17 July, Wednesday: Louis Trichardt -> Niel and Lynn McLoughlin, Tzaneen

After a morning cup of coffee with Dads old friend who lives closeby on a beautiful property on the mountains, Dad and Chris got on the saddle, heading for Tzaneen. I have been on the saddle for 7 consecutive days and with the K2C 100 km on Saturday, I took on the role of co-supporter with Mom in Madam. We turned off the N1 taking a back route to Tzaneen via Morebeng. It was a beautiful drive and a part of me wished I was on my bike. There were some heavy climbs and fast downhills for the men and as we got into Modjajiskloof we found a spot for lunch.

This was my first time in the car and it was nice to spend time with Mom, but it was also a bit boring and I was having serious FOMO being off the bike. It was a much needed rest for my body, whether I wanted to or not, it's important to rest. We got to Tzaneen just after lunch and had organized to stay with Dads friends Niel and Lynn. They live on a beautiful big property where they have a guest cottage at the bottom overlooking a dam with ducks, geese and swans'. Next to the cottage there's an avery with the most gorgeous bright pinky-red Scarlet Ibis's which none of us have ever seen before. There's a lovely braai area which Chris put into good use and Neil and Lynn and their son Russel joined us for dinner.

Spot the Scarlet Ibis

Cycled: 73.40 km

Time: 3:19 hrs

Ave speed: 20 km/hr

Ascent: 637 m BUT descent: 1330 m