Firstly, the good thing is that the rain stopped during the night, we weren't washed away and we woke to blue-ish skies.
Normally I write about our day on the road, but to be honest today I can't see the point. While cycling through a built-up area just south of the town of Stanger, Debs was robbed. I had been cycling ahead on a hill and had just rounded a corner and was waiting in a lay-by for her to catch up. About 100m back down the road a guy grabbed her bike from behind, thrust his hand into her pocket and grabbed her I-pod. It seems that no amount of shouting and screaming for help elicited any response from the happily watching locals.
Seeing what had happened, two very kind Indian guys in a truck stopped to try and help, but the thief had ran away, taking her I-pod with him. Meanwhile a lorry pulled up beside me and told me I had to go back, because something had happened to my partner. I quickly turned round fearing that she had been hit by a vehicle on the busy narrow road. As I saw her on the side of the road with a truck parked beside her my fears deepened. I certainly didn't expect to hear that she had been robbed.
Perhaps we have got a bit complacent, most of the time through towns it is usual for me to ride behind Debs to make sure she is alright. Since arriving in South Africa we haven't found the situation threatening so don't usually worry. The area we were in may have been built-up, but there was no footpath and we were on a main road. Not the sort of area that has ever been a problem.
Despite a bruised leg and scratched arm Debs is, physically at least, unhurt. Mentally she is, as is to be expected, quite shaken up. It is not the theft so much as the act of the thief grabbing into her pocket and her own inability to stop him.
It is tragic that after 11,000 incident free kilometres this has had to happen. The guys in the truck that had stopped to help were mortified at what had taken place and assisted as much as they could. Their opinion of the locals and their attitude was less than complimentary and they advised us not to stop again until we were well clear. Their concerns about the area were proven well-founded when two young guys shouted hello and then hurled a large stick of sugar cane at us from the embankment.
Kindly the two guys drove their truck behind, holding up the traffic until we were into what they considered a safer area. Their simple actions don't make up for what happened, but it does go some way to reaffirm our faith in human goodness.
Debs somehow managed to hold herself together for the next 30km, until we reached Ballito and the lovely house that we will be spending a few days in. Once again she has shown me how remarkably strong she can be. I only wish that I had been closer to her when it happened and had been able to do something. The shame is that with both of us together, the theft may never have taken place.
While in Ballito we are the guests of Katrina, who we met in Mozambique. What makes her hospitality more amazing is the fact that she is currently in Sudan. Left in the hands of her house mate and friends, Shaun and Louis, our day has greatly improved. We have been made to feel very welcome and a few beers and a glass of wine is helping to ease what has been a very difficult day.
Our day was further eased by a lovely roast chicken dinner, cooked by Shaun, and yet more wine. I am sure things will look much better in the morning.
Not much I can say in response to this other than its great to hear that other than the physical loss Debs is okay. Stay strong, you guys have done something incredible, so keep your chins up!
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