Category Archives: Charity & Collaboration

The Power of Emotions

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Power of Emotions

Not too long ago I was approached by a man in a store who was looking for some assistance. We had a brief chat where he mentioned he was a businessman from the DRC and here in South Africa for one more day. He mentioned he was looking for businesses in South Africa to partner with.

We had a good chat. He gave a brief outline of his business and asked if it was something I would be interested in. He said he would get hold of me when he was back in the DRC so I gave him my number.

True to his word he contacted me 2 weeks later and told me more about what e was looking for.

During the discussion’s he mentioned how much money I can make by partnering with him. [This is a standard sales technique, so not much interesting there, but money is very often an emotional trigger].

I am a firm believer in karma and serendipity, and am also have enough gray hair to always question “why me” as well as “what’s in it for me”? I am also a bit of a sceptic, so I also keep asking myself if there is a catch, where is it?

Certain things didn’t make sense to me, but I was not invested and played along in order to find out if there was a catch, where the catch is or would be. The man outlined what he required and the process. He said he would do certain things, and he did them on time and kept me informed.

The short version is a member of the man’s business would be coming to South Africa and he would appreciate it if I could collect the man and take him to his destination, all simple enough, and apart from some time (which I was prepared to invest as I was having fun), very little cost to me that I could see.

When I met the man I was advised he had been on the road for a while so I took him to lunch where we had a pleasant chat. I was then contacted by his ‘buyer’ and told what time we could meet.

Now it is important to add that at this time while I am still wondering why me, is there a catch and if so what is it, I have dealt with a total of five different individuals, with the main person always as close as a call away. They did mention that they would pay for my time and fuel and reimburse me for any expenses as the man needed some work clothing and a few other things which were in my line of business.

Everything seemed to be running smoothly from my outsiders perspective, remember I was simply acting as a driver for a business man needing some assistance. I am a frim believer that if something is too easy, there needs to be a catch, and somewhere there is a problem. Not sure if I am a realist or a sceptic?

We eventually get access to a VERY secure building where the deal is meant to take pace. The building is definitely appropriate for the type of business, yet also not the most secure building I have ever worked in.

I go with the man to his buyer where the product (some mineral) will be tested and purchased with bank transfer’s taking place. I get asked if it is possible for them to transfer the money into my account because there was an issue with the sellers account. This was the first red flag I saw. I asked which bank they bank at and was told it didn’t matter as they would do an instant payment from their bank. They did mention I could take a handlers fee for them using my bank account. This was a bit of an orange flag as I figured if the money is in my account they are more at risk than me.

Then the fun began. The buyer wanted to ‘test’ the quality of the product. Here is where there were only red flags, possible because of my specific set of skills and experience, but the most important thing was the EMOTIONS they were eliciting.

Everything they did was to (a) make me feel comfortable and at ease, (b) entrench the legitimacy of the business and (c) elicit emotions, especially because they were talking about a LOT of money and how much I could have for assisting.

I was observing and making notes (in my head) that (1) they asked the seller the weight and never weighed the minerals. {In my experience when I was the seller of minerals the first thing the buyer did was WEIGH what I had and then give me a copy of the weight so there was no disputing later. I don’t care how many times you deal with a buyer, in the mineral market, where payment is per weight, you weigh the product !!!!

While the ‘specialist’ was ‘testing’ the product (which I found quite amusing as he opened the sealed package (not vacuum packed but sealed with packing tape) he took out a scissors and a magnifying glass and declared the grade to be excellent. At this point the ‘buyer’ handed me a piece of paper with the supposed value of the mineral – it was in excess of R11,000,000. A very large number, definitely large enough for the bank to flag the transaction and certainly large enough to make almost anyone feel some emotion.

The ‘specialist’ declared he had one more test to do and would like us (the seller and me the observer) to accompany him while he placed the mineral sample into his x-ray (I cannot remember the name he used) device to ensure he was correct about the grade.

I suppose this is a good time to mention I am a talker. I love talking! That said, I like to think my mama raised no fool, so I also know when to keep my cake hole SHUT. This was one of those times, as the mineral was placed ‘inside’ the computer – what I witnessed was the specialist placing the sample BEHIND the computer box and turning the computer on.

He explained that the computer would analyze the material and as long as the grade was below 53 on the LED screen on the box, they would be happy to release the payment.

It is important to mention here what I saw was a desk top computer box wrapped in aluminium foil. The box had it’s own LED screen about the size of a small cell phone and a red and green light. The lights flashed and the LED screen flashed numbers until it settled on 52, which is below 53.

We were then asked to go back to the other office so the transfer could take place. The specialist told the buyer that it was all good. The buyer then asked for the certificate of origin, which the seller said he did not have. He said he could get it as it was with t he transport that brought him into the country.

This is where the real FUN began. I asked the seller why he didn’t bring the document with him. He said he ran into a snag at the border as he did not have sufficient funds to pay the import duty, so the driver of the transport paid the import duty and he kept the paper as security in order to ensure he was refunded for his payment and assistance.

The import duty was US$3,500 (about ZAR 63,000). Here is where the con lay.

I was asked to please assist – remember as far as I was concerned I was there as a driver for someone I did not know and the only identification I have of him is his cellphone number. I asked why the driver could not simply bring the document to the office where we were so the payment could be released and he could get his money. I was told it was his boss that would not allow him to come as his boss was UPSET he had helped the seller.

Long story short I let them know this was there issue, so I took the seller and his goods back to where I found him, and I left to carry on with my day, and left them to con someone else.

The reason I am relaying the story is because of the POWER OF EMOTONS. These cons were superb at playing on emotions, asking for assistance, promising to pay, tempting with HUGE sums of money, explaining how this was important for their families, SO MANY EMOTIONAL STORIES.

In sales we are taught that EMOTION SELLS and people justify on logic. This is so true, as when the correct trigger or emotion is activated, even intelligent people will often throw logic out the window, sadly, too often with dire consequences.

My personal red flag for a scam comes from being caught. So when I feel something is too easy, not my issue, too exciting, elicits emotion, too coincidental and any combination of these, I tend to be a LOT more aware than I may usually be.

I was advised that I was still mad to go along as long as I did and meet with t he people alone as they may have been armed, and that is true. I did take a chance and while I did assess the situation each step of the way, it did carry risks, even though there were people who knew where I was.

The whole story is to try explain the emotions. I cannot express how well these people work. They are professionals and their business is to help you part from your hard earned money. They are ruthless and are expert manipulators, using every trick I am aware of from the psychology of selling.

I am fortunate that among my experiences, on the 4th of September 2015 I had what I now refer to as my lifeaversary. With my accident something in me changed. Remember I have mentioned how much a person’s emotions impact your body. In my case, after my accident I cannot get overly excited – that is a positive and a negative. Whether I get too excited because I am beyond happy or I get mad because something has happened, either way my body responds in the same way – I begin to shake uncontrollably. The emotion is not relevant, it is the intensity of the emotion that triggers my body.

I am very aware that many, if noit most people, do not have such a refined warning mechanism, but I also know that most people do have some warning mechanism – whether it is to keep what they are doing a secret or that funny feeling in their gut – that tells them something is amiss.

When your warning system starts talking, PLEASE BE AWARE.

This post has nothing to do with signage – unless one is referring to the signs and signals one’s body is giving off, but is more of a public service to remind people that their emotions are their friends, especially in situations which could have a negative impact on life.

If you want to deal with a signage business that is made up of people that care, contact SignForce now on info@signforce.co.za or call +27 (0)11 440 7525 or WhatsApp +27 (0)82 558 6413

Find out more about SignForce at http://www.signforce.co.za

PERSPECTIVE – or an alternate (South African) view on Competition

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Safe installation of signs

PERSPECTIVE – or an alternate view on Competition

This was a very interesting week at SignForce

On Monday we assisted a competitor to install a sign they had manufactured. It was the first time I am aware of that we needed to use our block and tackle. The sign went up safely and our competitor and his client were all happy with the outcome.

On Wednesday we quoted a prospect. Part of the quote was to remove a number of signs from the building. A few were close to the ground, however many were more than three stories above the ground, and one was old, and from the brief inspection while on site, looks to be rusted through in more than one place. (I guess an article on the importance of maintaining signs for safety would be a good idea).

When followed up the prospect advised this writer that I must have lost my f@king mind because the amount was insane. He went on to explain that he could do the job for about 8% (1/12th) of the quoted amount. He went on to explain that he could hire some unemployed ‘casual’ labor off the street and provide them with the tools they need to remove the sign. I volunteered to provide a 51 foot ladder.

The difference between Monday’s client and Wednesday’s prospect may boil down to PERSPECTIVE.

The client on Monday appreciated SignForce’s experience, skills and understanding, and is willing to pay for the skills and experience.

The prospect on Wednesday may not have the understanding of the value of SignForce’s experience, and is certainly not prepared to pay for that experience.

That does not mean the prospect is incorrect. He may be able to get the job done safely at a much lower cost, and he will be responsible and accountable for the risk and any potential fallout that occurs.

One lesson of experience is being able to see the rust on the one sign – something which may be superficial, however, if it is not superficial – which is equally likely – the entire sign may fall apart when it is moved, which can become deadly very quickly. This writer has said multiple times, signage is an extremely simple industry, UNTIL IT IS NOT!

When a business complies and follows certain best practice norms, that compliance comes at a cost, which client’s should be prepared to pay for, as this ensures (or as close as possible) safety and successful completion of the job.

When a prospect is prepared to do the job himself and to say to hell with all safety norm, it is generally better to walk away, because if or when something goes wrong, that prospect will ,most likely be the first to throw the business under the nearest – and furthest – bus.

If you are in the market for signage – whether it is to manufacture, install, maintain or remove – SignForce is available to assist.

Contact SignForce now on info@signforce.co.za or call +27 (0)11 440 7525 or WhatsApp +27 (0)82 558 6413

Find out more about SignForce at http://www.signforce.co.za

What Should One Know BEFORE Entering the Signage Industry?

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What Should I know BEFORE I go in to the sign business?

While this SignForce blog space is generally focused on the benefits of signs, the pitfalls of signs and general selling of signs, this post will be different as the writer was recently approached by a family looking to get into the signage industry, and asked about it.

After my initial shock – wondering why would any ‘sane‘ individual – the mom who spoke to me looked and sounded VERY sane – WANT to get into the signage industry.

It is quite possible that I was stressed at the time and thus I was too quick to forget that this was me about 22 years ago. Someone looking to get out of the financial / consulting industry I was in and looking for a new challenge – they do say be careful what you ask for!

I guess that at a time when business is tough I had forgotten all the positive aspects of the signage industry that have served me well for the past two decades, and was more focused on the day to day challenges I was facing.

As a colleague recently mentioned, the signage industry is not for feint of heart, sane people ho want a boring, predictable, regular job where you have structure and know days in advance what your schedule – and life – will look like.

Signage is an extremely dynamic business where, if one is not disciplined, your daily schedule can change every other minute.

On the positive side the signage industry requires one to be a jack of many trades, possibly a master of one or two, with the ability to design, work with multiple materials and SEE (visualize) some things that don’t exist – in the sense that one has to be able to imagine what the end product (that does not exist) will look like AND be able to work backwards from what the end product looks like through the step by step manufacturing process – which may change when actual production begins, so lets add in that being in the signage industry one needs to be extremely FLEXIBLE – to the start which includes determining what materials will WORK to achieve the desired outcome. All this in the most cost effective manner.

While traditional sign writers in the 21st century tended to be artisans that came through the ranks of artists who did some apprenticeship and could go into a one man business, modern signage is more computer generated, and more business like than ever before.

For a modern sign business to be successful the head of the business tends to need to be a marketer and sales person with a BIG PICTURE mentality where one is able to talk to, motivate, lead, inspire and deal with the widest possible range of people – from the MD of a large publicly listed business to an ego driven politician who will never have done a days work in your industry but will always know how to do it better, to the slowest, lowest paid employee in a business who may be required to do the simplest and most important of tasks, without which the work comes to a sudden – not even grinding – HALT.

The need to be able to get all individuals to work together is possibly the second largest challenge, second only to the need to be able to turn off and take time away from work in the modern world where one tends to be expected to be online, on call and available 25 / 8 / 366.

On the other hand, if one possesses the necessary mind set and skill set and is prepared to put in some HARD WORK, working what can be insane hours with little gratitude or reward, then signage can be the most amazing and rewarding industry.

Working in signage can be amazing because it opens doors for a person with a flair for design to put their skills into practical operation. There are seldom two days in a row where signage wok is the same. Signage requires one to think out of the box a LOT more than one would expect, possibly because the industry is dynamic, and client’s can have some EXTREME expectations, from how long a sign will take to produce to what the sign will cost to how long the sign will last to what the sign may look like. 

The signage industry has almost ZERO limitations in design. This means that ten sign businesses – or ten estimators within one sign business – can quote the same sign and come up with 10 different designs, 10 different costs and 10 different structures. It cannot be stressed enough that all 10 designs will ALL look the same on paper, and they will surely ALL work – at least in the short term – but they can (and most likely WILL) be VASTLY different in design, (finished) look, appeal and cost. This is one of the reasons it is so difficult for buyers of signs to compare the offerings of one sign business with another if they do not have detailed specifications on EXACTLY what materials will be used in the manufacturing of the sign, as well as how they will be assembled.

Signage is also an ancient and static yet changing and dynamic industry. Signage is possibly the third oldest profession – ok, that is an exaggeration, especially as physical businesses needed to come first – because it has been around a LONG time. Some ancient techniques are still used to manufacture certain signs, yet there are also new and exciting developments, new materials and a lot more digital processes used in modern day signage.

BUT, even with the new materials and the -progress of digital signs, for the large part signage is still an EXTREMELY LABOUR – read that as PEOPLE – intensive and oriented business. Yes, machines can make a number of modern signs, BUT machines (and AI) have limitations that may mean the client’s reject the signage or the machines cannot make signs with certain materials or they cannot be used to DESIGN certain signs or processes.

This means that until AI can (a) design and think out of the box, (b) get on it’s – their? -hands and knees and climb ladders and drill holes that are nor necessarily ‘straight’ – people employed in the signage industry are sort of secure in the knowledge that like many artisans – plumbers, electricians and the like, the physical elements of the work will not be done away with in the foreseeable future.

SignForce believes that the market is large enough for all competitors, and collaborators, so we at SignForce work closely with a number of our competitors. Because this is our philosophy, we are glad to assist any folks that are as insane as we are and looking to enter the signage with information on the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of the signage industry as we see it.

For more information – or for signs – contact SignForce now on info@signforce.co.za or call +27 (0)11 440 7525 or WhatsApp +27 (0)82 558 6413

Find out more about SignForce by visiting our website at http://www.signforce.co.za

Signs Make Your Businees Successful

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Signs Make Your Business Successful

OK, apologies up front for the click baiting, as we all know (WE referring to intelligent business folk) this statement is not entirely true, as there are MANY factors that make a business successful.

In general, from what this writer has observed, success in business is more often than not a result of doing the slog work, doing the same correct (that is imperative) behavior over and over and over and over and over – you get the point – beyond the point of boredom, beyond the point of repetition, to the point where one can literally do the task in one’s sleep. This is sometimes referred to as achieving efficiency at the task, and it is said this takes 10,000 HOURS of the same task.

Another part of the success of a business is MARKETING and SELLING. Without sales there is no money for product development, no money to train and pay staff (someone may want to point this out to the current anc leaders who have reportedly managed to bankrupt their 109 year old organization) and no money to grow your business.

Now marketing and sales a re multi faceted and not entirely the focus of this blog, but I would like to focus on #SIGNAGE – the one part of that marketing puzzle that SignForce sells. We do advise on signage in order to ensure your spending on signage is an investment, but we tend to do this for free (not great for our business turnover in the short term, but we never claimed to be great sales people). If anyone wants to take me for a drink I can explain the difference between TECHNICAL SELLERS (SignForce’s sales staff) and GREAT SELLERS (who tend to sell on emotion).

Signs SELL! So does collaboration 🙂

I have known this for many years and have seen many examples from our own billboard on the M1 highway to what happened with STAX (many years ago) when they upgraded their signage at a loss making store that was being prepped for closure, but I was reminded of this a few weeks ago when one of our clients informed the writer that he spotted SignForce when he passed out pylon.

The point of this ramble is that if you want your business to succeed, especially if you are a business that has physical products or a physical premises, you should certainly consider SIGNAGE as an integral – and initial – step in promoting your business.

SignForce LOVES assisting new and small businesses. This does not mean we are going to give you your signs for free, but we will do what we can to make your business visible in a manner that can help your business grow – both to pay us AND to help you grow.

For more information on how SignForce can assist your business contact us now on info@signforce.co.za or call +27(0)11 440 7525

Find out more about #SignForce at http://www.signforce.co.za

SignForce – supporting SMALL BUSINESS and COMMUNITY!

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As SignForce is a small business, run along family nd community principles, while believing in community and in profits.

SignForce  need to make profits in order to support small businesses (we are fairly priced, but are not a charity), especially businesses in and around our community. The support SignForce can offer is especially relevant in theses tough, turbulent and uncertain times.

How we at SignForce support our community businesses is by offering small and start up (new)  businesses professional signs with exceptional advice and payment options that can assist them with their cashflow – generally by allowing the business to pay a deposit and then allowing the signs to be paid off, generally over a couple of months.

If you are a new or small or struggling business who believes that SIGNAGE will help improve your business, but you are concerned about the cost, you SHOULD be contacting SignForce NOW!!!

Contact SignForce now on +27(0)11 440 7525 or email arnold@signforce.co.za and mention SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT in your subject line.

 

#BruisedButtCycleChalleng day 11 cycling day 9

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#BruisedButtCycleChallenge day 11 cycling day 9

DRINK!  That is the saying of the day.  It could have changed because it wasn’t relevant the whole day,  but it started early.  Think of how easy it is to drink when you are all hot on a hotter summers day. Now think how much cold liquid you want to drink when it is cold weather,  and you are cold. Now,  when you are exercising and exerting – as we tend to do when cycling,  it is essential to keep replacing lost liquid – even when it is cold and raining!  Hence  – DRINK!

We left ftom the beautiful town of Hermanus at 07:20 before sunrise.  I never knew there was such a large industrial area in what I have always considered to be a holiday village.     We got off to an excellent start making fantastic time,  even though it was raining.

We had a break at the 16km mark and were pleased to see that we had covered the distance in about 45 minutes.  the same distance yesterday took slightly over an hour.  Even though it was raining, it was an absolute pleasure cycling in the rain, because the wind was still asleep.

We stopped for a snack in Betty’s Bay and saw a large number of dolphins at Rooiels. We then made our way towards Gordons Bay, and it was fascinating to see that we were managing to climb the uphills at 18.9 km/h, faster than we managed to come down Akkerdisberg Pass yesterday,  where peddling into the headwind we only managed 16 km/h – going downhill!!!

The scenery is spectacular, and with the sun out and no wind, we took full advantage of the weather,  stopping often to take in the the brilliant sights,  sounds and scent that the area offers.

When we got to Strand we took time for an ice cream – and WOW – what an ice cream it was.  We had a chat to some locals and then headed for Heldeberg, our final destination for the night, arriving at 15:15.

Total distance for the day is 100.6 km, covered at an average speed of 17.6 km/h and we climbed a total of 926 m while we were in the saddle for 5:41:50.

Tomorrow is a rest / administration day so we can get the boxes to take our bicycles home.  We also need to clean and oil our bkes. Friday we head for the Cape Town waterfront – route still to be decided.

#BruisedButtCycleChalleng cycling day 8

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#BruisedButtCycleChalleng day 10 cycling day 8

Today’s saying for the day is “Every day is a surprise”.   I had an excellent steak for dinner, Neale had a burger, and when we left the restaurant it was raining.

We had a relatively late night and an early start – having been too tired to clean the bikes last night it had to happen this morning what with all the mud and grime that had attached itself to the chains.   We ran out of food for the road yesterday,  but none of the stores that sell fruit were open,  so we pumped my rear wheel and set off at 07:44.

For those of you who don’t know,  Bredasdorp is in a valley.  we were heading to Hermanus,  a beautiful see side town. Well the ‘down hill’ run began with us climbing 70m in 2.6km. One mighty uphill. We made good time because the wind was still asleep.  :-).

The wind started when we got over the mountain.   We saw two El Paco’s to add to our list of animals – I didn’t mention the Baboons from yesterday – and decided that the frogs – of which we have seen zero – should also be added to the ‘seen animal list’ because like the multitude of cows and sheep,  they often keep us company and entertained as we keep moving forward.  It has come to our attention that we miss a lot when we zoom up and down the roads. I for one have never heard the frogs as I drive.

We stopped at the first town, Napier, for a quick hot drink and some fruit.  The town is so laid back that the Jack Russell that was in the street didn’t even move as we approached.

We had multiple surprises such as climbing a total of 1134 m – to go DOWN to sea level (a little less than yesterday’s 1306m) as well as experiencing all the seasons every two hours. We cycled through five rain showers –  not hard pelting rain like the highveld,  but hard enough, and the sun shone through three of the downpours. Another surprise was that I felt wetter going up a mountain pass than I did cycling in the rain – without my rain kit.

We had a quick lunch in Stamford and then made our way to Hermanus arriving at 16:30. We covered 95.3km, were in the saddle for 7:00:28 and managed an average speed of 13.6 km/h.     Looking at our average speeds it is easy for one to think we simply crawl and what we are doing is easy  – the numbers never lie – but what the numbers cannot reveal is the impact of a headwind – especially one of somewhere between 20 and 36 km/h does to average speeds.   I have been asked again for some information on the ‘granny cog’ and gearing. Please let me know if you would like me to elaborate and give more details.

#BruisedButtCycleChalleng Cycling day 7

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#BruisedButtCycleChalleng day 9 cycling day 7   Our toughest day yet!!!   After a cold and miserable break day when we washed the bikes in the 10 degrees heat, and only left the accommodation to get lunch and a lot of firewood.  We were exceptionally grateful for the twin tub washing machine and the tumble dryer.   We got the weather report and prepared for a tough day ahead.   We were up as usual at 05:30 and although it was windy,  we were grateful that the rain had stopped.  the weather report showed we could expect WNW winds of up to 56 km/h with NWN gusts of the same speed.  Until the ride I thought I knew the difference between wind and gusts, but we were pushed every which way – except from behind – to the point we were battling to keep moving forward.   In the past I have not managed to keep moving at less than 4.6km/h. Going up one hill we were doing a mere 4.3!   Once again we spent a lot of time in ‘granny gear’ – the equivalent of first in a car, reserved for difficult uphills.     When we started out at 07:20 it was a bitterly cold 7 degrees,  with a gentle breeze and no rain. We managed to bank 10 km when the wind got to it’s peak for the day,  and it only abqtd at about 17:00.  We moved slowly with our average speed for the day being in the region of 10.7 km/h on the gravel and our final average being 11.1 km/h.   We covered 86.2km on gravel,  with the total trip for the day being 93km.  It was an exceptionally long day with us only getting to our destination in the dark – very glad we light up like Christmas trees – at 18:10, with total saddle time of 8:25:17   Sometimes it is amazing how adversity can change one’s perspective.  We stopped for a refuel and as we were about to depart at 15:48 I noticed I had a little issue in the form of a flat rear tyre.  At that point we still had 25 km to cover and roughly two and a half hours of daylight left – including dusk, and we were pushing to get to our destination before nightfall.  However,  once I got the puncture  – which cost us just under 20 minutes – and we KNEW we would be cycling in the dark,  we were both much calmer.   I came as close as I ever hav to ‘hitting the wall’ a state where one is so exhausted that you simply cannot move.  Neale reminded me I had some booster and basically had to lead the way into the wind from there on.   Once again some spectacular scenery,  evn when the clouds opened up – the rain here is very cold – and we had the added joy of seeing a large (over 0) flock of Blue Cranes,  an Otter,  a Zebra and a mongoose.  We also had a river crossing on a manual pont / ferry.   Saying of the day “You didn’t choose your weather very well”  from a stranger entering the convenience store just after Malgas.   The contnder was “Arnold!  Never say that again! ” in reference to my comment on day one when we were cycling into a little more than a gentle breeze and I aksed if that as all there was! I think I made a mistake and asked for forgiveness many times during the ride

#BruisedButtCycleChallenge cycle day 6

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#BruisedButtCycleChalleng Day 7, cycling day 6

After what we thought was a tough fifth cycling day we had a good night’s sleep – in fact I was so exhausted that I didn’t even pack my bag before I went to bed. Our normal routine is to prepare for breakfast and have our bags mostly packed so we can leave early.

Anyway got up at 5:30 as usual and got ready, but off to a slightly late start at 07:30 after taking time for a few photos of the beach and river mouth.  After about 400m I noticed I had a ‘little’ issue in the form of a flat rear tyre.  Turns out this was a good thing, because while I went to pump my tyre Neale went to talk to some local cyclists – we have realised that we cannot accept information from just anyone,  and cyclists seem to have a better idea of what we need. Most people see us on our bicycles yet do not comprehend that we are cycling, so they give directions as if we are in a car, without any concept of potential consequences to us if their information is flawed.

I pumped my tyre – no idea why it was flat – and off we went to follow in the tracks of the cyclists Neale had spoken to.

The wind was calm and although it was biting cold – we are exceptionally grateful to have good warm kit – the going was good. That is until we got to the gravel,  which was after 5km on the road. I found the going EXTREMELY tough and thought possibly my tyre had deflated agan, but looking at Neale’s tyres, they looked about the same, so either it was psychological or it could have been a lack of Muscadel the night before.  I do believe Muscadel is my friend with about half a bottle giving me a nice warm feeling and no ill after effects.  Neale on the other hand likes his wine (as do I) so I had had some red wine the night before,  and I thought maybe that was slowing me down.

We got a few kilometers down the dirt road when the sun disappeared behind the clouds and the wind started gusting.  I should explain that while the wind makes it more difficult cycling,  especially if you are cycling into a headwind,  gusting wind makes it even more challenging because the wind moves you and your bicycle – mostly to the left or the right  – so suddenly that you have to counterbalance,  and then almost immediately readjust. If you think what gusts do to you while driving a car,  you can only imagine what happens when you are on a bicycle.

The headwind was so strong that we had to use what cyclists refer to as the ‘granny gear’ – the lowest and smallest front cog – to push DOWNHILL!!! As I mentioned before,  having to pedal downhill is exhausting.  I am sure I signed up for coasting downhill! !

At around 11:15 it was a whopping 11 degrees with slight moisture in the air and the wind pumping.  The cloud formation and the scenery was spectacular – unfortunately too far off to get any good photos.   It was almost 13:00 when it started to rain.  We decided that the lady of a few days ago who advised us that the wind stopped when it started to rain was mistaken – unless that is how it works in her area.

We pushed on into the wind and rain and got some directions from a local farmer – he as travelling with a young lady and is the first – and so far only – person to offer us a lift.  It was shortly after meeting the farmer that I had my first fall – on an uphill!  The track / road was  so steep and rutted that I was spinning and not going anywhere fast. I couldn’t release either of my feet  from the pedals and eventually fell off to the left.  I did hit my knee but am unhurt – the water bottle on my back helped cushion my landing. In fact it was a relief to lie down a little!     As I fell off my phone rang – which on its own was amazing as there were large stretches of no reception – with my youngest son calling the to ask how he could check airtime on his phone.  He then asked if I was on my bike,  and when I replied that no, I had just fallen off, he calmly reminded me that was why we had plasters and bandages in our medical kit!

We got slightly lost – only traveled 1km when Neale realised we seemed to be on the incorrect road. We then programed the GPS and headed back. We were even accompanied by a beautiful male ostrich for a few meters. We crossed a bridge over a river and stopped for a hot drink and lunch – in the light drizzle – at 13:22. It is wonderful having our table cloth to sit on. It was 10 degrees with a softer wind.  While eating lunch a gust blew a chunk of my lunch onto the ground,  so I had to eat that chunk more carefully because the gravel is not great for one’s teeth.  :-).

The comment of the day happened while having lunch.  There were a few contenders for the day, like the cyclists asking Neale if we are mad, or the farmer offering us a lift,  or even the multiple BAAAA’S of encouragement we got from a number of sheep,  but while resting and eating my gritty lunch,  a distinguished female American voice announces “Head northeast and turn right”. When I stopped laughing and could breathe,  I shared the joke with Neale who also had a great hearty laugh. I realise the comment may not be nearly as funny when being read,  but it’s timing made it brilliant!

The road was exceptionally corrugated and made for very slow progress.  We did see wild buck and mongese, as well as some captive Bontebok, an ostrich family with five chicks – and some majestic breeding bulls. We also saw large herds of ostrich and some exceptional scenery.     We arrived in Witsand at 16:00 and had to find the accommodation.  We didn’t have a house number – not that it would have helped as very few of the houses are numbered.  Neale took out the maps to get the phone number and a gust of wind helped relieve him of all the papers. I should have filmed him running and chasing the pages then stomping on them and bending to try retrieve them from the ground before the wind moved them,  but instead I peddled like mad to get the furthest ones. He was pissed!  I had to contain myself to not laugh – but I know from experience that would have been a bad idea

.   We got the keys and were informed thatthe restaurants in town BOTH clospe around 17:30 so we made haste to get some provisions.   Carrying two large packs of firewood on a bicycle is entertaining.  We had a pleasant dinner with ribs for starters and roast chicken and vegetables on a bed of rice for dinner.   The accommodation is different.

On the plus side there is a twin tub washing machine and a tumble dryer.  On the negative side there was no toilet paper – though there was soap – and the bath is minute! So small that even I cannot lie down – or sit up – without bending my legs.

We traveled for a total of 7.5 hours, were on the saddle for 6:42:27, climbed 989m in 93km (including the trip to the shop) with a slow average of 13.8km/h and a maximum of 47.5km/h.   We have a break day today.  Tomorrow is expected to be tough with an expected 85km off road,  heavy winds, cold weather and a pridicted 50% chance of rain.

P.S. For a long time Neale and I have spoken about hills being “negative declines” as ‘uphills’ can be scary. Yesterday Neale decided we can now also talk about “negative tailwind” as any mention of wind simply scares us. His comment was also a contender for comment of the day,  as was my comment “Muscadel is my friend”.   I have been asked about the ‘patch’ over my right eye that is visible in the photos.  it is in fact my rear view mirror.  I have close up photos (thanks to Neale) which I will share when I can upload photos again.

#BruisedButtCycleChallenge cycle day 5

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#bruisedbuttcyclechallenge.  Day 6. Riding day 5.   A LONG,  HARD day!!!   We headed out from Dias Beach,  Mossel Bay at 07:10. It was a clear day,  even if it was cold.   We made great time for the first three hours – and then we got lost.     We had planned to ride about 97km for the day,  but the road that is on the map doesn’t seem to know it is supposed to be there. We thus had to modify our plans slightly,  which involved getting back to the N2 highway and some tar.   We know things turn out for the best because the detour allowed for us to have a sit down lunch of slap chips (soft French fries to the unenlightened) and a coffee for Neale.  We also topped up our chocolate supply because the off road section we covered used up a lot more energy than planned for.  The detour also allowed for me to attend to some urgent work.     Our host at the lunch stop, a great man who cycles in the area whose name is ‘Boy’ helped us by telling us of the most direct,  off road route,  to our destination in Stillbai.   The off road section was an adventure – exceptionally grateful for shock absorbers – and we managed to arrive at our destination at 17:45 with about 20 minutes of day light to spare.   We had a fantastic dinner of chicken kebabs with mixd grilled vegetables and baked potato, all washed down with some ok wine. We finished with. ice cream for dessert.     In the end we cycled a total of 115.3km with an average speed of 17.4km/h and climbed a total of 1106 m.