunday, 11 December 2011
Friends, Family, Friends!
I have had such an epic time lately, hence the lack of blogging. The ride to Port Shepston was really lekker, the roads were awesome! Very scenic and the drivers were really cool towards me! I stayed at a backpackers just out of Port Shepston called The Spot, a very cool place with some awesome people!
The next day I rode on to a place called Umzumbe, there I stayed at a backpackers called The Mantis And Moon, an awesome place that I would definitely recommend anyone to go to! There are tree houses, teepees and very nice dorms, and on top of that there is a top class bar! I was extremely fortunate here as I had met the owner of the place, Andy. An extremely kind man who gave me a free bed for two nights and free, incredible food! The managers of the place, Byron and Bianca were aswell, extremely kind! Making me feel at home the whole time I spent there and ensuring that I was well fed the entire time, two very cool people who I hope to see soon! I also met some awesome, interesting people that I would definitely like to see again! There is no doubt that I will be returning there as soon as I can! Thank you so much to all of you for an incredible stay!
After two nights at Mantis, I made my way through to Durban in two days. I have been looking so forward to getting to Durban as I have incredible family there that absolutely spoilt me! My aunt Lynette who ensured that I stocked up on awesome food and looked after me with such kindness and care, my uncle Mark who gave me a very comfortable bed the time I was there, my cousin Lauren who took me out to see the town and who I spent a lot of time having good conversation and catching up, my other uncle and aunt Kevin and Jane who came over one night for an awesome family dinner, my cousins Jarryd and Brett who I got to spend some good time with, my incredible Grandpa who made sure I knew exactly where I was going the whole way, he even drove the route into Durban the morning I was due to arrive so that he was able to talk me through my route into Durban and give me the safest route, he then sat me down with some maps so that we could discuss my route up the North Coast, absloutely Awesome! And my incredible loving Nana, who fed me an incredible meal, made sure I had food for the next couple of days and was just, as everyone was, incredibly loving and supporting! Thank you! And then there is my cousin Greig, who has been so supportive of me the whole trip, as has everyone, he told, I think everyone he knows about my trip, and took me to meet all of his friends and took me out many nights to see what Durbans about! Awesome oke and friend! Thank you to all my family in Durban who made my time so memorable!
While I was in Durban I had the fortune to have met up with a very kind lady from the Alzheimers Association, by the name of Sarah, she was incredibly kind to me, she motivated me, and was very interested to hear all about my trip! Sarah also went above and beyond and gave me a new odometer for my bike seeing as my other one broke along the way. Thank you so much Sarah! It was incredible to meet you and I hope I get the opportunity again very soon!
From durban I rode into Ballito, where I stayed with Megan and Lorna Davidson, they cooked for me and made sure I had a comfortable bed! Thank you!
Today I rode into a place called the Prawn Shack, I got told about it from Greig, and I was very fortunate to have met some padalers who were so kind to me, by giving me food and drinks, they are from a group called My Gas. I also was lucky enough to meet a man by the name of Richard who is paddling from Mozam to Namibia! An awesome guy who is raising money for a charity called Miles for Smiles, Goodluck Richard!
Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported me along the way!
To all those people who have been supporting the cause, I thank you, without you, there would be no point in the trip! Thank you!
Www.alzheimers.org.za
The next day I rode on to a place called Umzumbe, there I stayed at a backpackers called The Mantis And Moon, an awesome place that I would definitely recommend anyone to go to! There are tree houses, teepees and very nice dorms, and on top of that there is a top class bar! I was extremely fortunate here as I had met the owner of the place, Andy. An extremely kind man who gave me a free bed for two nights and free, incredible food! The managers of the place, Byron and Bianca were aswell, extremely kind! Making me feel at home the whole time I spent there and ensuring that I was well fed the entire time, two very cool people who I hope to see soon! I also met some awesome, interesting people that I would definitely like to see again! There is no doubt that I will be returning there as soon as I can! Thank you so much to all of you for an incredible stay!
After two nights at Mantis, I made my way through to Durban in two days. I have been looking so forward to getting to Durban as I have incredible family there that absolutely spoilt me! My aunt Lynette who ensured that I stocked up on awesome food and looked after me with such kindness and care, my uncle Mark who gave me a very comfortable bed the time I was there, my cousin Lauren who took me out to see the town and who I spent a lot of time having good conversation and catching up, my other uncle and aunt Kevin and Jane who came over one night for an awesome family dinner, my cousins Jarryd and Brett who I got to spend some good time with, my incredible Grandpa who made sure I knew exactly where I was going the whole way, he even drove the route into Durban the morning I was due to arrive so that he was able to talk me through my route into Durban and give me the safest route, he then sat me down with some maps so that we could discuss my route up the North Coast, absloutely Awesome! And my incredible loving Nana, who fed me an incredible meal, made sure I had food for the next couple of days and was just, as everyone was, incredibly loving and supporting! Thank you! And then there is my cousin Greig, who has been so supportive of me the whole trip, as has everyone, he told, I think everyone he knows about my trip, and took me to meet all of his friends and took me out many nights to see what Durbans about! Awesome oke and friend! Thank you to all my family in Durban who made my time so memorable!
While I was in Durban I had the fortune to have met up with a very kind lady from the Alzheimers Association, by the name of Sarah, she was incredibly kind to me, she motivated me, and was very interested to hear all about my trip! Sarah also went above and beyond and gave me a new odometer for my bike seeing as my other one broke along the way. Thank you so much Sarah! It was incredible to meet you and I hope I get the opportunity again very soon!
From durban I rode into Ballito, where I stayed with Megan and Lorna Davidson, they cooked for me and made sure I had a comfortable bed! Thank you!
Today I rode into a place called the Prawn Shack, I got told about it from Greig, and I was very fortunate to have met some padalers who were so kind to me, by giving me food and drinks, they are from a group called My Gas. I also was lucky enough to meet a man by the name of Richard who is paddling from Mozam to Namibia! An awesome guy who is raising money for a charity called Miles for Smiles, Goodluck Richard!
Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported me along the way!
To all those people who have been supporting the cause, I thank you, without you, there would be no point in the trip! Thank you!
Www.alzheimers.org.za
Friday, 2 December 2011
Transkei, Just Epic!
The riding through the transkei has been incredible! It is most definitely one of the spots on my trip that I will remember for its incredibly kind people who all have a great sense of humor! Due to the fact that it is a densely populated area, I have had the fortune to be able to chat someone almost at any time along any ride! I have tried to learn a few basic words in the local language Xhosa, and it has been such a jam trying to piece together conversations with actions, and the odd word here and there.
There have been so many memorable moments along the way such as having little children run beside me on the uphills urging me on the whole way, being chased by dogs on several occasions which got the blood pumping, having to dodge the odd cow on the downhills, and most definitely having many laughs with people when I try my hand at Xhosa!
I have met incredible people through the Transkei, most notably a man by the name of Livingston. As I was riding up a heavy hill, a man on the side of the road waved me down to ask my story. He was fluent in English and we had a good chat about what I was doing, he told me he was building himself a house and showed me where it was, an awesome view! He then asked me when I would be returning through the same way because he wanted to ensure that he had some cooldrinks so that I could have a refreshing break drinking coke in his new house. I told him that I wouldn't be returning on a bicycle for a while but I would definitely make a mission through that part of the world sometime in the future and would bring along some beers to celebrate his new house. What an amazing man! Such a kind heart and that has been the norm the whole way through Transkei!
Most definitely will be returning soon!
Tonight I am in Port Edward and will be riding through to Port Shepstone tomorrow, very stoked for that!
I have had the incredible fortune to have had my two very close mates, Josh and Rick, drive behind me through the Transkei! It has been an epic jam the whole way and I can't thank them enough for everything they have done! Really awesome guys with big hearts!
Thank you to everyone who has been contributing towards the Alzheimers Association! It is incredible kind and is helping a lot of people!
Www.alzheimers.org.za
There have been so many memorable moments along the way such as having little children run beside me on the uphills urging me on the whole way, being chased by dogs on several occasions which got the blood pumping, having to dodge the odd cow on the downhills, and most definitely having many laughs with people when I try my hand at Xhosa!
I have met incredible people through the Transkei, most notably a man by the name of Livingston. As I was riding up a heavy hill, a man on the side of the road waved me down to ask my story. He was fluent in English and we had a good chat about what I was doing, he told me he was building himself a house and showed me where it was, an awesome view! He then asked me when I would be returning through the same way because he wanted to ensure that he had some cooldrinks so that I could have a refreshing break drinking coke in his new house. I told him that I wouldn't be returning on a bicycle for a while but I would definitely make a mission through that part of the world sometime in the future and would bring along some beers to celebrate his new house. What an amazing man! Such a kind heart and that has been the norm the whole way through Transkei!
Most definitely will be returning soon!
Tonight I am in Port Edward and will be riding through to Port Shepstone tomorrow, very stoked for that!
I have had the incredible fortune to have had my two very close mates, Josh and Rick, drive behind me through the Transkei! It has been an epic jam the whole way and I can't thank them enough for everything they have done! Really awesome guys with big hearts!
Thank you to everyone who has been contributing towards the Alzheimers Association! It is incredible kind and is helping a lot of people!
Www.alzheimers.org.za
The riding through the transkei has been incredible! It is most definitely one of the spots on my trip that I will remember for its incredibly kind people who all have a great sense of humor! Due to the fact that it is a densely populated area, I have had the fortune to be able to chat someone almost at any time along any ride! I have tried to learn a few basic words in the local language Xhosa, and it has been such a jam trying to piece together conversations with actions, and the odd word here and there.
There have been so many memorable moments along the way such as having little children run beside me on the uphills urging me on the whole way, being chased by dogs on several occasions which got the blood pumping, having to dodge the odd cow on the downhills, and most definitely having many laughs with people when I try my hand at Xhosa!
I have met incredible people through the Transkei, most notably a man by the name of Livingston. As I was riding up a heavy hill, a man on the side of the road waved me down to ask my story. He was fluent in English and we had a good chat about what I was doing, he told me he was building himself a house and showed me where it was, an awesome view! He then asked me when I would be returning through the same way because he wanted to ensure that he had some cooldrinks so that I could have a refreshing break drinking coke in his new house. I told him that I wouldn't be returning on a bicycle for a while but I would definitely make a mission through that part of the world sometime in the future and would bring along some beers to celebrate his new house. What an amazing man! Such a kind heart and that has been the norm the whole way through Transkei!
Most definitely will be returning soon!
Tonight I am in Port Edward and will be riding through to Port Shepstone tomorrow, very stoked for that!
I have had the incredible fortune to have had my two very close mates, Josh and Rick, drive behind me through the Transkei! It has been an epic jam the whole way and I can't thank them enough for everything they have done! Really awesome guys with big hearts!
Thank you to everyone who has been contributing towards the Alzheimers Association! It is incredible kind and is helping a lot of people!
Www.alzheimers.org.za
There have been so many memorable moments along the way such as having little children run beside me on the uphills urging me on the whole way, being chased by dogs on several occasions which got the blood pumping, having to dodge the odd cow on the downhills, and most definitely having many laughs with people when I try my hand at Xhosa!
I have met incredible people through the Transkei, most notably a man by the name of Livingston. As I was riding up a heavy hill, a man on the side of the road waved me down to ask my story. He was fluent in English and we had a good chat about what I was doing, he told me he was building himself a house and showed me where it was, an awesome view! He then asked me when I would be returning through the same way because he wanted to ensure that he had some cooldrinks so that I could have a refreshing break drinking coke in his new house. I told him that I wouldn't be returning on a bicycle for a while but I would definitely make a mission through that part of the world sometime in the future and would bring along some beers to celebrate his new house. What an amazing man! Such a kind heart and that has been the norm the whole way through Transkei!
Most definitely will be returning soon!
Tonight I am in Port Edward and will be riding through to Port Shepstone tomorrow, very stoked for that!
I have had the incredible fortune to have had my two very close mates, Josh and Rick, drive behind me through the Transkei! It has been an epic jam the whole way and I can't thank them enough for everything they have done! Really awesome guys with big hearts!
Thank you to everyone who has been contributing towards the Alzheimers Association! It is incredible kind and is helping a lot of people!
Www.alzheimers.org.za
Monday, 28 November 2011
Transkei
The ride from East London into Chintsa was awesome! I was extremely fortunate to have enjoyed an awesome lunch with Kim van Kits! Really such an inspiration and a very kind and friendly heart! Thank you for everything!
I again was extremely fortunate to spend the night in Chintsa with family friends Peter and Glynis Bartlett. Such kind people with extremely generous hearts! It was so good to spend time with them and be spoilt with an awesome meal and lekka company! Thank you!
I have been super lucky to have my mates Josh and Rick be a sort of support vehicle with me through the Transkei! It has been such a jam and awesome to have good mates around for a while!
The riding through the Transkei has been epic! Heavy heavy hills that go on for what feels like forever! But I have absolutely loved riding through the country sides, the people are so kind and extremely friendly always asking me where I have come from and where I am going.
Riding on the N2 through the Transkei has been interesting, cows casually strolling over the road and dogs always curious to check out what I'm doing. Loving it!
The people in Transkei have been so accommodating! Thank you to everyone.
We stayed at Coffee Bay the last 2 nights, what an awesome place! Met awesome people and had a lot of fun! Tonight we are in Port St Johns! Awesome spot aswell!
Thank you to everyone for the support along the way! And thank you especially to everyone who has been supporting the Alzheimers Cause! Really very kind and much appreciated!
Www.alzheimers.org.za
I again was extremely fortunate to spend the night in Chintsa with family friends Peter and Glynis Bartlett. Such kind people with extremely generous hearts! It was so good to spend time with them and be spoilt with an awesome meal and lekka company! Thank you!
I have been super lucky to have my mates Josh and Rick be a sort of support vehicle with me through the Transkei! It has been such a jam and awesome to have good mates around for a while!
The riding through the Transkei has been epic! Heavy heavy hills that go on for what feels like forever! But I have absolutely loved riding through the country sides, the people are so kind and extremely friendly always asking me where I have come from and where I am going.
Riding on the N2 through the Transkei has been interesting, cows casually strolling over the road and dogs always curious to check out what I'm doing. Loving it!
The people in Transkei have been so accommodating! Thank you to everyone.
We stayed at Coffee Bay the last 2 nights, what an awesome place! Met awesome people and had a lot of fun! Tonight we are in Port St Johns! Awesome spot aswell!
Thank you to everyone for the support along the way! And thank you especially to everyone who has been supporting the Alzheimers Cause! Really very kind and much appreciated!
Www.alzheimers.org.za
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
The ride from Fish River was quite a heavy one with another tough headwind, but I was epically lucky once again:) just by chance I had the privilege of meeting an inspirational lady by the name of Kim van Kets. Kim completed an epic adventure herself, circumnavigating the entire South Africa by foot, bike and paddling! An awesome achievement and an inspiration! Not only that but Kim has been exceptionally kind to me by organizing me places to stay and have a hot meal the last couple days! I really have been so spoilt with epic food and comfortable beds! Thank you so much to the Moodys and everyone else in Birha for your incredible hospitality and kindness along with a meal to remember! And thank you to Marilyn and the family for an awesome stay in Kidds Beach, I was treated to an awesome curry and very kind company!!
The riding the past couple days has been hard with head winds and sharp hills, however the views have been spectacular! Aswell as awesome people along the way on the road!!
I suffered a couple punctures yesterday and was delighted to find out that my spare tube had a few holes in it and to go with that I lost my puncture repair kit along the way,, so I had to make do with pumping my tyre with air after every uphill and hoping it would last the next downhill, this carried on until the self sealant kicked in, only after about 10 or 15km though, part of the fun I guess:)
I am looking forward to a good day of cycling tomorrow into Chintsa! The weather seams to be turning in my favor, always a good sign!
Thank you to all the people who have been helping to support the cause by donating money to the Alzheimers Association! It is much appreciated and it is going to a good cause!
Www.alzheimers.org.za
The riding the past couple days has been hard with head winds and sharp hills, however the views have been spectacular! Aswell as awesome people along the way on the road!!
I suffered a couple punctures yesterday and was delighted to find out that my spare tube had a few holes in it and to go with that I lost my puncture repair kit along the way,, so I had to make do with pumping my tyre with air after every uphill and hoping it would last the next downhill, this carried on until the self sealant kicked in, only after about 10 or 15km though, part of the fun I guess:)
I am looking forward to a good day of cycling tomorrow into Chintsa! The weather seams to be turning in my favor, always a good sign!
Thank you to all the people who have been helping to support the cause by donating money to the Alzheimers Association! It is much appreciated and it is going to a good cause!
Www.alzheimers.org.za
Sunday, 20 November 2011
The last couple of days have truly been awesome, the riding from PE on the N2 was definitely sketchy at times with road works and trucks, however it is always made up for in the epic views I get to experience and the incredible people I get to meet!
I didn't manage to reach Kenton as I originally planned, but there was a town, Alexandria which couldn't of come at a better time for me! I decided that I would spend the night there and from there head off to Grahamstown. I was extremely fortunate to have been given a bed to sleep in at the Heritage Hotel in Alexandria, thank you so much to the very kind people there, definitely a place to visit if you are passing through that part of the world:)
The next day took me on an awesome road where I was super lucky to ride in between game farms and alles. I was able to see Giraffe, monkeys and baboons! What a treat, however it did come with its territory, being Heavy hills and very rough gravel roads! But again was definitely worth it!!
I spent three nights in Grahamstown with my good mate Josh, it was definitely time well spent! Met awesome people and had a great time!! Thanks Josh for everything! What an awesome mate!! Goodluck for all the exams!
I left Grahamstown and cycled into Port Alfred, a super hard ride with heavy weather... But got there nonetheless:) today I cycled to Fish River, one of the worst days on the road for me, with ridiculous head winds, and Rubbish Drivers! But the scenery was still epic:)
Tomorrow will be quite a push to Kidds Beach, especially if the wind doesn't die down, but will still be a good ride I'm sure:)
Thank you to everyone who has been supporting the cause to raise money for Alzheimers, thank you to those who still are going to support the Alzheimers Association in their efforts to make life easier:)
Www.alzheimers.org.za
I didn't manage to reach Kenton as I originally planned, but there was a town, Alexandria which couldn't of come at a better time for me! I decided that I would spend the night there and from there head off to Grahamstown. I was extremely fortunate to have been given a bed to sleep in at the Heritage Hotel in Alexandria, thank you so much to the very kind people there, definitely a place to visit if you are passing through that part of the world:)
The next day took me on an awesome road where I was super lucky to ride in between game farms and alles. I was able to see Giraffe, monkeys and baboons! What a treat, however it did come with its territory, being Heavy hills and very rough gravel roads! But again was definitely worth it!!
I spent three nights in Grahamstown with my good mate Josh, it was definitely time well spent! Met awesome people and had a great time!! Thanks Josh for everything! What an awesome mate!! Goodluck for all the exams!
I left Grahamstown and cycled into Port Alfred, a super hard ride with heavy weather... But got there nonetheless:) today I cycled to Fish River, one of the worst days on the road for me, with ridiculous head winds, and Rubbish Drivers! But the scenery was still epic:)
Tomorrow will be quite a push to Kidds Beach, especially if the wind doesn't die down, but will still be a good ride I'm sure:)
Thank you to everyone who has been supporting the cause to raise money for Alzheimers, thank you to those who still are going to support the Alzheimers Association in their efforts to make life easier:)
Www.alzheimers.org.za
Sunday, 13 November 2011
J bay - PE
The night spent in Jbay was amazing to say the least, I stayed the night at the backpackers, Island Vibes, definitely a hotspot with a great reputation and a vibe to match it! I only rode 15km into Jbay that morning as I misjudged the distance the day before. So I got to spend most of the day in the Island Vibes pub and grub area, meeting people from all parts of the world that flock to Jbay for the waves and ofcourse a good South African experience. Again I experienced kindness when the team at Island Vibes gave me a bunk to sleep in so that I didn't have to pitch my tent in the wind and rain that night! Thanks to everyone at Island Vibes for an epic time! Will most definitely be going back as soon as I can!
The next morning I woke up to ride into PE, and my legs took major strain, so definitely am keen for a rest day soon! I spent the night in PE with the Brennans and Billsons, two absolutely awesome, kind families who fed me with an incredible meal and gave me a nice comfortable bed to sleep in, it really was so kind. I was even lucky enough to be taken out to see PE by Terry Billson, definitely an awesome town with interesting people, thanks Terry for an awesome time! Thanks to everyone over in PE for welcoming me into your home!
The next day was again very tough with my legs just not recovering properly anymore, so it was decided that a stop in Grahamstown for a couple of days is needed soon! I only managed to get 50km out of PE when my legs gave up, however I was again extremely lucky when I was welcomed into the home of the De Villiers where I was given an awesome meal and again a comfortable warm bed! An amazing family with very kind hearts! Thank you!
Today I am aiming to get to Kenton on sea where I will spend a night and then head off to Grahamstown to spend time with my good mate Josh! Looking forward to that!
Again thank you to all the people who have shown me such kindness and care along the way!
Www.alzheimers.org.za
The next morning I woke up to ride into PE, and my legs took major strain, so definitely am keen for a rest day soon! I spent the night in PE with the Brennans and Billsons, two absolutely awesome, kind families who fed me with an incredible meal and gave me a nice comfortable bed to sleep in, it really was so kind. I was even lucky enough to be taken out to see PE by Terry Billson, definitely an awesome town with interesting people, thanks Terry for an awesome time! Thanks to everyone over in PE for welcoming me into your home!
The next day was again very tough with my legs just not recovering properly anymore, so it was decided that a stop in Grahamstown for a couple of days is needed soon! I only managed to get 50km out of PE when my legs gave up, however I was again extremely lucky when I was welcomed into the home of the De Villiers where I was given an awesome meal and again a comfortable warm bed! An amazing family with very kind hearts! Thank you!
Today I am aiming to get to Kenton on sea where I will spend a night and then head off to Grahamstown to spend time with my good mate Josh! Looking forward to that!
Again thank you to all the people who have shown me such kindness and care along the way!
Www.alzheimers.org.za
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Leap of Faith
The night spent at the Wild Spirit Backpackers was awesome! If I had the time I wouldve stayed on for many more days! I met the most interesting and incredible people. Most definitely a place to go back to very soon!
The next day I woke up to the most exciting phone call, my parents had offered me an early christmas present of jumping the highest bungee bridge in the world seeing as I would be riding over it:) needless to say I took them up on the offer immediately! I rode over the bridge pumped with excitement! Then the actual jump was incredible! 4-5seconds of free fall and then you are caught by the cord! It was most definitely an amazing experience! Thanks to my mom and dad for that awesome gift and thank you to the Face Adrenaline team for the awesome jump and a very kind discount:)
That night I stayed in another backpackers at Storms River mouth called Dejumbe Backpackers, yet another awesome vibe, meeting amazing people! I was very fortunate to have met a very nice couple from England, Chris and Laura. Both very interesting people with extremely good hearts! We played a card game called Crazy Eights where Atti, the coolest barman around, cleaned us all out with very confusing rules:) definitely a night to remember!
This morning I woke up to rain and cold weather, so getting up was very rough! But once I was on the bike, I had good flat roads most of the way into Humansdorp, where again I experienced extreme kindness when a very nice couple welcomed me into their home to a very good meal and a comfortable bed:)
Tomorrow I'm off to J Bay, so I am epically Stoked!
Thanks again to everyone who has been so kind to me along the way, truly amazing people!
Www.alzheimers.org.za
The next day I woke up to the most exciting phone call, my parents had offered me an early christmas present of jumping the highest bungee bridge in the world seeing as I would be riding over it:) needless to say I took them up on the offer immediately! I rode over the bridge pumped with excitement! Then the actual jump was incredible! 4-5seconds of free fall and then you are caught by the cord! It was most definitely an amazing experience! Thanks to my mom and dad for that awesome gift and thank you to the Face Adrenaline team for the awesome jump and a very kind discount:)
That night I stayed in another backpackers at Storms River mouth called Dejumbe Backpackers, yet another awesome vibe, meeting amazing people! I was very fortunate to have met a very nice couple from England, Chris and Laura. Both very interesting people with extremely good hearts! We played a card game called Crazy Eights where Atti, the coolest barman around, cleaned us all out with very confusing rules:) definitely a night to remember!
This morning I woke up to rain and cold weather, so getting up was very rough! But once I was on the bike, I had good flat roads most of the way into Humansdorp, where again I experienced extreme kindness when a very nice couple welcomed me into their home to a very good meal and a comfortable bed:)
Tomorrow I'm off to J Bay, so I am epically Stoked!
Thanks again to everyone who has been so kind to me along the way, truly amazing people!
Www.alzheimers.org.za
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Lekker Days!
I have been so lucky the last couple days!! I left Vic Bay cycling with Craig, most definitely one of the best days of cycling with an Awesome cyclist! We rode into Knysna after a very well paced 60km over heavy hills and corrigations, but was well rewarded with spending an Awesome afternoon and evening with amazing people! Thank you so so much Craig and Coreta! I was extemely fortunate to be taken out onto the lagoon by Craig on his boat, I got to see the whole of the lagoon! It was amazing!
I was spoilt with an amazing meal, and a very comfortable bed:) the next morning we were off to breakfast where I experienced another awesome meal! Thank you so much to Craig a Coreta, your kindness and amazing hospitality were really taken to heart and much appreciated! I look forward to more good cycles with Craig in the future!
The day from Knysna started with a long climb, which basically set the tone for the rest of the day, hills, hills and more hills all the way to Natures Valley where I am staying tonight at the most epic backpackers I think across the country! I really could just disappear here:) amazing vibes and extremely friendly people!
Along the way today I stopped in at Plett to check out the beaches and maybe grab a coke. I was again bowled over by peoples kindness when I was invited to a free meal at the Beacon Island Resort! It must have been one of the best burgers I have ever tasted washed down with an extremely refreshing beer:) thank you so much to everybody at the Beacon Resort, your immense kindness will definitely not be forgotten!:)
Thank you again to everyone who has been supporting the charity of choice:) it means so much and will definitely go a very long way:) the link Www.alzheimers.org.za
I was spoilt with an amazing meal, and a very comfortable bed:) the next morning we were off to breakfast where I experienced another awesome meal! Thank you so much to Craig a Coreta, your kindness and amazing hospitality were really taken to heart and much appreciated! I look forward to more good cycles with Craig in the future!
The day from Knysna started with a long climb, which basically set the tone for the rest of the day, hills, hills and more hills all the way to Natures Valley where I am staying tonight at the most epic backpackers I think across the country! I really could just disappear here:) amazing vibes and extremely friendly people!
Along the way today I stopped in at Plett to check out the beaches and maybe grab a coke. I was again bowled over by peoples kindness when I was invited to a free meal at the Beacon Island Resort! It must have been one of the best burgers I have ever tasted washed down with an extremely refreshing beer:) thank you so much to everybody at the Beacon Resort, your immense kindness will definitely not be forgotten!:)
Thank you again to everyone who has been supporting the charity of choice:) it means so much and will definitely go a very long way:) the link Www.alzheimers.org.za
Kindness, amazing people
The riding into Stilbaai from Witsand was extremely tough, with heavy hills and tough roads, but it was most definitely rewarded! The first night in Stilbaai was spent mostly in the local Puffies Pub where I met the most incredible people and had a lekker time. Everyone I met in Stilbaai were extremely kind and accommodating, in particular a guy by the name of Rigard Liebenberg, who walked from Stilbaai to Durban along the coast earlier on this year, a great achievement! He invited me to stay with his family another night in Stilbaai. Thank you so much to Mr and Mrs Liebenberg and the rest of the family for your incredible kindness and care, I was fed incredible meals and was given a very comfortable bed to sleep in.
Rigard then rode with me from Stilbaai to Mosselbaai on his brothers bicycle, the trip took us to Gouritsmond where stayed in a very nice campsite after battling with long hills and rough gravel roads. The next day we cycled into Mosselbaai where we stayed with friends of Rigards. Again I was spoilt with delicious foods, in particular a snack consisting of avo and prawns with the best sauce I have tasted! Thank you so much to Rene and your family for all the hospitality and great food!
Riding with Rigard has definitely been one of the highlights of the trip for me, I learnt a lot from him and hope to do another trip with him sometime.
Todays cycling was very nice and chilled, there were some heavy uphills but I was always rewarded with lekker views! Again I experienced awesome kindness when I was offered accomodation in George but unfortunately had to turn it down. Thank you to the Strydom family for all of your kindness:)
And thank you to everyone who has been supporting me through my travels, it really is much appreciated!
Again the link for my chosen charity Www.alzheimers.org.za.
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported the cause
Rigard then rode with me from Stilbaai to Mosselbaai on his brothers bicycle, the trip took us to Gouritsmond where stayed in a very nice campsite after battling with long hills and rough gravel roads. The next day we cycled into Mosselbaai where we stayed with friends of Rigards. Again I was spoilt with delicious foods, in particular a snack consisting of avo and prawns with the best sauce I have tasted! Thank you so much to Rene and your family for all the hospitality and great food!
Riding with Rigard has definitely been one of the highlights of the trip for me, I learnt a lot from him and hope to do another trip with him sometime.
Todays cycling was very nice and chilled, there were some heavy uphills but I was always rewarded with lekker views! Again I experienced awesome kindness when I was offered accomodation in George but unfortunately had to turn it down. Thank you to the Strydom family for all of your kindness:)
And thank you to everyone who has been supporting me through my travels, it really is much appreciated!
Again the link for my chosen charity Www.alzheimers.org.za.
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported the cause
Monday, 31 October 2011
Southern Most Point
Today was another awesome ride, I got to the Southern Most Point in Africa just by L'Agulhus
Definitely was one of the tougher rides I have had with heavy wind and rain, but was really good nonetheless:)
There was very little traffic which meant I could ride with no worries the whole day:)
Thank you to Julian and Lizz for having me again tonight and for a Great meal:)
Again the link Www.alzheimers.org.za
Definitely was one of the tougher rides I have had with heavy wind and rain, but was really good nonetheless:)
There was very little traffic which meant I could ride with no worries the whole day:)
Thank you to Julian and Lizz for having me again tonight and for a Great meal:)
Again the link Www.alzheimers.org.za
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Top Class Meals
The riding today was again awesome:) my legs were feeling good and I managed to clock up just over 100km:) there were a few sketchy moments with reckless driving, one such moment being an accident 80 or so meters in front of me, everyone was ok, however the driver in the one car was heavy drunk and thus was taken to jail...
Tonight I am lucky enough to be staying with family friends Julian and Lizz, I was spoiled with a Top Class meal:) much appreciated:)
Tomorrow I will be riding to Cape Agulhus, the southern most tip of Africa, so I'm very stoked for that:)
Again the link Www.alzheimers.org.za
Thank you so much to everyone who is supporting the cause:)
Tonight I am lucky enough to be staying with family friends Julian and Lizz, I was spoiled with a Top Class meal:) much appreciated:)
Tomorrow I will be riding to Cape Agulhus, the southern most tip of Africa, so I'm very stoked for that:)
Again the link Www.alzheimers.org.za
Thank you so much to everyone who is supporting the cause:)
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Crazy cool Coastline
Today was a very short day, only about 35km or so, but the views along the way were too epic:) I was very lucky last night, being able to pitch my tent in a backyard so that I wouldn't have to pay for accommodation, but I got lucky tonight where I got a big discount to be able to camp in an amazing campsite just out of Hermanus:)
The day has been great, however the rugby tonight was utterly disappointing...
Got a big day tomorrow cycling into Bredasdorp where I am looking forward to staying with family friends Julian and Lizz:) looking very forward to that:)
Thank you again to everyone who has been supporting me along the way, I am very lucky:)
Just again the link to the charity I have chosen, Www.alzheimers.org.za
Thanks you to everyone who has been supporting the cause:)
The day has been great, however the rugby tonight was utterly disappointing...
Got a big day tomorrow cycling into Bredasdorp where I am looking forward to staying with family friends Julian and Lizz:) looking very forward to that:)
Thank you again to everyone who has been supporting me along the way, I am very lucky:)
Just again the link to the charity I have chosen, Www.alzheimers.org.za
Thanks you to everyone who has been supporting the cause:)
Friday, 28 October 2011
Cape Town
Since Friday I have been so lucky in that I have been surrounded by amazing family and friends:):) I was fortunate enough to have two brilliant days of cycling with my Aunt Lindy:) we clocked up a 110km day with an awesome tail wind:) really was two awesome days shared with Lindy:)
Thank you to my Aunt Maria for having me in your home, and spoiling me with delicious food:):) really is so appreciated:)
Thank you to my Uncle Willie who drove around the whole of West Cape for me and Lindy picking us up and dropping us off:) and thank you for having me and making sure everything is going smoothly for me:)
Thank you to Lindy for spending two amazing days cycling with me, really was awesome:) thank you aswell for keeping me fed at all times and ofcourse for having me the whole weekend:):)
You all have been extremely kind, generous and supportive:) I really appreciate all of it:)
And thanks to Pinky and Ponky, the pigs that we have been eating the whole weekend, you guys really hit the spot:)
Again I was spoiled when I rode into Fish Hoek, thank you so much Lizzy for having me in your home and feeding me with the most amazing foods:) you really are so kind and I really appreciate it:)
Thank you so much to Jane, your support and everything you do for me really means so so much:):)
Then I have all my mates in Stellies to thank, especially the okes in Simonsberg, was too kiff seeing all you okes again:) thanks especially to Shane and Ant for giving me a place to sleep and driving me around:) you all have been super kind:) and it really means a lot
Thank you to my Aunt Maria for having me in your home, and spoiling me with delicious food:):) really is so appreciated:)
Thank you to my Uncle Willie who drove around the whole of West Cape for me and Lindy picking us up and dropping us off:) and thank you for having me and making sure everything is going smoothly for me:)
Thank you to Lindy for spending two amazing days cycling with me, really was awesome:) thank you aswell for keeping me fed at all times and ofcourse for having me the whole weekend:):)
You all have been extremely kind, generous and supportive:) I really appreciate all of it:)
And thanks to Pinky and Ponky, the pigs that we have been eating the whole weekend, you guys really hit the spot:)
Again I was spoiled when I rode into Fish Hoek, thank you so much Lizzy for having me in your home and feeding me with the most amazing foods:) you really are so kind and I really appreciate it:)
Thank you so much to Jane, your support and everything you do for me really means so so much:):)
Then I have all my mates in Stellies to thank, especially the okes in Simonsberg, was too kiff seeing all you okes again:) thanks especially to Shane and Ant for giving me a place to sleep and driving me around:) you all have been super kind:) and it really means a lot
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Eventful Day
Awesome weather, along the beach the whole day, what's better:) todays riding was one of the best I've had, I went through the most amazing little towns like Doornbaai, Lamberts Bay and ended off in Elandsbaai. I again was lucky enough to experience awesome hospitality last night where Jackie who was the lady at the Campsite office in Strandfontien, sponsered my campsite fees:) and an amazing campsite it was, right on the beach:)
I experiences some difficulties today when I tried to get back onto one of the service roads that would take me the remaining 15km into Elandsbaai, the man in charge told me I couldn't take the road, even if I payed the due fee because if anything were to happen to me it would be his problem, he wanted me to take the alternative 45km route with 2hours remaining daylight, nonetheless I waited for him to leave then I jumped on the road and pedaled my heart out. So alls well that ends well:)
I also came across the coolest snake today and we sat chilling out on the road today until he decided to let me go past:)
All in all, another great day:)
Www.alzheimers.org.za
I experiences some difficulties today when I tried to get back onto one of the service roads that would take me the remaining 15km into Elandsbaai, the man in charge told me I couldn't take the road, even if I payed the due fee because if anything were to happen to me it would be his problem, he wanted me to take the alternative 45km route with 2hours remaining daylight, nonetheless I waited for him to leave then I jumped on the road and pedaled my heart out. So alls well that ends well:)
I also came across the coolest snake today and we sat chilling out on the road today until he decided to let me go past:)
All in all, another great day:)
Www.alzheimers.org.za
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Back in the Saddle
I havnt been able to update the blog lately due to phone troubles. I was so lucky this past weekend in that I was able to join my Father for his 50th up in JHB. Thank you to the Namaqualand Country Lodge for keeping my bike safe over the weekend and for the incredible hospitality:) really was a jol:)
The weekend up in JHB was an awesome break to be able to see all my loved ones again, especially being able to be with my dad as he celebrated his 50th. Was very hard leaving everyone again, but I got back into the riding fairly quickly:)
Today started off really tough with rain and wind the whole way into Vredendal, but after that I was lucky enough only to have a headwind to deal with:)
Thanks to Mike at Namaqualand Country Lodge and my dad I was able to find a shortcut that saved me about 10km of extra riding:)
Thank you again to everyone that has been supporting me, it really means a lot:)
I left a link to the charity I have chosen on the last blog, here it is again, thank you to everyone who has been supporting the cause:)
Www.alzheimers.org.za
The weekend up in JHB was an awesome break to be able to see all my loved ones again, especially being able to be with my dad as he celebrated his 50th. Was very hard leaving everyone again, but I got back into the riding fairly quickly:)
Today started off really tough with rain and wind the whole way into Vredendal, but after that I was lucky enough only to have a headwind to deal with:)
Thanks to Mike at Namaqualand Country Lodge and my dad I was able to find a shortcut that saved me about 10km of extra riding:)
Thank you again to everyone that has been supporting me, it really means a lot:)
I left a link to the charity I have chosen on the last blog, here it is again, thank you to everyone who has been supporting the cause:)
Www.alzheimers.org.za
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Nice and Chilled
Apart from the rugby, today was another great day:) got off to a heart-breaking start after the final whistle went off, but with the awesome scenery and lekka weather there was no way it couldn't have been a good day. It was very chilled with about 45 or so kilos into Kamieskroon, so I had the opportunity to stop off at a picnic spot and make some pasta for lunch which was lekka:)
Thank you to Clive at Namaqua Game Lodge for the Hospitality last night, its greatly appreciated:)
I havnt been able to set up a website to support the charity we have chosen, so my Mom got me a link that will take you to the site that will allow you to make a Donation. The charity is the Alzheimers Association of South Africa. My Grandpa suffers from Alzheimers, hence the reason I would like to support this Charity. It would be immensely appreciated if some donations could be made, everything counts. Www.alzheimers.org.za
Thank you for the support.
Thanks to everyone that has been supporting me so far on my trip, I really can't tell you how much it means:)
Thank you to Clive at Namaqua Game Lodge for the Hospitality last night, its greatly appreciated:)
I havnt been able to set up a website to support the charity we have chosen, so my Mom got me a link that will take you to the site that will allow you to make a Donation. The charity is the Alzheimers Association of South Africa. My Grandpa suffers from Alzheimers, hence the reason I would like to support this Charity. It would be immensely appreciated if some donations could be made, everything counts. Www.alzheimers.org.za
Thank you for the support.
Thanks to everyone that has been supporting me so far on my trip, I really can't tell you how much it means:)
Saturday, 8 October 2011
Epic Kindness:)
87km yesterday and another 57km today, legs are definitely starting to feel it:) Spektakel pass done, very stoked about that:) I have been so fortunate to have met so many amazing people. The two nights I spent in Kleinzee were definitely tops! I will no doubt be visiting that town again. R10 beers, unbelievably good Mussel Soup at the Crazy Crayfish which must be one of the best restaurant/pubs I have ever been to and amazing people who definitely make you feel Welcome:) thank you so much to Natalie for the amazing hospitality, it is greatly appreciated:)
Last night I stayed at Naries Guest Farm, which is on the top of the Spektakel pass and is definitely Top Class! Again I experienced incredible hospitality and had a world class meal! Thank you to Julene and everybody else at Naries, your kindness will not be forgotten:)
Last night I stayed at Naries Guest Farm, which is on the top of the Spektakel pass and is definitely Top Class! Again I experienced incredible hospitality and had a world class meal! Thank you to Julene and everybody else at Naries, your kindness will not be forgotten:)
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Day 3
First day on my own,very hard to say bye to the family. The cycling was really good, gravel roads, but the weather was perfect. Got into Kleinzee at around 3pm, experienced the absolute best hospitality, I wasn't charged for staying on the campsite where I was staying, and was offered a spot in the campsites kitchen to set up my things out of the wind. Met amazing people in the local bar, very very kind people, and found a shortcut that can save me a couple of days. All in all a very good day.
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Day 2
Got off to an early start today, got 40km under the belt before the wind picked up which was good, looks like early mornings are the way to go:) got another good 18km in this afternoon, all with a super heavy crosswind, some of the hardest riding I have ever done. Really good riding with my dad, always good for a good bit of humor:) going to miss the fam when we head our separate ways... Got a big day tomorrow:)
Monday, 3 October 2011
Day 1
Heavy day in the saddle, headwind the entire way. Didnt clock up the kms that i planned for, so gotta go back tommorow morning and start from where we ended off. Good cycling with my dad, definitely helped me through the kilometers in the wind.
Saturday, 1 October 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)