Gearing up for Mozambique

Posted on 16 April 2009

It was an amazing ride to Nelspruit. 100km of passes and ups and downs.

It tested us, and Hilltop Pass just before Nelspruit felt like a mini Kilimanjaro as we pedaled up slowly, straining our little pins in granny gear. Never the less, we conquered it without pushing the bikes an inch, which would have been guaranteed less than a month ago.

Our hosts, the van der Merwe’s, have helped us get ready for the task ahead in Mozambique. Lizette is Esti Stewart’s sister. Esti is our helping hand in St Francis Bay, while Lizette has been not just a helping hand, but our chauffeur named James, boss called Miessies and at times even mom. She has excelled as a perfect hostess. Zipped us around town to every shop for supplies. Contacted embassies for information. Given us packing tips, and even helped with last minute sewing. All this between feeding us and still with a smile on her face.

Lizette still jokes that she is under strict instruction from Esti to “look after the boys”. If it is so, then Lizette has followed Esti’s instructions beyond the call of duty!

We have had a really busy time in Nelspruit. A live radio interview on Laeveld Radio really stunned both Marc and I. No time for preparation or even a run down of what you are expected to do. Nothing, just a case of sit here, speak clearly into the microphone and then Roelf starts introducing you live on air. You suddenly realise just how on the spot you are when Bokkie, Roelf’s co-presenter, suddenly pushes a flashing button and introduces you to the first caller.

Just like every other obstacle we’ve encountered, we just took it one step at a time and still had an encouraging offer afterwards by Roelf. He wants to follow our story and do live broadcasts during his lunchtime slot. We will keep in touch.

Then was the interview with the Laevelder Newspaper. Lizette made sure that Mpumalanga knew who we were.

On the more serious side of life: Now that we have come to the end of our wonderful tour through South Africa we must thank everyone who has helped and still helping us everyday. We do understand the dangers we can encounter outside our borders and we have prepared ourselves to the best of our ability.

It is now that we cannot publicize the great efforts of the NSRI, or punt the tour in order to raise more funds. Now is the time Marc and I have to hand over the reigns to the public, families and followers who have become part of Pedal2Peak to keep the awareness going.

Please check our website,www.pedal2peak.co.za, and keep donations for Sea Rescue rolling in. Now, Marc and I need to keep the kilometers rolling under the tyres while you, the readers, keep the donation fires burning. Remember, it only takes one spark to cause a bushfire.






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