LongWayHome

W[map=188404 lat=9.54545454545455 lon=-2.8421709430404e-14 zoom=1.98]ill put the full route on when get a chance.. watch this space.

But later on, when I met God,
it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride,
but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that God was at the back, helping me
pedal.

I don't know when it was that he suggested
that we change places, but life has not been the same since. When I had
control I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable. It was the
shortest distance between two points. But when he took the lead, He knew
delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck
speeds. It was all I could do to hang on!

Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"
I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed
and didn't answer! and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life
and entered into the adventure. And when I'd say "I'm scared,"
He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed; gifts of healing, acceptance
and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey. And we were off again. He
said, 'Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight.' So I
did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still
our burden was light.

I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck
it; but he knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp
corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten
scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest
places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face
with God as my
delightful constant companion.

And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore, He just smiles and says,

"Pedal!"

~ Author Unknown ~

We're now back in SA, we and the bikes made it in one peace, the day we got back - the hospital got struck by lightening so phones and internet have been down for quite a while.. life has been pretty hectic.. in a nice way - weve been sightseeing and nature watching with Pol's mum and dad.

This as taken with our pocket camera 3x zoom...

Plus a pair of binoculars!

We all got very excited about all the butterflies

Anyway we had our fist proper ride yesterday - to get to the Mseleni Christan Heathcare Worker's Retreat'

Pol, Ben and Victo letting rip!

Cycling the 60km there and back we discovered a few little bike issues - one of Rob's cleats ripped out of his shoe, neither of us can get our seats high enough and will have to get new seat posts, Rob's gearing is too eazy and he needs a new chainring or else he will be peddling like a hamster on a wheel to keep up speedy Pol!

(Long hot road to Mbazwana)

Nothing that a little trip to Richard's bay won't sort.. we hope!

Just a little note to say thanks to Joe - the new floor manager at Cycle world - Romsey. He was dead interested in the trip and persuaded the big boss - Nigel to give us 20% off some accessories! If you live near romsey go in and buy a bike.. they are very nice people!

After a very hectic 2 weeks in the UK catching up with people and doing trip preparation we are rewarded with 2 super cool bikes from the best bike shop in Cardiff (and probably the world), and some cheap kit from Cycle world in Romsey.

We have also featured in the very prestigious South Wales Echo and Romsey Advertiser.

Check out:

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/cardiff-news/2009/04/20/couple-s-bike-journey-from-south-africa-to-cardiff-91466-23420837/

http://www.thisishampshire.net/news/4370130.Hampshire_couple_to_cycling_into_Africa/