Mabalingwe Marathon MTN National Series, 11th May 2012

As my alarm went off at 4 something AM I had sudden visions of been back in my dark tent in Joberg2C then the nerves really kicked in at the thought of racing without my team mate.  I’m not sure why its less daunting with a team mate and it made me wonder if those people lucky enough to be good at team sports ever have the same nerves as those in individual sports. 

Anyway, Mabalingwe reserve was only an hour and half away and soon the sun was out and warm up underway.  Setting off with the ultra marathon guys I knew it’d be fast so did a good warm up.   Sandy flat twisty tracks are definitely my weak point; both Leana and me said we could do with a training camp here (hint hint!!) as I rode from one thorn bush to another to avoid any lean of the bike.  However, after putting Belgium crit racing to full effect I stayed with the lead girls, Ariane and Theresa and soon we had re grouped with the front guys.  I moved through the pack until I realised I was on Kevin Evans’ wheel than backed off knowing I really didn’t belong there!!  Soon we hit the first climb and I just dropped off the other 2 ladies.  Chasing alone I kept the distance then had a little help as a group of guys came past.  My cornering on the flat stuff again was terrible and I had to do so many sprints after every bend. 

Thankfully the climbing started again and as we rode past a high fence I spotted a white lion (rare I’m told).  Just after that, as if I was distracted, I managed to take a wrong turn and ended up following the half marathon signs.  Dropping down I nearly rode into 2 Kudu I think you call them, and then saw some wild hog (I think) and monkeys (pretty sure of that one!).  Soon I thought it very odd that I couldn’t see the two girls even on the straight sections and soon after I decided to turn round.  Re passing the marshals who gave the same expressionless looks the first time I passed them I retraced my tracks.  Going backwards on a course isn’t easy and in the single-track section I got lost ‘in the bush’.  Hearing the hog/pigs (?) running around and a load of monkeys made me panic and I made the nearest exit.  I imagined the story now, ‘rider lost in bush mauled by pig and finished off by monkey’ didn’t seem the best way to go so I rode as hard as I could to rejoin where I went wrong.  It took 25 minutes to retrace my tracks and I knew then it was race over. 

Still, I could still have a good work out pre Sani2C and once over the disappointment of throwing away a podium finish I enjoyed chasing the guys back from back of the field: firstly the couples who were clearly on their first and last race together, then the struggling weekend warriors, then the camlebak riders.  It was a frustrating climb in the traffic but then for some reason a completely empty descent allowing me the full rocky track to bump over and no one in ear sight to hear me talk myself down (try it when scared, it really works!!) 

The route after that was pretty dull to be honest, sandy jeep tracks and not a lot on the horizon, I think I have been too spoilt lately!!  Soon the guys I was passing got second breathe and I chatted to a few.  One told me we had 10km left so you can imagine the feelings when a marshal shouted 30km left.  We’d just re climbed the Vodacom climb and I was completely out of water, the adrenalin of the lion and pigs was wearing thin and my back was killing from that rocky descent and by the fact I am no longer in my 20s, therefore have inherited the family back issues!!

Once I knew I was on the wrong course again I slowed down, refilled my bottle at the next stop and enjoyed the bits of single track now filled with the 20km riders. I slowed down to ride with a few guys on the verge of cracking as they moaned on about finishing with 90 odd km in their legs until I informed them of what must have been well over 100km on mine.  Finally nearing the 5 hour mark I came into the field, contemplated exiting the finish by the side then thought better of it as there were some delicious ice lollies waiting on the other side of the finish chute and I thought what the heck, I’m not one to quit a race if I’ve been dropped from the pack to save my results been seen and wasn’t about to start that habit now. 

It turned out most of the marathoners had 90 odd km on their clocks and I fear the email box of the orgainsers will be full for a long time!!  Though it is set in a unique venue (when do you otherwise cycle past a lion) it looked to me that there were just too many races on one day when most of the other series races are based on two days.

Have to say sorry to Conrad who thought I was lion feed and to Bizhub for messing up a possible podium finish.  Leana finished 3^rd we thought but then wasn’t mentioned in the prize presentation so who knows!!  

Old Mutual Joberg2c Mountain Biking Stage Race 27th – 5th May 2012

Having had 3 weeks of family time with Rob and reminding the cat of her mother I was back to the sun of South Africa.  Though Spring should have arrived in the UK the temperature barely got over 10 degrees and at times my training rides were pretty grim with the lambs and myself looking at each other in pity.  However its always good to be home especially after the Epic where I was in need of some TLC and some home cooked food and I returned fresh and ready for the next stage race, Joberg2c: a 9 day journey from Johannesburg to Scottsburgh, some 900km away where hopefully we would arrive in one piece all be it looking worn out, windswept and generally pretty rugged.

Day One

Karen Beef (near Heidelberg) to Frankfort 113km

We turned up relaxed and excited as the day was a ‘none race’ day, perfect for us both.  Ischen, my partner (for her sins) is on the way back from a broken wrist and I had spent 3 weeks on the road back home so my skills are pretty rusty.  The race splits straight away with two choices down some lovely single track.  We close the left and discovered it a lot longer than the right but more interesting.  Re grouping at the bottom we were able to catch up with friends and generally have a relaxing ride while at the same time flying along at a good pace due to the fantastic tail wind Wappo had organized for us.  A slight mechanical problem with Ischen’s chain was fixed down at the boat crossing by Nevel from Botswana who was our ‘mechanic on the road’ last year too!  Rowing across the river (or pretending in Ischen’s case) we crossed into the Freestate and into a nasty bumpy grassy head/side wind until the third feed station.  Described as a mirage on the horizon by some and a Deli by others the stop was amazing: millie, chicken, sausage, slices, and sweets.  I alternated between millie and chocolate slices, an odd but tasty combination though I complained at the lack of toothpicks for the whole ride on to Frankfort, our first home!

Day Two

Frankfort – Reitz 93km

The race begins…

After a rather rushed breakfast and getting the bags on the truck we rode away from Frankfort behind the huge Massey Ferguson.  It was a pretty cold start but the arm warmers were soon yanked down as the race got underway along dusty tracks by the river into the blinding sun. Once we settled down we found ourselves with Carel and Leana, our Bizhub mixed team and rode in a small group.  Ischen’s chain jammed again and we lost the group.  Riding on our own from there was fine with another tail wind and eventually we regrouped.  The scenery was pretty average but the sun was out and the wind was mainly behind so no complaints even in the flat lands!  We finished on a high, having passed right through a wolf sanctuary following a fantastic single-track descent. We were 1^st woman and somewhere in the 20s overall

Day Three

Reize - Sterkfontein dam 123km

It was freezing this morning and only warmed to 7 degrees when we rolled out slowly behind the tractor.  The groups split up fairly early and as we rode through one of many fields of the day we again found ourselves with Carel and Leana. Eventually our group was around 8 strong, a sociable bunch and feeling strong I was happy sharing the pulling at the front.  Wappo had done an amazing job through the year and there was so much more single track and fields to ride through.  In fact we never rode on tar once which was a shame as my whole body felt battered from so many bumps, I imagine it must have been pretty tough on Ischen’s wrist so I couldn’t really complain!  

Again the wind blew mainly from the back and we finished in 4 hours 58, an hour quicker than what we thought.  The scenery today was pretty impressive, riding in the middle of nowhere through these millie fields with no sign of any civilization and the mountains just next to us.

I’m afraid I was to blame for losing the back half of our group the last 15km… riding over more bumpy fields I just wanted to be done with and hearing the other Bizhub crew on my wheel I rode hard leaving the men to fend for themselves.  My main motive I had to admit wasn’t about increasing our lead, rather I’d remembered the fantastic camp with huge tables full of cakes, biscuits, kooksisters and more, not to mention the bath, real toilets, sinks and soap, pure luxury!! 

 

Day Four

Sterkfontein Dam – Winterton 124km

The biggest day on paper and we were both looking forward to it.  Last year was filled with mechanical problems and we spent the single track stuck in long queues.  Instead today we had the descent to ourselves and enjoyed every bit!  The route climbs and winds round the edge of the escarpment along ‘Great Wall My China’ with fantastic views down over the Zulu Kingdom.  The wind was blowing like it does on the Yorkshire Moors and towards the edge, which was a little nerve-racking.  Ischen led down the single track not even hesitating at the easy or hard route and I did wonder if she was hanging on to the bars as much as I was. 

Following the descent the route continued on and off flowing single track, some through fields with steep edges which caused a few incidents, other bits were down fantastic descents, especially after the climb up Spioenkop, all in all the whole route was interesting, varied and one of the best days in the saddle.

We finished the day in around 6 hours, in 30^th so pretty consistent.  After yesterday’s food I am getting tired of eating now and happily gave the huge slabs of steak and donuts a miss though was pleased to see some real tea and rusks.

Day Five

Winterton – Kamberg 102km

Warm up now consists of a hot cuppa from Seattle Coffee Company, very much needed with these 5am wake ups!  Today the pace at the start was pretty slow for a change- I think it was the scrambled egg and bacon the guys were chowing down. Eventually we split up over some single track and re grouping after that we formed a nice big, civilized bunch, stopping at the feed and riding at a steady pace along the open road.  After a good chat we turned up into a reserve and in between looking at bok we climbed high up to the 2^nd feed.  We rode alone from there then worked hard to tag back onto part of our splintered group for the road down to Kamberg.  With a tent overlooking the river, a cooling dip with our racing friends followed by a massage and an afternoon on a beanie chatting about the day with some good coffee and cake the day will take some beating.  The atmosphere at Joberg2C is incredible.. not only do you make great friends but also the support from the communities is unbeatable.  In this camp we not only had a leaflet telling us where everything was and table mats hand drawn by the kids, but also some witty guy had pitched a tent all on its own over the river with a sign saying ‘Snorers’ and on the hill opposite stood a box high up with a sigh saying ‘Complaints’.  Funny how little things amuse the most!  

Day 6

Kamberg – Hazeldean Farm 93km

This morning there was no cold start as the race hit the hills as soon as the tractor pulled off the route, well actually fell off the route as it toppled into a ditch!  There was no need to kill ourselves to stay with the big group up front as there was a tail wind and I was happy to take the pace as we rode alone.  After 40km or so we hit Snow Mountain, a long climb with legendary fruitcake at the top! After that was a fast descent, a wade through the river followed by endless climbs and descents all the way to the camp.  The views were amazing and something we’d missed last year in the mist.  It was like a scene out of  ‘Never Ending Story’, the one with the dinosaurs I seem to remember! As we got closer to camp we were both happy to see the lovely autumn colors on Hazeldean Farm near Underberg.  Again we were 1^st woman 32^nd overall and now 22^nd in GC.

I did seem to be plagued with bad luck after the finish.... My bag was in the truck that broke down meaning extra chammy time, the showers ran out of water just as I got there, and then the electricity went off as I was in the coffee queue.  Added to that, despite the beautiful surroundings, there were no sinks to wash in, only portaloos and a long queue for beef stew for dinner (not been a fan of cow unless its in a spag bol I’ve been drewling over Ishen’s vegetarian option and sending her back for seconds on numerous occasions!!)

Day 7

Hazeldean Farm – Mackenzie Club 85km

Today was the start of the Sani2c route and a short, pretty flat stage with some fun flowing single track.  We were led out of the farm by 4 horses from the polo club (not sure if the tractor is still stuck!!) before the frantic race through nearby farmlands.  It ended up been one of my favorite days, with the laugh of going across the floating bridge, and some duel single track which we raced down with our TransAct friends through the forest which was like doing a slalom course dodging the trees!  It was almost a shame to finish and it was a long hot afternoon spent mainly on our mattresses in the shade chatting with Eric, Ariene, Leana and Jennie while happy in the knowledge our bikes were getting the best TCL by Conrad.  Leana and Carel were now comfortably in 3^rd place, riding well together and enjoying the week as much as we were.

Day 8

Mackenzie Club - Jolivet 96km

It was a little easier to get out of the sleeping bag this morning, as it was lovely and warm.  However after a noisy night of snorers I could easily have rolled over and slept another 6 hours.  Once off we were soon into the famous single track that makes Sani2c so popular.  We went left which was congestion free and then thankfully had no one behind me down the mountainside.  With the mist in the Unkomaas valley the descent was spectacular, I only wished I had the skill to fly down the single track like the guys.  Once down we wove our way along the valley then started the many river crossings.  Some were fine, some you got half way over and realized how deep they got, and others we didn’t even attempt!  Near where the second water point should have been was a concerned couple from Search and Rescue telling us the feed wasn’t there and here was some lube and half a bottle of water to get us through the next 20km. It was hot and I felt for those slower guys but just round the corner up the hill was the feed so there was no panic after all. After a whole load more climbing we eventually entered the forest and enjoyed the fast descent all the way down with some fun bits of single track in the trees.  The last few Km’s Farmer Glen and his team had managed to dig a whole track by the side of the main road in the last few weeks making it not only safer for us riders but also for the community for many years to come. Today we finished 1^st woman, 29^th overall in 4 hr45

The evening’s entertainment was hilarious with two very funny ‘Wipeouts of the Day’ stories, one from Aiden, the ‘in house’ comedian plus a ‘Behind the Scenes’ video including cuts from SuperCycling, which was shown daily.  With only one day left there was a real relaxed atmosphere and it was a late night… 9.30 before my torch went out!!

Day 9

Jolivet - Scottburgh 75km

A stomach bug hit the camp, which unfortunately caught me too, and after a restless night I warned Ischen the day would be a slow one.  She also felt pretty unwell so it was a good job we had no pressure.  I had no energy at all but worse was the lack of co ordination.  I lost the group we were with on every bend, eventually getting dropped on a climb.  It is a great route so was a shame not to enjoy it so much.  Ischen was patient and I didn’t want to cause any more damage by pushing it so we rode steady and managed to get a free ride down to the sea behind some strong guys.  I was more than relieved to see the sea and coming over the boards and up to the finish line our 9-day journey was over.  We were 40^th today and dropped to 23^rd on GC but I can live with that.  Carel and Leana were 3^rd in the Mixed so there was a good Bizhub presence at the presentation. 

I’d like to say we finished off with an all night party in Scottburgh to show our true endurance but after crashing out for 3 hours that afternoon in a real bed I then managed another 10 hours that night before dozing half the way back to Joberg with the post race blues already hitting home!! 

ABSA Cape Epic Mountain Bike Stage Race 25th – 1st April 2012

Having completed the Argus in less than 3 hours clearly making me a ‘real cyclist’ in the eyes of many South Africans all that was now to complete was the Epic.  8 days 781km, 16300m climbing and 1200 riders is plastered on every billboard around Cape Town so it was hard to forget the challenge ahead that me and Yolandi faced. 

Our ‘journey’ started with an interesting pre race ride in a private nature reserve. Not sure if we were really supposed to be in there but the gate was unlocked and I was on hand with the ‘I’m a foreigner and a bit lost’ at the ready. 

The Race Begins….

27km Prologue

Joining the crowds down at Meerendal Wine Estate we rode off after a live interview at 10.30am.  The course gave us a clue as to what lay ahead with a ‘climb every mountain’ (at least twice) approach and after 900m of ascent we finished at the top.  I found it quite technical especially the uphill switchbacks which were so full of spectators I couldn’t do my usual scoot round and so had to ride them, which I did with little style!!  We finished 6^th woman, 101^st overall

Stage One: Robertson 115km, 2700m ascent

Our first ‘home’ was a little red tent in a field in Robertson.  Privacy and personal space you can forget about at the Epic as tents back onto each other in long lines so everything can be heard, you learn when your neighbors ring tone, what time they get up, whether they use the ‘snooze’ button, and whether they had too much fiber the night before! It was hot in Robertson and though I slept well I felt pretty dehydrated by the morning after a night in my ‘English Winter’ sleeping bag! 

We started the stage in B group with a fast start but soon slowed with two long climbs that we had to walk as they were steep with loose rocks and we were in a long line of riders.  Yolandi was suffering a from dehydration the day before but we finished without any major issues in 8^th woman, 123^rd overall,

Stage Two: Robertson 119km, 1650m ascent

The day started with some great single track that was a little spoilt as everyone was in one long slow line.  Once it lined out I hit a rock and got a sidewall puncture.  I’d like to say I fixed it quickly with a new tube in but to tell the truth a ‘future friend’ from Slovenia who had lost his partner the day before did most of it while I stood and watched.  We then rode together back up to Yolandi who was waiting at the timing mats.  At the feed I then collected another tube with sludge in as I was convinced I wouldn’t get through the rest of the rocks.  A 29er tube with sludge in does not fit in your back pocket without sticking out like a twisted snake and I was glad I didn’t understand the Afrikaans comments been made!   I then rode ahead on the climbs and gingerly came down the descents and somehow got to the finish without further problems.  7th woman, 172^nd overall

Stage Three: Robertson – Caledon 141km, 2700m ascent

With my folks braving the early dark start they got to see one of the spectacles of the Epic, the baggage people.  Warming up with Rolf Harris blasting away they run out to us weak armed scrawny cyclists grabbing our heavy bags as if they were empty, running back and flinging them into the lorries.  Once it was light we rode away from Robertson towards our next camp, a long way away!  The race started fast with a long road section where we both moved up together to start the climbs in a descent position.  Despite that it was still a long slow walk up a loose sandy climb but with everyone in the same boat you have to make the most of those bits and enjoy the scenery for a change.  We both felt strong and, keeping the pace steady moved through the field with groups of guys sitting on my wheel on the open road… shame on them!!  We caught and dropped the German girls and in my keenness to stay away I rode 100% down the last road to then face a long 10km up and down steep, sandy forest tracks.  I knew it was bad when I had to focus on each red marker to the next but at least it made the Woolies ‘Extra Top Up’ wrap all the more welcoming! 

4^th Woman 77^th overall

Stage Four: Caledon 105km, 2600m ascent

The race split on the descent out of the camp site before we even had chance to move up but it didn’t really matter as we were soon off the road and into the hills.  ?????  We came down one of the toughest descents yet; steep, big loose rocks and guys falling all over.  For the first time ever I made myself enjoy it, chanted ‘Momentum is my friend’ and just got on with it coming out at the bottom on such a high Yolandi must have thought I was loosing it completely! 

The last 20km was all everyone talked about at the end.  The wind was howling from the left, just where we were heading.  On our own I tried to be a useful wind blocker s but I’m sure Yolandi was getting battered as much as me.  We didn’t see another rider until we turned back into the forest for some fun single track riding to the finish. Another 4^th position and a consistent 75th overall

The wind hadn’t only damaged us riders, it also wreaked our massage tent and Venetia and the other masseurs had had to take refuge under a solid building.  The weather had taken a turn for the worse and I abandoned the ice bath they had set up for a warm cup a soup instead!

Stage Five: Caledon – Oak Valley 119km, 2350m ascent

Waking in a tent in the dark in the rain knowing you have to get up is about as bad as it gets!  It was stop/start and, unlike Yolandi who got caught out every time I managed to get out of the tent, into breakfast and back again without getting wet.  Soon after the start the rain started again but it didn’t make much difference, as the mud flying up was enough to drench us.  I put my jacket on then took it off and dumped it at the first water point as it was looking so much brighter… big mistake, riding on we noted how nice the rainbow looked then realized that meant one thing, more rain!  After another drenching with only a jersey and having started with a sore throat I was getting pretty miserable and riding through the 2^nd water point it got worse.  Luckily an XL sodden half jacket had been left and I grabbed that before our long climb up into more constant rain and freezing temperatures.  With all the mud Yolandi was having trouble shifting gears but soon that didn’t really matter, as our hands were that cold no one could change gear anyway!  We had passed the Germans so knew we were having a good day in 4^th again but the cold rain/sleet was making it a grim one and it got colder as we descended down. I stopped half way down at the Day Trippers Tent, and just stood there asking for a plastic bag, which was put over my head and my arms as I couldn’t do it myself, they even offered paper plates for down my jersey which I thought would have looked hilarious later pulling them out!  At the next feed I got my jacket and dad gave us some hot coffee though poor Yolandi didn’t have a dry jacket and in fact never moaned about been cold the whole way. She is one tough rider and I felt a right wimp shivering away!  The course was so muddy the single track was no fun and with one km to go we could only laugh as we hit such deep mud we barely moved.   Woolworth’s did a fab job of cleaning us up with nice warm flannels and tea and coffee right at the finish tent.  With that, a hot shower and my faithful English thermals on I felt normal again, but the mud… the whole field was deep and my feet were disgusting in flip-flops.  Camping that night wasn’t too pleasant either, the bags had got damp along with our clothes and I fell asleep on a wet pillow.

4^th woman, 78^th overall

Stage Six: Oak Valley 85km, 2200m ascent

Waking without flu was a miracle and with clear skies and an extra 30 minutes in bed with a later start the vibe in camp was much better.  Once off we were soon up into the mountains into my favorite route yet.  Loads of climbing, some tricky but rideable descents and single track you couldn’t help but smile on. It was a shame Yolandi couldn’t enjoy it as much as she could barely sit on her saddle but we still had a descent result finishing round the same guys we’ve been riding with in 5^th place,   85^th overall with the Germans not all that far in front. 

Stage Seven: Oak Valley – Lourensford 64km, 1350m ascent

The last day started at 8.30, the camp alarm still went off way before dawn but thankfully everyone did as I did and rolled back over to sleep. Climbing out of the dew covered tent and standing in the portaloos queue for the last time was ever so exciting and everyone (between fits of coughing and sneezing) was up beat on the start line especially with a bit of ACDC blasting out and an acrobatics flyover just above us.  The race started flat out, straight into some tough climbs with everyone fighting for position.  Luckily since our move up to A batch we hit the climbs and was able to ride them.  Our only aim today was to get through in one piece as Yolandi was on some strong painkillers and we had a big gap on 6^th place.  The guys however were out to impress their wives at the finish and were flying.  One Norwegian made me stop twice by passing and falling off and anther French guy tried to pass us and ended up in the ditch much to our amusement.  The final big climb was over the wagon trail and was followed by short steep climbs through the vineyards which summed up the whole week- fast starts, big climbs then short sharp killers at the end!!

Riding into Lourensford was amazing with such big crowds and the afternoon was spent relaxing on the field with a Woolworth’s hamper with family and new friends.

Overall we finished 5^th Woman’s team, 88^th on GC in 43h14.29

Thanks a ton to Conrad for making sure our bikes were perfect every day and for getting our washing as clean as its ever going to get and to Venetia for 30 minutes of painful bliss every afternoon and to Bizhub FCF for getting us there in the first place!

Cape Argus Pick and Pay Road Race

The Argus has been a big event on my calendar the last three years now, you can’t help but get caught up in the whole atmosphere in what is dubbed South African’s World Champs.  Your not a real cyclist until you have done the Argus and the question that always follows ‘have you done it?’ is ‘what was your time?’ As a racing cyclist this one is always a funny one, I don’t think I have ever done a bike race and stopped my watch as I cross the line.

This year though my whole focus since January has been the Cape Epic and training for an 8 day race of distances over 100km has left me with my ‘base’ legs.  Despite mixing the long rides off road with intervals the speed on the road has been a bit of an issue, especially up climbs, and I wasn’t even sure I would finish this Argus in a contending group.

Race day started early and as we drove to the start I noticed the temperature already 22 degrees, at 5am this was a little concerning and I was thankful for the 6.30 kick off.  The excitement at the start gets me every time, hundreds of cyclists milling around in the dark, dance music blasting out and, to add to it, seeing my parents and friends there after nearly two months away from home. 

Once we got going the group was pretty edgy and I stayed near the front out of trouble.  The climbs were rode at tempo so no real accelerations until round mid way where you turn back in land.  Over the top I was just off the front group and we chased back on.  Once the pace eased at the front so more riders tagged back on and so started the fight to stay near the front again.  It was the same up Chapman’s Peak and the final climb up Suikerbossie during which I was so thankful for some electrolyte from Annriette as my calves and quads were threatening to cramp.

Towards the finish I never left the top 10, keeping a close eye on Ashleigh when she was in front but also just watching the guys as a few were trying to escape early and I thought how nice it would be to get away and ‘solo’ into a victory!  However that wasn’t to be and instead there was a stampede to the line.  I stayed right, in the wind but not boxed in as the group was too twitchy.  About 300m to go I saw Ashleigh go off to my left so I went too.  Not on anyone’s wheel I had no one to hide behind and expected a herd of riders to come past.  Instead I heard a big crash so just kept going and came over the line 2^nd woman with Ashleigh taking the win and Lynette Burger taking 3^rd.

One by one the injured riders came through the finish which is always a terrible sight.  Out of the Bizhub girls Marissa broke a finger and Annriette looked like she’s been tattooed with chain rings.  There were a few nasty accidents in the Toyota team and I heard a few guys had broken collarbones.  I guess that’s the danger in road cycling and I hope everyone recovers 100%. 

After the disappointment at the Nationals for Bizhub-FCF I was pleased to get our kit on the podium.  Two second places in both the Road and MTB Argus’ in two weeks and two matching bottles of bubbly that were easily polished off a few days after on my 30^th Birthday.  

Cape Argus Pick and Pay Mountain Bike race

It was hard enough getting up at 5am in Stellenbosh after 6 hours sleep and after a road race up in Nelspruit 24 hours earlier without the sound of rain splattering on the roof and eating another force fed bowl if muesli, Leana and myself both wondered if the race was even going to go ahead. 

Heading down there Leana’s tyre burped off the rim and we were left standing in the dark in a puddle of sealant wondering what to do.  Plan quickly in place I rode on in the dark without a clue where I was heading and Leana headed back home to drive down and see if Conrad could work some miracle without a compression pump.  Luckily Nicci saved the day lending her her wheel while I followed a trail of cars down the road and by 7am we were on the start line, the sun now up and the rain over with.

With a descent start I found myself at the back of a small group including Arien.  With the hard efforts the day before I didn’t seem to mind the quick pace and the only thing I struggled with were the constant sprints out of each loose corner. Arien was clearly tired from The Grape Escape even though she was still pulling hard at the front of the group while I hung on at the back, pleased to be on a 29er which seems much faster on the flat tracks.  I did edge ahead on a couple of climbs but then lost contact when I dropped my chain so chased hard again to get back.  Later on the words of advice I have heard so often about ending up where you look were clearly practiced as I focused unintentionally on a large rock on a climb and rode straight into it.  The one thing I do find hard with the bigger wheels is controlling where they go!!  From then we turned into some technical single track with a few rutted sections and damp roots and I never saw Arien again.  Still feeling strong and now with a 2^nd caffeine jel kicking in I started to catch some guys in front only to lose the chain again and stop to put it back before I snapped it.  The course then flattened out and with a few river crossing, sandy sections and rocky tracks there was plenty to focus on and having just sucked another jel packet dry I was surprised to hear the commentator and see the finish line ahead. 

Coming in 2^nd to a World class athlete was good enough for me even if she was tired and I was so pleased to then see a run of Bizhub jerseys take 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th.  

Garden Route Rocky Mountain 300

After a two day road trip in our new luxury van and a feast as always at Yolandi’s grandparents we arrived in Knysna ready for the stage race the following morning and with time for a tourist spin round to the Heads and onto the Island.

We couldn’t have had closer accommodation, within sight of the marquee near the centre it was a matter of rolling round to the start and having a descent warm up from there without any worry of traveling and parking.  I was pleased for the warm up as me and Yolandi set off at a descent pace and had a clear run up the first single track through the forest.  After only 15km or so I was surprised to see all the teams in front standing around.  First thoughts were that everyone was enjoying the first feed stop before realizing that we were all lost!  Eventually we backtracked and joined the single track again, this time behind a whole load more riders who had taken the right route.  We played catch up after then found our own pace and rode alone for most of the day.  The route was fantastic, plenty of single track in Harkerville Forest which popped out on the cliff side at one point and I felt pretty chuffed at riding so much more than I did last year.  In fact poor Yolandi who was in front had to get used to me saying ‘careful, there’s a drop off soon’ ‘watch out for the tricky crossing’ etc when really there was nothing to worry about (apart from the wide handlebars which nearly caught me out a few times!!)

We kept a good pace, which we reckoned was just out of our comfort zone until the last few km where, with a huge caffeine boost from Conrad’s coke and a near miss down a steep sandy descent, my adrenalin kicked in and we raced home fast in 1^st place with our teammates comfortably in 2^nd. 

Day 2

We knew it was going to be long at 115km and tough with around 2000m of climbing but I wasn’t prepared for the amount of sand kicking round and another wrong turn in the beginning.  After a scary warm up over the rail crossing (where I discovered my fear of heights is getting worse!) we started in Brenton.  With the sun just coming up the ride across was beautiful with a different view of the Heads and town.  The start was fast again, straight up and along a ridge before a fast drop back down to the sea… and a deadend!  We were about the last to get right to the bottom, those behind must have found the right track and we had to get back up and start way back in the field for the second time.  It was slow going for a long while after that, lots of sandy climbs that were so congested we walked a lot.  Eventually it cleared and gradually we worked our way back through the field.  The sand was crazy but our new Scott 29ers rode over a lot easier and it was quite fun sliding around keeping balance and not been too worried about a soft fall.  The fun wore off eventually and I was glad to get on a series of long open gravel roads.  Once we caught the other girls we all rode together and put in some ‘Epic’ pace hills.  It certainly was like a stage from the Epic and was perfect training for it.  With such a long day it was a blessing that we all found ourselves in a big group and for a change we had nice stops for real food instead of jels and bars.  I’m pretty sure that won’t be happening in the Epic so was worth making full use of! The other team took the victory and we held onto our overall lead after 5hours 40 in the saddle (well maybe 5 hours 30 and 10 minutes stuffing our faces!!)

Day 3

After a long warm up both Yolandi and me were keen to go out hard and see what we could do for the shorter 80km day.  Things went well upto all of 3km in when I punctured on the flat tar road!  Avoiding any collisions I stopped and straight away had the TV camera at my side.  Not knowing what had caused the sudden flat I tried to bomb it but that failed as it was flat as a pancake so in the end, once Yolandi had rode back we put a tube in and continued in dead last place.  Climbing up Phantom’s Pass we overtook dozens of riders all shouting encouragement then on the tar road raced from one group to the next.  Back into the forest my wheel was going flat again, obviously a puncture on the rough rocks.  I tried to bomb it but it went flat again.  Luckily Conrad was at the first feed and he quickly put a tube in.  We were now way back in the field again and were re passing the same riders again.  What struck us was how supportive everyone was like they personally knew us though I did quickly learn how popular Yolandi is!!  We rode well with no more problems right up until 10km out when Yolandi had a front wheel flat.  We think the tyre came off the rim and it was on such a fast descent I was just relieved that she held it upright.  With no tubes left she finally got one and from then on we just rode to the finish, hugely disappointed but with the consolation that it was our teammates Nicci and Leana who took the win with us in 2^nd.

After three tough days for a change we stayed put that evening and had a nice night out on the Waterfront followed by a blissful recovery ride in what I think is one of the nicest places in the World.  A huge thanks to Bizhub FCF who continue to enter me into such amazing races, to the organizers who put on a great 3 days again, and to everyone who helped us on that 3^rd day.  

The Pale One Returns To The Sun!

Stepping off the plane in Johannesburg and switching straight away into my shorts I was suddenly very self consciece about how white I had turned in the 3 months I had been home, skin tucked away behind layers and layers of thermals and fleeces!  Nothing to worry about though, a few training rides and I’d soon burn to a crisp and set the base for a temporary tan again. 

110km Ride for Sight Road Race, Boksburg

Arriving on the Thursday our first race was on Sunday.  Without really getting into a descent sleep routine the 4am start on Sunday wasn’t particually welcome and the race was more of a struggle round than I would have liked.  Training at home had gone so well but I found the long intervals didn’t prepare me for the stop, start race we had. Without any guys setting a descent pace we had a hard start following the attacks by Toyota but then the pace dropped and we could have stopped for a coffee and still got back on.  A group caught us and we yo yo’d for ages, us racing up the hills and them catching us on the downhills.  No one could split the pack with that many guyts around and eventually we neutralized ourselves until there was a descent gap.  A break went up a long drag and while I struggled to hang on to the chasing pack, the break rode off.  A few of us got to the front to chase but with no success and we sprinted in for 4^th place.  I took 7^th, enjoying very little apart form that last sprint and the feeling of going quite fast after the slow winter slogs at home. 

Maybe it was a hasty descision but with a list of road races on the calendar, a new 29er to get used to, and the all important Epic only a month away I flew myself down to Cape Town and stayed in Paarl with Catherine and her family who kindly put me up for the week.  I knew I’d made a good call when out riding that evening in the cool evening air round some fantastic granite outcrops on the mountain side.  The next morning I rode with Hendrick from the bike shop for a 3-4 hours steady ride… 5 hours and 1900m ascent later I got back to the house and flaked out on the floor!  Not feeling 100% when we left I struggled up the climbs and never felt that comfortable on the bike.  The scenery was amazing and the route on any normal day would have been perfect.  We headed up the mountains, into some wooded single track than dropped down to Wellington and into a whole warren of single tracks.  The 29er was quite good fun on the single track though I got through the steep descents and bends on a wim and a prayer slidding out the back wheel and somehow staying upright (on all but 2 occassionas anyway!). 

The rest of the week I continued to discover some lovely trails and even though I wasn’t well I enjoyed every ride and did a lot of hours nicely topping up the tan while at it!  Relaxing in Elma’s beautiful house and enjoying the family atmoshere made the week very memorable and it was sad to leave for the race on Saturday. 

Tulbagh MTN Mounatin Bike Marathon 70km

I planned to ride the race at my own pace and not to push it, racing such a tough event the way I felt may have set me back weeks and only 10km in my plan was put into play as I dropped off the group.  As I settled in I started to pull a few girls back but no sooner as I started feeling ok, my cleats started coming loose and it became a huge mission to clip out.  Without knowing they were loose I just kept falling over then yanking my foot out or waiting for some guy to help before getting up and repeating the senario.  With a collection of briuises gathering I evtually gave up, sat down and looked at my shoes and set about with my allen keys.  The course was more technical than last year and was a good practice on the 29er until again the other cleat started comoing loose and I rode most of the scary bits on top of the pedals.  Eventually on the flat I knew it was loose but it looked like we were over the technical climbs so felt safe enough locked in, until my gears jammed and I again fell over once my track stand ability went!!  The only way out of that one was to twist my foot enough to leave the cleat in the pedal and ride the rest on the top… I vital lesson learned – always check cleats before the start of a race, and if it does come loose stop and tighten straight away!!

The race was not one to remember either for Ischen who had 2 flats then went the wrong way, or for Leana whos rear mech broke 10km in, or for Catherine who also went the wrong way on her 40km race.  Oh well, such is life!!