Cape Point in 50knots of wind. Check out my sunglasses strap, we could hardly stand up, such was the velocity.
15/12/2015-5/1/2016 Lamberts Bay
Fine days, windy afternoons and calm mornings
Up to 30°C, cool comfortable evenings
It was great to know that I could rest up here without a worry in the world for a few weeks. When travelling like this, easter and xmas always pose problems finding reasonable safe accommodation.
The town is a seaside resort with a permanent population. There are lovely beaches here and surfers ride a wave known as Yoyos my side of town.
After being here a couple of days, Napoleon rang up to see if I would like to spend a couple of days with him on the vineyard.
This was a great way to fill in a few days. I hitched over. We had a fun and interesting time together. He showed me through the winery and the wine making process. The evening was spent drinking his wine and eating goat off the braai.
I hitched back over without problems. It is about 60km to Vredendal. A visit to the dentist was also made.
There is a large crayfish fishery here. I enjoy being on the water, so wandered down to the docks to see if I could go out with one of the boats.
They safety officer said it was no problems.
On the Sunday at 1200, we headed down to Elands Bay to set the traps off the headland. There was a crew of five guys plus the skipper. It was great to be on the water.
We got in about 1700, it was arranged for me to be back on the docks at 0200 in the morning. I was here then and we headed out to lift the 48 traps. The place was thick with crayfish, all our traps had dozens in them. However, most were small and thrown back.
We ended up getting 600kg. On the way home, we cooked up a few fish and had a great nosh up of crayfish. We were back in the harbour by 0900.
Ens, the skipper said he could take me down to Cape Town, there were some things I needed to do.
It was a four hour trip in his small ute.
He kindly took me to the airport where I wanted to find the exact cost of putting a bike on a flight to Istanbul.
Turkish Airlines turned out to be the most cost effective. Ben and Cal had to dump gear at Joburg airport because of the ridiculous excess baggage fees charged by Emirates.
A direct flight with Turkish Airlines was booked.
Back in the city, I bought a new camera, my old one has seen better days. It was bought over a year ago in Uruguay and used lmost every day since. So it has done well.
I gave the old one to Cara, Uris daughter. She has been using it relentlessly. This is great as it is worth nothing to sell.
After much research, a Canon G7X was bought. I t has a good sized sensor, a better zoom than its competitors and is still small enough to put in my pocket.
I also needed new thongs. These were bought down at Victoria wharf. Without promoting brands, the plain Crocs have lasted a year walking on some rough surfaces here in Africa and South America. The same style were bought. I also bought some lightweight leather Skechers that can be used cycling and worn-out.
My runners to were nearly worn-out. These were bought in La Paz a long time ago.
I stayed a couple of nights at the Cape Town backpackers.
A bus was caught back to Clan William and then I hitched back to Lamberts Bay.
The ride in the bukkie from Clan William was hair raising. The driver had three of us in the covered tray area. He was doing between 160 and 170km/hour.
I dare not look at the road. Though, the small glimpse I had saw straight roads and few cars. This eased my thoughts somewhat. After 40km, I was pleased to get out. A family picked me up from here and delivered me to the door at a much more respectable speed.
The next day Napoleon rang up to see if I would like to spend Xmas day with his family at Strandfontein in the campground. This was so kind of Annalise and him.
Their son in law Juri, was an arborist from the UK. I was looking forward to meeting him.
On Christmas eve about 1200, I headed off with some beer, a load of fresh corn, some wine and a few gifts.
It was nice to be riding with a tail wind for a change.
It took less than three hours to ride along the rail road.
Once over there I set my tent up on their site.
Two days were spent here with everyone. Christmas day was such a great time. Annalise and Omar cooked up such a lovely meal for everyone. Lots of great meats and salads.
It was such an enjoyable day. That afternoon Uri and I walked down to Oliphant River. It was a long walk along the beach north.
We walked along behind the dunes on the way back. It was an 8-10km stroll. It certainly burnt off all our feasting. A couple gave us a lift for the last two kilometres.
The next day I rode back to Lamberts. It had been just like a family xmas at home, such was the hospitality shown to me by Napoleon and everyone.
It was a leisurely ride back to Lamberts, I got a lift for the last 10km.
I took some brandy down to Ems on the James Archer. He was going to sea again on the Tuesday to pick up the traps.
I was down at the docks at 0200, there was quite a swell running. The catch was not so good but it was good way to fill in the day.
I was totally worn out when I got home and slept most of the day.
On the Wednesday before the new year we all had lunch at Isabellas on the water at the docks.. Napoleon had his combi micro bus out it was great cruising around town in this.
It was like we were out from a retirement village for an tour.
It was a long enjoyable seafood lunch. The company of Napoleon, Annalise, Uri, Deone Sean and Anilda with Omar has made my time here so enjoyable and kept any boredom away.
New years afternoon was spent on Bird Island looking at the Gannet colony and taking a few pics.
New Years Eve was spent in my little abode. I was very happy just to be here. There was no need to be with other people. I was very content.
The afternoon had been very still and consequently the next morning, new years day was shrouded in the sea fog.
5/1/2016 Lamberts Bay to old shed past Velddrif
D83km around Lamberts Bay and to Strandfontein 50,399
D112, T6, Av16.79, Max34, 50,511, 14,445
Strong afternoon winds from the south west
Well, after almost three weeks of relaxation and the addition of a few kilos from eating lots of crayfish and sweet corn among other comfort foods.
It was time to complete the last leg of this fascinating journey.
I said goodbye to Hannah and thanked her for everything during my stay. It was especially good of her to charge me such reasonable rates for the peaceful little flat. It is always difficult finding accommodation that is not inflated during the xmas period.
I was on the way to the continuation of the rail maintenance road by 0730. Again the road followed the line used by the huge train that carries the ore from the Sishen area in the Northern cape to Saldanha Bay, its length is 861 kilometers.
Yesterday afternoon had been very clm for a change and consequently the sea fog was blanketing the whole landscape thi morning. At least there was no wind and good progress was being made. It was great to be back on the bike again.
I passed all the old building on Elands Bay point. It was off here we had set the traps. It was also from here that the poachers launched their boats to steal crayfish from the professional traps.
I stopped in at the fisheries off to get further directions on the road as it left town. The officer was armed which gave an indication of the situation here with poaching.
Around two more rail over passes I could see what looked like two cyclists up ahead. Their profile was a bit different from normal. Finally riding behind them I called out.
They were a French couple riding recumbent cycles. Bruno and Annick had ridden down from Nairobi commencing in September. Annick could speak English, Bruno was not so good. Anyway it was great to be in the company of some other riders.
On arrival in Velddrif, I had to stop to get a haircut. The owner of the small saloon on the sde of a retail complex wanted 9R, I told him it was to much as just a number four was all that was needed. He said ok R5, 20 minuntes later I was clean cut once again.
I found some cable ties in town which have been carried as a necessity for ever.
Leaving town and crossing the river I could see Bruno and Annick in the distance waiting at a corner. Catching up with them and changing our direction, saw us heading into a fierce headwind. It was too much to be coping with at 1500 hrs.
We battled along for about 3 or 4 kilometers. A local guy stopped to talk and invited us to his house some 20km on. We politely declied his invitation and headed off down a dirt road to the other side of the lagoon.
The road in here was corrugated beyond belief. Annick and Bruno had to push their bikes for some of the way.
Riding alongside a cyclist is like riding next to a baby in a pram. They are so low to the ground. Brunos doctor in France advised him to ride in this position so as not to aggravate his prostate that had previously been giving him problems on a norml bicycle. The two of them have been riding these very different bicycles ever since.
At the end of the road we encountered a wet land area that was inhabited by groups of wading Flamingos. As always they wandered off before any reasonable photo could be taken.
We rode round the shore some more and got to a large abandoned shed. It was perfect for the night and provided us with shelter from the still howling wind.
Bruno and I rode on up to some dwellings after we had unpacked the bikes and were lucky enough to find some people who gladly gsve us some drinking water for the night.
The three of us sat around over dinner talking about our journeys past and present. Annick and Bruno were good company .
My tent es set up on a bed of straw, it provided soft comfortable bedding along with my air mattress for the night.
6/1/2016 Old shed past Velddrif to Langebaan
D61, T4.3, Av13.54, Max36, 50,571, 14,506
Strong afternoon winds from the south west
We were up early in an effort to beat the winds. It was blowing very early however. We were very fortunate to have found this shelter for the night.
Back on the highway, the R27, traffic was regular though not heavy. There was a good shoulder so we were comfortable.
At Vredenberg we bade farewell, hoping to see each other gain in cape town. I stopped here to see if I could get a few things needed so as not to rush around Cape town so much.
By the time it was mid day the wind was in full flight again. The route took me past the huge Saldanha steel works and the port where those Iron trains were unloading tht had past my house in Lamberts bay every day.
On arrival in Langebaan a stop was made for lunch and the coastal road was taken.
The town is a poular spot for kite surfers. An hour or more was spent chatting with the owner of the local cycle shop in town near the Police station. He was a helpful guy and was enjoyable company.
After some time looking about for accommodation. I pulled into the municipal campground. Here one of the campers allowed me to camp on his site. Pierkus like many of the other campers here was a farmer and had a well set up camp with everything including the kitchen sinkand had been here before Christmas time.
It was nice to be out of the relentless wind again. He was saying that it has been unusually windy this year.
For me wind had been something to consider ever since reaching the coast at Henties Bay some two months ago.
My camp was beneath a rough bark Eucalypt tree with its upper branches being swung around vigorously in the wind. I asked had they picked up many branches over the few weeks before, “no” was the answer, this made me feel a little safer.
A huge pasta was eaten knowing it would be more hard work tomorrow in the sou westers.
7/1/2016 Langebaan to West Coast Estate motel
D50, T4.3, Av11.54, Max32, 50,621, 14,556
Strong winds all day
Pierkus had told me I could ride through the West Coast National Park to get onto the R27 and the main road south to Cape Town. The ride through this park was a pleasure as the wind was just forward of my right shoulder. It was a wilderness of low shrubs and trees with the odd ostrich present. On my right in the distance was the lagoon area south of Langebaan.
Out on the R27, all this changed the wind was almost head on and traffic was much heavier. A good shoulder present offered some consolation.
Coming to a large stone entrance and gate way., a stop was made for bred and some energy drink. The guard offered me his hut as a place to get out of the wind. He was busy in another shed plucking what looked like long dead chickens. It made me think back to days in the countries of East Africa.
Some twenty km down here on my right a stop was made at a country kitchen come restaurant place. Here a hearty homemade pie was enjoyed and more importantly time out of the wind.
Further down the road another motel, garage complex was arrived at. By this time I was feeling very tired and really had no need to go on further. The room prices here were R300 a night, upon inspection they were found to be very comfortable and had wifi. There were even few Zebra and springbok wandering about the place.
It was booked. My washing was done and dried in no time with that wind.
It was nice to shout myself a luxury room for my last night in Africa on the road. I had hoped to camp but it would have been very uncomfortable.
The beds were big with white sheets. I felt like a king as sleep came upon me.
8/1/2016 West Coast Winery to Annes house, Wynberg, Cape town
D84, T5.3, Av14.64, Max38, 50,655, 14,591
Strong afternoon winds from the south west
Very coincidentally, today, my last day on the road from Cairo to Cape Town, is one year exactly from my departure date from Cairo.
Getting up at 0330, a good breakfast of fried eggs and bread rolls were cooked along with my normal fare.
As soon as daylight was approaching I was out on the highway. The night watchman had to be woken up to open the gate.
The wind was only gently puffing. The road was gently rolling and almost dead straight. By 0800, 30km had already been covered. A young German cyclist had stayed in the hotel the night before me. She had plan plans to make Cape town in the one day also.
I was thinking about the year gone by when table mountain came into view some 50km south.
The year had been such a pleasure and the 3 weeks of in lamberts bay kind of felt like the end of the journey. Though seeing the iconic landmark with a tablecloth of cloud upon it did well up some emotion inside me.
I took the bike onto what looked like a cycle track in the middle of the divided to get some photos. All of a sudden a bus came flying past, I was on a bus track, it was quite scary. A hasty retreat was made back onto the highway.
In town I rang Anne, my Warmshowers host to tell her I was not far away. My GPS took me to Wynberg on freeways. This was another challenge in itself.
I arrived in one piece and was warmly greeted by Anne and her daughter Lisa. I immediately felt comfortable in their homely timber floored house.
Fine days, windy afternoons and calm mornings
Up to 30°C, cool comfortable evenings
It was great to know that I could rest up here without a worry in the world for a few weeks. When travelling like this, easter and xmas always pose problems finding reasonable safe accommodation.
The town is a seaside resort with a permanent population. There are lovely beaches here and surfers ride a wave known as Yoyos my side of town.
After being here a couple of days, Napoleon rang up to see if I would like to spend a couple of days with him on the vineyard.
This was a great way to fill in a few days. I hitched over. We had a fun and interesting time together. He showed me through the winery and the wine making process. The evening was spent drinking his wine and eating goat off the braai.
I hitched back over without problems. It is about 60km to Vredendal. A visit to the dentist was also made.
There is a large crayfish fishery here. I enjoy being on the water, so wandered down to the docks to see if I could go out with one of the boats.
They safety officer said it was no problems.
On the Sunday at 1200, we headed down to Elands Bay to set the traps off the headland. There was a crew of five guys plus the skipper. It was great to be on the water.
We got in about 1700, it was arranged for me to be back on the docks at 0200 in the morning. I was here then and we headed out to lift the 48 traps. The place was thick with crayfish, all our traps had dozens in them. However, most were small and thrown back.
We ended up getting 600kg. On the way home, we cooked up a few fish and had a great nosh up of crayfish. We were back in the harbour by 0900.
Ens, the skipper said he could take me down to Cape Town, there were some things I needed to do.
It was a four hour trip in his small ute.
He kindly took me to the airport where I wanted to find the exact cost of putting a bike on a flight to Istanbul.
Turkish Airlines turned out to be the most cost effective. Ben and Cal had to dump gear at Joburg airport because of the ridiculous excess baggage fees charged by Emirates.
A direct flight with Turkish Airlines was booked.
Back in the city, I bought a new camera, my old one has seen better days. It was bought over a year ago in Uruguay and used lmost every day since. So it has done well.
I gave the old one to Cara, Uris daughter. She has been using it relentlessly. This is great as it is worth nothing to sell.
After much research, a Canon G7X was bought. I t has a good sized sensor, a better zoom than its competitors and is still small enough to put in my pocket.
I also needed new thongs. These were bought down at Victoria wharf. Without promoting brands, the plain Crocs have lasted a year walking on some rough surfaces here in Africa and South America. The same style were bought. I also bought some lightweight leather Skechers that can be used cycling and worn-out.
My runners to were nearly worn-out. These were bought in La Paz a long time ago.
I stayed a couple of nights at the Cape Town backpackers.
A bus was caught back to Clan William and then I hitched back to Lamberts Bay.
The ride in the bukkie from Clan William was hair raising. The driver had three of us in the covered tray area. He was doing between 160 and 170km/hour.
I dare not look at the road. Though, the small glimpse I had saw straight roads and few cars. This eased my thoughts somewhat. After 40km, I was pleased to get out. A family picked me up from here and delivered me to the door at a much more respectable speed.
The next day Napoleon rang up to see if I would like to spend Xmas day with his family at Strandfontein in the campground. This was so kind of Annalise and him.
Their son in law Juri, was an arborist from the UK. I was looking forward to meeting him.
On Christmas eve about 1200, I headed off with some beer, a load of fresh corn, some wine and a few gifts.
It was nice to be riding with a tail wind for a change.
It took less than three hours to ride along the rail road.
Once over there I set my tent up on their site.
Two days were spent here with everyone. Christmas day was such a great time. Annalise and Omar cooked up such a lovely meal for everyone. Lots of great meats and salads.
It was such an enjoyable day. That afternoon Uri and I walked down to Oliphant River. It was a long walk along the beach north.
We walked along behind the dunes on the way back. It was an 8-10km stroll. It certainly burnt off all our feasting. A couple gave us a lift for the last two kilometres.
The next day I rode back to Lamberts. It had been just like a family xmas at home, such was the hospitality shown to me by Napoleon and everyone.
It was a leisurely ride back to Lamberts, I got a lift for the last 10km.
I took some brandy down to Ems on the James Archer. He was going to sea again on the Tuesday to pick up the traps.
I was down at the docks at 0200, there was quite a swell running. The catch was not so good but it was good way to fill in the day.
I was totally worn out when I got home and slept most of the day.
On the Wednesday before the new year we all had lunch at Isabellas on the water at the docks.. Napoleon had his combi micro bus out it was great cruising around town in this.
It was like we were out from a retirement village for an tour.
It was a long enjoyable seafood lunch. The company of Napoleon, Annalise, Uri, Deone Sean and Anilda with Omar has made my time here so enjoyable and kept any boredom away.
New years afternoon was spent on Bird Island looking at the Gannet colony and taking a few pics.
New Years Eve was spent in my little abode. I was very happy just to be here. There was no need to be with other people. I was very content.
The afternoon had been very still and consequently the next morning, new years day was shrouded in the sea fog.
5/1/2016 Lamberts Bay to old shed past Velddrif
D83km around Lamberts Bay and to Strandfontein 50,399
D112, T6, Av16.79, Max34, 50,511, 14,445
Strong afternoon winds from the south west
Well, after almost three weeks of relaxation and the addition of a few kilos from eating lots of crayfish and sweet corn among other comfort foods.
It was time to complete the last leg of this fascinating journey.
I said goodbye to Hannah and thanked her for everything during my stay. It was especially good of her to charge me such reasonable rates for the peaceful little flat. It is always difficult finding accommodation that is not inflated during the xmas period.
I was on the way to the continuation of the rail maintenance road by 0730. Again the road followed the line used by the huge train that carries the ore from the Sishen area in the Northern cape to Saldanha Bay, its length is 861 kilometers.
Yesterday afternoon had been very clm for a change and consequently the sea fog was blanketing the whole landscape thi morning. At least there was no wind and good progress was being made. It was great to be back on the bike again.
I passed all the old building on Elands Bay point. It was off here we had set the traps. It was also from here that the poachers launched their boats to steal crayfish from the professional traps.
I stopped in at the fisheries off to get further directions on the road as it left town. The officer was armed which gave an indication of the situation here with poaching.
Around two more rail over passes I could see what looked like two cyclists up ahead. Their profile was a bit different from normal. Finally riding behind them I called out.
They were a French couple riding recumbent cycles. Bruno and Annick had ridden down from Nairobi commencing in September. Annick could speak English, Bruno was not so good. Anyway it was great to be in the company of some other riders.
On arrival in Velddrif, I had to stop to get a haircut. The owner of the small saloon on the sde of a retail complex wanted 9R, I told him it was to much as just a number four was all that was needed. He said ok R5, 20 minuntes later I was clean cut once again.
I found some cable ties in town which have been carried as a necessity for ever.
Leaving town and crossing the river I could see Bruno and Annick in the distance waiting at a corner. Catching up with them and changing our direction, saw us heading into a fierce headwind. It was too much to be coping with at 1500 hrs.
We battled along for about 3 or 4 kilometers. A local guy stopped to talk and invited us to his house some 20km on. We politely declied his invitation and headed off down a dirt road to the other side of the lagoon.
The road in here was corrugated beyond belief. Annick and Bruno had to push their bikes for some of the way.
Riding alongside a cyclist is like riding next to a baby in a pram. They are so low to the ground. Brunos doctor in France advised him to ride in this position so as not to aggravate his prostate that had previously been giving him problems on a norml bicycle. The two of them have been riding these very different bicycles ever since.
At the end of the road we encountered a wet land area that was inhabited by groups of wading Flamingos. As always they wandered off before any reasonable photo could be taken.
We rode round the shore some more and got to a large abandoned shed. It was perfect for the night and provided us with shelter from the still howling wind.
Bruno and I rode on up to some dwellings after we had unpacked the bikes and were lucky enough to find some people who gladly gsve us some drinking water for the night.
The three of us sat around over dinner talking about our journeys past and present. Annick and Bruno were good company .
My tent es set up on a bed of straw, it provided soft comfortable bedding along with my air mattress for the night.
6/1/2016 Old shed past Velddrif to Langebaan
D61, T4.3, Av13.54, Max36, 50,571, 14,506
Strong afternoon winds from the south west
We were up early in an effort to beat the winds. It was blowing very early however. We were very fortunate to have found this shelter for the night.
Back on the highway, the R27, traffic was regular though not heavy. There was a good shoulder so we were comfortable.
At Vredenberg we bade farewell, hoping to see each other gain in cape town. I stopped here to see if I could get a few things needed so as not to rush around Cape town so much.
By the time it was mid day the wind was in full flight again. The route took me past the huge Saldanha steel works and the port where those Iron trains were unloading tht had past my house in Lamberts bay every day.
On arrival in Langebaan a stop was made for lunch and the coastal road was taken.
The town is a poular spot for kite surfers. An hour or more was spent chatting with the owner of the local cycle shop in town near the Police station. He was a helpful guy and was enjoyable company.
After some time looking about for accommodation. I pulled into the municipal campground. Here one of the campers allowed me to camp on his site. Pierkus like many of the other campers here was a farmer and had a well set up camp with everything including the kitchen sinkand had been here before Christmas time.
It was nice to be out of the relentless wind again. He was saying that it has been unusually windy this year.
For me wind had been something to consider ever since reaching the coast at Henties Bay some two months ago.
My camp was beneath a rough bark Eucalypt tree with its upper branches being swung around vigorously in the wind. I asked had they picked up many branches over the few weeks before, “no” was the answer, this made me feel a little safer.
A huge pasta was eaten knowing it would be more hard work tomorrow in the sou westers.
7/1/2016 Langebaan to West Coast Estate motel
D50, T4.3, Av11.54, Max32, 50,621, 14,556
Strong winds all day
Pierkus had told me I could ride through the West Coast National Park to get onto the R27 and the main road south to Cape Town. The ride through this park was a pleasure as the wind was just forward of my right shoulder. It was a wilderness of low shrubs and trees with the odd ostrich present. On my right in the distance was the lagoon area south of Langebaan.
Out on the R27, all this changed the wind was almost head on and traffic was much heavier. A good shoulder present offered some consolation.
Coming to a large stone entrance and gate way., a stop was made for bred and some energy drink. The guard offered me his hut as a place to get out of the wind. He was busy in another shed plucking what looked like long dead chickens. It made me think back to days in the countries of East Africa.
Some twenty km down here on my right a stop was made at a country kitchen come restaurant place. Here a hearty homemade pie was enjoyed and more importantly time out of the wind.
Further down the road another motel, garage complex was arrived at. By this time I was feeling very tired and really had no need to go on further. The room prices here were R300 a night, upon inspection they were found to be very comfortable and had wifi. There were even few Zebra and springbok wandering about the place.
It was booked. My washing was done and dried in no time with that wind.
It was nice to shout myself a luxury room for my last night in Africa on the road. I had hoped to camp but it would have been very uncomfortable.
The beds were big with white sheets. I felt like a king as sleep came upon me.
8/1/2016 West Coast Winery to Annes house, Wynberg, Cape town
D84, T5.3, Av14.64, Max38, 50,655, 14,591
Strong afternoon winds from the south west
Very coincidentally, today, my last day on the road from Cairo to Cape Town, is one year exactly from my departure date from Cairo.
Getting up at 0330, a good breakfast of fried eggs and bread rolls were cooked along with my normal fare.
As soon as daylight was approaching I was out on the highway. The night watchman had to be woken up to open the gate.
The wind was only gently puffing. The road was gently rolling and almost dead straight. By 0800, 30km had already been covered. A young German cyclist had stayed in the hotel the night before me. She had plan plans to make Cape town in the one day also.
I was thinking about the year gone by when table mountain came into view some 50km south.
The year had been such a pleasure and the 3 weeks of in lamberts bay kind of felt like the end of the journey. Though seeing the iconic landmark with a tablecloth of cloud upon it did well up some emotion inside me.
I took the bike onto what looked like a cycle track in the middle of the divided to get some photos. All of a sudden a bus came flying past, I was on a bus track, it was quite scary. A hasty retreat was made back onto the highway.
In town I rang Anne, my Warmshowers host to tell her I was not far away. My GPS took me to Wynberg on freeways. This was another challenge in itself.
I arrived in one piece and was warmly greeted by Anne and her daughter Lisa. I immediately felt comfortable in their homely timber floored house.
Reservoir Hely Hutchison, Table mountain
View from Lions Head
Steve and I braved severe wind to climb Lions Head.
Bishop Desmund Tutus old church, Wale St, Cape Town.
Looking up Wale St from my "Warmshowers" host Stephens apartment.
|
half way up Lions Head
My Warmshowers host, Anne with family. I had such an enjoyable time here. Anne is a wealth of local knowledge and refreshingly enthusiastic about life! Thanks for your kindness.
Anne and I in Kirstenbosch Gardens ready to head up the Nursery ravine.
|
Early morning surprise in Anne's bathroom through hand made glass.
8-19/1/2016 Cape Town
My time here has been divided among two Warmshowers hosts and one family friend.
The stay with my first Warmshowers host Anne was especially enjoyable. We walked up the eastern face of Table Mountain and took a coastal drive around the landmark. She is a busy person and I just fitted in with her schedule which was no problem for me. She was a wealth of information on local matters and guided me to a good bike shop.
As far as touring bike parts are concerned there are few available here in Cape Town. The whole cycle market is geared towards high performance mountain bikes and accessories.
Steel chain rings were unavailable so was a 12-36 rear nine speed cassette .
There is one guy on the net north of here that deals in Ortlieb gear, though I did not get in touch with him. Revolution bicycles in the city were most helpful and had bike boxes for R50. They keep them for travelers.
My second stay was with Steve another Warmshowers host. He has an apartment in the central city which was great for me to get things done in the downtown.
If you are in need of a camera, in particular Canon, go to Order Now in 1 Park Rd Gardens. Their prices were very competitive and the service personal.
Again Steve was a great host and we got on well.
He and I climbed Lions head on the windiest of days it was quite a challenge.
We enjoyed meal with Annick and Bruno in town on their last night .
Lastly I stayed with Margie the mother of a friend in NZ. A lovely older woman, we took a drive to Cape Point and nearly got blown away literally in the wind down there.
Infact, wind has been an issue ever since reaching the coast in Henties Bay, Namibia.
My last few days in cape town finally saw it abate and the days were just perfect.
Time was spent just relaxing and swimming in the pool whilst getting things organized for the flight to Istanbul, where the temperature on my arrival will be close to zero degrees celsius.
Below are a few stats and comments on the year in Africa.
Thank you to everyone who made my time in Africa safe and a journey that will never be forgotten.
My time here has been divided among two Warmshowers hosts and one family friend.
The stay with my first Warmshowers host Anne was especially enjoyable. We walked up the eastern face of Table Mountain and took a coastal drive around the landmark. She is a busy person and I just fitted in with her schedule which was no problem for me. She was a wealth of information on local matters and guided me to a good bike shop.
As far as touring bike parts are concerned there are few available here in Cape Town. The whole cycle market is geared towards high performance mountain bikes and accessories.
Steel chain rings were unavailable so was a 12-36 rear nine speed cassette .
There is one guy on the net north of here that deals in Ortlieb gear, though I did not get in touch with him. Revolution bicycles in the city were most helpful and had bike boxes for R50. They keep them for travelers.
My second stay was with Steve another Warmshowers host. He has an apartment in the central city which was great for me to get things done in the downtown.
If you are in need of a camera, in particular Canon, go to Order Now in 1 Park Rd Gardens. Their prices were very competitive and the service personal.
Again Steve was a great host and we got on well.
He and I climbed Lions head on the windiest of days it was quite a challenge.
We enjoyed meal with Annick and Bruno in town on their last night .
Lastly I stayed with Margie the mother of a friend in NZ. A lovely older woman, we took a drive to Cape Point and nearly got blown away literally in the wind down there.
Infact, wind has been an issue ever since reaching the coast in Henties Bay, Namibia.
My last few days in cape town finally saw it abate and the days were just perfect.
Time was spent just relaxing and swimming in the pool whilst getting things organized for the flight to Istanbul, where the temperature on my arrival will be close to zero degrees celsius.
Below are a few stats and comments on the year in Africa.
- 12 months to the day
- 14,591km
- 3 wheels
- 3 tyres, numerous tubes
- 10 plus spokes
- 2 sets of pedals
- 3 chains
- Bucket loads of sweat
- 1 accident, minor
- A near death experience due to drowning, on a weir in the orange river
- No more than 15 punctures (5 in one day
- 11 countries
- 2 trips using alternative transport (1 for safety, 1 due to time constraints)
- Worst illnesses, kidney stones and diarrhoea
- Every country enjoyable, (especially in Ethiopia having Pedros company)
Thank you to everyone who made my time in Africa safe and a journey that will never be forgotten.
The 3 people that went a long way to making 2015 and Cairo to Cape Town on my bicycle such a year to remember.
It was all about spending time with the local people, eating and more often than not doing what they do.
