Freedom Challenge RASA day 17

FCRASA day 17

Prince Albert to Rouxpos. This was going to be a big day. It started with the Swartberg Pass, which we climbed in the dark. We maintained a steady pace and climbing in the dark seems to be easier because you can not see the end. We reached the top just as the sun was about to rise. This was followed be short decsent to the entrance of Gamkaskloof. Here you are greeted by a sign stating that the distance is 37 km but you should allow 2 hours travelling time. That is by vehicle. On a bicycle it would take a little longer as meander our  way along this the road with a very rough surface and many up and down hills, ending with the mother of all climbs! To make it worse, there are many “false” tops in this hill. When you thing you have reached the top and go around the bend, you are greeted by a climb that continues until you finally reach the top and can relax. The downhill into Gamkaskloof is reminiscent of Sani Pass. Some way down the Pass we encountered a vehicle, and I drove past I recognised the driver. He did the same and we stopped for a chat. It happened to be Wickie Smith and his wife, and old friend with whom I did a number of Double Century cycle races during the 1990’s. The descent was exhilarating and we just about freewheeled the 5 remaining kilometers to the restaurant, where we were treated to scrumptious lunch. 

After lunch we first had to negotiate the 8 kilometers to the foot of the ladder. After 5 kilometers we had to go through a gate, for which we received two alternative codes. When we got there, none of the codes worked. Johan test the electric wire and received the shock of his life! He looked around and found a hole in the fence, where we managed to get through. Up the road we met two workers, who informed us that the code was 0719, (month and year). I was pretty upset that I could not work that one out or even tried another number! Onto the Ladder and one of the big tests of the Freedom Challenge. This used to be the only entrance to Gamkaskloof until 1962 when the road from Swartberg Pass was constructed. It is an almost vertical climb of about 400 meters over a distance of 500 meters! Once on top we still had 9.7 kilometers to the district road, on a road, which was very rough and unrideable in places. We reached the end just as the sun was setting and were treated to one of the most beautiful sunsets of the race.

We now still had 41 kilometers to get to Rouxpos in the dark. This ride went off uneventful and we reached our destination at 21:30.