Day 1: Kei Mouth – Xhora River

Day 1: 46km 4hr20 ride time: Starting from the great Kei River mouth and the boundary of the former ’homeland’ of the Transkei we headed north for 220km to Port St Johns. Never could I have imagined how spectacular and unspoiled this coastline really is, just goes to show what we expect as ‘normal’ . Sun-kissed and inspired, I lapped up all the details, the landscapes and the sweat  in a blissful but tough 5 days of fun and fabulous riding.

The only 'formalised' ferry taking us across the Kei river mouth, many more mouths to come!

We shared the ride with a pack of friendly vagrant dogs that were quite familiar with the ferry procedure and a some local fishermen

The first kilometres of an amazing 210km ride.

Wildcoast cycling is not just about riding, theres a fair amount of pushing too - when the sand is too mushy...

...and portaging too!

Beaches are treasure troves of shells.

When we timed it right with the tides, beach riding could be blissful : compact, smooth and fast.

Nonchalent Ngunis are the most regular sun bathers you'll find along the coastline.

Sarah and her porter ;-)

Old technologies still at play

Boy and his friend.

Little transkei pup.

Unspoiled coastal views all the way to Port St. Johns

River crossing

Keeping feet sand-free is a tricky business.

Wide open empty beaches for miles.

A little friend I made en route.

Xhosa boy runs with us.

.

Treehouse

A stranded sand shark. I was too late.

I say a sun hat is more protective than a helmut.

Stylish nguni

Mazeppa bay cafe: a welcome sight for all of us.

More beaches beckoned.

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