First it rained, then it stopped, then it dried out and then it rained a bit more.. This year's Race to Cradock is serving up surprises with each new day and testing riders' resolve even before they get started.

After it looked like the rain was over, yesterday afternoon provided a new twist, with heavy downpours near Slaapkranz support station. This scuppered the plans of Philip and Trevor, who had pushed on from Slaapkranz, aiming for Moordenaarspoort. Trying to cross what is usually a small stream, they both lost their footing and went swimming, resulting in two very wet and cold riders. They sought shelter at the nearby Goedehoop farm and ended up staying for the night. 

After more overnight rain, the riders in Batch 6 were slightly less enthusiastic as they left Rhodes in a light drizzle this morning. A long day out on the muddy roads awaits them and any ambitions of getting beyond Slaapkranz today have been abandoned for now. 

With Batch 7 gathering in Rhodes today, the racing snakes will have a day to study weather reports and hope the conditions improve before they get underway tomorrow. Things are about to get interesting..