Freedom Challenge - Slaapkranz to Elandsberg

Things have been moving along reasonably well for Jill and Liehann for the past three days. Communication was pretty spotty, so another short update. 

Jill seems to have a lot of fun despite challenging conditions with headwinds, temperatures of 14F, long days, and dead arms. The group has picked up another racer, so they are five cyclists now. 

Liehann seems a little more unlucky. Not only were they unable to get a replacement fork, but he has shin splints from walking, some knee pains, can't open his hand for some odd reason (which doesn't seem to concern him) and, to top it off, a failing rear brake. I think he should pick up some sport where he can't break stuff, like bridge maybe? Those cards are awfully sharp though ...

The original plan was to double up on the next two checkpoints which aren't too far apart and seem to be easy enough to navigate. So far they're moving very well.

For reference, some messages Jill posted:

-10C this morning . Arms are dead. Wish i weight trained

Gorgeous sunrise. Making arraingements for liehanns broken fork. Long day ahead

Portage killed the arms. Hoping they come back. afternoon pedal through high desert was lovely. Shift from native villages to farm country

Yesterday 137Km. Two portages. Harsh headwind. Fun 15Km on sandstone rollers. Still worried about dead arms.

Rugged descent from stormberg mountains into karoo desert. Icy headwind and stunning winter light. Tricky night nav has left me mentally drained

And some exchanges I had with Liehann:

Rear brake is soft

Need to pump it before it engages

Will ship bleed kit somewhere

Left leg shin splint and knee tweek

Otherwise good

Jill seems perfect :-)

Liehann

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Tue, 3:28 AM

So much tougher

Liehann

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Tue, 3:32 AM

Oh man! Be careful. Check that the caliper isnt leaking!!!

Tue, 8:36 AM

Whats the latest bike drama?

Wed, 12:58 PM

Nothing for now. :-)

Will get bleed kit in two days. Ride fork to cape Town

Hard work on the hands

Have some numbness in left hand. Oh well

Liehann

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Wed, 8:53 PM