Day 194 - Mon 12th April - 16096 - Lubango, Angola

If I had known that the ultimate burger was awaiting my arrival in Lubango today I definitely would have had a greater appetite for the final hills up to the beautiful 1,700m high town. Boasting 9 artery-blocking fillings and enough salt to replenish more than a few days' sweating in the saddle, I was presented with a mouth watering Lubango burger by my current host Fred. Once again I am being shown what amazing hospitality hopefully awaits my arrival in South Africa by Fred's family who, in providing an excess of food & laughter, have set an incredibly hard act to follow (special thanks to them). I even had time for a 30min leg loosener this evening and it was a great relief to find that the acute knee pain I have developed over the last few days isn't aggravated by running although my other knee & calf niggles are still causing me some pre-Comrades concern. After a kilo of perfectly braaied steak and a few beers (staying with the regional brew master has its perks!!) I am confident however that my legs will be fresh and ready for action again by the morning.

Special thanks must also go to South African Breweries MD for Angola, Boyce Lloyd, who finding out about my challenge has been very influential in setting up such amazing hospitality along the way, starting with a surprise breakfast beer when camping with Helen under a telephone mast at 6am 10 days ago!