Gifberg Day 3 - Wide Open

The Gifberg is a mountain forming part of the eastern boundary of the Olifants River Valley on the West Coast of South Africa. The name "Gifberg" means "poison mountain"; this is in reference to a poisonous tree called "gifboom", Euphorbia virosa, that is endemic to the area. This bikepacking tour took me round over the long Pakhuis Pass, around the Gifberg, through Rooibos (Red Bush) tea farming communities, vineyards then North up past Van Rynsdorp to Niewoudtville via the Van Ryns Pass, then back down along the Oorlog River corridor back down to the Doring River and finally back to Alpha Excelsior.. DAY 4...WIDE OPEN Leaving Gifberg Resort early, the rooibos tea plantations waited to exact their torture on me...this was the section I was dreading...15k's of sand...so I heard!! But I was assured by Jansu from the resort that it was no issue! He did warn of a bit of sand but it was mostly downhill with one short section of pushing...and so it was...a doddle compared to day 1, enjoyable in fact! After traversing the fields, it was a steep fast drop down the Ouberg Road Pass onto the plateau below where the gravel turned out to be good to absolutely supreme. This plain is flat and fertile with vineyards stretching as far as you could see alternating with wide fields of wheat...no shade though! Mid-way there's a small shop where you can take a break and stock up on carbs and sugars! A comfortable and enjoyable 60-odd k's to Lankverwacht and the quite night in the tent!