The longest climb of the tour

November 7, 2025

Today’s ride was a new one for me over the Prince Alfred’s pass named after Queen Victoria’s eldest son. It was built in 1880 by hand using convict labour. It took 4 years to build it and it is pretty much in its original state. It is a gravel road with a 14km climb. Over the 50km total it was 1,172m/3,867’. It took the non e-bikers 2+hours to do the climb in the hot African sun. The scenery changed from coastal forest to scrubby desert once over the top. We are now in the Klein Karoo desert and will be for a few days. It is going to get HOT.

There were some lovely horse ranches on the early part of the ride.

A panorama of the valley at a bend in the road so you can see what we were riding both uphill and down.

Our lunch spot that was very quirky. The owners had literally taken over the place an hour before we go there. Our options for lunch were only 3 different grilled sandwiches

I actually think this describes things pretty well at least at the moment.

Their border collie was having a great time in the water trying to catch bugs on the surface, not much luck on his part.

A sugar bird taking nectar from the flowers. It is part of the hummingbird family.

Some fascinating rock formations in the gorge where the road was cut.

Robert sporting his new African biker jersey.

Erica with a big grin after it is all done.

Our hotel has 10 dogs, They all have their own bed somewhere on the property, this is the bar.

Today was a beer day. This is a 4% brew from Namibia, it is named after the capital city. Namibia was once a German colony so it is not surprising they make good beer.

Today's ride: 50 km (31 miles)
Total: 665 km (413 miles)

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