22 December 2023, Belfast, 66.86km
Arvore de Sombre R636.32
From Middelburg we travelled the R555 and then the R104, putting in 67km to Belfast (now eMakhazeni), mainly on an exhausting upward trend. The R104 deadends at the N4: right (west) to Emalahleni, left (east) to Mbombela.
We did a little research on whether or not we could cycle the section to Belfast, coming across an article about a cyclist who was knocked off his bike in February this year. In the article, TRAC (Trans African Concessions) confirmed that cycling is indeed allowed east of Wonderfontein. Several farm roads intersect the N4 here, as opposed the usual on- and off-ramps, confirming that despite it being labelled N4 and exacting a toll, it is indeed something else. In addition, 100m after turning toward Mbombela, we encountered a flurry of traffic cops, one of whom pulled me over out of curiosity not condemnation.
Only the first 10km or so along the R555, as far as the Middelburg dam, were anxiety producing with a few drivers clearly of the view that cyclists should not be allowed on the road at all and that driving super close while hooting as loudly and long as possible is one way to discourage them.
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We took breaks at the only two garages, one an informal-looking truck stop, Mooifontein Winkel & Petrol, the other the extraordinarily busy Puma Wonderfontein Service Station. The loo queue at the latter was so long, I opted to knyp (pinch).
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We also started the day better prepared water-wise, having run short the day before. We carried 5 litres of cold bottled water, but also around 1.5 litres of chilled tap water to pour onto hot heads and shoulders. This water did not stay cold for very long, unlike the drinking water in our flasks, but it did stay wet and served to cool us when needed.
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On the N4, around 10km from our destination, we were caught on the edge of a hailstorm. We could not outrun it despite it being headed away from us. Fat drops splatted, bringing that unique scent of rain falling on hot tar and thirsty earth. And then the hail started to peck at us, tiny stones, not large.
We arrived in Belfast damp and chilled, shopped for salad and drinks at the Spar, late-lunched at Tus Nua, quiet, particularly when compared to the KFC which had a line virtually out the door. Then met our host who let us into our pretty room to shower and veg out in front of the telly!
Middelburg to Belfast
Middelburg to Belfast
Mooifontein Winkel & Petrol
Mooifontein Winkel & Petrol
Middelburg to Belfast
Middelburg to Belfast
Middelburg to Belfast
Middelburg to Belfast
Middelburg to Belfast
Middelburg to Belfast
Middelburg to Belfast