Later that day the owner of my B+B insists on showing me her pot bellied pig. I’m a city boy and I find it difficult to keep the conversation moving along. What is there to say? I have no idea how to hold a good pig conversation. Finally, it wipes its wet and muddy snout on my riding pants. I actually don’t mind as it puts me right there in the trenches with her but embarrassed she insists on wiping the slimy mucus off.
That evening I’m off to the local pub to meet up with a female friend I have not seen for 35 years. This is another great diversion activity when touring i.e. looking up old friends and family. Jenny and her husband Martin run the pub in Haenertsburg. They both turn out to be great people. Being a weekday night the place was not too busy. We reminisce about the old days and the valuable life lessons we have learnt along the way.
Another great alternative motorcycle touring activity is to ferret out the local specialties. My final spot off is therefore the Magoebaskloof Hotel where they sell the best chocolate shortbread biscuits in the country. Armed with six boxes for gifts I head back to my accommodation for the final night of my tour. 
I feel a lot better. All the extra sleep has done me the world of good. I have a list and I have a plan. I feel peaceful and content. I have a new sense of focus having been able to step back from the situation at home. My testosterone levels have been stirred by the hard riding and my sense of adventure has been satisfied. I ready to change nappies again. I’m ready for bath time and to cuddle my boy back to sleep when he wakes up for the fifth time in the small hours of the morning. I’m missing my favorite riding partner, my wife.
The Dap Naude Dam and one of the overnight hiking huts on the Magoebaskloof trail.
I don’t know why people view the one rider motorcycle tour with such suspicion. It worked for me and the whole family benefits from the rejuvenation process. To my sister, no I haven’t lost it, I’ve found it. To my aunt no, I don’t have marriage problems, in fact I now have reserves to be an even better husband and father. To my sister in law no, I’m not a bastard. I know who my father is. I had many opportunities to connect with him during my tour. To my brother no, I’m not insensitive. It was my sensitively that made me decide to go. In addition, my GPS now has a few waypoints in it and I’m now in the market for a new set of tyres . . . it was a good motorcycle tour and a great birthday present!
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