Actual sign from Wave’s Convenience stop

We had stopped at the Waves Convenience store about two thirds of the way down to Jeffrey’s Bay. It is attached to a petrol station and squats on the hill just after Wilderness village if you know the area. We’ll get to why I was there shortly.

But first, I did feel in need of a “comfort” stop. A bit like the guy on the sign above the bathrooms alongside the forecourt. So it got me thinking.

• Why does it seem like you can hold it in until the place of relief is close at hand when it becomes and life and death (well, wet, anyway) emergency?
• And should you go whenever the bus stops just in case? Fellow passengers could think you have a problem. But maybe less so that trying discretely to use a convenient bottle in your seat on the bus!
• Why don’t more loo signs use these icons? Simply brilliant.

To the reason for heading down the Garden Route – biking of course! We were in the Daytrippers bus heading to the start of the Cape Build Up road bike tour running from Jeffrey’s Bay back to Gordon’s Bay.

The first night is spent overlooking Supertubes, the world famous surf spot. Panoramic views, endless beaches and amazing accomodation make it a whole holiday in just one night.

What a place to start a bike ride

Time to pedal – 8am Friday

The first days route runs west along the old Cape Road, more or less parallel to the soulless N2 highway. It carries little traffic, the surface is pretty good and the scenery surprisingly lush given the protracted drought the Eastern Cape has been suffering.

Along Old Cape Road

With about 25 riders, it’s quite a large group this year and as always there is a big range of bike-abilities. Some strong and some more social. Quite a few e-bikes which opens up amazing opportunities for many. And as always, Steve copes with the stretched out logistics with out any fuss or bother. One of the best parts of these tours is just that – being able to ride at whatever pace you choose, whether touring or training. I guess you can even race if you really wanted to. But that seems a bit pointless doesn’t it?

A new overnight lodge this year was as lively as always. The Tsitsikamma Forest Lodge just past the Storms River bridge.

The Tsitsikamma Lodge – rather foresty!

Daytrippers advertise that “It’s all about the ride”. And this is not entirely truthful. It’s all about so many things that are all amazing! A time when it’s quite ok not to be entirely truthful in advertising.