3 February 2019, Hertzogville to Boshof, 36,6km (+ 18km hitched)
Kipepeo Guest House R350

Soon after we began today’s ride, Charl uttered these ominous words: “Imminent collapse”. He was referring to his bike, not his body, though by the time we arrived in Boshof, he was almost too tired to take a shower before his nap. The ball bearing issue on his front wheel causes it to wobble. And one by one his back spokes have snapped, now numbering seven gone, so that the back wheel is seriously mal-aligned, rubs every revolution against the fork, and resists all spoke tightening attempts.
Thus began a running debate between us. I had suggested last night, not a smidgen of vested interest in sight, of course, that we arrange a lift to Boshof rather than attempting the dirt road that runs to it from Hertzogville. Mr Eternally Optimistic said all would be well. By the time we ran out of tar, with 40km still to go, it was clear all would not be well.
First of all cycling fully-laden bikes on dirt roads is twice is hard and slow as cycling on tar. Then the first several kms were so corrugated that every lump-hollow threatened to rip the handlebars from my weakening grip. Although the road improved somewhat, it was still rough going. Charl was increasingly slow - at one point I had to wait almost 30 minutes for him the catch up with me. I kept threatening to stop a bakkie and beg a lift; he kept saying we could make it to town. The “argument” was largely moot, as there was virtually no vehicular traffic at all on our bushveld road. With still 18km to go, I was yet again a long distance ahead of Charl, and had stopped in deep shade beside a farm gate to await him. I heard a vehicle approaching, but did not attempt to stop it as Charl was determined to go on. And there he was sitting bike ’n all in the back of a bakkie, grinning in delight. Which was nothing to the delight I felt. So intense was it, I managed to chat in Afrikaans all the way to town with Gerard Derksen, Hertzogville farmer returning his daughter’s friend to her mom outside the Boshof Hotel.
Tomorrow, a planned rest day, Charl will take both wheels to a bike-smith in Kimberley, while I impose on our host’s generosity and get the washing done…

For today's route see below photos
For overview route, click on ROUTE tab above…

Hitched last 18km...