Citrusdal

November 4, 2025 to November 5, 2025

Tuesday the 4th of November 2025

We were in the saddle before six thirty after an enormous breakfast laid on by our energetic hostess. A strong south-easterly wind made for hard going until we turned north-eastwards at the forty kilometer mark. We enjoyed some respite until the village of Eendekuil from where we started the climb up to the top of Piekenierskloofpas. Sensibly, Leigh walked much of the way up the climb but she was pretty knackered by the time we rolled in to Citrusdal.

A two meter long Mole Snake (Pseudaspis cana) crossed the road in front of us and disappeared into the grass. They are muscular snakes that predate dune moles and other rodents. They aren't venomous but have sharp fangs that can inflict a nasty bite.

The first half of the ride was up the valley through which the Verlorenvlei River flows. Then we headed up through a gap in the hills to a plain that marks the top end of the Swartland.

Wine and wheat are the two crops of the Swartland.

Piekenierskloofpas loomed ahead of us. In the middle of the day it was a hot climb.

Looking westwards across the wheatfields from the top of the pass.

Looking eastwards towards Citrusdal and the Cedarberge through which we will need to ride over the next few days.

We were going to camp for the night and start the climbs through the Cedarberge tomorrow and had even set up our tent but we quickly realised we needed a day's rest and booked into a nice chalet at the campground for the next two nights.

Wednesday the 5th of November 2025

Leigh's condition seems to have deteriorated and she is off to see a doctor this afternoon.

So at the moment we are in limbo.

An update on Leigh's condition. The doctor has confirmed that the infection for which she was treated in Lamberts Bay has cleared up but that she is dehydrated and has a touch of heatstroke. She walked out with a whole bunch of electrolytic replacement sachets and a far more relaxed attitude knowing that the primary problem has been dealt with. Nonetheless we will take a few days off here to make sure she has recovered fully before heading up into the mountains. The next few days are forecast to reach up over forty degrees so we need to ensure she doesn't get into the same situation again.

Thursday the 6th of November 2025

We're all set to start the climb up Middelbergpas tomorrow. We're doing it in two short stints, each giving us a net gain of only about five hundred meters of altitude, but until we are sure Leigh has recovered fully this is all I'm prepared to do. We will cover less than thirty kilometers over the two days but it will all be on dirt roads in dangerously high temperatures - lots of walking is anticipated (and I hate walking my bicycle). The forecast for the next few days is temperatures between thirty five and forty degrees. Thankfully there is a campsite halfway up that enables us to do it over two days.

Today's ride: 72 km (45 miles)
Total: 1,019 km (633 miles)

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Steve Miller/GrampiesYou keep mentioning that Leigh is not feeling well. Now off to a doctor....Hoping she has something that can be fixed with the medical attention and is soon feeling better. Will be anxiously awaiting tomorrow's post.
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2 months ago

Kathleen JonesAaarrrgh. Being sick on the road is hard. Glad the first issue has improved, and the dehydration can be dealt with now. Glad you’re taking a few days, Leigh, and hope you’re feeling a lot better by tomorrow.
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2 months ago

Rich FrasierBest wishes for a quick recovery, Leigh!
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2 months ago