Old Legs Tour Angola 2024 – Testimonial
Some words about yesterday's leg (Day Four), from Alastair Watermeyer, our most senior rider.
Alastair was born in 1949.
“That year is famous because there were no runts,” he said from his sleeping bag a few moments ago, and then laughed himself to sleep.
I’ve been extremely fortunate and had a very interesting life in terms of trips with groups. Hiking in the Chimanimani Mountains, canoeing down the Zambezi River, skidding down rocky slopes in the Canadian Rockies, struggling up Kilimanjaro, quite a few long-distance OLT cycle rides… and, for me, the group dynamics are almost more interesting than the trip itself. Today, Day 4 of the OLT ride to Angola, was an interesting group dynamic day. And I emphasize, this is my view, my opinion.
We set off from a pretty comfortable bush camp on the banks of the Sanyati, knowing we would be driving in the vehicles for a few hours before climbing onto our bikes. Well, the best-laid plans don’t always work out as we hope. And some very sharp stone or stick messed up our planning big time, by puncturing the rear tyre of our truck, Christopher.
I won’t spend time going through the process of changing the wheel, going to the town of Nembudzia, finding a tyre place, etc., etc. What I want to describe is how well our group of cyclists and support managed the unexpected setback. Not one person voiced any negativity.
A group of the more mechanically competent guys went to help get the tyre off, fixed, and refitted. A couple of others went off in search of water so our supply was topped up. The rest took a couple of soccer balls to a nearby school… and, wow, did the kids go ballistic with joy and exuberance at that donation. I hope the Facebook page has a video of those kids. If you could find a way to bottle joy and exuberance, then the school at Nembudziya would be the perfect source.
But coming back to the group dynamic of OLT Angola. There was plenty of cause to be upset, to be negative, good reason to complain. For, in the end, we never did get on the bikes. We got to our campsite yesterday evening after 5 pm, after a very long, dusty, and bumpy day in the vehicles. But not a single complaint or negative comment. Instead, the conversation was focused on the stunning countryside, the joy of the school kids.
Too lucky am I!
Have Fun. Do Good. Do Epic.
Alastair