Recovery day? Day 4

So we woke up bright and early again (4.30) with the prospect of a shorter day. The heat rose early but hopefully some of the early photos do the landscape justice.

We flew across the plains to Queens Mercy beating our back up vehicle. This was definitely the fastest I've ever done this section - 2.45.

Next was a visit to the pain cave with hard gravel roads playing havoc with my head and bum. I don't ever remember being this sore all over to the extent where I dread downhills.

Fortunately we had another tea stop with carrot cake which is always a reminder that we are not racing despite wanting to get out of the heat.

So we are now ensconced at Ongeluksnek with a long afternoon to try and recover from the battering.

The region we have traversed is incredibly dry and spring is slow in coming. The heat and remnants of veld fires have made it contrasting beauty.

No matter the failure of the body, it's still a privilege to pass through and be greeted by locals without the angst of the big cities. Nothing but courtesy and interest in our journey.

Day Four : 60km. 7.13h and 1000m ascent.