DAY 16 - Thursday 24th - THE PERFECT DAY!

Everything was just perfect today. I felt strong from the beginning, the bike ran smoothly, it was warm and sunny, the drivers all seemed sympathetic, the road was excellent and the route absolutely stunning. Each town I went through - Kleinmond, Betty's Bay, Rooiels and Gordon's Bay all stood out in their own unique way. The scene through the pass from Rooiels to Gordon' Bay was breathtaking and it was a hugely emotional experience for me. Seeing Table Mountain across the bay was special and it made me feel like I had finally arrived. I stopped just outside Gordon's Bay just to make sure I had taken it all in. As I was reflecting a car pulled up and a smart looking lad got out, exhaled deeply and smiled. We chatted and it so happens that he grew up in one of the sprawling townships in Cape Town but got lucky, was educated in London, and ended up in business in SA. He explained that he was having a bad day at the office and had come there to reflect.  It was an incredible feeling as we shared our journeys and concerns with each other like two old mates. We said goodbye as friends and I know both energized.  

Later I went for a walk on the beach at Gordon's Bay, where I am staying, and wanted to scream with happiness and fulfilment. I thought about the reasons for this trip and for the first time allowed myself to exhale. Today I feel hugely privileged to live in this stunning country.    

Tomorrow I will cycle to my brother Pete's house, write my last blog and then it will be finished.

Thanks once again for all those wonderfully motivating messages you sent today.

See you tomorrow at the finish line.

Me

Route 44!

Gordon's Bay

First sight of the Bear!! - Yahoo!!