News & Advice

No mans land tour

TRAIL RIDING PAR EXEL LANCE

If you are looking for a mountain biking experience which not only challenges you physically, but also provides you an almost spiritual insight into the vast beauty of our countries mountainous heritage and simplistic gentleness of our rural people, then a “No Mans Land” tour is a definite in your calendar. On behalf of Stedone Homes, I would like to thank Rohan and his phenomenal team for an experience beyond words. This tour is not only about being on your bike, it was about getting you in touch with your fellow man, your humanity and your country.

The first day starts in Matatiel, a neat little town at the foothills of the Maluties. Our departure point is from a guest house in the heart of the peri-urban township on the outskirts of “Matat”. Despite our intrepidation as being the only “whities” in town, there is already a sense of oneness with the local people , who have embraced these tours with open arms and invited us to travel deep into their tribal lands. Our approx 42km first day journey takes us through a number of rural villages and the feeling that overcomes me is a sense of togetherness with this simple folk(with shouts of “feel it” from the locals being our way of communication – based on the recent media launch of the upcoming World cup!) I can’t help feeling that this is an experience that every white South African needs to feel in some way, and , no matter what their status in life is, there is also a sense that we have an enormous amount to learn from these simple , yet proud people.

Our overnight is at another community based lodge, set against the backdrop of the magnificent mountain scenery with the food and conversation both warm and complimentary. The following day’s ride(approx 40km) is a day full of diversity and excitement, with no room for thoughts of business and stress, with the primary focus being on survival and staying on your bike. What an experience!

The second night is again, based at a community operated lodge and again, the standard was fantastic. The nearby mission school bears testimony to a powerful Christian based energy that binds the local community together and the feeling of peace was palpable.

The final day was all about rounding off a fantastic trip and our mission was to climb to the top of a nearby mountain(described as a koppie by our phenomenally fit and experienced tour guide, Mr Rohan Surridge!). we arrived back at the lodge, fatigued, yet filled with elation, safe in the knowledge that we had in some way, all had a life changing experience.

All those work weary executives and business managers out there, if you need some time and space to reflect on what really is important to you in your brief time on this planet, I suggest a little tour into what is aptly described as no “MANS” land,(perhaps literally referring to “Gods” land in all its glory!)

James Arnott - 01 Jun 2010