DAY 5 – The Final Push, by Cliff GrayMtentu to Wild Coast Sun

Another early start, following the Wild West fancy dress evening with a hearty breakfast before the highlight of the week...Davy Sinclair’s ‘Geordie Butcher’ warm up.

We said our goodbyes to Mtentu, Ronne, Willy and Leader Gavin before heading up another hill to pass by Sangoma’s house.

Another 25km across country then down to the beach, this time in glorious sunshine, blue skies and no wind - it was absolutely stunning. Leader Colin said only cycle down the path if you’re feeling confident. Neil Hurrell made it followed by Tyrone Hamilton who descended with grace.

We cycled over the sands and gathered for a photo on the famous Grosvenor shipwreck, which looks like a rusty old boiler. Then onwards and literally upwards across the magical landscape and along the new super highway which is under construction and a bone shaker of a road. We arrived at the Nymeni Falls in the Pondoland massif and settled for a roadside lunch.

All our trips have been so different, yet they have one thing in common, the spirit amongst the people demonstrated by encouraging new participants, like Malkesh, Ian, David and Shaun to join us for a life changing experience.

As we sped our way down the Wild Coast M25 equivalent (yes it hard bumpy tarmac in places), towards our final destination we came across the Grand Canyon of the Wild Coast.

I looked at the path and thought “how are we going to get down”, but to my relief a group of locals who knew the route had been arranged to take our bikes for us. For this we were very grateful as it was tough enough walking down ourselves.

We then crossed the suspension bridge on our last lap before reaching home. There were a few mishaps along the way, though none serious. Malkesh’s misfortune and scraped knee, Shelley’s slip on the hill and most spectacular, Tyrone’s tumble. Then on to the finish line, up another two tough hills - an amazing day, following an amazing week.

I would like to say a personal thank you to each and every one of my fellow cyclists for making the week so special, for raising so much money for the Foundation to help us help those less fortunate than ourselves, so on behalf of the Trustees, I, we sincerely Thank You.

Hope to see you all again next decade on the 2020 cycle challenge.