Donation Link: https://oldlegstour-gdg-j1141n.raisely.com/…/al…
Distance: 124kms
Altitude gain: 680
Altitude loss: 490
Difficulty: An easy ride, and for the first time, assistance from a gentle tail wind
Temp: 36
Max heart rate: Not measured
Average ride speed: 17.1
An easy day of riding. We left the N4 a few kms out of Swartruggens and rode to Koster. Koster is one of those old farming towns that has largely become a slum, with minimal adherence to town planning – shanty houses all over the place, small kiosk type shops on the pavement, locked up and barbed wire old factories and warehouses. So, it was a pleasant surprise to find a delightful coffee shop. Some of us couldn’t help ourselves and ordered full on breakfasts. Chris is amazing – he hardly eats anything, is very careful about stuffing carbs, so he abstained. But Paul, Patrick and I devoured what we were served.
We stopped off in the village of Magaliesberg to get supplies at the local Spar and then headed up to our campsite, Weaver’s Rest. A little old fashioned, run on very Afrikaans lines, with quite a few long stay caravans – and the expected large Afrikaaner gents and ladies sitting in their camp chairs, luckily rated for 150kgs. But very friendly these people are, and expressing awe and admiration for our efforts.
The next day, Thursday, Day 11 was a rest day. Al and Diana went into Johannesburg to collect Patch from the airport. Paul and Chris hiked to the top of the hill above the camp site. Patrick fixed and cleaned bikes, and chatted to everyone he could, spreading the OLT message.
Jaime has just let me know that our friend Rupert who was beaten over the head about a year ago isn’t doing too well. Old Legs Tour pays for his medication each month, but he needs an MRI. Luckily one of the doctors in town has offered said MRI and so we hope to get to the bottom of his severe headaches soon. Thank you for your support towards our pensioners. Each $1 goes towards their much needed medical fund.