We rolled towards Vrede, wheels buzzing and humming under the tar, eyes stuck on our rear view mirrors.
The clear Free State sky gave us no salvation from the ruthless sun. No problem for us, two young adventurers with the knowledge of cold beer only 10 kilometers away, motivated, we roll on.
We count down the kays, until we get to a crossroad and find a white car parked and a man clicking off photo’s like a deranged member of the paparazzi! We both laugh at Oom Japies comments as we slow down to greet Marc’s Aunt and Uncle who came through from Newcastle just to check on our sanity.
We all continue further and find the Ouhout in town. A quaint little pub and restaurant with the best burgers we have ever experienced. We arrive on our loaded steeds and within minutes the questions start flying. Then before our first beer is finished,we are being interviewed by Tannie Mienkie from the local paper.
We joke with Oom Japie and Tannie Marie, explaining that this was all in a days work. As with all good things, our visit from the Dantuma’s had to come to an end, and we went on to meet our contact for Vrede.
Johan Venter’s family members are no strangers to us. Marc and I stayed with his grandma in Burgersdorp, the incredible Mrs Charlotte Venter, and his aunt in Aliwal North, Anina DeBeer. Sticking to family tradition, he made us feel part of the clan and has put Vrede on the map for a definite visit in the future.
He proudly organised us accommodation in our next destination, Standerton, through his Dominie, who referred us to Tannie Trien Smit.
Into Standerton we raced,just to make it before lunchtime. We were greeted by Tannie Trien and after a quick shower we were deep into another interview with another local newspaper. Standerton brought us to the kindest lady, Tannie Trien noticed that all our shirts had no labeling stating who we were riding for. She asked us for all our logo’s for Pedal2Peak and NSRI.
Tannie Trien sat up with us till well after ten o’clock, drinking coffee after coffee, as we fluttered about her sewing room, sneaking a peek of the progress of her embroidering machines doing their magic.
Oom Jan sat quietly at the kitchen table listening to his radio as the voice dictated the days news. He just smirked and laughed at our excitement once the finished products were unveiled to Marc and me.
After 1300 kilometers on the road we were officially and visibly on the Pedal2Peak Charity Cycle Tour in aid of Sea Rescue. This put new motivation into both of us. Seeing a complete stranger showing such enthusiasm in our cause and doing so much work out of the goodness of their heart.
Tannie Trien later said we were sent to her for a reason. It was sad leaving such a kind household on the morning of Good Friday. Easter would be spent on the road.
