Day 7 Blog: Zastron to Aliwal North From Rainbows to Resilience on the Road into the Eastern Cape 72km

The morning dawned…Scratch that. The morning did not dawn.

It rained down hard with a symphony of raindrops hammering our tin roofs, the kind of weather that makes even the hardiest cyclist groan. Day 7 greeted us with heavy skies and slick roads, but spirits? Unshaken. After all, what’s a cycling adventure without a little drama?

**The Great Jail Break & Orange Armor**
The day’s first act felt like a scene from a heist movie. One of our cycling couples and their bike staged a “jail break,” slipping loose from their rack and demanding a swift rescue mission. Alessandra, ever the trouper, faced a momentary struggle (we’ll blame the rain greasing the chains!), but Zastron ingenuity prevailed.
To brace for the downpour, we suited up in our DIY orange rain jackets—bright enough to rival a traffic cone, courtesy of Tony’s experience from the past. Ironically, the skies soon laughed at our caution, the rain tapering to a quiet wind. Mother Nature, you fickle friend.

**Zastron’s Sweet Send-Off**
As we pedaled out of Zastron, a group of young girls (Jan and Alle), all determination, led our peloton out of town. Their energy was contagious, a reminder that joy thrives even in puddles. Before we could pedal on, the trailer, ever rebellious, wedged itself stubbornly in a lodge gate. Cue the collective sigh, a few grins, and some creative wrench diplomacy, it wiggled free. Also a shout-out to our steadfast **Ford Everest** support vehicle—it’s carried us (and our chaos) like a champ these 7 days!

**Beef, Bikes, and Blazing Speed**
At the first tea stop, a rare sighting of Ankole cattle was spotted. Could Cyril be around with some dollars in the couch to sponsor bursaries? We call out…

Recharged, we snapped our now-iconic “Trek bike lineup” photo (these trusty steeds deserve their glamour shots).

Then came the call from the radio: “Let them loose. Let them cook.” And cook we did. Mountain bikes, sit this one out!. The resident speed demons, tore through the next 10km at a blistering 34kph, legs spinning like windmills in a storm. By 11:00 AM, Rouxville’s outskirts rose on the horizon, the N6 highway stretching ahead like a ribbon of promise.

**Sponsor Shoutout & Peloton Pride**
In Rouxville, we paused to flex our style for the cameras, rocking our **BDO cycling kits** with pride—massive thanks to our sponsors for keeping us rolling in comfort and flair! But the real showstopper? The peloton itself. Today, the group moved like a well-oiled machine, wheels spinning in harmony, riders synced in rhythm. And when **Pulane** took over from Jen to lead the charge from the front? Pure poetry. Her steady pace and sharp focus had us gliding across the tarmac. This wasn’t just a peloton—it was a masterpiece.

Highway Highs and Layers Shed****
The N6 greeted us with its broad shoulders (and the comforting knowledge of R20 million in insurance backing our wheels—thanks, ITOO!). As the “Eastern Cape” signs emerged, a chorus of cheers erupted. Bikes shot into the air, riders shed layers and layers like autumn leaves, and the sun peeked through, as if applauding our grit.

**Buckets, Brollies, and a Warm Welcome**
At the midday stop, buckets of water washed away the road’s grime, while oversized umbrellas shielded us during a crunchies-fueled snack attack. The Aliwal North community rolled out the red carpet: Guardmed, Skeps, and beaming family members lined the streets. By evening, the Umtali Lodge owner welcomed us with open arms, dinner menus in hand (two courses never tasted so good). With two of our members donning name changes:
• Lunga Duncan
• Saluka

**Crossing Thresholds, Chasing 2026**
And then—there it was. The “Welcome to the Eastern Cape” sign, a milestone etched in sweat and laughter. A sign that some would sacrifice a fine for.

As we celebrated, the Tshele family, future tour legends in the making, embarked on a training ride of their own. Even Cynthia on an e-bike. 2026? We’re coming for you.

The night ended with team traditions like the stats: 725km completed so far and climbing +6200m (numbers to be checked by the stewards)

MVP – Chanelle and Ashley for all of the support (on and off the bike)

And a heartwarming story time from Jan Phelan, about her deep roots to the Eastern Cape. A. History steeped in commitment to education and commerce, somewhat given her a bit or royalty on these roads.

Today was a tapestry of chaos and charm—rainstorms turned to rainbows, mechanical hiccups to triumphant speeds. Through it all, your support carried us. Onward, pedal by pedal, toward tomorrow’s horizon.

*The adventure continues. Stay tuned.* 🚴♂️💨

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*Huge thanks to BDO for the gear, Ford Everest for the muscle, and every one of YOU for the cheers.