I was woken just after 05h00 by the sound of moving cattle. A elderly black herdsman on a horse, brandishing a whip, got the fright of his life when I greeted him. He was suspicious when I asked for a photo and would not allow me to take one, so I left it at that.
I felt a little better on the bike and headed to Glencoe for breakfast. All I could get at the shop was chocolate milk and coke. Man, I have had a lot of coke lately, but it gets sugar into the body quickly. 
As the morning progressed I started feeling better. Hopefully I have now turned the corner and my body had adapted to this new regime.
The countryside became more lush and things just looked better. There were beautiful old structures, swarms of swallows and the track was smooth.
I was in a bit of a zone and almost missed this. I thought it was a farm graveyard. Turns out it was a war memorial. I sat down and had a drink. Eileen called and we chatted briefly.
I wandered around and read the names and came across this.
This young soldier was only 16. Imagine his mother's anguish on hearing of his fate?
I smoked a reefer with him. Nevin and Veejay said it might come in handy.
A quiet place.
A little while later, Ladysmith.
73km and just under 6 hours. I pull into the Royal Hotel. I decide to stay to do some admin. Washing etc and give my bum a rest. It also starts raining. Real hard.
I meet the bar keep. His name is Petrus.
Listen to this story.
Originally from Germiston. He comes to Ladysmith to stay with his sister and to look for a job. He can't find work and takes to guarding cars outside the hotel. Mr Lee the owner offers him a job and they train him as a barman. He has been here for 17 months and has been staying in a room at the back for the last few months. He loves working here and won't go to JHB to see his daughter cos they need him now, during the busy season. A few weeks back he draws R 1700 to pay, amongst other things, his Edgars and Mr Price accounts and an account for a carpet for his room. He is attacked, gets assaulted with a beer bottle and his money is taken. I can see he is distraught because he can't pay these accounts. His story is verified by a colleague.
This is not a charity ride, but I feel sorry for him. In a different life it could have been me or you. His account details are:
Mr. TPA Pelser
Std Bank
Accno. 10049904815
Savings account
I have put a few bucks in. Please see if you guys can help out. Even R50.00.
Use "Friend" as a reference. He almost cried when I told him that I'll ask for help.
Cheers for the help. (I will let you know how much we have raised.)
Its raining hard now. Hope I can get to Nottingham Rd tomorrow.
Good night Sweetie.
