Veebee Posted January 22, 2021 Posted January 22, 2021 A sunrise photo Dale would be proud ofAwesome pics, well done ! Wayne pudding Mol 1
Prince Albert Cycles Posted January 22, 2021 Posted January 22, 2021 Heading to Oudtshoorn. Will see the route tomorrow. I keave in the morning so see how it goes. I will just follow the signs.Should be there in a week or two I guess. Will keep doing pictures if I can.Sat hello when passing through Prince Albert
Prince Albert Cycles Posted January 22, 2021 Posted January 22, 2021 (edited) Well today broke me - my idea of touring had nice little stops in towns to refresh and eat and chill before rolling on to the next place - instead my route has been a brutal point to point journey of attritionThe searing heat has at times made me feel ill and carrying adequate water has been a challenge. Only insane people choose to tour in this weather (Copperhead) After the joy of yesterday’s ride I had high hopes for today’s journey to Swellendam - rolling hills I was promised. I like rolling hills, I live in rolling hillsFirst I got lost so there went an hour of cool weather so my real journey after 10km of circles started at 6.The first 30km took me 4 hours - there is just no way to explain how the extra weight kills you and if you’re planning a trip practice first with your kit. Don’t be an idiot like me and not factor the weight into your trip and gearing choices I stopped I took photos, I rested under trees and I even got a cup of coffee and a sandwich from two octogenarians doing bird research - what characters The views were spectacular and I will do this exact route again in cooler weather and with no baggage - it would be a tough but awesome 90km ride under those circumstances But these are not those - 40 degree heat and hills so high I got altitude sickness with sharp descents and just about no flat recovery sections broke me today Physically I feel great, my legs are good, my bum enjoyed the Brooks cambium but I cannot take anymore heatI was going to battle on but the whole point for me was fun and this isn’t anymoreI’m only 3 hours from home on the N2 so I’m calling in the cavalry while she is still close enough Unfortunately she was right You’d look at the stats and think he’s soft - ok you’d be right but here they are from my perspective380km in 4 days with around 6500 elevationThat took me 30 hours including stops which is 12.5km every hour - pedestrianThat’s more hours in 4 days than most months for almost half the mileage I failed to do what I set out but I have learned a bucketload of what not to dos and seen skies so perfect they made me look like a photographer with my 4 year old iPhone The final few will follow when I annoying switch to desktop version on my phone to upload 1 by 1Don’t be too hard on yourself . People not living here has no idea of the heat . And I have done those roads between Riversdale and Swellendam ...they are hard enough  on an unloaded bike . Enjoy the rest . Edited January 22, 2021 by Prince Albert Cycles RocknRolla, TheoG, DJR and 2 others 5
RocknRolla Posted January 22, 2021 Posted January 22, 2021 Without knowing or setting out to, wayne and copperhead set the bar on this thread impossibly high. Specially for us upcountry folk. The Ouzo, DJR, ChrisF and 3 others 6
Prince Albert Cycles Posted January 22, 2021 Posted January 22, 2021 Will do so. The last time I was there a few months ago, you were out on a trip. Love that place. Thw coffee shop is like my local hangout.I will watch your progress
ChrisF Posted January 22, 2021 Posted January 22, 2021 Don’t be too hard on yourself . People not living here has no idea of the heat . And I have done those roads between Riversdale and Swellendam ...they are hard enough on an unloaded bike . Enjoy the rest .Karoo and Northern Cape I like to get out 90 minutes before sunrise. That way you get to the top of Swartberg pass before the day heats up .... By 11:00 I want to be done. And in a cold shower.  RESPECT for these gents that keep going through the heat of the day .... Closest I came to heat stroke on a bike was an afternoon ride in Calvinia ...
DJR Posted January 22, 2021 Posted January 22, 2021 Heat (and sea sickness)..............my kryptonite ChrisF 1
DJR Posted January 22, 2021 Posted January 22, 2021 Seeing that I am now in a "touring" frame of mind. I have been "touring" the nice old houses with nice old trees in my neck of the woods. This was on the way up the mountain...........ok I'll admit not very high up the mountain.............I was already exhausted from reading Copperhead and Waynes stories and it was a little warmish! capediver, Albert T, JohanDiv and 5 others 8
Wayne pudding Mol Posted January 23, 2021 Posted January 23, 2021 I had little idea how much I would enjoy riding the Northern Cape. It may be flat but it is a pretty nice place. The people here are really legit. I enjoy it. In no rush to leave.This is a priority trip for me - need to find a way to make it inclusive for the family somehow Eddy Gordo 1
Wayne pudding Mol Posted January 23, 2021 Posted January 23, 2021 I had little idea how much I would enjoy riding the Northern Cape. It may be flat but it is a pretty nice place. The people here are really legit. I enjoy it. In no rush to leave.SORRY... double post.Ps hot shower and real bed available in Hoekwil- might even throw in a laundry service DJR and TheoG 2
The Ouzo Posted January 23, 2021 Posted January 23, 2021 No shame in not completing the trip Wayne, you still had a journey, what you did was epic and a million times better than what most people (including me) would do. You've learnt some lessons, next time you'll be better prepared. Wayne pudding Mol 1
DJuice Posted January 23, 2021 Posted January 23, 2021 This is a priority trip for me - need to find a way to make it inclusive for the family somehowApril is my favourite month weather and scenary.September can also work, but mornings very cold.Possible route:Upington to Keimoes - tarr and gravelKeimoes to Kakamas - gravelKakamas to Augrabies - tarrAugrabies to Riemvasmaak - tarr and gravel, tuff day km wiseRiemvasmaak to Khamkirri - gravelKhamkirri to Kakamas - gravel and tarrCo-op wine, private wine cellars, Augrabies Falls, Quiver tree forest, Rose quartz mine. TheoG, Wayne pudding Mol, DJR and 1 other 4
SwissVan Posted January 23, 2021 Posted January 23, 2021 Sunset yesterday. This is why I love Africa.Don’t start a sunset war.....
The Ouzo Posted January 23, 2021 Posted January 23, 2021 Chasing Shadows before work Prince Albert Cycles, TyronLab, Wayne pudding Mol and 5 others 8
RocknRolla Posted January 23, 2021 Posted January 23, 2021 (edited) To Work. But not without incident. Set out on the Zeus, really enjoying the roadie for it's speed and comfort. Till I crossed an intersection with a loud BANG!!! My tubbie decided to let go of all it's air, possibly a cut from some glass, who knows. Luckily it happened close to Olivia's, where I could comfortable wait for the team car to assist. Team car arrived with replacement bike. albeit a slower version.  My journey to work continues...  Through the man-made forest..... Made it to the office safely. Edited January 23, 2021 by RocknRolla DJR, gummibear, fanievb and 4 others 7
JohanDiv Posted January 23, 2021 Posted January 23, 2021 Misty Paarl Mountain this morning TheoG, DJR, capediver and 5 others 8
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