Having decided my knee would not be up to the ride ahead, today I would ride the trail for the last time.
It was to be even hotter today, 39C! Starting early was important.
Our different paces & destinations meant it was most unlikely the six of us would meet as a group ever again so we said our goodbyes to John & Elizabeth before heading off.
Elizabeth was 62, a nurse practitioner (something between a nurse & doctor) & loved her job. I certainly felt safe when she was around. I think she had a pannier dedicated to medication! Husband, John, 65, arboriculturalist, had just retired from from a logging company. Through him I learnt the sad truth of the ecology & things look bleak! Although trees lost in wild fires are replaced with new growth, the flora & fauna is unable to keep pace with the increasing rate of change in climate. Huge plantations will become wastelands before they mature as they become unable to cope with the higher temperatures.
The ride was good – a few good climbs, an excellent 5 mile, high-speed downhill & good gravel. However, by the time we reached Ovando we were hallucinating for cold coke! The village is tiny but bike-packers are welcomed with a range of free accommodation. Being the end of the ride, I opted for the hotel & a.c.
John's Epic Cycle Adventures 
It’s sad your knee is playing up but you have had an amazing adventure and time with Dan
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Very sad when I realised the off road riding was too much. I am so happy that Dan is good to ride without me. Just hope the bike stays in one piece until Antelope Wells. By then he will have lots of stories & memories to last him a lifetime.
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