The Heart & Sole Tour – Day 2: Meeting friends old and new
Amanzimtoti to Scottburgh was tough. For Geoff “Heartman” Brink, our intrepid unicyclist, it was 34km of long hills and strong headwinds.
But our boy done well. There were regular stops and we even had the small 24-inch wheeler out for a bit. After having seen him for some weeks astride the mighty 36-incher, which lifts him to a vantage point above the roofs of the biggest cars, this made for a comical sight – like watching Dad sneak a ride on little Tyrone’s tricycle.
As always we had a blast. Bantering with garage attendants, playing football with a boy on the side of the road and old Heartie literally charmed a shirt off the staff at Steers Diner at the Ultra City near Umkomaas. And two surprise visits from old friends who dropped into offer support: Mike Perk and Olivia “OJ” Symcox.
OK. So this is how it unfolded…
The Total petrol pump guys were gobsmacked by the unicycle and one even offered to fill 'er up...
Heartman's old Cape Town work colleague Mike Perk seemed a bit shorter than usual... but, hey, travelling at 12km on the hard shoulder of a highway for hours on end can have hallucinatory side-effects!
Our boy was angling for a free burger and bottomless coffee at Steers branches all the way to Cape Town but was seen off with a kitchen staff T-shirt complete with "sizzling flame" sleeves!
Even if they were seen hotfooting it away from Ultra City, these cows are not, repeat NOT, the source of meat for Steers burgers. But they did have the effect of putting old Heartie off his stride!
And then… big surpriseness! Olivia “OJ” Symcox, a good mate, had just been heard interviewing Heartie’s bride-to-be on Lotus FM when she drew up behind us, bellowing a supportive chant at the unicyclist and flashing all manner of red lights and blaring sirens. Quite an entrance… but our OJ rolls like that!
Hello. A very understated OJ slips in quietly to whisper a few words of quiet encouragement to our brave Heartman. All pix: Hatman
OJ has given the Heart & Sole Tour some serious support over the past few weeks and we love her for this. In fact, Heartie and I have been knocked over by the interest in our unicycle adventure on behalf of landmine victims. People are good. People really do care. And we can’t thank them enough. Beautifulnesses all round us.
So after a day of being buffeted from the side by a plain nasty south-wester, The Heartman is hoping that a gentle north-easter will nudge him in the general direction of Port Shepstone tomorrow (Wednesday). We’re not sure how far we will go tomorrow but we’d love to make Sheppies by Thursday to share a New Year’s drink with some dear friends. Go, Heartie, go!
* Catch our Heartman being interviewed live on SAfm radio at 3pm on Thursday.
* We are aware that some very kind people wish to make donations towards our Heart & Sole “Fuel, Food and Airtime Fund”. I hope to put the account details on this blog tomorrow evening. We have limited dosh for this trip so every little bit helps to take us closer to Cape Town and “Mission Accomplished”. Ngiyabonga, good mense!
December 29th, 2009 at 23:21
Geoff,good luck! I’m in Plett till the 5th if you’re stopping off there around that time. Call me if you are. 0824631990
December 29th, 2009 at 23:33
hey guyz!
LOOOOOVE staying “on the ride`’ with you! keep up the passion heartie!
xox
December 30th, 2009 at 01:35
go geoff……..we love you broer!!!!!!!
December 30th, 2009 at 07:29
Go boys go! Rus and I wish you well. Wind is light right now so hopefully the worst is over. Will try to tail you in my ambulance again soon. Don’t get a fright this time and jump off your ama-one-tyre
December 30th, 2009 at 07:36
PS Hatman don’t run over his foot again – I heard about your driving skills
December 30th, 2009 at 08:33
hey boys, weather looking good for the next 2 days, very light winds. Rain and another SWer due on the weekend so stay safe!
December 31st, 2009 at 12:44
@ Zaheer Nice one. Will let Geoff know that you’re in Plett. Hope to catch you there
December 31st, 2009 at 12:46
Hey, Dilana! Coolness, thanks for your immense support! We’re still inspired by your great gig and generosity of spirit at the VMacs gig. Love to you and Eric and Gelukkige Nuwe Jaar! x
December 31st, 2009 at 12:47
Hey, thanks Marilyn. Geoffski is on SABC 3 News at 7pm tonight. Waffling on as usual
Happy New Year to you and Norm!
December 31st, 2009 at 12:51
@OJ
I’m aiming to test the weight of the back-up truck on his leg next time! All part of his toughening-up routine 
Heads-up: SAfm at 3pm this afternoon and we’re on SABC News (all channels) tonight! Media frenzy! 
You and Russ have a kiff New Year, hey! Heartman and I will see it in with a protein shake 
December 31st, 2009 at 12:53
Thanks, Mr Rich! We haven’t done rain yet, strangely enough, so looking forward to slipping around at the weekend. Chilling in Southport this morning before short ride to Port Shepstone. Hope you and Sarah have a good New Year’s seeing-in