To Bredasdorp

December 16, 2025

Mini, who stopped to gave me delicious blueberries.

Today is a public holiday in South Africa. I asked 6 different people over the course of yesterday and this morning why it was a holiday. None of them knew. I found this odd, but I resisted the urge to Google it because I would rather hear the answer from someone if possible. Surely I would get an answer from someone by the end of today!

Leaving Swellendam, I took a very scenic N2 for about 25km before turning left off it onto the R319 towards Bredasdorp. Today's ride was one that I can sum up in two words: Hills and wind. Both were relentless. The head wind peaked at 47km/h, which is pointless fighting against when riding a machine with the aerodynamics of a brick, so I just got into gear and put my head down. I kept reminding myself, "Time and discipline." The scenery changed completely to that of open farmland, with sheep and cattle grazing where wheat wasn't being grown. I passed some huge grain silos that cast long shadows on the road ahead of me. In terms of wildlife, I spotted a tortoise (again) who had just crossed the road safely, a mongoose-like creature that sprinted alongside me for about 200m, and countless eagles soaring above. All in all, a decent ride given the challenges.

Another motorist stopped to chat. This time it was Mini, a kind lady who had done some cycling around the country with her husband many years ago. She gave me a small container of delicious blueberries, which hit the spot instantly. We chatted for a few minutes during which time she gave me all the dos and don'ts enroute to Capetown. Sometimes, local cyclists can be the worst people to take advice from, when on a bike tour. They mean well, but haven't the experience of riding outside their comfort zones, or on long tours, so can inadvertently say things that put doubt into your mind. "You are lucky you haven't had any issues with nasty people on the road!", "Don't ride on the National highways, people drive too fast. Take smaller roads.", "Avoid the smaller roads because there are nasty people there.", "Aren't you worried about the rainy season?", "Aren't you afraid being all on your own?", "What if you get sick and you are in the middle of nowhere?". I have answers to all these statements and questions, but there's something about hearing them from someone else that still stimulates that small adrenaline rush, and nervousness. This happens despite all the riding experience I have had, and demonstrates that I have fears, just like everyone else.

Time and discipline finally delivered me into the small town of Bredasdorp. I stopped at Wheatlands B&B and secured a room. Janet and her husband, both ex-teachers run ther lovely home, opening it to travellers and business people alike. Having a common profession with this lovely couple ensured we had a lot to chat about. Janet made me feel at home, making me a lovely cherry and fruit yoghurt desert when she noticed I had finished my dinner later that evening. Janet also educated me about the Dutch Reformed Church, and its significance in every town. Back in the times of Dutch colonial control, pockets of land were "given" to rich Dutch noblemen by the Dutch government. These noblemen would build a ( Dutch Reformed) church on this land, after which they would build a house nearby. Others would follow suit, bidding for land and building houses as close to the church as possible. Hence towns were born, and were typically named after the nobleman who built the church. Bredasdorp is named after Michiel van Breda, who was the founder of the Merino Sheep Industry in the country.

I though I'd take a chance and ask Janet why today was a public holiday. She smiled, and told me "Its the day we commemorate reconciliation amongst all races in South Africa. It's 'National Reconcilliation day', and was introduced in 1994 by Mr Mandela after independence." I was so pleased to finally find an answer to my question, and such a meaningful and significant reason to have a public holiday. When I told her she was the first out of 7 people I had asked who knew the answer, her smile faded and she said "Sadly, not many know, because sadly not many care."

Today's ride: 74 km (46 miles)
Total: 2,624 km (1,630 miles)

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