Groot-Marico where the saddle is fixed

Very peaceful at the Hadid bnb, and only 40 km to Groot Marico meant a relaxed start.
After yesterday's scorching road bash I'd lined up some back roads off the main highway. At least after the first 5 or so km of road to access them.
Prepped a little 'gratuity' , away from the wallet, to avoid any greediness, and braved the highway toll booths. As it turned out there was squeeze through space on the etag lane and so I obliged. I didn't expect to revisit Swartruggens anytime soon.
Some great rolling dirt roads which suitably extended the riding. The rural estate is heavily fenced to contain both wildlife and stock. Very little unfenced field was visible. And the game farms particularly have ostentatious animal figurines at the gate, or forming part of the steelwork. First stop in town was the restaurant , run by Stephen, who served up some wurst, pap and salad. I chose a chocolate shake to chase it. It was leisurely. Angela's bnb is the locsl guest house and Id booked a couple of nights. Ed who owns it is super helpful, and a recovering cyclist so was happy to chip in on route suggestions drawing on his time in Botswana. Everyone suggested I meet Colin. He also toured, extensively. Importantly he was the brains behind the locally manufactured Qubeka bikes. https://m.youtube.com/user/QhubekaBikes . Version 30 is being finalized to convert all the bolts over to 13mm to simplify village based maintenance. Colin also smashed out an improved version of my saddle tensioner, restoring the saddle back to operational status.
Had agreat night at the local pub and the next night was invited to a birthday meal held at Ed's by a couple of his longer term residents. Super tasty South Indian cuisine. Mooched the neighbours on the second day and visited RiverStill a rural bnb & venue run by Jacque, ensconced in the Marico biosphere. I'd come back for a longer stay one year !Read more