Monday, 24 October 2016

Winterton in the Drakensberg Range


Winterton in the Drakenberg Range

I exchanged the bikes in Pretoria. The starship was a pleasure but just a bit too OTT for downtown anywhere. It concerned me that I was in the same category as a Range Rover nob. God forbid. Back on the little bike it felt small -  like I should be pedaling.

Morning didn’t start well. Bike wouldn’t start (there’s a theme emerging here). Jeff got me started with jump leads. Well, the bike had been standing for a week so give it a break. I decide to rack some battery reviving KMs up. 250K later I stopped. Bike wouldn’t start. Local Afrikaner – “I have worked in Stockport” provided jump leads & I bit the biking bullet & turned back.
500K round trip for a new battery. Jason sorted me out. He was off to Namibia with a bunch of Russians at the weekend. Forecast was 40C+.

I re-traced my steps. Battery charged, I was back up & running. I headed for the Mountains – the Drakesenberg. The Golden Gate NP provided a spectacular backdrop. The road carves through Orange & red cliff faces. Hairpins surprised me as I looked in all directions but the right one.  

I am now in Winterton under a tree full of Lesser Masked Weavers – its dusk & they’re rousting. It’s a racket. 10K from my overnight stop the bike stopped. Blown fuse. Grrr..



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