2001 Biking South Africa

Day 28, Friday, July 13
Strand to Boulders
67.1km @ 15kph

We’ve had a great penultimate day! Particularly as the wind was behind us for the bulk of the distance – only becoming an issue on the last 12km or so. We cycled along the Strand, past the Somerset Mall, through Macassar and onto the beach road that passes Khayalitsha and Mitchell’s Plain. Cycled past white beaches and fynbos and arums galore. With the mountains that enclose False Bay curving behind us to Gordon’s Bay and ahead of us to our final destination, Cape Point. From Muizenburg we cycled mainly on the pavement through St James and Kalk Bay and Simonstown – enjoying the sights and sounds of these seaside communities. We’re nearly there!

We’ve had another wonderful day – despite it being Friday 13th! The southeaster was blowing – quite mildly and onto our backs. Charl had a puncture last night and one again today on the beach road. On which we twice overtook two separate pairs hitchhiking – always an amusing occurrence for both parties concerned.

Once we hit “town” we cycled predominantly on the pavement – through Muizenberg, past the brightly-coloured beach huts of St James and Kalk Bay with its harbour. In Fish Hoek (our destination for today) we had something to eat and decided to push on to Boulders in case the wind should blow tomorrow and ruin our schedule and planned meeting time with Priscilla de Lille.

The wind blew in our faces then, and fairly strongly, and Main Road was at times a little scary – narrow and sometimes busy. Despite which we enjoyed this stretch thoroughly – although we did not stop to look at antique shops or have tea in Simonstown. Near Boulders the trees on the seafront golf course are permanently wind-bent.

An unexpected encounter: I popped into a travel agent to look at their brochures while Charl was having yet another puncture mended. And who should I bump into after who knows how many years, but Glynis (Dawe). I recognised her instantly – and have invited her and her parents to our celebratory dinner tomorrow night.