North – South 2011
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Going further west to my destination I had to leave the coast for some time and say goodbye to the beautiful, steep cliffs. The last night in these surroundings I spent tucked among bushes, just next to the road which descended steeply towards the coast around Mossel Bay. The place was great, as I was totally invisible, but standing straight I could see the waves hitting coast. For free.

Farewell to Garden Route

Then I rode on a busy and boring N2 road. Except for a couple of nice bridges and rivers underneath, there was nothing to see. Once again I found an incomplete fence and exploited it to camp peacefully on sandy soil near Albertinia. Seems that in Western Cape province the obsession of sealing private land tightly is less prevalent.

Then the hills appeared. The easy ride turned into hard labour once again. After a day of climbs and descends I found a house on a hill and decided to ask for camping. The result was usual, even though my hosts were leaving for the evening. Fortunately they had a separate building with a guest room, where I could enjoy a soft bed and a warm shower. Of course an invitation for a big breakfast followed the next morning. Hospitality in this country is not only incredible, but also unfailing.

Tha last round number on the way

Eventually I turned left onto a secondary road, leading straight to my destination. It was even more hilly but almost deserted. Also the farms looked empty and I camped at one of them, meeting no one either in evening or morning.

The dilemma: look for a place to stay or admire the views?

Being so visible it must taste awfully

And the next day was the long awaited one. First I saw the sea, and after going around the peninsula of Struisbaai, a wide, uncontrollable smile appeared on my face. Before me stood the white Cape Agulhas lighthouse, a clearly recognizable sight of the ultimate destination of entire journey. A couple of minutes later I was there, and as soon as I planted my feet on the ground, I was sprayed with champagne.

I did it! After 570 days and 30195 kilometers I reached the southernmost point of Africa!

I did it!

The enthusiastic welcome with champagne was performed by Etienne, a cyclist who had travelled for 11 years on a bike, before he married Isabelle and settled down in nearby town of Struisbaai. There was also a young couple whom I met on the road a few days ago, and who wanted to witness me finishing. It was fun and our loud celebration drew attention of other visitors at the cape, who were also eager to congratulate.

Then I was kidnapped by Etienne and Isabelle for a dinner and invited to their house, which I would not leave soon.

Nowhere to go further