There are certain days that remain etched in my memory, so strongly engrained it’s as if they’re physical prints. What happened yesterday has, without question, added more wonderful prints to that archive.
After almost 18,000km, 2 years and 2 months, I eventually rolled into the Cape of Good Hope, Africa’s most South Westerly tip. It was a moment that not only signalled the end of my ride, but reunited me back with my family – all of whom I had not seen since leaving the UK on May 1st, 2010.
Leaving Somerset West
After waking up early in Somerset West, I had just 80km of roads to navigate along the coast. Jane Nicklin, daughter of Peter Nicklin whom I had worked with in Naivasha alongside Minalyn at Life Beads Kenya, kindly hosted me for the night.
After my now typical morning bowl of porridge & dried fruit, I wove my way along Baden Powell Drive passed the Suburbs & Townships of Cape Town, the biggest of which being Khayelitsha, a sprawling home to almost half a million people.
The weather was promising; clear visibility with very little wind – in fact what wind there was would soon turn to a boosting tailwind, so I was thankful to be in favourable hands of Mother Nature – much in contrast the previous week.
Soon I met the shoreline passing Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Simon’s Town and hundreds of other South African Cyclists, energetically taking to the beautiful roads on their pristinely clean bikes sporting the latest trends in cycling accessories and Lycra. Working my bearded, somewhat dishevelled morning look, I too was part of this trendy community, but only just.
After 65kms I found myself just outside the Cape of Good Hope National Park, where I parted with 85 Rand and began the cycle of the last 15km towards the Atlantic Ocean.
I phoned my Dad in advance to let him know my location; the plan was to have my family overtake me before carrying on to the very end, the Cape of Good Hope, where we’d all meet.
I knew they were very close, but it seemed to take an almost endless number of cars to pass. But soon they did. Their van, carefully driven by Mark, my sisters partner whom I was delighted could join us, was dressed in Union Flags, horn ablaze and all to the sound of wonderful cheers. I got the first glimpse of them all and I beamed with smiles… even if my family were all hanging out the van with cameras like a team from the National Geographic Channel.
In sheer excitement I pushed up the gears to get there as fast as possible, so fast in fact I missed the turn off and instead found myself cycling a few kilometres uphill towards Cape Point, the lighthouse. Doh! Wrong way. My family looked on no doubt wondering what part of Africa I was headed for next.
But no matter; I only had to roll back downhill to where, at the very bottom, for the first time in over two years I was able to hug them all – a memory and moment that felt surreal, and still does as I write this post a day later.
It was a moment I had been dreaming of for over two years; not that I was wishing away the time, but I always looked forward to it, knowing one day I’d be at that spot to celebrate the peak of an adventure.
To my delight the whole day panned out just as I’d hoped & imagined. To improve matters further, my parents had bought a few bottles of bubbly which we popped – wow, they tasted ever so wonderful, primarily because the people I’d been missing over the last two years were there, drinking them with me. I couldn’t be happier.
I’m so grateful to all those who’ve messaged me these last few days & weeks, whether via text, on Facebook, Twitter or email. They’ve all combined to make the day one I will never forget.
I still have more blog posts to write and to tell the tales of my cycle through Malawi and beyond, but this post needed to be written today, as a small thank you to all who have supported me reach the very end of Africa.
I might just give that beard a trim now…
Thank You 🙂
Literally bawling my eyes out right now!!! x
Aww, Glam Glam 🙂 Thanks for reading, burgers soon! 🙂 x
Kenny you’ve achieved something truly incredible. It was so fun to start this adventure with you, then seeing your confidence and sense of adventure blossom on the way. You are an inspiration. Its a fittingly triumphant and emotion filled end to one hell of a journey. Bask in the glow of what you’ve achieved and sink a Windhoek for me. Maximum respect! 🙂
Thanks Danny Boy, am enjoying the Windhoek’s 🙂 Seems like forever ago we started in Egypt, wow, what days those were! Really appreciate all your comments & support over the last few days…love to Manu & You x
you really are one shining star! honoured to know ya, sunshine 🙂
Thanks Rebecca! 🙂 Great to know you read this and thanks so much for your comments both here and on Facebook. See you very soon for some Zumba fun! 🙂 x
What bubbly were you drinking? Not sure why I bought a mid-ranged price one when I sprayed half of it away! Not my usual on-the-road frugality. A very well done to you Ken. The memories will never leave you. Time to start planning for the next one hey?!
Haha, I think it was something cheap – which was good since half got sprayed also!! I hope the memories never leave, it was wonderful… Look forward to climbing the table with your good self in a few hours!
I have a lump in my throat reading this. Kenny, you’re AWSOME! Let’s not forget all the kids/people you have helped in your travels, I’m sure you are as much of an inspiration to them as you are to us all back home. You have certainly delivered!
Thanks Pips, you’re very kind with your words; Thank You. See you very soon for a drink or three! 🙂 x
Amazing Kenny! Love the photos….and you finally have a tan! 😉
Hehe…finally hey, no more red lobster! 🙂 Thanks for reading Kate, look forward to catching up personally when I’m back x
Well done mate, it would appear your destination is as good as the journey.
No bad for a fat lad, now get that damn ugly beard off!! or Gostelow won’t give you a kiss from me….
Absolutely mate 🙂
Well I made it; in fact I ate the last of those oats/fruits we bought in Livingston on the last day – the best cycling fuel, no question. Beard still in play so I’ll give Pete a kiss from you whether he wants it or not! 😉 Safe travels boyo…
Mental. After all that, you might as well keep those chin sprouts.
Very happy for you. You are an inspiration. There’s a pizza here, when you can make it. Much love x
Haha, thanks William, very grateful not just for this post but ALL your support – a very fortunate meet back in the days of Ethiopia! Will take you up on the Pizza…get it warming 🙂 x
Ken, You are amazing! Been following your blog all along and being the softie that I am had a little tear at this one. What an accomplishment, a life changing event. Im sure your family are proud as am I just to msay I know you. Well done! Look forward to following the next adventure! x
Aww, thank you Lisa! I’m so grateful for all your support/messages & tweets throughout the ride – but particularly this one. Thank You 🙂 I trust you’re well, I’m off to go and enjoy some more Olympics! Be well 🙂 x