Ben 10 Challenge - Getting high and saying goodbye in the Eastern Cape

[Noneking]

How did the 790 carbon bras hold up? Did the protect the hangtiete tanks?  >

They did fine. The plastic protectors did well, no damage to tanks. The carbon covers not available yet

 

[Noneking]

The final climb, although steep, was uneventful and we made our way to the sign to park our bikes one by one as we summited.

I have never witnessed something quite like the reaction when we reached the top. Shirley was crying, Righard nearly passed out from exhaustion ( it’s hard wirk picking up bikes at 3000m above see level) and high fives were flying around. Men hugging each other like lovers and smiles all around.


I have ridden much more technical terrain before and this was by no means undoable. There was just something special about  reaching that summit that I can’t explain......

 

[Noneking]

 

[Noneking]

 

[Chrisl]

Men hugging each other like lovers

So the Mountain Brokeback them? eepwall: :lol8:

 

[Noneking]

The views were breathtaking and we spent a few minutes appreciating the natural beauty that surrounded us.

 

[Noneking]

 

[Noneking]

 

[Noneking]

 

[Noneking]

There was still the small matter of getting down..........

 

[Noneking]

The descent was not without incident.... :ricky: :ricky:

 

[Noneking]

 

[Noneking]

Back at the lodge there were scenes of grown men hugging again.... :ricky:

 

[Noneking]

It was a proper climb

 

[Noneking]

 

[Noneking]

Basotho lucky charm did the job!

 

[Noneking]

 

[Noneking]

We all met in the bar for a celebratory beer after which we everyone showerd and got dressed for supper. Last night of the trip and fines were obviously going to be handed out........

 

[Noneking]

After a long night in the bar, we all eventually went to bed, ready for the last 2 passes of the trip.........and then the tar stretch to Fouriesburg. Righards and I had nearly 1000km to ride and drive the next day.

 

[Noneking]

Thanks for this report Noneking, a group of us have also just returned from that area. Ben Mac was the toughest pass for me, followed by parts of the TTT. Unfortunately we couldn't do Bastervoet as the weather was kak and we were under a bit of time pressure.

We didn't have the snow to contend with, but it was muddy, loose and rocky - quite a challenge on a big bike. The whole way up I was dreaming of a 701 / PR7.

Yes, although very short, Ben Mac was a proper challenge.

Pity you missed out on Bastervoetpad