The Lions on the Road: Cycling London to Cape Town For Save the Children Fund by Fenech David James

Author:Fenech, David James [Fenech, David James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: David James Fenech
Published: 2013-11-28T22:00:00+00:00

I did take a few breaks to photograph the scenery, one of which was near my destination of Fougamou. I only had 32 kilometres left so I stopped for a snack and bought two large pineapples, some chocolate and bread. It began to drizzle a bit but I decided to press on. Then at the 25 kilometre-to-go mark, it began to rain harder for about two minutes. However, five kilometres later, rain Armageddon hit and it came down in buckets. I quickly found shelter in a roadside stand with a dead mongoose (or something) hanging up for sale. The smell was horrid. A lady invited me into her home until the rain stopped. For ten minutes we stood together as the heavens opened up and as quick as it started it stopped completely.

It seemed that the heavy downpour was what I needed for all the built-up tension, worry and depression left me as quick as the rain stopped. The air was incredibly fresh and I felt so free and really enjoyed the rest of my cycle.

I eventually arrived in Fougamou by 3:00 p.m. I went to the Catholic Church but was told that the rector was out and would not be back until the next day. The person suggested that I visit the sisters next door where I could ask for a place. When I arrived, the sisters agreed and welcomed me to stay in their guest cottage. I went to say the evening prayer with them but they were finishing the Rosary in French. So I left and went alone into the church to start the Rosary in English. A sister came running to warn me that the pews were just freshly varnished and to be careful where I sat. I thanked her and began my prayers. After a while, the sisters all came in and we said the evening prayers together. When we were almost done we could hear a storm brewing. As heavy pelts of rain hit the tin roof, the sisters’ praying sped up and the last prayer was said as they quickly shuffled outside. Then as we ran to the house the heavens opened up just as we made it under the porch roof. During dinner we talked a lot about their work in the community and before I went to my room, they prepared a packed lunch for me to take the next day. The best thing they gave me was a skin cream for the rash on my feet. I really felt humbled by their kindness- what incredibly generous people.

The next day was perfect. I woke up just before 6:00 a.m. and had a light breakfast with the sisters. Then they all said goodbye (I left them each a pin) and pushed off. I expected the ground to be muddy from the night before and damn it, I was right. I took it easy until lunch at which time the sun came out. The views reminded me of The Little House on the Prairie- just lush rolling grasslands in many shades of green all around.

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