Day 3 Ride to the Battlefields – Rhodes vs the Ndebele in March 1896.
Gavin recounted the history along the way and guided by Des on a cycling day of 72 km, 1234m of climbing and 5h40 moving time and elapsed time 9h19. We had breakfast at 5h30 and headed off at 6h30 – to pack in a full day. Temperatures rose to 39 degrees after mid-day. After getting back and a quick shower we were off on an evening game drive before supper. An amazing day out.
I have shown many pictures riding Dwala’s, jeep tracks and roads. In between we rode awesome cattle tracks, technical rocky bits, forest and river trails. Absolute stunning mountain biking. Some comments in the group of best mountain bike experience ever. I had so much fun following Des on some of the trails sometimes just getting into the amazing flow and pleasure of the bush.
Gavin tells the story of Cecil Rhodes taking 3 months from Cape Town first with a boat to Mocambique, Up the Zambezi River, then carriage and horseback. Prime Minister of the Cape Colony and no contact back to the Cape – Still need to research and check facts and complete this story.
Gavin explained strategies by Rhodes delaying one of the battalions coming from Beit Bridge which enabled his British South Africa Company to maintain control. Still need to research and check facts and complete this story.
Gavin explained how Ndabele held the high ground being on the Dwala where we sat. The British coming up the valley before having to retreat on day 1 – back to camp as day had ended. How British moved artillery just to the left of hill shown in picture during the night. How they were nearly captured by Ndebele the next day. How the fighting was stopped after discussions with a high powered wife / queen who had to show a white flag if peace was accepted. She accepted on condition her chickens and other cattle were replaced. Still need to research and check facts and complete this story.
Some History facts on Rhodes with this link. Will research more and add what I learnt on the trip.
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