The story of a ride from London to the UN Earth Summit in Jo'burg, S. Africa

The Grace & Mount Grace Hotels

After staying in some of the 'worst hotels in Africa', we wrote ahead to The Grace Hotel in Rosebank, Johannesburg (probably the best) and asked if they would like to offer us a free nights accomodation to celebrate our arrival. They very kindly did, and we arrived on the 5th August, and stood around gaping in their reception in our cycle shorts, wondering if we were the scruffiest guests they'd ever had. We ended up staying a whole week at The Grace, (see arrival photo) and two more nights at their idyllic country sister hotel, Mount Grace. We couldn't have wished for a more luxurious end to our trip - nor more hospitable and generous hosts than the Brand family and the staff of the hotel. The food was fantastic as well - their restaurant recently voted in the top 100 worldwide. If you're ever in town, their fabulous breakfasts alone mustn't be missed!

At the Mount Grace Hotel, we did a test-drive of their mountain bike track in advance of the forthcoming race being held there. (as if we'd not had enough of riding bikes!). We also went horseriding, and generally relaxed in the our rooms - which were actually thatched cottages (complete with private spa) in a series of little villages on the side of a mountain.

We'd all like to say a big thankyou to Stuart, Russel, and all of the Grace staff for making us feel so welcome, and making the finish of our ride such a memorable one.