what's it all about then?

Long promised, and finally here...the itinerary for the charity bike ride (have you donated yet? If not stop reading at once and do so!)

Day 1 - Friday
London to Johannesburg (overnight flight...shouldn't be too tough to deal with!)

Day 2 - Saturday (funnily enough)
Johannesburg to George to Prince Albert
We catch a late morning flight to George, the largest town of the Garden Route, and then a 2-3 hour transfer to Prince Albert. It lies on the edge of the Karoo at the foot of the astounding Swartberg Pass. There will be bike fitting and time to gear up for the next day. Overnight in guesthouses in Prince Albert.

Day 3 (you know what day it is)
Prince Albert to Oudtshoorn (74 km - 31km on tarmac, 43km dirt)
We head up to and over the Swartberg Pass which is 1583 metres high on a good dirt road, zig-zagging our way to lunch 2km shy of Die Top and then downhill to the capital of the Karoo and home of the ostrich, Oudtshoorn.

Day 4
Oudtshoorn to De Rust (77km - 7km tarmac, 70km dirt)
Today's biking takes us through the heart of the Little Karoo region bordered in the south by the Outeniqua and Langeberg Ranges and in the north by the Swartberg Range. We set off through hills and valleys and pass through quiet farmland dotted with farmworker's houses. The highlight of today will be a visit to one of the many township schools. There is a 3km stretch on tough dirt roads. Overnight at Oliver's Rust in De Rust.

Day 5
De Rust to De Hoop (near Uniondale) 100km (91km tarmac, 9km dirt)
Today is a long rolling day's riding on tarmac with some steep uphills and downhills (no problem with the steep downhill part). Overnight at Mountain Pastures near Uniondale on a small private game reserve.

Day 6
De Hoop to Knysna (73km - 8km tarmac, 65km dirt)
Starting from the top of the Prince Alfred Pass there is a thrilling (probably dangerously steep!) and beautiful descent from the top on rough dirt track paths. We then enter a gorge criss-crossed by small bridges carrying the road over waterfalls and rock pools - a triumph of 19th century civil engineering. Continuing with climbs and descents towards the coast we may catch a glimpse of the three remaining Knysna elephants. Overnight at the Ashmead Resort on the edge of Knysna's beautiful lagoon.

Day 7
Knysna to Wilderness (57km - 37km tarmac, 20km dirt)
We cycle 2km to the train station before catching the "Outeniqua Choo Tjoe" steam train (who thinks up these names?). Disembarking at the isolated halt of Rugtevlei we climb up into the forests, and along the Seven Passes Road which traverses the river valleys and opened the area to the European settlers. We continue through forests and farmlands before a steep downhill to the finishing line at the tranquil resort of Wilderness. Overnight at the Ebb and Flo Chalets.

Day 8
Wilderness to Cape Town
A five and a half hour transfer to Cape Town and the chance to shower and relax before an official meeting with Nelson Mandela. After that there is the chance to visit Robben Island where Mr Mandela was imprisoned for decades, visit the townships or take the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain. Celebration meal in the evening. Just joking about the Nelson meeting, although I'll make time if he will.

Day 9
Cape Town to London
Evening flight back to Blighty.

Still think it's a holiday, eh?