A stormy finish to test the toughest

Louis Hayward, his wife Leilani, William and Elkhe put together THE most delicious pooitjie of tender lamb in the rustic 'hunters' boma. A freindly pot bellied pig, tame springbuck, adorable 'hansies', hilarious turkeys and chickens filled the yard between the tents. The crew had set up an incredible last night camp on the front lawn at Doornrivier, beneath Mount Mac that stood tall behind the farmstead. There was a carcophony of loud snoring coming from almost every tent, male and female. The week had taken its toll and weary bodies recharged before the final challenge, 85km, 2000m or more of climbing and a technically challenging 17km climb. As the first group of riders set off an hour earlier than the rest, the weather in the east was clear. The low cloud that hugged Mac that morning only began to show intent as the second group left camp at 8.30. It was only when the sweep vehicle had began the 17km climb did it begin to rain. The mud stuck thick to tires as the road turned into a little river. It was good to see the support vehicle handing out the necessary before the half way mark. The wind picked up and the going got very tough. Between the sweep vehicle, the motorbike and the backup 4x4 3/4 of the group made it to the 2nd water point, the shelter of farmer Ralfs barn at Melkhoutbos. 10 riders slogged it out to Off Camber but the official finish had already been decided and as a result every one of the 41 riders that began the Transkaroo Mtbtour of 2013 was a finisher. Sharon and Tony Webb of Off Camber were amazing, opening their boma and showers to the wet and exhausted party that had come to the end of their 500km journey to touch Emmanuel Child and Youth Care Centre in Middelburg, Eastern Cap.