I have a limited vocabulary (medically speaking) so I will give you an update on my old man’s status, post open heart surgery, using car terms (He is a complete motor head so it makes  sense for me to do it this way)…

He has had his engine rebuilt (more commonly called an overhaul). Yesterday He was successfully dismantled, inspected, cleaned, and his damaged engine parts were replaced or repaired to update them to current manufacturing specifications. Rebuilding an engine, while labor intensive, costs less than replacing your entire vehicle or engine so we are happy about that. Due to the unique process, some parts of rebuilt engines might be as old as the original, slightly used, or brand new, but choosing to rebuild his engine we have extended the life of the car. More importantly though, the rebuild went well with with the mechanic being happy with the results. The classic car is now in the shop (Sunninghill Hospital) just getting all the nuts and bolts tightened and having final inspections done before it is polished up and released to hit the roads again in 7 days or so.

Not long now and he will be back on his bike mashing the peddles – thanks for all your support!

Waai'ng

Did you know that there has never been a reported fire in the Karoo? Did you know that the dirt road between Ceres and Sutherland is called the “Forgotten Highway”? Did you know that the Karoo was full of wheat fields at a stage before the previous government created the Laekenvlei dam? Did you know that the stretch of random isolated tar we passed (previous post) was put there to limit the dust affecting the fig tree plantation there. Did you know that this fig tree row is the longest in the southern hemisphere? Did you know that the farmhouse there was originally put there by the De la Rey’s and is now state owned and leased out? Did you know that the lease agreement has a clause in it stating that the person leasing has to offer any travelers passing through accommodation for the night? These were some of the many Karoo history gems that Andre from Sadawa told us on our Game Drive.

Game Drive at Sadawa - too beautiful

Getting a Karoo Education on the Sadawa farm

While we were at Sadawa Doug went for a run (obviously feeling guilty at watching us ride for 3 days straight from the comfort of the air-conditioned van). When he returned, despite the searing heat and obvious sweat, he was noticeably white in the face. Doug encountered a Cape Cobra on his run that struck at him but fortunately missed. He almost died people! We were in the middle of nowhere with zero cell phone signal – it could have turned ugly. We are calling for all of you to donate some extra cash to our cause as it has just got dangerous! Don’t be shy to make some Danger Donations and help us get to the R 100 000 mark and beyond.

Donate to this cause

Day 01 went really well; the Cape weather came to the party and supplied us a perfect and constant 19 degrees C with a side order of overcast with no rain. The South Easter even woke up late and left us alone; perfect riding weather…

Thank you to iScrip for sponsoring this stage – you guys rock:

iScrip - People & Technology

Check out the riding results below…I am about to get stuck into a double shot Latte and nice lunch here in Wellington – chat to you later.

Hit the Cradle yesterday for the first time. With bike lanes and loads of cyclists, it really is a great place to ride. Needless to say I was the only one out there on a BMX. Many of the aforementioned cyclists almost fell off their multi geared and lightweight bikes at the sight of this man-child rocking out on one gear!

Inspiration for the weekend – get out there and dominate some hills!

Andreu Lacondeguy. Virgin, UT.

Jordan Drinovz and Cavan Brady. Vancouver, BC.

Brett Tippie. Whistler, BC.

Siiiiiick!

wade simmons in whistler, bc

Photo of the Day: Reuben Krabbe

Eddie Peace. Squamish, BC.

http://www.bikemag.com/photos/photo-of-the-day-reuben-krabbe-061212-2/

I have just spent some time in Cape Town and this was my first ride back up at altitude. I can confirm that it does have an effect…the altitude I mean…it burns in ones chest like a swallowed hot coal! I had to really push to get another 50 km under the belt…

Thought it appropriate to include this video what with me riding as a cow! It’s so many kinds of classic and is appropriately aligned with the madness of riding a BMX from Cape Town to Johannesburg. “I need more cowbell!” is actually code for I need more donations. Now go on and donate to the cause. I need more cowbell. MORE COWBELL!
 

“More cowbell” is an American pop culture catchphrase originally derived from an April 8, 2000, Saturday Night Live comedy sketch which fictionalized the recording of the song “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult. The sketch featured guest host Christopher Walken asmusic producer ”The Bruce Dickinson” and regular cast member Will Ferrell, who wrote the sketch, as fictional cowbell player Gene Frenkle. In the television special Saturday Night Live: 101 Most Unforgettable Moments, this sketch is moment number five.