Today has been a pleasant change from sand and corrugation. The first 30km of the dirt road was rather smooth and hard. Then, from Bethanie onwards, it turned into perfect tarmac. A nice (coffee) shop in Bethanie provided a welcome break from our routine.

Riders raiding the coffee shop in Bethanie

And with a bit of tailwind, we were flying until lunch. Thereafter, we’ve had a bit of climbing, but stunning views and beautiful downhills rewarded our efforts.

By early afternoon, everyone had reached camp—a relatively easy day of only 123km!

“Some of you seem to think it’s all easy from now on”, Tallis warned us at our riders’ meeting. “It’s not. No one has said that the home-run would be easy. Tomorrow will be your last easy day.” Thereafter, we have seven long and difficult riding days coming up!

I remember reading in books that people lost their EFI in South Africa. For whatever reason, we’ve all ignored the fact that the last section is going to be the hardest. Illusory thinking—taking day by day. No one is able to think more than a few days ahead.

By the time we had finished Sudan, I had thought it would be all easy-peasy from then on. Well, it hasn’t been!

I think it’s fair to say that both Liz and I (the two female EFI aspirants) have big respect of our final days. Wish us luck, physical strength and mental stamina. We can do it!!!

Stage 78: Konkiep Lappa – Seeheim (Namibia), 123km

Road & traffic condition:

30km of smooth and hard dirt road, then perfect tar. Somewhat more traffic again on the highway, but not bothersome.

Great tar road through the Namibian desert

Weather:

Hot, but we all managed to beat the heat and arrive at camp before the afternoon sun became gruelling. We’d be hot and sweaty just sitting in the shade at the camp’s bar!