Saturday. October 30. Day 92. LAST DAY!!!!!!

THE DAY WE HAVE BEEN WAIITNG FOR AND MORE......

There was so much excitement the last two days that I only got round to the blog this morning. And boy was it all worth it. Every km on the way from Joburg to Cape Town paid off.

Waking up on Saturday all grinning with smiles of excitement as there was only about 5 k’s left and not a gruelling 1800 anymore we quickly got dressed and started the day.

Making our way to the marker rigging the safety sign for the last time and surrounded by journalists of every degree we felt a little bummed that it was all over now but at the same time being super excited and proud that we have made it to the end.

Puddy’s family joined in and formed a convoy for us which were led by the metro police to ensure our safety on the busy roads off Cape Town. The skating went smooth and fast with only 4.5 k’s to skate we made it to the Village safely and speedily.

On our arrival we were overwhelmed by the response. The kids went crazy. The supporters went crazy. Every one cheering so loud that we thought Puddy had skated around the world. Some people were overcome with emotion shedding some tears for this amazing feat that Puddy has done for the kids of the SOS Children’s Villages.

Looking at Puddy from a distance we could see that this man was proud off himself and he had all the reason in the world to be. He had just conquered 1800km’s on his skateboard all for charity.

The kids prepared a special welcoming dance for Puddy, on which he even joined in on. A real special moment for the crew. Knowing that these were the kids that the cause was directed to and that they were just as overcome by emotions as we were felt amazingly humane. Knowing that one can still make a difference in the lives of the youth.

Speeches were made and thank you’s were said while a sea of flashes from camera’s filled the air. After handing out skateboards to the kids – which they appreciated tremendously, we were supprised to learn that another convoy had been arranged for us at Mad world and they were taking us out to Amadoda Shebeen were we where to have lunch and relax.

We got to Mad world and were stumped. A convoy of about 30 cars all branded with Skate for Change banners was waiting for us at Mad World. Lead by a huge truck donning speakers and sound equipment with a MC talking to the whole of Cape Town we made our way through the city streets. Puddy was a rock star and the whole Cape Town heard of it. What a great moment to see so much support directed to our cause. Truly mind blowing

We had a lovely lunch and some drinks and watched the rugby. After this we made our way to the Final Frontier Party at Hectic on hope were all the proceeds went to charity.

THANKS TO EVERYONE INVOLVED IN SKATE FOR CHANGE 2010.

ALL THE SPONSORS. ALL THE FANS. ALL THE KIDS AT THE VILLIAGES. ALL THE MEDIA COVERAGE. ALL THE PARENTS AND FAMILIES THAT TOOK US IN ON THE ROAD. EVERY SINGLE ONE WHO GAVE US A CHEER AND A HOOT ON THE ROAD. THE SUPPORT YOU GAVE US HAS BEEN BEYOND OUR EXPECTATIONS .

THIS HAS TRULY BEEN AN AMAZING TRIP AND WILL GO DOWN IN THE HISTORY BOOKS. THANKS YOU. WITHOUT ANY OF YOU NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE.

Friday. October 29. Day 91

Today is Friday and we used this last day before the grand finale to prep and get our heads straight. Tomorrow is that day we all have been waiting for. After not seeing friends and family for three months Puddy spent some quality time catching up with his loved ones. Human spent some time with his lady and the rest of us explored Cape Town.

To all the readers remember to SMS PUDDY to 38665 as the lines are not closed yet.

A huge thanks to all the people involved. All the sponsors and all the places that gave us accommodation. Great thanks to Fire and ice that have cared for us like royalty. Thanks to all the news hounds and news papers who covered our story and gave us much needed publicity.

Friday. October 22. Day 84.

We shared our breakfast table with a journalist from The Somerset Journal who interviewed the crew. Ailsa and Mark from the Caledon Hotel met up with us a bit later, they stocked up with some Skate for Change T-shirts, which the whole crew signed. they want to frame one, and put it up for displayin the hotel.

While waiting for the team to finish up, so the day’s session could get under way, Human though it a good idea to pop into the casino for a moment or two. Well, a moment or two later he stepped out a bit richer. It was time to get the show on the road.

The road was anything but easy and Puddy’s luck was against him (unlike Human’s) as he faced a 5km climb off about 300m. Puddy on the other and gave the uphill the finger and pushed like a monster. 84 Days on the road has turned Puddy into a skateboarding machine. The team just looked on in awe from within the van as he climbed the mountain. Reaching the top Puddy was not rewarded with a downhill; however that is said to come. The Sir Lauwries Pass which awaits us in the next day or two is apparently a monster of a downhill, long and steep.

After the 23km skate for the day and the killer uphill which was conquered we made way for our new base camp. The Protea Hotel in Stellenbosch gave us accommodation for four evenings, massages for each member. They even made us a “welcome” sign which was just great. Definitely looking forward staying here this week.

Tomorrow is our day off and we look forward to exploring the beautiful town of Stellenbosch.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR OCT 30 2010

Mischif Skateboards presents: Final Frontier

Date: 30 October 2010 @ 21:00pm
Where: Hectic on Hope, Hope street, Cape Town
Entry : R10 (goes to charity)

Featuring:

DJ MDK
80'S POWER HOUR (driven by Christi Wiehahn)
DJ TOXIC RYTHM

Puddy Zwennis will arrive in Cape town October 30 2010 with his skateboard after he has been skating for 90'days from Joburg to Cape Town. Come and join Puddy and the skate for change crew for the FINAL FRONTIER party as they celebrate this amazing feat ! Lots of prizes to be won! Cover charge will go to charity!!!

Tuesday. October 19. Day 81.

The road was anything but pleasing today. The surface was rougher than a sailors beard and the wind spewed from the front. Puddy got super frustrated almost quitting the attempt. Luckily the road smoothed out as we entered Riviersonderend.

We encountered to gentlemen from the area that stopped us to donate towards the cause. Thanks guys! Later on two other guys stopped us and said that they had read about us and were stoked that they actually got to meet us. They joined us for a group shot.

We went back to the farm and spent some time with the Swart family who treated us to a lovely lunch. I must say Mrs. Swart has treated us extremely well a BIG THANK YOU to her and the family. Definitely getting us back on that optimum nutritional level.

When sundown came Puddy felt the urge to go and get somemore km’s done. So off we went into the tranquil surroundings of the farmlands. The surface was a bit better but still extremely rough. The second session was a lot more fun for everyone as we amused ourselves with crackers and other random acts of ‘being in a good mood’. Tomorrow we head out to Caledon and we are getting closer day by day! Everyone is getting pretty excited.

Top speed: 31km/h

Average speed: 16km/h

Distance skated: 30 km

Total tour distance: 1729