Day 4 into 5 JoBerg2c- Sterkfontein dam to Winterton Country Club
Leaving the Free State to enter KwaZulu Natal. Back on the bike for a frosty 1degree start. We rode into the valley mist on district roads to find a climb to the escarpment. Terrain that in some ways resembles Zion with singletrack over slick rock. Stunning views into Natal led to an epic descent on real deal trail. (America beats SA on descending skills)
The last climb of the day was about 600 vert of steep technical track with sun beating on your back. Turns out the SA’s can’t climb it either if it’s loose, but to give credit, they are tough and with determination not often seen.
On a day of 121km we spent very little on roads which was great, but pacing on s-track is always slower so 7hrs 17 in the saddle, we came in 195 out of just under 800, 178 overall to date. But that’s about to change….
After a shower, lunch and comp beers life was good. By 7pm I was back with the doc with my GI issue, and a new found love for porta johns. My favorite quote from doc, “what part of don’t eat protein and fat didn’t you understand”. Spending every other day in the invalid van wasn’t my plan, but now I just need to get better. Day 5 off.
