Day 4 kicked off in an unconventional way, Tallman was up at 2am for a quick fire 83km. The man is as tall in stature as he is as a good friend because after his cycle he still had to drive about 02hours and 30min to Zava Village, not too far from Sterkspruit, to go support a friend who was bereaved. We are grateful for his and his boss’s safe return to us as it was evident by the standing ovation upon re-entry shortly before dinner. I know that loud echo of “Unleash me man” was dearly missed.

It is pertinent to mention a particular game of crazy 8 that took place, the night before, in Sethu’s room, we are naming and shaming. For the Queen, crazy 8 is just an excuse for Sili to take money from Jordan, illegal gambling if you will, now Jordan is looking for an Okapi to bring to the table. How Lauren got roped into it puts judgment on her level of being a responsible young lady. Needless to say it’s a good thing we do not line up for breathalyzer tests before reporting for duty, otherwise Nathi and Jordan would have had great company, from a few of the candidates, to compare babalaas notes with. Seemingly the coffee lacquer is good for selflessly serving others, stopping traffic with your bicycle so your teammates can safely cross the road and reviving uPasi back to life on the road is the way to Cyclist of the Day. Well done to  uSgqibo for embodying the values and morals of what this initiative is about.

For the rest of us mere mortals, breakfast was at 06h45 and we were off at 07h30. But before we departed, as usual we grouped in, posing ever so happy in our pink swag. Thanks to Ms Nopinki – Chanelle, for the lovely comfortable gear. And not to forget the sunscreen and sweets she was enthusiastically distributing for some energy along the way.

The weather was rather chilly as we took off, very layered and navigating carefully the depressions on the road, also known as potholes Sarah and Janine.

The 1st 11kms was mainly downhill and we think that Kush would have enjoyed this part of the ride because it is rumored that Tony asked her to show him what she’s had and out came a whooping land speed record of 40km per hour average over a distance of at least 5km.

It was not long before we arrived at our 1st tea break spot, at Sandstone Heritage Trust, beautiful pink flowers in the clearing. This is a must stop place, ask Herman because he shot a movie scene from amongst the flowers. We heard via the grapevine, we suspect from that gossip monger Sili, that the fields are privately owned and the owner intentionally plants these exotic blooms for passing travelers to appreciate. We are yet to believe that. But Sethu and Sigqibo want to meet the owner for an out of this world business proposal, something about a toll fee gantry for entry into the fields.

We proceeded on our journey coming across a stop/go road construction. Perfect opportunity for Arno to eliminate the competition in the form of newly revived Kaya Malotana because he suddenly stopped in front of Kaya and then blamed Tony. Kaya’s falling action was something out of the Matrix movie, as Sili retold it because it happened in such slow motion that he almost got his i-Phone out of his back pouch to capture it. What poor Arno forgot was that Kaya and Queen Philani were in charge of picking the cyclist of the day and that small action ensured his name wouldn’t go into the hat for the draw later. He did try a valiant attempt at sympathy with Her Majesty by deliberately falling in front of her as we pulled into Cherry Farm to indulge our palates on the most delicious milk tart pancakes you’ve ever tasted. They make you feel like you’re a cheater eating them without your better half present. We swear the pink lacquer was Tony’s idea. The man felt good, he felt sexy in his pink outfit for the day. Simply put, he was inspired.

The ride was apparently enjoyable because even Kaya managed to take in some of the amazing topography our beautiful South Africa has to offer. Day 1, 2 and 3 he would have struggled to even spell topography let alone soak it in, Kush was already calling home with concern.

The group had to split at Cherry Farm and 7 riders went ahead to chase the Spa for well earned massages. The departure for the remainder of the group was delayed by our 1 hand wonder, Janine, who decided to test the chivalry of the gentlemen on this trip by puncturing her tires on potholes. Her group of 7 dumped her on the rest of us and they were 6. Tony is contemplating laying a charge with her father by the way. Kaya quickly project managed the fixing, Tony, Jordan and Sgqibo assisted, there is evidence thanks to Her Royal Highness.

Up ahead, Herman, armed with a brown envelope in case a speeding fine came up, set a blistering pace to get the 1st group into Ladybrandt. Upon arrival, in the town, they were met by a gang of local cyclists who would escort them to Cranberry Lodge, our destination and resting place for the evening.

The rest eventually made it out of Cherry Farm, no thanks to Tony’s delaying tactics, he may have gone back for that pink lacquer, his riding was suspect for the remainder of the trip. We unfortunately lost Arno into the ambulance because of minor injury, according to Jordan, but we just think Jordan was bored and needed company so he bribed Arno to fake the injury.

Once all criminals were accounted for at the lodge, a cardinal rule was broken, stretching was not done. Between Tony and that wanna be Yoga instructor, Tallman please met out the appropriate fine.

The massages were impeccable but sadly, only lasted for 30minutes. Maybe just as well because a rare bonding session took place in that massage room, we won’t say between who and who but the end result is that one can now ask for favors from the other, no double dipping involved, Hedley, head out the gutter.

At dinner, Her Majesty received a round of applause for helping carry Sandra up a hill after her third tumble in 4 days. Respect Your Majesty, she’s Super Woman. As for Sandra, stop falling.

PS: Staaaaatssss Corner –  by the one and only…Ta Moraaaaa!!!

Total Ascent = 1052m

Total Descent = 1251m, proving that even a broken watch is right twice a day so Tony is redeemed, we went downhill on Day 4. We won’t mention speeds and averages lest we spur The Principal on.

Ta Mora churned out a massive total strokes of 1400, oh sorry, 14735 strokes for the ride, still didn’t beat Skeps, those short legs work at double the cadence.

Safe traveling mercies Mrs Tshele as you return to your bambinos, we shall meet you at the Rec on Thursday.

Good luck on Day 5 gang, half way point has been reached and it is figuratively downhill from here, we all know we are starting with a climb for 5km.

Go change a child’s future for the better.  Nopasika and Kaya