The final count down - last day of the K2K cycle tour

20 July: Rotary Kruger2Canyon Cycle

After a fun night celebrating coming home, it was a bit difficult to get up at 5 am! We managed and were loaded in the car with all the bikes and headed for the Timbavati, part of the Greater Kruger Park, where we were starting the ride. It was a lovely morning. There was excitement all around and we were jumping up and down trying to warm up our goosebump bodies while the sun started peaking out. We all got ready and into the starting line, there was lots of excited chatter going around and Debbie and Erick cheerfully encouraging us and eager to be there. By 6:45 am, we were the last peloton to leave and off we went. It was a bit chilly but being in the lowveld bush made me so happy, this is what feels like home for me. I am just so happy to be riding in the dry winter bush. Its so beautiful and the air was so still and quiet. Within the first half an hour we crossed a river bed where a few of us, including me of course, took on quite a tumble in the soft sand. It was fun though, all of us taking turns to speed through the sand, watching each other, laughing.

After an hour of cycling in the cold, we arrived to a beautiful spot under big indigenous trees where Spur had set up a delicious breakfast stand with bacon and egg rolls and lovely creamy avos with warm coffee and EVEN a tot of Old Brown Sherry to warm us up. It wasnt long before the sun started beaming harshly down us and we were all tearing off all the layers. Chris and Mat spent quite a bit of time chatting and catching up with each other at the back and I met a lovely couple from the Cape who I enjoyed chatting to. It was so great to be in the bush again, getting wiffs of wild potato bush and seeing all the dry acacia pods crunched on the floor. It was slow though, a bit different to how we've been cycling for the last 3 months. We bumped into a small herd of elephants and spent some time quietly watching these gentle giants grabbing branches from the tall trees. We cycled over a beautiful dam where some po's (hippos) were casually waiting to greet us and we had an amazing water stop where one of the lodges had prepared oranges and boiled potatoes for snacks. We went from Timbavati to Thornybush, slowly making our way to Kapama. We could see the Mariepskop mountains faaaaar into the distance, where we were heading to finish off at the bottom of the slopes at Swadini. At the time the mountains just didnt seem to get closer.

Once we got onto Kapama we rode into a big herd of ellies spashing in the dam and this was such a special experience, we sat still watching them cooling themselves down in the water. I was completely in my element - what an incredible experience. After Kapama we crossed the main road, over the railway and onto Blue Canyon Conservancy. This is the reserve my dad had developed over the last decade where we got all the owners of smaller reserves to pull down their fences and become the Blue Canyon Convervancy. As we entered the gate, I felt at home. This is where I have spent a lot of my time learning about the bush, being in the bush, often going with dad to work. I had the biggest smile on my face, this is exactly how I wanted to finish off the cycle tour, at home, where my heart is. We had a lovely cycle through the reserve, had lunch at my favourite spot with my favourite view of the mountain.

Mat checking out the ellie

We eventually hit the tar road heading towards Swadini, only 10 km to go!! These last few kilometres were filled with mixed emotions. Chris and I had some time on our own and we just reminisced about our cycle tour and how it was all coming to end and what an amazing achievement this was. Just before the turn off to go into Swadini our peloton were waiting for us, wanting Chris and I to lead the group in. This was very special. Chris took my hand and we cycled over the finish line together, with Mom and Bee and Luan and Jess all waiting for us with champagne. I hugged Mom and we both immidately burst into tears, feeling very emotional and overjoyed with this all coming to an end. What an amazing way for us to finish off the K2K.

Ryan, who lead us safely through the cycle along side Dad

Finishing off our tour with Bee, Luan, Jess and Mat next to us

After lots of pictures and chatter and congratulations and packing the bikes on the trailer, we made our way to the dining hall where Rotary had prepared a delicious meal for everyone. The prize evening began after our tummies were full. Chris and I were called up and giving a shot each as well as a little gift bag. We spent the rest of the evening celebrating and just having a great time together with friends and family. The big question now is....WHAT NEXT???

Cycled: 95 km

Time: 6:50 hrs

Ave speed: 13.8 km/hr

Ascent: 726 m