Wheels4Life

Today, although the shortest distance of The Tour so far, was definitely the big “mountain stage”. The start was deceptively gentle as we left from Winterton at a serene pace with a stunning view of the Drakensberg to our right. Notwithstanding the easy start, the day wasn’t going to continue in the same vein and we had to earn our breakfast stop in Estcourt with a big climb as we approached the town. We also had to bear in mind that there were bigger hills to come between Estcourt and Mooi River and we had to save some energy for our “out of category” climb looming just before Mooi River.

After a short respite on the rolling hills out of Estcourt, and the persistent question, “Is this the hill?” emanating from within the group, we eventually came upon the monster – 4,2km of climbing on a 9% gradient in the midday heat. It was a superb team effort to get to the top, some towing, some pushing, some cheering and cracking jokes, some suffering in silence and others doing some birdwatching and talking to the cows (?), all doing what we came here to do – make a physical sacrifice to change the lives of those less fortunate. When we reached the crest of the hill there were very few dry eyes in the pack – and it wasn’t only because the cows were still refusing to answer John! I’m sure everyone on the tour from the cyclists to the support team will agree that it was a definitive moment of the tour and it took the long descent in to Mooi River for most of us to compose ourselves.

We arrived in Mooi River to the wonderful sounds of a threatening Midlands thunderstorm and after stretching, checking in to the Argyle Arms and making ourselves more presentable, we treated ourselves to tea and scones and a relaxing afternoon at Hartford House up the road.

It has been a great tour so far and in no small part to the experience today. It has been an honour to participate in such an event and with such wonderful people!

Cheers for now,

MICHELLE (aka Judge Judy)