Day Twenty Five: Malmesbury to the Vera School, Cape Town (70 kms)

We woke up early for the last time at 05h00, downed some breakfast (a familiar routine) and set off for the outskirts of Malmesbury. The guys mounted their bikes and departed at 07h15. Half way through the journey we spotted Table Mountain in the distance and now nothing would stop the guys! The road was pretty level but again the few hills that were there were easily mastered by the practiced cyclists.

Disaster was soon to strike however!! We did not think we would be stopped by the traffic police at this stage and be told that we could not continue on the N7 without a letter of consent. By now we did not care about our pride and pleaded and soebatted that we be allowed to continue the last 40 kms of the trip. Eventually the cop gave up, got into his car and drove off. So did we! Very thankfully of course.

Nearer Cape Town we met up with three Think Bike guys who expertly navigated us through the city traffic until we reached Rondebosch East. I had been in contact with Cecil Reed the principal at the Vera School who had to keep reorganising the entire school for children with autism (which believe me is not easy) to time the arrival correctly. ETA was originally going to be 12h30 but we in fact arrived just after 11h00.

On arrival, the school had their marimba band playing for us at the gate and staff and children were there to meet us with applause, cheers, handshakes, hugs and phone calls of congratulations. We had done it! What an achievement it has been. Cape Town welcomed us with a thunderstorm which started just after our arrival – unusual for them, but welcoming for us. We were at home!