We had an 11 second elapsed time start gap to bridge, they had an 11 second margin to defend, stretch and get out of sight. Our motivation was as toxic as the full orange sun rising above the Indian Ocean and similarly not quite at full strength yet. Should have done more coffee.
Meaning they edged away as the Transkei pavement special chased Bobby and I between two mud huts and a heard of grazing cattle. Only there are now pavements here. Alas.
But this is not all racing.
It’s smelling the sea air. Tasting the wheel sprayed salty water. It’s about being home, being in Africa. It’s seeing locals and shouting Molo to cheering response and waving hands. I did choose to do all this with a heart rate above 140… But to each his own. But this is about life being spectacular. And today it was.
After walking up the first mother we guessed our way through Rhino Valley semi smoothly, but the damage was done. We lost 4minutes by the end. Two days to go though. And fairplay to Nic and Pete who cracked out a record stage two ride and Mike and Craig who did a fine day to stay clear of Bobby’s diesel engine that was heating up by the end.
We left tread on the side of Rhino dung. How many you know can say that when sipping a fine red reflecting on the day?
Tomorrow we pass the iconic Hole in the Wall, and end in Coffee Bay.
