Betta to Konkiep Lappa (153km) - Namibia

Namibia

Day 110 - May 2 - Stage 77

Judith took the truck to lunch and rode the 73km from the lunch position to Camp, where as I started from Betta with Philip, with the intention of riding the whole day. Cycled 80km to lunch, and not unlike yesterday, the road was very corrugated or sandy, or a combination of both. I couldn't carry on from lunch, I am just too fatigued, so climbed the Lunch Truck.

Lunch Truck stopped at the Helmeringhausen Hotel, so I had apple crumble and beers with Murray, who was not cycling on the day.

Arrived at Konkiep Lapa Camp; fortunately Judith had enjoyed a great ride, and was in great spirits. I will try and complete a full ride again tomorrow.

Cheers,
Mike T

Michael vd Berg (Farmer Mike) getting ready for his ride

Marie and Liz ready to leave Betta Camp

Namibia's stark but beautiful countryside

An abandoned Anti-Climax

Philip a determined man on a mission

Large Sociable Weaver Nest 

Onward and into the hills we go

Lunch Truck offers some mid-day shade 

Interesting volcanic rock specimen 

Welcome Party at Helmeringhausen Hotel

Philip and Murray enjoying their apple crumble 

Delicious apple crumble

Marie enjoying the Coke Stop at the Hotel

Brad photo bombs a perfect Konkiep Lapa sunset

Judith and I splashed out and  took a wooden cabin instead of camping at Konkiep Lapa

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Sesriem to Betta Camp (137km) in Namibia

Namibia

Day 109 - May 1 - Stage 76

Left Sesriem rather late, as the toilet was situated far away from Camp, and we needed a morning ablution before we could ride off!  However, we were treated to an absolutely fantastic sunrise over the Mountain's as we pulled out of Sesriem. 

Today's ride was mainly on bad corrugations, thick sand & rocks, with the added influence of Namibian heat. We entered the Namib Rand Nature Reserve, and were fortunate to spot Gemsbok (Oryx) & Zebra.

Lunch was at 73km, both Judith and I climbed onto the lunch truck with other riders who had also decided discretion was the better part of valor.  More and more riders are being influenced by fatigue at this late stage of the Tour.

Coke stop at Wêreld se Einde (World's End) Farm, the Farmer's wife had so kindly organised us some cokes which we could buy from her (Dag, a new Sectional Rider who had ridden the leg previously, had pre-organised it with her) and the coke was greatly appreciated.

The Camp at Betta was great, included a small shop which sold cold beer, ice-cream and great apple strudel.


Cheers,
Mike T

Breakfast around the Main Truck at Sesriem

Sesriem to Betta Camp

The next five day section - Sesriem to Felix Unite Camp

Ann and Peter 4 having an early morning coffee and discussion with Michael vd Berg

Sesriem Sunrise

Getting ready to ride after morning ablution's

Early morning vista after leaving Sesriem

Some of my more contemporary art work on the road to Betta

Le Mirage Resort and Spa between Sesriem and Betta

The loneliness of the long distance cyclist

Contrasting colors of the Namib Mountain Range

Namib Rand Nature Reserve

Rules are rules

Easterly border of the Namib Desert

Cairn building down the length of Africa

Gemsbok/Oryx in full flight

Its lonely out there in the Namib Desert

Lunch under the shade of the Camelthorn Trees

Loading the bikes onto the Lunch Truck

Farmers wife in  discussion with Natalie & Anmei at
World's End Farm

Tree Aloe (Quiver Tree) at World's End Farm

Sunset at Betta Camp

Briefing - Betta Camp to Konkiep Lapa

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Nata Lodge to Bush Camp (186km)

Botswana

Day 95 - Apr 17 - Stage 66

Monday: Cycled the longest distance of the Tour so far today (even did an extra 2km by riding into Planet Baobab and stopping for a milkshake) and another Personal Best. 

At the 42km mark we were portaged on the Main Truck for approximately 2km over the flooded Nata region to Gweta Road, while some of the other Riders were transported on a flat-bed tow truck. This part of Botswana has definitely had extensive rain lately.

A flooded Botswana roadside

Water crossing over the road in some places

Water, and more water everywhere

When I left Nata Lodge with Judith, I rode with her to lunch at the 86km mark.  She has decided that as long as she completes a minimum  of 70/80km - 100km per day she is at liberty to climb the Lunch Truck. So after lunch I rode with Philip.  Lunch was at a most picturesque position, right next to an imposing Baobab Tree. Beautiful.

Stopped at Planet Baobab after lunch with Philip, even though we had to do an extra 2km of riding to get there and back on the designated route. We both ordered Milkshakes at the Bar... what has become of us?? 

The Lunch Truck also stopped and Judith took some beers to camp for a few of us to enjoy later on. Bless her soul.

Today was a difficult ride in the sense that it was so long, flat and boring. But only one more day of riding and then its a well-deserved rest day in the city of Maun.

Cheers
Mike T

Liz ready to leave Nata Lodge

And Andje getting ready to cycle out of Nata Lodge as well.

Wendy, is a lady on a mission as she starts the day's ride

So far on the road and no further (not for the next 2 km)

Loading the bikes onto the Main Truck

Linda and Andrew in the Main Truck "Dog Box"

Some more riders being portaged in the Main Truck

The Truck leaving a bow wave behind it as it passes through the water

Looking up the road from the Main Truck

Some of the Cyclists enjoying their ride on the flat-bed tow truck

Niklas leaving the lunch truck with Baobab in the background

Baobab graffiti :/

The turn-off for "Planet Baobab"

Ordering milkshakes in the Bar at Planet Baobab

Great looking Amstel chandelier in the Planet Baobab Bar

Notice Board announcing the Teams for the up coming Team Time Trial

Bush Camp Bike Mechanic time

Tomorrow's ride, Bush Camp to Maun

Happiness is your own concrete tent foundation...

Sunrise at Bush Camp


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