ERIC & THOMAS CROSS THE FINISH LINE - 3RD OVERALL

Tripping the Dusi route by car and foot. 

Lack of real rain destroyed any paddling opportunities to fine-tune knowledge down the rapids. So we jumped in the ‘Change a Life’ bus and tripped the entire Dusi from A to Z by car and foot a few days before race-day.

Armed with bush knives, panga’s, slashers and a bow saw, we gave the entangled, overgrown vegetation on Burma a ‘short back & sides’ trim to guarantee easy passage up the goat path and over to the water’s edge on the other side.

A cruel blow was dealt to the partnership of Nkosi and Tom, in that Tom was unable to compete as his shin splints were still too severe to run. And so the ‘Change a Life’ team was one top crew short. Knowing/seeing the determination and effort Nkosi has put into training, made me feel sad for him as he stood partnerless on the eve of the biggest race of his life. He had no choice but to dust off the cobwebs of his single canoe to go man alone.

Day 1

My top ‘Change a life’ crew of Thomas & Eric went into the first long 6km portage with all guns blazing. They scalped six crews, going from 14^th to 6^th. In Thomas’s words “Its now or never”. They continued to push to the limits and crossed the finish line in an incredible 3^rd overall. 

Youngsters Kwanda and Lance had a text book day, confidently finishing (6^th) in the sought after Top Ten - gold medal category. Zonele and Nhlanhla swam down the tricky Maze rapid. On the last portage – Cabbage Tree,

Zonele was suffering from the intense pace earlier on. Such is the toughened character of these Valley boys, that he never let up, finishing 9^th. These two crews were lying 1^st & 2^nd in the under 21 category respectively.

Lucas and John’s legs failed them on the portages, when cramps paralysed them midway. However they kept it together on the water and soldiered on, finishing 11^th position. My hopeful three boats in the Top Ten was on track.

Day 2

Elapsed Time - Competitors start in the order they finished from the day before.

With a only a 3min lead on 4^th, Thomas and Eric took off like there was no tomorrow. Todays racing was tricky because of the full river, making no room for error.

Negotiating the tricky river obstacles like experts and 2 1/2hrs of racing under the belt and 1/2hr to go, the 4^th boat finally caught them on the Inanda Dam and so they crossed the finish line together.

Kwanda and Lance were holding onto their 6^th position until halfway, when disaster struck. Shooting the much feared Tombi Rapid, they fell out at the bottom – which wasn’t a train smash as themselves and their boat were okay. Subsequently their boat washed downstream and wrapped around a rock – game over. I really felt for them, 4 months of dedication and hard work out the back door. They grovelled with their sinking ship to the finish line barely in the Top Hundred.

Zonele and Nhlanhla too got eaten like a raw mielie in Tombi Rapid, along with half the Dusi field who attempted it. Another swim further downstream, saw them drop from 9^th to 16^th.  I strongly advised them to use a more stable boat, but they wanted the same boat as their role model Michael Mbanjwa and now it was costing them. Lucas and John powered into the Top Ten having a great day all round.

USN FUELING STATION

Later that afternoon, in the blazing 40  degree heat, I took Thomas and Eric to check out the first part of Burma Hill – to make peace with this colossal mountain where it would be the make or break of their race.  

Day 3

Lucas/John had a freak accident when another boat T-boned their canoe in the first rapid of the day – Tops Needle, making a hole in the nose and causing them to swim. His Top Ten chances were figuratively speaking, washed downstream. They fought back bravely to finish 13^th.

Zonele/Nhlanhla pulled up two positions to finish 14^th, even with another swim .

Kwanda/Lance cruised Day 3, enjoying the scenery, interacting with the other paddlers, placing 91^st. 

Home Gerome….  Paddling along the final stretch with the crowds applauding loudly they stopped and waved numerous times, savouring the moment, before crossing the Finish Line in Third position – becoming the first Black crew to get a podium placing.

A titanic battle for that last podium position was in the making. Thomas and Eric paddled with Jacques and Piers (3 & 4^th position) across the dam and ran for all they were worth down to the river. Forty minutes into the race, Jacques/piers were 1min 30sec ahead. Then came Burma Hill. Thomas/Eric shouldered their Canoe and attacked the mountain like their lives depended on it. Jacques/Piers opted to paddle around and came unstuck when they took a swim in Five Fingers rapid. Now all that stood in their way of securing a podium position was the biggest rapid of the race – Pumphouse Weir. It was here that race leaders Stott/Mbanjwa swam and Birkett/Graham took over the lead to win the Race. Thomas steered a great line through the monster roller coaster rapids to come out below the rapid unscathed.

        Michael Mbanwja/Ant Stott, Andrew Birkett/Jason Graham, Thomas Ngidi/Eric Zondi 

Others….

Juniors, Mzamo and Mmeli lost valuable time when they swam at Earnie Pearce weir, only minutes from the start. Throughout the race, they just couldn’t make up the time lost, and in the end finished a very credible 25^th overall and second juniors.

Richard and new recruit Spha had a stormer (18^th), against all odds finishing in the Top Twenty on day 1, then some mistakes here and there, saw them finish on Day 3 in 33 position.

Nkosi, who paddled in a single canoe, was a machine, as he finished in 39^th position overall. Showing me that he was definitely Top Ten material if Tom could’ve paddled.

For Skhumbuso and new recruit Thobani, running doesn’t come easy. They struggled with the portages on Day 1, but never gave up and managed to ground their way up the rankings, to finish in the Top fifty in 44^th position.

New recruits Scelo and Siboniso, paddling in the junior category raced their hearts out. Their inexperience saw them capsize numerous times but they managed to keep their wits about them and finish proudly in 60^th position.

Very new recruits Moses and Thabani, survived to finish 180^th.

 Sixteen months ago, I never dreamed that the my Academy would be achieving such results. The journey has been worth every effort. The biggest thanks to Computershare ‘Change a Life’, for their phenomenal support in making all this possible. To Stan, Ursula and Mnandi, thanks too for making time to come into the Valley of a Thousand Hills, to witness the Valley boys in full action. Thanks also to USN for an unlimited supply of the ‘Ultimate Nutritional Supplements’, and to HI-TEC for a shoe for every occasion.

Andrew Birkett and Jason Graham upset the bookies, when they crossed the line first on Day 1, beating pre-race favourites Ant Stott and Michael Mbanjwa into second. A titanic struggle ensued on Day 2 when Stott/Bungi caught the leaders and they paddled neck and neck to the finish line. A more exciting script could not have been written, when both leading boats took out for the mammoth Burma Hill portage. Stott/ Bungi made their break as they summited and never looked back. Extending their lead to 1min 30sec on the water. Being the less powerful paddlers, it now looked like it was game over for Birkett/Graham. However lady-luck came to their rescue, when Stott/Bungi fell out in the Pumphouse rapids, 1hour from the finish. There was no stopping them now, Birkett/Graham crossed the finish line first – putting an end to one of the most exciting Dusi races.

The girls race was won comfortably by Dusi Queen Abbey Miedema and Robyn Kime, but not without its dramas. Abs and Robyn goofed in the Confluence Rapids and then again dropping over the High side of Hippo rapid. Finishing 24^th overall shows their pedigree. The other two women boats of Abie Adie/Lindi-May Harmse (38th) and Hillary Pitchford/Jen Hodson (41st) tussled neck and neck all the way, also finishing in the Top Fifty.

We were up at 03:15 this morning to get to the river and wish good luck to Martin and the Change a Life paddlers.  Now we are at the end of Day 1 and what a great finish!  Eric and Thomas made Dusi history by being the first two black paddlers to finish on the podium – in 3^rd position.  We were all so excited to see our guys coming in with 6^th, 9^th, 11^th and 18^th – we have 10 in the Top 20.  Kwanda and Lance are leading the under 21s.

This year’s event is the K2 boats with their doubles crews. Martin has tipped Michael Mbanjwa and Ant Stott to take the race this year – at present they are lying in 2^nd position.

The press is keeping Martin busy and our Change a Life team is getting huge media attention.

Tomorrow is a big day – more paddling than running –  we have every confidence that our guys will continue to shine.

You can catch all the action on SuperSport One this evening at 20:00.

Stan

                                                Kwanda & Lance at Tops Needle Rapid

With no sufficient rain since Christmas, there was an exciting buzz at the start of the Inanda Dam to Durban (3^rd day of Dusi) Canoe race that took place yesterday because of the planned water release. However paddlers were disappointed as they put in to a low Umgeni River, after portaging over the Dam wall.

The first rapid - Tops Needle Rapid was a compulsory portage. The bun fight at the put-in was great entertainment for spectators as 5 boats tried to put in where there was only place for 2.

200m downstream Ant Stott and Michael Mbanjwa were the first swimmers of the day. Lack of concentration saw them clip a rock and over they went. A shallow river saw them make a speedy recovery and by Umzimyathi they were back in the lead.

             Thobani and Skhumbuso carefully negotiate Side Shute down the left. 

With the absence of the other big hitters like Len Jenkins and Hank McGregor, the Dusi lacks a story line regarding the frontrunners, it’s a one horse race for line honours. The exciting part will be the battle for the other 9 gold medal positions. 

All my ‘Change a Life’ crews did the race but there were no results. They disqualified themselves. Let me explain. It was compulsory to paddle around Burma Hill in this race, however because the ‘Change a Life’ boys will all run over Burma Hill come Dusi, they wanted to take this opportunity to do exactly that – run over Burma Hill. Also, with the river low, chances of boat damage paddling around were high. So for breaking the race rules and not to upset the race organisers they got out just short of crossing the finish line. My only crew to finish legally were the newly formed combination of Thobani and Skhumbuso. It was necessary for them to race in order to get a placing for Dusi seeding.

Plett - Sabrina Charity Challenge - Olympians Mish Erray, Natalie Du Toit, Chad Ho 

Lucas kept the ‘Change a Life’ team on the straight and narrow training path whilst I disappeared for two weeks to the Transkei Coast & Natures Valley in the Eastern Cape. Instead of putting in some big training sessions on the water, I replaced my boat and paddle for my bicycle. Next goal - Cape Epic Cycle. Exploring the never ending up and down backroads of the Transkei made me think I was back in the Valley of a Thousand Hills. The long group rides with my Epic cycling partner Albe Geldenhuys on the infamous “Petrus se Brand”, “Homtini”, and Garden of Eden routes was priceless. And together with the road biking to Storms River and back and riding with Kevan Evans, kept things honest. On one particular ride we pushed to our limits, only to hear Kevin chirp at the end “this is my easy ride for the week”.

                       Self portrait at Hella Hella bridge. 

As with tackling any huge endurance event, it is always wise to redefine your limits in training. I came close on the weekend when I mountain biked from Home (close to Nagle Dam), through Maritzburg, Richmond and across the mighty Mkomaas River at Hella Hella bridge and up the other side to the Mackenzie Country Club (Sani2c day one finish). It was not the distance, but the rookie mistake of not taking enough juice, under-estimating the heat, that made the journey challenging. The ‘old turn-off the discomfort switch’ in the brain had to be applied.

  Halfway up pass, Hella Hella bridge below - not so fun any more, but good for the soul.

I have been putting alot of thought into some new prospects of Development in the Valley of a Thousand Hills.

Because I have relocated to KZN and spend so much time in the ‘Valley’, I need something bigger and more challenging. Having got the ‘green light’ from Computershare Ceo - Stan Lorge and support from the Marketing Director Ursula Du Plooy, I am over the moon with what ‘could be’ going forward.

 I know, when you start saying something its unfair to stop telling, but until all my ducks are in a row I’m afraid I can’t spill the beans. 

The Lembethe Canoe Club/‘Change a life’ Academy host the Table Mountain Descent on the 16^th December every year.

A technically challenging course takes paddlers from the Cumberland Reserve, 32km down the sweetest rapids of the Umgeni river to finish on Nagle Dam. The nature of this race requires compulsory use of helmets due to it being A-grade and the remoteness- once started, high cliffs on either side lock you onto this majestic river, bar one escape route- a rugged jeep track winding its way down to the waters edge.

What makes this race special is that the ‘Change a life’ guys don’t race, but paddle down before race start and position themselves at the more tricky rapids to point out the best approach line.

A few broken boats and bruised ego’s are par for this course, but all in all a very successful day and definitely a race to pencil in as a ‘must do’ for next year.

No more races left for 2009, however training continues in the Valley of a Thousand Hills.

PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE….

My intention was never to follow through with  my ‘Change a life’ Academy after the intense 4-month 2008-09 Dusi training programme. However, with the senior executives of  Computershare experiencing the Dusi firsthand and seeing seven of the Valley boys come in the top 20 overall, CEO Stan Lorge said “Martin, we can’t  now drop these guys, we need continuity, give us another proposal till Dusi 2010. USN and  Hi-Tec followed through with their support as well. Thank you.

The past 10 months have been incredible, filled with Mountainbiking, Trailrunning, Canoeing and  Multisport events . I have had the greatest pleasure seeing my guys take to their two wheeled metal steeds for the first time ever.

It hasn’t all been plain sailing, typical frustrations of managing a big group have come into play – bike mechanicals, injury and ‘African Time’ top the list. However positive changes in attitude and responsibility amongst the ‘Change a life’ team quickly wipe the slate clean. I see them using my Academy as a stepping stone in Life and if it gets them to the next level, I will be the happiest person.

Their consistent achievements at all of the events have been impressive. I have thrown them in the deep end a few times, but they have proved to have the ‘killer’ instinct which has gotten them through some very challenging races.

Road Trip of the year  - On Invitation to the Juicy Lucy Mtb Classic, myself and six of my best stayed in the upmarket Gwahumbe Game Lodge for two nights. The giraffe and Hippo sightings on the game drive blew their minds.

Eston Mtb Race – Coined the biggest one day  Mtb race in the world due to the record number of entries, saw only about 75%  actually start as the rain/cold and mud chased these fair-weather athletes back to their cars once they collected their goodie bags. Then those that started, only half finished due to the same reasons above. Proud to say that all my boys finished the long course – 60km (except Skhumbuso who short coursed himself accidently  he says).   There is no such thing as bad weather – just soft people.

Lucas’s first attempt at the Non-Stop Dusi- solo, where he finished 2^nd individual and at the Garmin Wartrail (60km mountain run/135km mtb/60km paddle), finishing 6^th, (having not ever run and mtb’ed over 20km for either before) shows he has incredible vasbyt and is someone you definitely want at your side going into battle. He gives absolutely everything.

Eric has that X-factor. He’s had the most incredible year and has WOW’ed me with his pure athletic talent - Dusi 9^th, Non-Sop Dusi 2^nd, Dusi 85km trailrun 1^st, Triple Challenge 2^nd. I look forward to seeing him reach new levels next year.

I don’t make it easy for them. When we train bastard hard I keep reminding them. “This is the difference between us and them….” refering to the competition.

2010 Dusi Goal

Seven ‘Change a Life’ Athletes in the top 10.

Eric & Thomas

Lucas & John

Zonele & Nhlanhla

Lance & Kwanda  (Lance isn’t ‘Change a Life’)

Eleven ‘Change a Life’ Athletes in the top 20.

                   All smiles at the end of a hard weeks training and racing.

Campbells to Dusi Bridge- 28km, is the ‘Race of Truth’ in the build up to the Dusi Canoe Marathon. It’s got portages, rapids and there is no where to hide. All the top guys started with their canoes on their shoulders, running the 2km over rough terrain like there was no tomorrow. The less energetic could opt to paddle off the start, however they would lose some time the land-lopers.                                                                            

After 14min of paddling, the 3.5km Guinea Fowl portage awaited, including the infamous Devils Cauldron. It was here that the ‘Change a Life’ valley boys made their move, with Thomas/Eric powering themselves into 2^nd place. Zonele/Nhlanhla looked smooth and in control as they moved up in to 4^th. Lucas/John battled their way to put back in to the river in 5^th, (later paying the price for this huge exertion), but putting in just ahead of the strong Carter-Brown brother combo.

Already over halfway, Thomas/Eric looked impressive extending the gap to third and punching through Mission rapid cleanly.

Zonele/Nhlanhla, still paddling well and looking cool had dropped a position to one of the Dusi podium hopefuls, Andrew Birkett/Jason Graham. So to had Lucas/John who where now just behind the Carter-Browns.

                                   Fingerneck Portage was a ‘chip & a putt’, for some.

The final 2.5km Cabbage-Tree Portage can be a beast if your legs are not conditioned. It starts with a 22% gradient making all participants walk, barring a select few.

                       Thomas & Eric flying down Cabbage Tree, just before putting back in the River.

                                                          Quick getaway….

Thomas/Eric crossed the line at Dusi Bridge in 2^nd. It was great to see Thomas finding some form as he was ill for three weeks after the Triple Challenge. Zonele/Nhlanla were happy finishing fifth, now motivated to train harder (or could it be the good prize money incentive for the top contenders?). Lucas was disappointed with their 7^th place finish, but John admitted to struggling and put it down to not pushing hard enough during training, so there is room for improvement. I was surprised with Nkosi/Tom only finishing 11^th, (Nkosi was 2^nd last year), however it made sense when Tom told me he wasn’t feeling well. Richard/Spha had the result of the day, finishing 13^th. Spha is a brand-new recruit to the ‘Change a life’ Academy.

From not finishing 50-Miler having broken their boat on day 1, Mzamo/Mmeli won the juniors, finishing 15^th.

It was a pity Lance was down with Dusi guts and so didn’t race. It would of been good to see if they (Lance/Kwanda) could hold their own on the running as well, because at 50 Miler they paddled themselves to 4th overall.

A wake-up call for some, but overall a successful performance from my Valley boys. Admittedly, some ‘big-guns’ from Gauteng weren’t present, none-the-less the results were very encouraging.    

DASH ‘n CRASH CANOE RACE

(day before the Campbells to Dusi Bridge Race)

Fast and furious racing from the start of Dusi, from Campsdrift to Low level bridge- 8km down-stream.

                                     Front four going down Earnie Pearce Weir (Nkosi & Tom at the top)

Tom/Nkosi snuck into third, when Gauteng crew Gavin/Alex swam at the Highway Rapid a few 100m from the finish line. Lucas/John, Zonele/Nhlanhla, Tom/Eric and Richard/Spa all made it into top 12.

                                         Richard Cele and new recruit Sphamandla Sibisi 

TRIPPING…RAIN, RAIN, GLORIOUS RAIN

There was a vicious storm last Wednesday night and the Dusi became the drainage canal for all this runoff. On Thursday, we jumped onto a flooding River at Dusi Bridge to trip Day 2. The water was dark chocolate. The ‘Change a Life’ boys eyes were big, wishing their fast twitchy Eagle K2 could magically be turned into a slow stable Accord.  Having done the Saddles portages, to our surprise we put in to a clear medium level Dusi, having passed the water.

A little disappointed we continued through the Confluence, down to Gauging Weir. From there we went back to do Confluence again. The fore of the Flood waters had just arrived. While we stood there watching masses of islands of Hyacinth float past, the River rose a meter. Now the boys started ragging each other nervously, saying there is no need to do laundry later as the Washing Machine Rapid will sort that out.

Admittedly it was the fullest I have paddled on the Dusi. Washing Machine was non-negoitiable, with the hugest keeper wave at the bottom. Thomas & Eric had a nerve racking swim soon after, damaging their boat badly enough that we had to fetch them later. After Marianney-Foley Bridge, Rich and Spha got swallowed up in a no-name rapid/hole and spat out upside-down.

We again passed the water doing the Ngumeni portage and once through Tombi Rapid, I eddied out to look back to watch the water rise to a level that washed straight over the Pinnacle Rock within a few minutes. Hippo was relatively easy sliding down the rock face on the right.

I think two swims and one broken boat was a small price to pay for the invaluable experience gained from that wild flooding Dusi trip.

The Land Rover 50- miler rounded off a hard week of training for my ‘Change a life’ squad. For some it was the first river trip of the year due to Triple Challenge focus and lack of recent rains. The generous water release from Henley Dam and the cloudy/misty weather made for perfect racing conditions for all.

DAY 1: Tom and Nkosi were the first of the guys through Finger Neck rapid, gallantly balancing their new Venom Eagle with Eric and Skhumbuso hot on their heels. Surprisingly no swims for any of the valley boys at this notorious rapid, with Richard cunningly sneaking down the right avoiding the monster hole.

Kwanda and Lance were well back from their slower right hand channel manoeuvre at Mission, but looked good punching through the teeth at Finger Neck. From some skillfull driving, they advanced through the field to get into the top 8 before half-way.

Ant/Bungi led the front three boats through Bells Rapid, with Jacque/Piers getting knocked off-line by an invisible rock, while Andrew/Jason opted for the more conservative left line. Eric/Skhumbuso were the first ‘Change a life’ boat past Bells but made some rooky mistakes through Confluence which knocked them out the top 10. Unfortunately for Lucas/John, the back foot rest became detached so with no pumps had to stop continuously to empty.

Leaders Ant/Bungi portaged Gauging Weir, while Andrew/Jason shot it closing the gap to 20sec. 3min later Jacque/Piers appeared around the corner but were forced to portage Gauging with their damaged craft.

DAY 2: Crews 3^rd to 6^th positions started together on the dam in elapsed time. Kwanda/Lance put in first in this group after the short portage across the dam wall, with all crews opting not to shoot Tops Rapid. A small mistake for them in Side-Shoots, otherwise everything went smoothly. Jacque/Piers got away by shooting Island One and Two while the rest of the group portaged. Kwanda/Lance quick portage at Pump House secured them their 4^th place overall and 1^st U/18. Mango was easy going right of the pillar. Eric/Skhumbuso finished 9^th - 2^nd U/21 and Tom/Nkosi, 17^th - 3^rd U/21.

Juniors, Zamo/Mmeli and Sboniso/Scelo, broke their boats at Pearl Harbour, the last obstacle before 2^nd Saddles take-out, ending the race for Zamo/Mmeli.

MEN: 1st - Ant/Bungi, 2nd - Andrew Birkett/Jason Graham, 3rd - Jacques/Piers.

The women’s race was a Cat & Mouse affair throughout the two days between the two lead boats. With a B batch boat interferring with Abbey/Robyn’s end of Day 1, costing them 50sec. Hilary/Jen very sporting said they could start with them on Day 2. Hilary/Jen swam at Island 2 and a strong portage from Abbey/Robyn at the Pumphouse Weir sealed the victory for them.

WOMEN: 1st - Abbey/Robyn, 2nd - Hilary/Jen, 3rd - Abie Adie/Lindi Harmse

NEDBANK GOLF CHALLENGE

The pressure I felt when having to put the first letter of each eighteen competitors’ names in alphabetical order at the finals of the Land Rover G4 Challenge, surely can’t be near as much as having to                     putt for $1 200 000.

I was extremely privileged to witness the tension in the packed 18^th hole grandstand at the Nedbank Golf Challenge yesterday. Having watched some incredible play (and some not so superb or ‘unlucky’ shots), it came down to a nail-biting 3rd-hole play-off between Stenson (Swedish defending champ) and ‘Aussie’ Allenby… damn Aussies.

I couldn’t resist doing the Schoolboy thing - Note the winner’s signature

Eric caught a bus to Gauteng to join Michael Mbanjwa in the 2 Day Klip River race. They blitzed the main portage, to put back into the River first. It was only the class crew of Jacque Theron & Piers Cruikshanks that managed to close the gap and then capitalise on an error their opponents made later on.

Eric has had a fantastic year, finishing 9^th - Dusi,  2^nd – K2 Non Stop,  1^st – 88km Dusi Trail Run,  2^nd Triple Challenge.

Rain but not rain….

A dense carpet of cloud has and continues to hover over the Valley of a Thousand Hills, the sun has taken early leave and the result is a measly dampness in the air. The noisy storm last night was all bark but no bite. The ‘Change a life’ boys are on standby, super keen to test their new K2 combinations on the River, however we need real rain to make a river trip worthwhile.      

The hopeful paddle around Burma seems unlikely, so 50 Miler looks to be the same as last year, which still makes for exciting paddling.

Day 1 – Mission, around Fingernek & Cabbage Tree, past first Saddle takeout, infamous Bells Rapid, Second Saddle’s Portage, Confluence Rapids, finishing below Marianney-Foley Bridge.

Day 2 – Inanda Dam to Durban (Day 3 of Dusi). Compulsory to paddle around Burma Hill. Initially it was going to be last years Day2 of 50-Miler because Inanda Dam is not spilling over, However, Umngeni have guaranteed 1mil cumecs release between now and Dusi. 

The Valley Boys have put Triple Challenge behind them, and are back on track for Dusi. Having had an easier week, the sessions have upped a notch or two or three. I sometimes wonder if they train just so they can have the  ‘Milkshake’ after. The absolute joy and pure satisfaction they still get from its consumption has not decreased one bit.  

Big Question – are Len & Hank doing Dusi.

Other crews with podium potential:

Jason Graham (Toothpick) & Andrew Birkett– allrounders

Craig Turton & Miles Rasmusen– strong runners, will their paddling be good enough?

Piers Cruikshanks & Jacques Theron- strong paddlers, medium runners.

News is that the 2011 Dusi will be at the end of February and the Drak Challenge will be in December.

The ‘Change a life’ squad took advantage of the  flowing waters of the Dusi on the weekend. We put in at Dusi Bridge and paddled 50 Miler style to Umfula Store, via the infamous Bell Rapid and Pearl Harbour Rapid (just before 2^nd Saddles take-out) 

Pearl Harbour got its name way back when that section was just being explored by paddlers due to the new 50 Miler route. Ken Holden came around the corner and there was a scattering of boats submerged/wrapped across the river from the group tripping ahead of him. He described it as a scene out of the Pearl Harbour movie when the Japanese bombed the hell out of the USA Warships. A very apt name for a rapid that seems to reinact that movie come 50 Miler.

Pearl Harbour Rapid has a grassy/rocky island in the middle. It is best negotiated paddling down the middle of the right option (few meters right of grassy knoll), with minimal boat speed, letting your boat feel its way down. 

                             I paddled with Thomas Ngidi (15th-Dusi 2009) 

When we launched our canoes at Dusi Bridge, I allowed myself the luxury of thinking that  because this is the ‘Change a life’ second Dusi Season, we should have less drama on the river.

One mistake, I forgot to ‘touch wood’, and so jinxed that thought.

Lucas, top ten Dusi finisher, wrapped his spanking brand new Eagle K2 around Egg rock a few hundred meters downstream of Washing Machine. Thobani following, proceeded to do the same. In a split second it was game over for those two crews – huge effort to free boats – missioning to get boats to vehicle - drive to Umfula – run from Umfula to top of Ngumeni for their lack of exercise, whilst we tied our boats on the trailer and ate peanut butter & banana sandwiches.

The water level was the most user friendly (we caught up some water, once we put in after the Ngumeni Portage) for shooting Gum Tree and  Tombi rapids. The guys dropped over the right of Tombi pinnacle rock like they were on a Sunday picnic. I was quick to warn them that its not all ‘Peaches and Cream’ come higher water levels.

The males in the Valley of a Thousand Hills don’t take instruction very readily from woman. However having top female K2 crew, Abbey and Robyn on our trip, had the guys following their lead.

These guys popped out of nowhere looking for a ride to get back to Dusi Bridge. Unfortunately we were jam packed inside, so had to do it ‘Africa style’.

The following day I took part in a 70km MTB race from Giba Gorge down into the Dusi Valley to Inanda Dam, then onto to Durbs. Walking to the start, I heard the commentator doing his bit. I thought to myself, I know that person (although I had never met him in my life). He sounded so familiar – Phil Liggitt. Being such a legend of the Tour (’voice of cycling’, commentated on every Tour since 1973), I couldn’t resist doing the School boy thing – posing for a foto.

…and the feeling just keeps getting better…another day to witness my guys exceeding my expectations and once again (as like Dusi finish), a ‘wild’ expression of total focus turned instantly into a look of absolute elation (and an enormous white-toothed smile) on Eric Zondi’s face as he crossed the finish line of the Triple Challenge, in an amazing second place, behind the winner Dan Hugo.

I really had no idea what to expect from my team of six ‘Change a life’ guys as they lined up at 5am for the start of the Triple Challenge. Four of the boys had never completed a ‘long run’ of 21km and only Lucas had ever had a taste for an endurance multipart event before.

Although the weather looked miserable, it was a blessing in disguise, keeping the racers cool as they made their way on foot over trails from Pietermaritzburg to Camperdown, 21km away. The leading three of Eric, Thomas and Dan left the run/bike transition together. The 52km bike leg to Inanda Dam was surely going to be the podium decider? I witnessed Eric riding like a demon out in front, the 4kg lighter bike (using my Carbon Zascar GT) was adding some magic to his maiden assault on this gruelling race.

Eric managed to stick with Dan for a fair distance on the mtb leg, which got Dan a little worried as he thought if they were to reach the paddle transition together, then the race was going to be a very different battle as Eric was a top 10 Dusi man. Dan’s biking experience allowed him to open a lead on Eric and I wondered if Cas Van Aardenne or any other experienced mtb’ers would catch and pass Eric. With relief, Eric made it into the transition, refuelled by gulping down a shaker of USN Muscle Fuel and headed off onto the water with only a 100m gap to third and fourth positioned, Cas and Craig Carter-Brown.

Eric looked like a man possessed on the paddle, but my heart sank as he made a very slow exit onto the second 2km portage and the gap he had on Cas and Craig seemed to close rapidly. It was clear that Cas had the strongest legs still as he dropped Craig and put in closer to Eric. But the thought of Cash prize money and being able to contribute to the building of a house for his Gran gave Eric the ‘Vooma’ to close 2min on Dan and to maintain his second place overall.

Halfway on the bike, Thomas was coming second out of my ‘Change a Life’ guys (5^th overall). Unfortunately he suffered a broken chain which he battled to fix. He watched in despair as all his team-mates passed by unable to help him. There was nothing I could do, outside assistance from me would mean disqualification. Part time Anaesthetist and Ironman athlete, Bruce Piccard stopped and gave Thomas a special chain link to solve the problem. Thanks Bruce.

Nhlanhla and Kwanda raced in each others company, working beautifully together on the paddle leg, to overtake Trevor Hellens and Carel Esterhuizen. Posting the fastest paddle time, they crossed the finish line in a very creditable 5^th and 6^th place.

Lucas bravely fought his way into 10^th position, completing our ‘Change a Life’ goal of getting 4 in the top 10. Zonele battled with stomach cramps early on in the run (was his choice of French Polony for breakfast?).

However he crept through the field to finish 12^th. A disappointed Thomas claimed 15^th. He could have easily quit when the odds were against him, but that’s not in his nature.

Actually, all these Valley boys are as resilient as hell. Not having running water or electricity at home what do you expect.

Their hunger to succeed separates them from the rest.

Many Months ago Tim Cornish gave me a contact to send a proposal to Carol Church - ACSA (Airport Company South Africa) and DTP (Dube TradePort) for assistance with the ‘Martin Dreyer Change a Life Academy’.  Suddenly I was meeting with Carol Church and discussing the ‘wish list’ of the Academy. I put the Academy needs in three separate categories.

1 – Canoeing equipment

2 – 14 seater Toyota Quantum

3 – Club House.

                               FISH - KEITHS FLY-OVER 

To my absolute delight, Carol got back to me saying that the stakeholders of the New Airport Development in Durban, namely ACSA & DTP were willing to come to the party with 1 and 2. Their support has bumped the Academy to another level. Gone are the days when the boys get drenched in the back of a borrowed bakkie when we go to races. The vehicle was such a bonus for our long journey to the Fish River Canoe Marathon in Cradock. We travelled in style, aircon and all. Thank you very much.

Midmar Mini Canoe Marathon (16km paddling, 7km running)

The ‘Change a Life’ boys from the Valley of a Thousand hills excelled at the weekend’s Midmar Mini Canoe Marathon, claiming all three podium positions. Admittedly some ‘big guns’ didn’t compete, but as they say, ‘there aren’t any comments on the results sheets – a wins a win. Eric Zondi and Thomas Ngidi raced in their Non Stop Dusi Noka K2 (Kayak Centre). Enjoying the added stability with the rough conditions – big waves and strong winds, they made their break into the lead on the first of three portages, and never looked back. Lucas Mthalane and John Ngcobo paddled together for the first time this year and did incredibly well to place second. Brothers Nhlanhla and Richard Cele surprised their teammates when they gallantly hung onto third.

 These results are a great confidence builder for the ‘Change a Life’ guys, it shows us that we are on track with our training.

 However no time to sit back. This coming weekend will test six of my very best athletes as they tackle the ‘Ironman’ (Triple Challenge – 20km run, 52km Mtb, 18km paddle). I will be observing every step, providing support/encouragement, watching them redefine their limits, in terms of endurance barriers.

 ‘Stand at Ease’ Book launch

I really recommend you to get your hands on the hilarious account of Gary Green’s adventure of completing his first Dusi. The book is called ‘Mad Cows and River Spiders’. I guarantee you’ll absolutely love it.

AUTHOR OF “SPUD” - JOHN VD RUIT, GARY GREEN, MART, WAYNE FYVIE 

So now by popular demand he has written another book – ‘Stand at Ease’. Its about his ill-spent youth serving uncle Magnus Malan in the army, doing as little as possible, snivelling out of almost everything. 

 Hilton 50 Miler Mtb Race

Taking place at the beautiful grounds of Grace College near Hilton, the scene was set for some magnificent riding. However the heat wave of note played havoc amongst those brave Mtb’ers racing the 115km and 75km distances. Race organisers made a snap decision to shorten both the above distances to 60km to avoid eminent heat exhaustion amongst those participating.

I think it was a wise decision considering that by the 40km mark, riders were taking time out swimming in dams and reservoirs en-route in an attempt to bring their core body temperatures down and there were an abnormally high amount of cyclists pushing their bikes up hills. Maybe the racing through Devil’s Cauldron at 40 degrees plus, made the heat seem okay. However a ditch out of nowhere on a single track section nailed me proper. This was no Formula One pittstop, sitting on the side fixing the burst front and back wheels with a limp left wrist,  saw me ride off 11min 47sec later. Once this Blog is posted, I’m off to get some X-Rays. From the swelling and pain, I’m thinking its at best fractured…. and this was supposed to be the start of my Epic training. Oh well.