Given I’m writing this blog with the theme of one lesson a day, I’ve had the following idea very early on (already in Sudan, I think): Wouldn’t it be nice to have a video in which each of us tour participants shares one lesson we’ve learnt on this trip? It should be a great souvenir for us riders and staff; as well as hopefully also interesting and inspiring for others, notably you, family & friends, and potential future tour participants.

Keeping the idea at the back of my mind, I hadn’t been acting upon it over more than two months. Except: I’d mentioned the idea to a few riders to gauge their level of interest—polite acknowledgement far short of my initial excitement hadn’t been very encouraging.

Eventually, I was running out of time. We’d only have one more rest day before reaching Cape Town. If I wanted to see my idea come to fruition, I’d finally have to do something about it. It was now or never. So I mentioned it at our riders’ meeting, mentally preparing myself that no one would be interested. It didn’t matter, at least I would have tried.

“Could I have a show of hands who’d be interested to participate?” I asked. Surprise, surprise—the overwhelming majority raised their hands!

Well, it’s still just an idea—we’ll still need to take the individual recordings, and I’ll still need to create the video. But at least I’m—no, we are—one step closer . . .

Stage 79: Seeheim – Canyon Roadhouse (Namibia), 93km

Road & traffic condition:

25km of the worst sand and corrugation ever, then rather smooth and hard dirt that’s been a lot easier to cycle on.

We’ve also had strong headwind for a short section, meaning not only that it was harder to pedal but that tourist cars coming our way would blow a thick cloud of dust into our faces and blur our visibility.

Weather:

Sunny but cooler than yesterday with a pleasant breeze.

Culinary highlights:

• Lots of Apfelstrudel everywhere—it seems to be the most common pastry/dessert in Namibia. Am feeling proud of our Austrian culinary heritage having made it that far! 🙂

  

• Spaghetti carbonara and salad for dinner. What a delicious surprise change from bolognese! Followed by ice cream. In addition to à la carte orders from the funky Canyon Roadhouse restaurant.

  

Group highlights:

• We’re camping near the famous Fish River Canyon (second biggest canyon worldwide after the Grand Canyon). However, it’s still a 15km bike ride away. Some people went there. Others, including myself, preferred to save our energy and rest our sore butts for the coming day(s). Smart decision (at least for those with EFI ambition)—the ride back from the canyon apparently has been uphill on tough corrugation against strong headwind.
  I’m not stressing about having missed the Fish River Canyon because I’m sure I’ll come back to Namibia—next time in a comfortable 4×4! According to Judith, hiking through the Fish River Canyon over several days is a great experience in a beautiful setting, so I’ve put that onto my bucket list.
• Very funky Canyon Roadhouse camp site and restaurant. Looks like a museum inside, where they’ve collected all kinds of car, gas and train related equipment over some hundred years, it seems. Here a few photos:

  

  

  

  

Personal highlights: