It is exactly a year ago that we did the Dryland Ride in Lesotho and still, even a year later I think back to that trip with so many fond memories. This morning I received a Facebook reminder of our Lesotho pictures and I relived the whole journey and adventure again!
When I first heard of the Dryland Rides, I wasn’t sure what to expect … I suppose it was the idea of cycling in Lesotho that appealed to me first of all. I have done MANY mountain bike stage races and loved most of them, but I liked the idea of a non-competitive journey in a different country where you focus more on the scenery, the picnic stops and the social aspect than to get to the finish line as fast as you can. My husband isn’t such an enthusiastic cyclist as me, and I really loved the fact that he could join me on this journey and that we could share this adventure together, even though he doesn’t cycle himself … He also loved every moment of this vacation.
Going on a holiday with other people doesn’t always appeal to everybody, but the Dryland-family really made us feel part of this family (nevermind friends) from the word go. Every single person on this trip was so sincere and happy and friendly and we had many laughs together. One of the guides, Frank Carlisle knew Lesotho by the palm of his hand and he had so much wonderful information to share. Frank is like a live Google!
Every day we were surprised by the lovely picnic spots and we were spoiled with the loveliest snacks and food. Cheeses, biltong and let’s not forget about Rene Rademeyers banana bread …
The scenery in Lesotho are really breathtaking and I will never forget those flowing mountains and never ending valleys. It is still so serene and untouched and the quiet open roads are a mountain biking and 4×4 paradise.
The highlight of this trip was the stay on top of Sani-pass. That evening we’ve had dinner at that divine little pub and restaurant on top of the pass and off course the next day the from Sani Pass down to Underberg. Whaauw, this is something not many cyclists can brag about, even though the temperature dropped to a chilly -4 degrees.
Will I recommend this trip to my friends? Off course I will! This was an amazing, unforgettable experience and while I was writing this, I actually convinced myself to do it again. And again.
Terésa Coetzee
