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28th August 2006

Location: Johannsberg, South Africa

A super cold ride greeted us as we rolled out of Durban heading for the Drakensburg world heritage area. The Drakensburg was a great place to stop and despite the rain we went for a bit of a wander around and snuck a view of the local attraction a stunning and very large natural Amphitheatre. Dramatic would be one word to describe the Drankensburg. Due to our commitments with the All Blacks test in Jo-Burg on the 26th we only had one day in the Drakensburg. It is a shame to have to rush through such beautiful locations.

However, the All Blacks match was a great occasion, really amazing to be a fish out of water as a Kiwi in Spring Bok territory. There were a few disgruntled locals who would prefer we weren’t there to watch them suffer but the general crowd were only gently hostile, we would go as far to say some were even friendly. Good Work to the All Blacks.

Also a massive Congratulations to Nic’s brother Nathan and his partner George who were second mens pair at the World Rowing Champs on Saturday. A huge effort, all the lads a super proud. Gold again next year bro.

Now that the All Blacks test victory is behind us we can now take our time a bit more as we have no set dates to be any where. It is a nice feeling. Jo-Burg is our last chance to fix the bikes and get them in top shape ready for regions of Africa where can’t just "go to the shop and grab some spares". We have found it hard getting spare parts here in SA so we are not optimistic about the supply chain in less developed countries further north.

Today is one month since we left the comfort of New Zealand! The last month has been really, really hard. We have to endure soft comfortable beds provided by our various hosts. Even worse is the great local cuisine our hosts provide for us that is so hard to stomach that we have to have seconds and sometimes even thirds! Yes travelling through Africa really is hard. Thanks again to everyone who has extended their hospitality to us since we have been here the boys have gained an average of 3 Kg’s to put the fat stores in good stead for the lean times that may be ahead. Thanks to our current hosts Lucille and Jason, we promise we will get out of cruise mode and leave some time in the next month.

Durban to Johannsberg Images

Chronicle blurp

After a wonderful stay in Durban with Gabrilla and Antony Elworthy, we set off inland to check out the Drakensberg or dragons back mountains due to their unruly shape. It rained so or views were hindered, but it was good to get away from the cities none the less. Onward to Johannesburg and the All Blacks rugby match in Pretoria we went, armed with our national pride and spirit we entered as pirates from far lands. We left victorious and with little damage from the hardened Afrikaans supporters.