Kissing the road and crossing the Grinding Plains

Die Knersvlakte, or 'Grinding Plains'...I've been here before. Though after today even I don't know how I managed to cross over 100km to Bitterfontein, smack in the middle of summer just over a year ago!?!

The roads just go on forever and ever and ever...and EVER!!

But first: a bit of an update on the last few days.

Clanwilliam to Klawer - went fairly well. Started the day out in heavy mist and a chat with a couple from Robertson who were on their way on holiday. Just before I set off they stuck R100 in my hand, insisting that they want to contribute to what I'm doing. How unbelievably sweet is that!? The rest of the day went well, apart from some gear trouble.

Klawer to 'Oom Buys Wiese's' farm, 25km outside of Vanryhnsdorp. I had a very late start. Woke up feeling a little despondent because of the howling wind outside. I'm talking "take you right off your bike" kind of wind. It was a slow day, tough...extremely windy. Made it though and spent my first night in my tent, alone...without a sole nearby. No water. No electricity. It was great! I made myself supper on my MSR cooking stove. Bully Beef (canned corned meat) and a can of baked beans! It was awesome! (funny how when you're hungry even the simplest of food tastes great).
I slept like a baby and made myself some coffee and oats this morning before I set off again.

I had a nice early start this morning. Though today has maybe been one of the toughest days I've had so far! The long, seemingly never-ending hills really test you! And I had my first fall on the trip today. And the universe threw in a flat tyre just for kicks! The first thing that went through my mind on my way down was: "get off the road, get off the road"! I fell right into the road! I got up so quickly, but then realised just how heavy my bike is. I struggled to pick her up and had to kind of drag her off the road. That's when I noticed I have a puncture.

Once I had that fixed the wind camd up, meeting me head on. I thought to myself: "what is this? Let's see how hard we can push Jo day"? The last 16km to Bitterfontein was a real fight. Against the wind, the road, myself. I hurt my neck and lower back with the fall. That just added to all the other challenges. But, I still made it! Just before sunset and 9 hours on the road. 3 more days to Springbok and then I can rest!

Day 10 - On The Road Again

Guess who's back, back again... :-)
It feels SO good to be back on the road again. I even got up before sunrise this morning!

For the last few days I have been staying with Piet Smit in Citrusdal. He showed me a great kindness in letting me stay for so long and feeding me every day and making sure I am okay. I am extremely grateful for that!

And now I am finally back on the road and feeling fantastic. Not 100% yet but much better!

I chose to take 'the road less travelled by' today. Instead of keeping on the main road, the N7, I chose to take a gravel road to Clanwilliam. It would be a good test for Luna and myself. The route provided me with awe inspiring surroundings as I made my way through, over and around the majestic mountains. But the going was not easy! There were numerous stretches where I just simply couldn't ride. Ranging from hectic rocky sections to hectic thick sandy sections!

Even so Luna and I made it to Clanwilliam in one piece! Made quite an entrance with loads of people yelling and cheering in the middle of town! LoL

I bought myseld an ice-cream as reward for doing so well today. That was the best ice-cream EVER! :-D

Tomorrow I head to Klawer!
Sent from my Nokia phone

Time Out

Today is Day 7 since I departed from Cape Town. I now find myself in Citrusdal, and will probably be here for a few days.

I fell ill on Day 1 of the journey. I had hoped it would blow over as quickly as it had come.
Every day I spend on the road I feel worse. So I resorted to riding one day - resting one day. Though I am afraid I might end up worsening my condition if I keep pushing myself. My body is telling me it needs time to heal. So I will adhere.

The weather forecast also shows rain until Thursday. So perhaps best that I stay put for now.
I am, of course, very eager to get back on the road. Taking this setback into consideration, I anticipate crossing the border and entering Namibia in about 10 - 12 days time.

I know what the road ahead looks like. It doesn't get any easier. So best I make sure I am fully recovered before I push on again.

I am staying with Piet Smit, who has been very kind to me. Jana, the housekeeper is making sure I eat and even squeezing out fresh orange juice. I owe them a great gratitude!

Once again, thank you for all the messages, prayers and phone calls. Feels like I have the whole continent rooting for me!
Thank you!

Sent from my Nokia phone