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

_

Rest Day - Sesriem, Namibia

Namibia

Day 108 - Sesriem Rest Day

I spent the morning and afternoon at the Namibian Parks Board Restaurant, working on updating the blogs, couldn't stay in Camp as there was no shade or any other facilities available for us campers to use.

Some of the other Riders rode off on their bikes to take a trip down into Sesriem Canyon, while others went to Sossusvlei for either a sunrise or sunset viewing, and others just did the usual washing of dirty laundry, cleaning and checking of their bikes, or like me simply catching up on social media.


In the evening a group of us went out and had a buffet supper at the Sossusvlei Lodge, which was extremely posh, and their selection of starters, main course and desserts was simply outstanding and well worth taking the walk to the Lodge.  My Son & his wife had a buffet breakfast at the very same restaurant while on their Honeymoon & also mentioned it was absolutely worth visiting & a stunning setting.  


Today was our second last rest day, the trip is quickly coming to an end, we only have a five day and a seven day section left, with one rest day at Felix Unite Camp on the Orange River, before reaching Cape Town...


Cheers,
Mike T

Not much shade available for us Campers out in the Desert

Flowering Aloe at Sesriem Camp

Sunset at Sesriem 

The next Five Day Section to the Orange River

Sesriem to Betta Camp

_

Solitaire to Sesriem (83 km)

Namibia

Day 107 - Apr 29 - Stage 75

Saturday: Back out on the gravel roads of Namibia, which seem to alternate between either a smooth or heavily corrugated (sometimes rocky) surfaces. At times they also include soft sand, and overall the roads here are more a Mountain Biker's Heaven than a roadie fest.


Judith cycled with the girls, who in true TDA tradition, stripped off their kit & rode the "Naked Mile" before lunch. Two of the Racing Snakes, Charles and Mark rode the complete 30 km Time Trial naked, much to the delight of the numerous Tourists in the immediate area. I waited until after lunch before doing my naked mile pose, photographed by Philip for prosperity's sake.

My solo "Naked Mile" effort for Tradition's sake

We arrived at Sesriem Camp, and TDA had to camp in the "Overflow Area" as the Camp was fully booked. TDA are aware of their dates well in advance, so why didn't they book proper camping facilities in advance!?  Really piss-poor organisation on their part (shower facilities were about 600m away from where we were camping!!). Did not take a room, as the accommodation is totally overpriced at Sesriem.

On arrival at Sesriem I went straight to the Bar to join Murray and Mike vd Berg, which wasn't the proper thing to do, Judith had to erect the tent by herself in strong winds, so I was not the most popular person in camp!!  In hindsight, not the cleverest thing to have ever done, and I should have known better.

Anyway, late afternoon & accompanied by a number of the other riders, we took a trip in the Lunch Truck into Sossusvlei, to climb Dune 45 and to appreciate the glorious sunset over the Namib Desert.

We will enjoy tomorrow's rest day at Sesriem, and have nothing special planned. Some of the other Riders will be going off early into Sossusvlei to see the sunrise, while others will be cycling a short distance to see Sesriem Canyon. We have previously done both, so will be giving it a miss.


Cheers,
Mike T

The Ladies doing their "Naked Mile" ride

Tallis and Helen at the start of the Time Trial

Charles and Mark rode the complete Time Trial naked!

Camping in the Overflow Area at Sesriem 

Gemsbok (Oryx) sighting while on the way to Dune 45

Michael, Andje and Philip on the way to Dune 45.
Still sleepy Mike?

Walking around Sossusvlei before climbing Dune 45

Michael on his way up the Dune

Starting the climb up Dune 45 one of the highest dunes in the world

Sitting and enjoying a sun-downer at the top of the Dune. We even had ice!

Sunset over the Dunes of the Namib Desert as seen from Dune 45

_