What a few days. Scarcely had I posted my uncharacteristically optimistic last update before everything went to shit.

My tyre colluded with my inner tube and decided to break free from the contraints of my wheel. How sweet. What this meant was that Nick and I (Nick by association) were stranded somewhere between Bethanie and Helmeringhausen. After a few failed fixes, a bit of pushing and a kind farmer we made it to a bar and earned ourselves some very disapproving looks from the other, much less smelly, patrons.

The next day, having been woken up by the rather cross hotel owner after we camped particularly indiscreetly opposite his campsite, we tried to find a different bodge for the tyre. It didn’t work.

Long story short, the now not very cross and amazingly helpful Helmeringhausen Hotel owner, Bjorn, arranged for a new tyre to be sent from Windhoek, via a different hotel and a tourist, meanwhile employing us on his farm for a couple of days in exchange for food and accommodation. Bjorn, you’re a legend.

After 5 days in Helmeringhausen we had the new tyre fixed and were ready to go. Planning on getting up early and leaving before 6 am, we popped into the bar to say our goodbyes. Here we met Clive from Clover and Craig, who had other ideas.

At 9 am we managed to leave, nursing horrible hangovers, with the offer from Clive from Clover that if we make it to the Victoria Falls in three weeks (by Friday 5th June) he will fly up and take us on a night out. Challenge accepted. To show we really mean that, we’ve just put in two 100km days back to back. Let’s see how long this lasts…

After a good day’s cycling – finally back on tarmac – we have camped up on a hill halfway between Maltahohe and Mariental. Only just camped up though as the ground is rock hard (it’s rock) so tent pegs don’t work and our tents keep trying to escape.

I’ll end with a massive, heartfelt thanks to Bjorn and his wife, Katja, and all those at Helmeringhausen Hotel for their fantastic help and kindness. Thank you.