The concept of a peaceful and leisurely bike ride had nothing in common with what we were about to do. Admittedly, the well-trodden paths seem effortless initially, but then it starts to get steep.
The wheels must be carried over our shoulders. For a good two kilometres, we are towing our bikes over flagstones and meadows: at times the gradient was more than 20 percent.
Nevertheless, less than an hour and a half later, we unfurl our banner with the estimated number of unknown cases of HIV and AIDS in Swaziland (260,000). After our route back, Nathie is impressed, although with his typical local double-quick walking, was only just behind us. “Respect to all: that went quicker than I thought it would!”
|
