Day 8 - Mansfield to Port Elizabeth - 131 mile

A quick blast on tarmac this morning before turning back on the mud roads and heading into the Kariega Game Reserve. The riders enjoyed a short tour of the reserve followed by lunch including Warthog stew!
All that remained, we thought, was a tarmac ride into Port Elizabeth so people began to relax, but the organisers had other ideas. The riders regrouped on the outskirts of PE and were escorted by the police, and a convoy of paparazi, into the outskirts of the city. After quite a distance, we were told that the hotel was just a couple of miles away, but what they did not tell us was that the last few miles would all be on sand.
For those that have not ridden on sand, it is extremely difficult. If you ride slowly and cautiously, the back wheel digs in and the steering just does not work! You have to ride fast and basically skim the surface of the sand hwile not really feeling like you have any control where you are going. Those few miles proved hard work, but everyone made it through eventually.
Arrival at the hotel was greeted with relief and jubilation. Of the 89 riders that set of, 86 rode into Port Elizabeth., an amazing feat considering some of the participants had no off road experience 10 days ago!