The great outdoors on a bike
A FORMER Queenstown resident has completed an epic journey on his bicycle – a trip which took him 1 350km from Gonubie to Wilderness and home again over 18 days.
Grant Edwards, now a resident of East London, started his journey on December 13 and returned home just under three weeks later on December 30.
He had dreamt of touring South Africa on a bicycle for some time, taking six months or a year to do so and as he had some leave available, he decided to do a shortened version over three weeks.
He did not use a satellite tracker, bike computer or even wear a watch, taking only a cellular phone to allow some photos along the way.
Edwards was completely self-supporting along the way and did not have a back-up vehicle.
“I have done a lot of distance on a bike, including training for Ironman etc, but this is different. You carry what you need including tent, sleeping bag and mat, clothes and toiletries.”
There were few challenges on the way – dodging traffic, the heat and wind, sleeping on the ground in places and steep hill climbs – but it was all remarkable, he adds.
A highlight was the scenery, especially along the Garden Route, working hard on the bike and the sunrises and sunsets, sea or river swims and meeting people from 10 different countries at some of the backpackers where he camped.
While the revelry on Christmas eve was a bit noisy, “this also turned into a highlight as I got to look at the full moon for hours.”
The trip was marked by awe-inspiring moments like crossing the Bloukrans bridge and reaching Wilderness. He even took a day off in Plettenberg Bay to watch music legend Johnny Clegg in action!
Edwards has been cycling since 2008 although running, particularly trail runs, remains his favourite. He is planning to walk or run the Garden Route some time in the future and at the age of 47 and healthy, feels that he will be able to achieve much more.
His training regime, which was once very rigid, is now quite relaxed although he does exercise on a daily basis. He has completed the Argus, four 70.3 Ironman triathlons and six Ironman challenges. As an endurance athlete, he has completed the Hobbit trial run, the Salomon Skyrun and the Rhodes Run.
He said he would definitely tackle a similar adventure to that which he chose to end off 2015 in the future.
“Life slows down com- pletely. It’s a wonderful way to experience people and places.”
It had also been a cheap holiday, he said. “You save a fortune on fuel.”
His tips for others wanting to take on similar challenges are to keep it simple and not to set a strict schedule. “Be visible to motorists and take the time to take it all in. Do it alone or with a friend but there ought to be enough quiet time. The people you meet will enrich your experience.”
He said he was grateful to especially his friends and family for their support and for the health and strength he still had to do that which he enjoyed. “The biggest and greatest adventures still lie in front of me.”