Prince Albert lies on the northern side of the Swartberg mountain range. Some basic research shows there is little of interest in the history of the town. Named after Queen Victoria’s husband or perhaps, more interestingly, a style of body piercing. Male. Painful.

The Swartberg pass links the town-let of Prince Albert to Oudtshoorn via a gravel road rising 1000m in about 10km – a robust affair providing a daunting view of the upper switchbacks which are built up on retaining walls rather than cut into the slope. The Teeberg switchback gives false hope as it is still another 4km to the top. With the recent heavy snowfalls there was still a bit of snow lying in the shadows near the summit so it was chilly as expected. A quick stop for hot drinks and snacks (cold) from the Landrover was quite welcome.

With Norma at “Die Top” – Teeberg in the distance.

After the screaming descent, our route ran west along the foothills of the Swartberg where a number of game farms have been established. Including the Swartberg Private Nature Reserve. As luck would have it, one of the Privates was on tour with us – Nikki – who graciously allowed us to ride through. An amazing experience.

We saw many species – including, nyala, impala, springbuck, giraffes, red lechwe, kudu, blesbok, red hartebeest. Fortunately the red hartebeest were not linked to the Internet and thus did not realize that cyclists were soft targets. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1Lr6mQB4cw

Nyala on the ridge

Here’s looking at you!

From the nature reserve it was about 50km to Mooiplaas guest house near Oudtshoorn where we arrived in need of food and rest after 110km. Tomorrow looks challenging at 125km and rain forecast. Must remember to carry chain lube!