CAPE TOWN!!!!

"We're going to Cape Town

I must be mad, four months gone,

Cycling my bike in the African sun"

...from the clever song written by one of the riders, we all had it running through our brains as we rode the final kilometres into Kaapstad (working on my Afrikaans) yesterday, the immensity of Table Mountain looming ever larger as we rode.  We rode about 65 km to a stunningly gorgeous beach where we took photos of us holding up our bikes, and waited for the police to arrive to escort us  the final 30 km into the city.  Wow, did that last 30 km ever go fast!  How can it all be over already?  

We rode into the busy waterfront area, under the finish line banner to a warm welcome - there was a crowd gathered in the bright sunshine cheering us on, a band playing happy music and then the festivities commenced.  It was a bit like being at one of Selena's gymnastics competitions; we marched onto the amphitheatre stage organized by country, carrying a big flag.  A few speeches, full tour riders were presented medals, EFI riders got their medals (hurray for Wayne!) race winners recognized, one last bike donation,lots of thanks expressed and that was it!

Then...a short ride up the street to the hotel, and we really knew it was over when we went to the truck to clean out our lockers.  No more standing at the bottom of the truck steps waiting for the people with adjacent lockers to get out of the way, no more burrowing into the very back of the locker to get an elusive item that we had decided we wouldn't need, no more staggering down those truck steps carrying a full load of camping gear after riding 150 km or so.  

More later....our hotel room looks like a bomb went off and we must get somewhat organized before we head out into another brilliantly sunny day to tackle Table Mountain!  Check out the TDA website for finish line photos, and maybe even photos from last night's party!