There are still some things to do on the bike - new chain, more tyre juice, learn how to change the hangar or put it into single speed (God help me if I have to ride in single speed in those mountains!).
I rode with Colleen this past weekend. We rode from our respective homes through the Cradle, past Zengen, through Magaliesburg for brekkers and out over Breedesnek to a self catering place called Bietjie Vrede (near Buffelspoort). It was 98kms. Phew I was poked! I walked most of Breeds. It was a good exercise in just dealing with one little stage at a time. I would not allow myself to think about riding home the next day. I just kept on looking at the next intersection to turn at or walking 30 steps then breathing 4 deep breaths. I started cramping towards the top of Breeds. I had forgotten my carb bottle at home and although I was taking in food and water I guess I was lacking the electrolytes.
We were out for just over 9 hours and had about 7 hours riding time. We had a wonderful welcome by Doug and Kayla. Doug was awesome - yummy chicken, fresh farm bread, drinks.
We came back a different way the next day and finished off the ride at Nikitas - a Portuguese restaurant frequented by bikers (normally the ones on the brmm brmm machines). I struggled to get food in me but loved the sparkly water and chocolate milkshake. We did 77kms - about 6 hours out. I struggled about 20kms from the end. My ass was very veeeerrry sore and I had had enough. It worries me to be tired after only 6 hours as the days on R2C are likely to be about 12 hours - aaagh! But I shall just have to manage those days - one step at a time, one pedal stroke at a time.
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