16 October - Grand finale

When things come to an end it's always sad, especially after the magic experienced on the road for a whole week. But the final day of this fabulous week of creating awareness and touching so many people's lives, the last day was magic in itself, even if it was an emotional goodbye for everyone.

The girls departed early from Montagu for a breakfast stop at Rooiberg Farm where the flamboyant Piper James escorted them to another suprise.

The popular Afrikaans singer, Danie Niehaus, who was elevated up in the sky with a forklift, sang his famous song, "Jy is vrou" (translated, You are a woman) who had all the girls (even those who don't understand Afrikaans!) in tears. When hoards of pink helium filled balloons were launched up in the sky, the emotions ran even higher.

After the fry-up the ladies made a few stops en route to Tyger Valley, and all along the way other Harley enthusiasts and riders joined the procession. An estimated 250 other bikers escorted them all the way to the end!

At the Harley shop in Tyger Valley (the generous sponsors of the bikes for the trip) loads of people eagerly awaited their arrival in and around a big pink bedouin tent, festivally decorated with even more pink balloons and flowers! Pink definately was the colour of the day! Local Drummies entertained the crowd, and a big cheer went up when the roar of the big machines momentarily drained the festive atmosphere.

The ladies were treated like true hero's, which is exactly what they are. Survivors and warriors of an illness that, if you detect it early and get the proper treatment, doesn't necessarily mean a death sentence. Whilst having lunch and some icy bubbly, a children's choir sang a few songs, after which the singer Lize Beekman treated them with her talent. Another surprise was the two birthday cakes presented to the birthday girls, Frieda and Theresa.What a special way for them to celebrate another year of survival.

Shimmy gave her last Hoezit my Bra!show for the tour, and all the Survivors had her in tears when they chorused the words with her. Just before the final goodbyes all the survivors went on stage for the last time to sing the Journey of Hope anthem with the Claude Pretorius, one of the very special crew members for the week. No one could hold back the tears at that stage, and emotions went through the roof.

No words can describe what a week like this evoke in one's heart. The ladies and crew alike where touched by all the beauty and magic on the 2233km they covered in 8 short days. And hopefully the over 10 000 people they shared their stories with will feel exactly the same way.

Thanks to everyone who made this experience a life changing one.

(Photo's and words for the blogs: Nadine Petrick)