Day 9. On my way back to PTA

So i've made my decision after a night of pain and confusion, if I would like to continue my MTB career without any knee problems in the future, I need to pack up and go home......get to a doctor and solve this before its too late. I got up this morning as usual and wandered around the house whilst everyone is packing and getting ready to set off, the news got around very quickly and my emotions wanted the better of me but I stayed strong. Eventually its only Dave and Pierre to leave the house, then the goodbye.......although we have only been riding together for eight days, we had developed a very special bond, almost like a father and son kind of thing. I have the words respect for both of them. So you could have guessed what happened next, my emotions got the better of me when it come to goodbye time.

So eventually its only me left in the massive guest house, not sure how it works from here on or how I'm gonna get home. I went to my bed and just sit there for a while, staring at my bag and my cycling shoes......could this really be over? so soon? and then the tears just started rolling down my cheeks.....my dream adventure shattered to pieces. I allowed myself to calm down and regrouped.

Now a plan of action, there is no reception which made it worse, so I put on my jacket and went down to the farmers house where his wife opened the door, with red eyes I introduced myself and explained my situation, she immediately showed some sympathy and invited me for koffie. Never in my life had I met a friendlier family than this one. All 4 kids greeted me so politely and when Diederik (The farmer) returned from his normal morning inspection, he greeted me in the most respectful way, no questions asked, no judgement when I told them and no negative response.  Were these angels sent from heaven??

Diederik mentioned that he was taking the kids to hostile later the evening and that he will be more than willing to offer me a ride to Bloemfontein. Now I have never been in Bloemfontein.....didn't even know it was in the Free State. The phone was offered and I was assured that everything will be okay. I made all the calls to arrange transport from Bloemfontein.

After all the arrangements we sat down for a large breakfast, meat from the previous days braaivleis and krimmelpap, some yogurt and toast as well. After breakfast went to the guesthouse to     fetch all my stuff. I stripped my Steed and give her a proper wash, one that she deserved.......I mean she did her best and give me everything.

We left for Bloem at about 15h00 and got there just before 18h00.

During all this madness I really did the thinking thing, and this was my conclusion. Life itself is one big challenge, how do we know when we have given up, or let go too soon, or when to stop trying?? How do we know what life would have been like if we didn't give up this soon?? This is all rhetorical questions....ones that no one can answer, my only thought is that one should live everyday as if their is no tomorrow, and make your decisions based on the guidance from above knowing that the outcome will be as planned. And their will be no regrets. This picture below was taken in the farmers garden in front of his house, this explained their attitude towards life. 

Faith, Hope and Love

Dit was nou n mond vol ne......hahaha.

Thanks to all my followers. Hope to hear from you soon. 

PS. Love Living life. The Cow stile. Moooooo!!!!!