This is my third Jock Cycle tour with each one significantly different. The first started and ended in Barberton over 3 stages in one day. The second started and ended in Nelspruit over 3 stages each on a different day. This edition also starts and ends in Nelspruit over 3 stages but on one day. The most common aspect is the tough mountainous route and relentless rolling hills.
The journey to White River where we will based was exceptionally pleasant after a week of long hours and much work pressure. The load slipped off my back as we meandered through various conversations, highways and byways. Our long stop at Milly’s where we waited for some of the others was spent indulging in double shot cappuccinos and far too much eats lovingly provided by our wives, mothers and daughters.
As we neared Nelspruit, we stopped at a farm shop and tasted before buying some very sweet naartjies and oranges. We reached our base, Pine Lake Inn, and immediately dived into a delicious pot of mutton akhnee carefully prepared by Arshads mum. This was closed with tea and delicious biscuits. Our fuel for tomorrow.
As others arrived and while eating, we watched Federer craftily beat a fighting Nadal. Conversations continued before it was time to prepare our drinks, ready our clothes and sort our bikes. Surprisingly everyone is uncharacteristically relaxed. We’ve come a long way.
