this stay with you a lifetime, I’ll forev-
er have the look on Matt’s face in my
mind; dejected, exhausted, humbled.
Camp that night came a few hours
later. Experienced and well-prepared
riders already had their beds set up;
others were waiting for us to arrive.
Exhausted, many grabbed their gear
and immediately fell into half con-
structed tents and swags … a long day
would be followed by a short night.
Everyone slept deeply.
As dawn broke riders eagerly
queued for breakfast; bacon, sausag-
es, eggs, cereals, juice and coffee.
Most took all in an attempt to refuel
for the day ahead.
As the riders milled around,
TRAVERSE 21