Bumper to bumper traffic, views, and chamois cream

Barry dale to Montagu

We stayed at a very nice farmer house last night 7km outside of town. The owners were Duo (dee-u) and Marianna. The house was built by Duo’s grandfather and has been passed down to the sons. Duo and his dad look so much like each other in their wedding photos it leads one to believe Duo is a clone. They were extraordinary people and we sat and talked for about 1 hour. They own 110 hectares of land mainly for sheep and some cattle but around the house are orchards. The also produce beet and carrot seed and just plow the plant in at the end of the season. Now you know where all the seeds come from!

This is the view from their front stoop. Very quaint and relaxing.




The race started thru the orchards until we reached the first climb we saw this rare site. Capus Epicus is a rare snake species that only appears once a year in South Africa. It is distinguishable by its spectrum of colors and its rubber like under side. The Capus Epicus will become aggressive and ornery when it is hunger, thirsty, or tired but is normally quite pleasant.





As we approached the day’s first hill and were prepared to show our climbing prowess we notice a strange site not often encountered in Canada. The whole race was at a stand still. Not for a horrendous accident or incredible technical section. It was literally backed up with congestion. I guess when you try to squeeze 1200 riders up a single track things get tight. We actually stood there for 3 min until the line started its slow grind to the top. Once passed the first section the boys from the great white north were off and riding much to the surprise of locals who were mad at the organizers for putting in another “un-climb-able” hill.


We had a good day and with some fast pavement down hills and some good double and single-track descents.



Things were going good but I found a way to make them better. Chamois cream!!!! I normally don’t use it, as I don’t have any major problems with the “undercarriage”. As we refilled at the last stop I thought, “hey why not, go ahead and try it. The medics had tubs of it and I put aside the thought that someone may have double dipped and caked it on. At first it is rather ODD but as I rode the effects were fantastic. It took the sting out of sitting on the seat making it an almost enjoyable place to put one’s bottom.

We were treated to a stay in the Villa Victoria the is rated 4 stars. What makes a 4 star B and B in Africa. Well look at the room and then take notice of the lavender sticks placed in the shitter paper.



I hear it snowed in Calgary. Need I say it?