IT was the first time in years that I’d laid hands on anything resembling a bicycle.
I’d almost forgotten how free it feels when there’s sun on my face, wind in my hair and nothing but open road in front of me.
It blew me away – almost literally as I managed to pick what was possibly the windiest day of the year to go fat biking in Jeffreys Bay.
My fellow Express reporter, Tristan Dampies, hadn’t put foot to the pedal in longer than I and she and the fat bike came to a mutual understanding to avoid each other after the first five minutes.
I had been looking forward to it for too long to let the fat bike win, though, so off I went. Our friendly guide, Tyrone van Tonder of All Africa Adventures, made it look so easy that I forgot to be nervous.
After a slow start, I had a blast circling the parking lot a few times, getting a feel for my new wheels, before making my way to the beach.
And that’s where the trouble started . . .
Heading towards the water, with the wind behind me, I experienced that free feeling I remember from my childhood. I knew the wind was going to drag me when I turned around, so I tried to go a little faster before attempting it.
I imagine it was a truly comical sight. Halfway into the turn it was like everything was suddenly in slow motion, like a bad action movie.
And when I got back on the bike, so to speak, I never considered that I’d have to get back off again. Especially when a particularly strong gust forced me to a stop and sent me tumbling. I ate a lot of sand that day.
I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything, though. That feeling of flying, the quiet and the really spectacular view at Kabeljouws Beach made everything worth it.
It won’t be years before I get back on an actual bicycle.
It might not even be years before I get back on a fat bike.
If your idea of an adventure is anything like mine, you and the family will love going on this ride.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2 hours
Pricing: R250 per adult, R200 per child under 16
Website:
Contact: 083 661 5393
Offices: 18A Da Gama
Road
