We leave the lodge at 6:30am , about half an hour before the June sunrise . We want to take advantage of the beautiful morning light . I ’ m happy I packed my down jacket because , until the sun comes up , the temperature is just a few degrees above zero . We all stay close to Anton . His instructions the night before have clearly left an impression .
We bike along gravel roads , through grassland and small forests . Everyone ’ s looking left and right as they bike along . We startle at every sound and snapping of branches . Who knows ? It could be an elephant scrounging for breakfast . Or a leopard that ’ s decided that meals on wheels would make a tasty alternative . Even Anton seems on edge . Our lack of knowledge manifests itself as fear , in sharp contrast to the obvious respect he has for his surroundings . We bike wordlessly and apprehensively along the bumpy tracks .
Suddenly , Anton brakes and holds up his hand : Stop ! Something appears to be ride of a lifetime | MTB | 27