My cycling and wine adventures with a story

  • Matopo’s Zimbabwe 6

    Day 4 on Monday was a more local tour led by Rohan with Des and Gavin back in Gabarone for work. The day 45.6 km, 568m, 3h30 moving time and 4h23 elapsed time. A 7 o’clock start and lovely day out.

  • Matopo’s Zimbabwe 5

    Day 4 was again an early breakfast at 5h30 and ride start at 6h30 for a Rock and Roll day of Caves and Rock Art. A beautiful day again with a 58.6 Km, 823m, 4h17 moving time and 6h58 elapsed time ride. Sunrise at the stream I went for an evening walk on the highest…

  • Matopo’s Zimbabwe 4

    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…

  • Matopo’s Zimbabwe 3

    After or visit to the Khami Heritage site we returned to Bulawayo to Gavins house for bike assembly and lunch. It was really hot and waited until around 2 to start our journey to the Matopos. Des arrived to guide us on our way. We left through the suburbs of Bulawayo on a 47.7 Km…

  • Matopo’s Zimbabwe 2

    The Friday morning started with breakfast where the option was coffee and “full house” breakfast – no other choices – but with super friendly service. We were all grateful and silently excited to start our Matopos adventure. After breakfast we met Rob – a retired teacher and expert on the regions and Ndebele history. Rob…

  • Matopo’s Zimbabwe 1

    This story started pre-covid where the experience to ride the Matopo’s with Gerald de Kock was muted. Excited for a new experience as well as a journey into past memories, Tim, Steve, Andrew and I paid our fees excited for a cycling and cultural adventure to the beautiful Matopos. Tim and Steve lived in Bulawayo…

  • Burra 500

    The Burra took place from 17 to 20 June in the KZN Midlands, starting and finishing in Pietermaritzburg. It is a 507 km ride with 10 000m of climbing which has to be completed in 60 hours. Riders ride solo, are not allowed to get any outside support not even from fellow riders. You are…

  • TP Last Pics & Stats

    So all done and dusted, back home and facing the real world again. I received some last pictures from race media, some video links and also summarised some race stats. Some more videos from SA Riders -amazing memories: Stage 1. Stage 2. Stage 3. Stage 4. Stage 5.

  • Port and Duoro Valley

    We did a day trip up the Duoro Valley. A stunning day out with Monica who arrived early this morning.

  • Porto Bacchus Vini

    Monica found Bacchus Vini at the waterfront to have a wine tasting and have a sunset view. It was very difficult to get a table but managed to sneak a small table after a short wait. It turned out to be one of the most memorable wine tasting evenings that I have ever experienced. Below…

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