Today’s ride (race?) from McKenzie farm through to Jolivet is arguably the finest stage of any race. A detailed survey (I asked a couple of friends) confirmed at least that it is the best stage in South Africa. 

The opening scene 

Leaving McKenzie at first light the route heads  for Murray’s Meander and Nicks Pass which take you along the edge and then down into the Umkomaas Valley. With spectacular views of the river far below – if you sneak a look, and kilometers of smooth flowing singletrack that take you down it is a joy to ride.

 The spectacular Umkomaas valley  

 
Provided of course that you stay on the bike. A rider directly in front of me took a sharp left a little sharply and tumbled head over heels down an embankment. Luckily only a couple of meters and he was fine. But it could have been more dramatic! 

One of Larri’s friends, Nic, was helicoptered out of the valley, apparently in a neck brace. He fell on a straightforward flat section – wth an awkward gully to his left. Around camp there are a number of walking wounded with one lady riders nose a rather unattractive shade of Methiolate! 

Nic’s gully  

But in the positive side – the mood in the camp is festive after an amazing day on a bike. A mood contributed to by the incredible facilities here at Jolivet. Upgrades to the permanent structures have been made which have to be seen to be believed. So here you are :-

Camping among the trees  

Shower block – with tiles!! 
 

Coffee lounge.  

Our ride today was much more measured than yesterday.  Instead if belting out the blocks and fading later Larri and I rode consistently and ended up improving our stage finish by 50 places, coming in around 135th overall! Job done for the day!

Done and dusty