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.

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

Monday. October 11. Day 73

A slight rain and strong wind made the session somewhat difficult today. Puddy pulled in behind the van to catch the slip stream and tried to avoid the weather. The conditions were a bit rough on the Pud man, but he kept pushing hard and managed a total of 25km’s for the day.

Some surprises on the road kept him motivated. Gerhard, the mate we met while staying in PE drove past us again and stopped to say hi. A while later another old friend from CT stopped him in his tracks to say hi and give some encouragement.

When we finally made it to Mosselbay we ducked out of the rain into the local skate/surf shop. And to our surprise we found a stunning little wood indoor mini ramp providing us with some great fun and skating.

Thursday. October 07 . Day 69

On the way to George...

Started this Thursday with a mellow downhill where Puddy reached an average speed of 45km/h. What a way to start the session.

As the old saying goes:“For every up there is a down.” In this case, after the down an up awaited. It’s inevitable. As Puddy reached the bottom off his starting downhill he faced a super uphill, demotivating him somewhat.

The scenery around this part of the country is fantastical. A thick morning mist enshrouding the valley had us feeling like characters from the Lord of the Rings movie.

We encountered some Metro cops again. Twice actually, luckily they were very cool and supportive in both instances.

The afternoon Puddy was treated for all his hard skating up until now. The Hydro Spa in Wilderness treated him to a much earned massage to soothe and repair his aching muscles.

Thanks to Anne’s Place in Plet who cared for our accommodation whilst we were there.

Stats for the day:

Top speed 54km/h

Average speed 21 19 km/h on road, down hills 39 km/h

Distance skated 26km

Tour distance 1459 km

Tomorrow the team enjoys another off day, time to get our wits together for the final couple of hundred kilometres that awaits us.

Don’t forget to order your limited edition Skate For Change shirt @ R150. Quicksilver quality and a percentage of the money go towards the cause. Stock is flying so mail Human asap @ human@skateforchange.co.za.

Thursday. September 30. Day 62

Downhill all the way.

After yesterdays eventful day we took it quite easy. Puddy managed a 28 km skate today. He didn't want to take it too hard on his injured foot.

Human went to the post office to mail some more shirts. Remember if you want a quicksilver quality skate for change shirt mail Human at human@skateforchange.co.za.

Max joined Puddy on the road again for the second time today. First he did a 13km stretch with Pud and then later another 4. We skated over the Bloukrans

Bridge today which is epically high. Tomorrow we are bungee jumping from it. We are all a bit scared but are looking forward to it.

A local, Stefan Bouwer hooked up with us today and also joined Puddy on the road. Big ups to this guy as he hooked us up with the bungee for tomorrow.

Back in town we fooled around on the downhills. Puddy catching some nice speed and carves around the corners.

Tomorrow we bungee and Saturday we Tarp surf...

Average speed 22km/h

Top speed 29 km/h

Distance skated 28

1353 km skated