Stage three got off to a subdued start. High winds and rain during the night meant that those of us in tents had at best fitful sleep. When I looked out in the morning flyaway tents were littered about the field, one even neatly placed on top of Ila Stow’s tent, where she was still sleeping (hopefully peacefully).
Excitement was at an all time high on the start line. Photo credit: Oakpics.co.za
An icy downpour before the start had us all wrapped up in our winter best on the start line. The slow 10-kilometre neutral zone, and intermittent freezing showers meant that our spirits were not high by the time we got out of the neutral zone and onto the Hartenbos boardwalk.
The seaview, increased speed, and respite from the drizzle did a lot to fix this, and by the time we popped onto a track next to the railway line it was business as usual.
Photo credit: Oakpics.co.za
The route took us on fast and flat district roads, past the first water point and towards the rolling foothills of the Outeniqua mountains where the gradient kicked up a notch. Fortunately, the surfaces were smooth, making progress a little easier than yesterday.
Undulating jeep track, scattered with chilly river crossings then became our home for the next few hours. The track rolled along with panoramic views of the misty peaks to the left, and the foothills of the mountains and the coastal plain between George and Mossel Bay on the right. The grind of holding Nick’s wheel and repeatedly getting eyefuls of mud began to take its toll, and by the time we turned into Witfontein forest with about twenty kilometres to go I was battling on the climbs, and more than ready for a hot shower.
Forestry roads set the scene for the majority of the day. Photo credit: Oakpics.co.za
We rode past a few tantalising trails, which hopefully we will get a taste of during tomorrow’s time trial stage. The single track we rode in the last ten kilometres was, for the most part, a muddy slick and required concentration to remain upright and keep the wheels moving. I am ashamed to admit we had to push up a few of the steeper muddy climbs.
By the time we turned onto the suburban roads in George I was caked in mud, and absolutely shattered.
I am extremely grateful for tomorrow’s 31 kilometre time trial around George which hopefully will give us lots of time to recover before we ride to Oudshoorn via Montagu Pass on Thursday.
Squad selfie!
Tomorrow’s route profile. You can find more information on the stage here.
