A Week to Remember: The W4L team arrive safely in Durbs!
Friday was a sad goodbye to Gavin, who could unfortunately not join us for the final day (Gav - you were sorely missed), but it brought new arrivals to the team, Liam and Martinis. Great news – as we had some fresh legs! We had a good hearty meal at Jill and Butch Forrester (thanks again!!) on Friday night which prepared us for the final day to come. We woke up with very mixed emotions on Saturday morning with the final day ahead of us from Pietermartizburg to Durban. A mix of excitement as we were almost in Durban, combined with a pang of sadness that it was all over, plus a whole lot of rain and mist to contend with.
The person who bravely stated “it’s all downhill to Durban” needs a serious mind reading. I think it was all in the great art and tactic of “psychological manipulation”. And then came the 3rd casualty… trying to avoid a very large puddle, Nadine went into the back of Liam and skidded right off her bike. A very well handled situation from Liam, who actually carried Nadine’s bike in the spokes of his back wheel! Everyone was ok though, Nades – you’re a tough cookie!
The Gillett Lions very kindly marked out our 60km point with a brunch hosted at the Gillett Station. We all had at least 3 burgers (go team!) before we set of on our last decent to Durban (which really was downhill). The Gillett Lions support vehicle helped and guided us tremendously, by stopping traffic on the busy roads and guiding us to Sun Coast casino, our final destination.
The end was an emotional experience – come on boys, you even shed a tear! What a phenomenal achievement from our Man Tendai. As we gathered at the end as a team, Tendai told us that we had given him back his legs. We all proceeded to blub a little more 
In true “Vaalie” style – we all ran onto the beach – in full cycling kit and had a good “goeff” (that’s for you Dan!) in the sea. It was Tendai first time in the sea in 9 years and all of our first time in the sea in tight Lycra!
We sprayed one another and drank champagne like true pros.
So - 735km down, tired legs, great friendships made, strong bonds formed, goals met and memories that will last a lifetime! Next time … Zimbabwe!
Tash
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