November 21, 2024
Day 50: To the border
The clear plan of attack in this weather is to get up early, do what you can before the day gets too hot, then lay about in the shade.
We got up early. Left a bit after sunrise. Rode all day, then kept riding. It was downhill and occasionally a tail wind. How could we stop? It was so downhill that we rolled to Namibia. Even a puncture (first of the trip!) couldn't make us stop and wait out the hottest period - although it nearly did.
We could feel it getting hotter as we descended to the Orange river (and the border).
Crossed the border then decided we didn't really need to push any more for today, so had a burger (each!) and enjoyed the air-conditioning in the Wimpy's / petrol station.
Fed and water bottles refilled we rolled into Namibia. It has been getting progressively drier as we headed north. It looks a bit like Mars just south of the border. Surely it won't get drier than this!
The Orange river brings some relief - big vineyards and orchards as far up the bank as the irrigation allows. An odd mix of colours between the red and black of the desert and dark green of the plants.
Today's ride: 132 km (82 miles)
Total: 2,141 km (1,330 miles)
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