Last night at the Nottingham Road Hotel was to say the least an experience !!
After finishing a tiring day we were subjected to an all night party that finally finished ... Well actually it didn't - two jovial fellows were still adamant that they were seeing us off ... Apparently they were Fred's new found mates and bonus for Grant they found his compression socks .. Well basically sexy ...? Shows you what kind of condition they were in.
Never the less after they made us a glorious speech ( and to their horror were pulled into out prayer ring ) they donned mops and brooms and saluted us on our way ( after the one mate had shoved the mop down the other mates left ear hole ) but non the less they were really awed by what we were doing.
Today was a cold start 11 degrees raining and a bit of a head wind - Generaal Bennie Kruger rattled down the hill .. The poor man has like a minus zero fat count . Of course yours truly found the conditions more suitable ( mainly because I have a Zero lean count )
We were amazed at Robbie Cummings staying power as this morning one could see our entire descent from Joburg on the red maps on his eyes ( who needs a garmin)
We descended from Notties to Maritzborough at a really frenetic pace - it was at this time that I learnt that although Bennie calls himself the Generaal, Colin ( note the spelling with only 1 L ) McKay is actually the whole war office - intact he and fast Freddy Van Zyl declared themselves the couple of the day ( like who would want that title dude ) - one could read a lot into that statement.
From Maritzburg we headed out on the Amashovashova route and down Umlaas road ... And boy did everyone put the hammer down - man I think they thought we only had another 10 km to go not 90 ... !!!!
The prize of the day goes to Brian ( Wiggle.com) Lindecke who was popped at the post on a break away hill climb because he stopped to help a wheezing you know who ( but it was a ploy ) .. And poor old Brian fell for it.
Brian is a good sport and really takes a lot from us but a lekker chap to have on tour .. Go Lance.
Today seeing the ocean at the end of a 158 km was almost emotional as you know that your goal is now within sight.
Again I thank God almighty for the people that I a riding with, the privilege of being able to ride and for keeping us safe on the roads. Elma and Agnes you girls are more appreciated than you know - always smiling whilst trying to protect us from the traffic - I think us riders have the bargain end of the stick.
To those that read this message thanks for your interest and remember that it is not about us as individuals but your fellow man around you. If I can encourage you to change a life for someone and donate to Pro Deo -
www.doit4charity.co.za
Till tomorrow see you in Shelly Beach .... With a huge smile
Mark Bolton
