Day 12 Grootvlakte -Van de Venterskraal - Toekomst

125km Just short of 12 hours.
Got off to a grubby start slogging through mud. Took us 3 hours to cover the 20km's to the start of the Struishoek portage. The race leaders got lost there a few days ago and apparently took 9 hours to get off the mountain. We took our time getting our bearings and hit the "track" first time and got off in just under 90 minutes. Track is a kind description of the well concealed rocky rabbit trail down the mountain. Having made good time we headed off to Van de Venterskraal, inhaled a plate of food and set off for Toekomst. We expected a quick dull ride but had an amazing ride through a river valley hemmed in by towering mountains. Riding past buck and giraffe as the sun was setting was magic. The splendour of it defies description. Farmers are increasingly turning from traditional stock farming to game farming. As we pedal along we are aware of the good condition of the veld and the amount of game to be seen. Today was a really good ride. We are now being made welcome by our hosts Philip and Lisa Henderson. The first 5 cups of tea just about satisfied me.