FARMER GLENN, LOYLD, MART & FARMER STEVE – at finish at Umngazi

Traversing along the Wild Coast on bicycles is a privilege. That rugged coastline is no friend to car or bakkie due to lack of roads and bridges, however tackle it via Mountain Bike and suddenly ‘its poetry in motion’. Sure you might swim the odd river crossing and ‘hike a bike’ up unrideable hills, but hey “if it was too easy, then everybody would be doing it.

                                 FRITZ & PARTNER CLIMBING UP MOTHER 2

I got an invite when Loyld (Popes riding partner) asked me to partner him on the Imana Wildride, filling in for my good friend, the legendary Graeme Pope-Ellis, who recently passed away in a tragic Tractor accident. Our Team was appropiately named ‘Pope’s Partners’. Pope and I had done a couple of amazing trips, with friends, on bicycles along this same magnificent piece of Coast-line. In true Dusi style we applied our same technique to sniff out sneaks enroute, ‘where pope would go this way and I would go that way’. We would meet up, compare times, and discuss which would be faster. At the race briefing, Loyld and I were honoured with being given the ‘King of the Beach’ Polka Dot jerseys to race in for Day 1.

                                            TOWARDS THE END OF DAY 1….

 After finishing Day 1 at Kob Inn, I got a heli flip to Mazeppa Hotel (6km back along Day 1) to join Jeannie, Sue and Wendy Pope-Ellis for afternoon tea and Dinner.

                                               HELI FLIP TO MAZEPPA

Thereafter on the low tide at 11pm, I hopped on Jeannie’s bike to cycle back to Kob Inn with headlamp and all…. felt like I was in an adventure race. My heart skipped a beat, wading across the river just before Kob Inn, when something quite firm brushed over my leg midway. Instinctively I thought – Shark, but it turned out to be a Jelly Fish.

After Day 2 at the Haven Hotel, riders got down and dirty, digging holes, mixing concrete and assembling a granite/marble bench and table top (curtesy of the Imana Wild Ride) in memory of the Pope. Pope used to frequent the Haven during December, hammering hardcore Dusi trainings sessions day in, day out. The Table is positioned in a lovely spot, great seaview, where one can sit and relax, enjoying a sundowner.          

                               BUILDING BENCH & TABLE AT THE HAVEN HOTEL

                                                          POPE TRIBUTE

We ducked and dived amongst the top 5 positions throughout our magical 4 Days of racing. The weather was superb except for a little cold spell on Day 3, but that unpleasantness was complimented with a lekker tail wind. Popes sneaks did their magic afterall, because somehow when we banged the finisher’s Gong at Umngazi we found ourselves in a surprising 3rd position overall.

 Nagle Dam Canoe Race – 4km paddle, 700m portage, 2.5km paddle, 700m portage, 3km paddle, 700m portage, 4km paddle.

                                            GOING INTO THE FIRST PORTAGE….

Who would of thought my week could of gotten better after MTBing for 4 days along the spectacular Transkei Wild Coast. Somehow it did, when I arrived, on Sunday, down at Nagle Dam to witness my boys in action in the Nagle Dam Canoe race. The Electrical Buzz of the excitement of  my ‘Change a Life’ Zulus before the start of this Canoe race, could of  generated enough power to light up the entire Valley of a Thousand Hills.

When the Start Gun blasted, there was flurry of paddles, as canoes jostled to get ahead. Coming into the first portage, it was a delight to see the first 6 boats were ‘Change a life’ crews. The first “Mlungus” were local Farmers, Ant Edmonds and Gary Benn.

                                         INSPIRATIONAL….  FATHER & SON   

                     ONE ARMED JAN PADDLES ALL THE MAJOR CANOE RACES AROUND SA.

The second portage enters a proper Game Reserve, where athletes run upstream, parallel to the Umgeni River, now in Rhino country. Upon launching themselves on the River, there is a challenging Weir and gnarly rapid where all mayhem ensued.

                                      SHOOTING THE WEIR SUCCESSFULLY….

                                                       GNARLY RAPID….

I had a great vantage point to witness the breakaway two leading boats (Lucas & Skhumbuso and brothers Richard & Nhlanhla) capsizing in the later half of this rapid. After a mad scramble to climb back in their canoes, they were able to dash off without having been caught. The next few ‘Change a Life’ boats shot this obstacle like pros.

           NHLANHLA SWIMMING BEHIND RICHARD & LUCAS & SKHUMBUSO SCRAMBLING ….

    THEREAFTER IT WAS A 50/50 SUCCESS RATE – GREAT ENTERTAINMENT SPECTATORS

Coming to the finish, it was a nail biting full out sprint which Lucas & Skhumbuso won.

                                                         LUCAS & SKHUMBUSO

Sure the heavy hitters weren’t present, but incredibly the first 8 boats were all ‘Change a Life’. With the local youngsters watching in awe, what great role models these Valley Boys are for them. Showing that clean cut living is the way to go, and hard work and discipline go hand in hand with achieving results.

                                               ERIC – focused, determined, hungry to achieve….

Yesterday’s Time Freight Multisport race (5km Trail Run, 20km Mtb and 5km Paddle) at Albert Falls was a great test of my ‘Change a life’ boys’ mountain biking skills. After the last months race in Port Edward, which saw my guys lose some top positions because of the very technical mountain bike leg, we went home to the valley to scout a route that after a couple of runs would sort this out, chop-chop. 

Apart from the biking their running is coming on nicely too. Their Wednesday time trial run is a highlight for me as we circumnavigate Nagle Dam and I am pushed hard as I challenge each one of them to beat me – I am getting used to eating ‘Humble Pie’…. Only a pleasure to shake a congratulatory hand to those that do.

           Driving out the Valley of a Thousand Hills -checking if boats are coming loose.

Winters not my favourite when the Sun rises two hours later, stalling the day’s activities. The cold making one wear layer upon layer of clothing. If the Winter is to be cold, let there be snow so we can play in it. In the Valley of a Thousand Hills there’s no such luck, its just bastard cold. Where my Zulus live there is no electricity, so heaters are non existent and thus there is no incentive to be out and about before sunrise. However, yesterday morning they had to make the 30min walk in the dark from their homes to our meeting point, where cleverly they had tied their bikes and boats on the trailer the day before. There was not one complaint of any kind, this is Life – deal with it….                                                                                Moments like these make the sniggly frustrations in my life seem insignificant.

The scene was set – most perfect Winter’s day for perfect racing, well almost….

                ”Change a Life’ machines Nhlanhla, Richard and Eric leading the pack….

The ‘Change a Life’ boys catapulted out the start blocks like there was no tomorrow. Knowing Mkhonzeni‘s ability, it was concerning that he was leading the charge. The initial out and back along the edge of the Dam made for a spectator friendly start, where supporters could view their favourites in all their glory as some thundered and some glided effortlessly past, disappearing into the long yellow winter grass as they snaked their way on the single track. Brothers Richard & Nhlanhla ran exceptionally to keep Eric within a stones throw, who had powered his way to the front. Coming into the run/bike transition, it was a sea of ‘Change a Life’ as 7 of my Zulus were amongst the first 10 athletes.

Then onto the two lap Mtb course which has always been their nemesis in the past, losing heaps of positions to the real cyclists. The anticipation was too much for me to take just waiting around in the transition, so I made my way somewhere midway on the course. I was overwhelmed with relief, when Eric shot past in second position looking strong – but professional Multisport athlete Justin Porteous was hot on his heals. Kwanda too surprised me, coming by next.

                                                        Kwanda – ‘working hard’

Then there were some other athletes, and then suddenly Lucas and Zonele cycled past, huffing and puffing, just hovering out of the Top Ten. 

                                                                   Lucas

But where were Nhlanhla, Richard and Mkhonzeni? They should have been in front of the other two. A few minutes later, in the opposite direction I see them making their way slowly. I call to them and they reply “We lost”. What had happened is that they suddenly saw another cyclist in front and followed them. However this cyclist was doing the Multi-X (no paddle) which started 15min after and was on a different part of the course. They weren’t the only ones, further back some others too got confused and went off course. To add further to his woes, late in the cycle, Mkhonzeni broke his chain and having lost huge time, limped into the transition, calling it a day. A quick word of encouragement “Never give up” and “it will be good training”, he continued with the paddle – seeing the bigger picture.

I bolted back to the bike/paddle transition, just in time to see race leader Andrew Birkett take to the water in his canoe. He was followed by Justin and then Eric, with the most  determined, focussed look on his face.  Now onto his strongest discipline, the question was, “has he left enough fuel in the tank to close the gap on second”.  Cut a long story short, to my absolute joy, Eric – grimacing a smile, jumped out his canoe  and charged across the finish line in second position overall – a real Herculean effort.

                                                  Eric – ‘Chip & a Putt’ to go

                                              Eric – all smiles, 2nd overall

                                        Warren & Kwanda zoning in on the finish

Kwanda had a solid paddle, digging deep in an all out sprint to the line to secure 5^th position.

                                              Kwanda just beating Warren Nicol

Lucas and Zonele worked together on the paddle to tactfully pass a few unsuspecting cyclists come paddlers, finishing 9^th and 10^th respectively. Nhlanhla and Richard made it into the Top Twenty.

                                              Mighty fine Team Effort….

Most likely, the success story of the day was Sizwe….

                                                                 Sizwe – training in the Valley….                           

Close to where I live, I often saw this young black kid running along the road. Eventually my curiosity got the better of me and I asked him ‘why are you running’. He didn’t hesitate in his reply ‘I love it’.

Next time I saw him, I gave him a pair of Hi-Tecs and a 450g container of USN Cytopower  and a ‘Change a Life ‘ vest. He was super grateful. Two days before yesterday’s race, I gave him a bicycle for the first time to use and asked if he would like to do this Multi-X race (5km Run, 20km Mtb, 2.5km Run). He was all smiles. To cut another long story short – Sizwe was the first u/19 athlete (junior) across the line, winning himself a lekker Thule Bike Rack for a car (which of course he doesn’t have).

                        Sizwe – giving his absolute all in the first 5km Trail Run….

When I dropped him at home, I noticed he was sort of limping – I asked “did you injure yourself?” He answered sheepishly, “my legs are so sore”. Never in all his life had he raced so hard. I drove off with the biggest smile on my face, knowing he loved it and will be back.

Ps- any offers for the Thule bike rack?

Switzerland visit….

While most of the country was being hit by a freezing front this last week, I zipped over to Switzerland to enjoy 4 days of Northern Hemisphere summer. Although a work related trip, I was in heaven. HI-TEC International are launching a new trail shoe towards the end of the year, so needed action shots and video clips for advertising. What a pleasure to play in the Swiss Alps. Having done some sport related shoots before, I knew the drill- do the same shot 20times over and do this all day long. At times the professionals running  the shoot  were apologetic for this, not realising how I enjoy running hills, repeatedly and how I was enjoying the beauty of the mountains. It was such a treat being there.

                                                 Team ‘Change a Life’ all smiles…. 

The ‘Change a Life’ boys had been looking forward to this first Multisport race of 2010, since they completed the mighty Triple Challenge in Nov 2009. The nature of these races excites them as they are so different to the regular races they do involving only paddling and running.

We were up before the Sparrows to drive the 250km down the South Coast to the Umtanvuma River near Port Edward, for the Time Freight Multisport Race – 5km Trail Run, 20km Mtb, 5km Paddle.

Arriving down at Nagle Dam in the dark, I was pleasantly surprised that all my “Change a Life’ Zulus were ready and waiting to load the trailer with boats and bikes.

Leaving Nagle Dam, driving along the Valley floor, I looked up at the Cliffs of Table Mountain. The sun turning the dark cliffs a dull Orange, made for the most spectacular scene.

                             The Great Dusi King Graeme Pope-Ellis sadly passed away

Driving over the Dusi was just too much and the tears rolled down my cheeks – Graeme’s presence was everywhere. He makes me want to race again.

Having wasted 20 min whilst a cop wrote out a traffic fine enroute for not having a red flag on the back of the canoes, was just enough to make it organised chaos upon arrival at the race venue.

                                                   Blasting out the Blocks….

A 2km tar road hill climb to start with is one certain way of getting the human engine heaving. But the motivating factor of running up is knowing that there is a fine downhill to follow. The competitors bolted out of the blocks, with Nhlanhla leading my team of valley boys, Richard and Kwanda hot on his heels. Lucas was huffing and puffing a little further back, having been focusing the last while on SA Marathon Champs.

                                                                                  Nhlanhla setting the pace….                                     

First race of the multisport season and the ‘Change a life’ boys were a little rusty. Nhlanhla had to sprint to the car during both transitions, the first time to retrieve his bike helmet and then his life jacket for the paddle, so that set him back a few positions.

                                                       Rich on the bike

Kwanda, having to fix a puncture during the bike leg was then caught by Richard, but on leaving the transition after the bike and knowing they had a paddle to follow, then followed the marshals directions which sent them out onto the final run-leg of the Multicross event (run/bike/run). I found them a kilometre or so away from transition and sent them scuttling back in haste.

The 20km bike course has been like a pair of jump-start leads as my guys realised the necessity to regularly train technical bike routes. The single-track was laced with many sections of rocks, some fallen logs, a narrow concrete bridge, rickety stream crossings, cambered burms and steep ascents and descents.

                                                    Lucas  negotiating a rocky drop….

Once onto the two-lap (5km) paddle, my boys felt ‘at home’. Lucas’s turbo kicked in as he reeled in and passed a number of competitors to finish in 5^th position.

Richard and Kwanda kept each other company, finishing 10^th and 11^th respectively and Kwanda made podium  for U/21. Mkhonzei crossed the line in 11^th, while Nhlanhla, with all his ‘extra’ running, placed 12^th.

                                                Kwanda giving it all to the end….

Lessons indeed can be taken from Saturday’s racing. I need to do less spoon feeding, as I always check that bike/helmet, boat/paddle/lifejacket are in place, I explain the route again to them…. and now that I couldn’t due to time constraints, things went pear-shaped. Also the boys don’t train technical riding too much as the single track in the Valley is riddled with thorns. We will not make sure these mistakes don’t happen next time.

I thought the results were still satisfactory, considering the rookie errors made. Remembering too that my ‘No 1 thoroughbred’ Eric was unable to race due to attending a funeral of a close family member.

                                               ‘CHANGE A LIFE’ RUNNING LEAGUE prizes

                      Winning School – Nhlanhlayabebhuze (Lucas and I, left & right of pic)

“What a great experience for the kids, you know they have never experienced such a thing before” said Mr Mbeje, sports teacher for Phangindawo Junior School.

He was referring to the ‘eat as much as you can’ Spur lunch and movie for his School’s first prize for their ten best performers.

Many of my ‘Change a Life’ boys were amongst the winners of the Senior School – Nhlanhlayabhebuze High, who too went to the Spur for a treat and then a movie. Richard Cele (13^th on Dusi) ‘couldn’t believe how big the TV screen was!’

                            They chose the most action packed movie and loved it….

Thanks to the Spur for accommodating all these boys and girls.

                                                                    VALLEY GYM….

All the gym equipment is in place and it’s rather cosy, not a bad thing with winter tightening the screws on the weather. Fortunately there is a garage door to open, to let the Polar Bears in when it gets a little stuffy. At the moment the heavy machines are out of bounds for fear of injury, until I get someone qualified to give them tuition. Its so lekker to have this gym to add value and variation to their training routine. Thanks again to Virgin Active for this generous donation.

                                                  KZN Marathon Champs

‘Change a life’ youngsters claim KZN Marathon Title.                                                        KZN Canoeing colours were up for grabs as the Valley Boys were up against the best in the province. The seniors had to compete against the likes of ex-World champion, Hank MacGregor, current U/23 World Champ, Grant van der Walt and Ant Stott, also in the mix.

The course, a 36km paddle with five 150m portages, is a gruelling distance to cover on flat water and tactics of bunch riding plays a major role in having enough gas in the tank for a final end sprint if it comes down to it.

During a last minute Dusi Mfula MTB training session, I timed it so to take a breather at Nagle Dam- to observe and motivate my ‘Change a life’ guys. It was so encouraging to see the juniors stirring the pot on the front bunches in the various age groups. A new ‘tiny’ talent has emerged, Mthombisi Cele, an u/14, who kept the heat up amongst his competitors. However Paulos Shozi scooped the performance of the day – winning the u/18 K1 title overall and in the process beating Mmeli for the first time ever. I was pleased to see Chazani win the u/16 K2 race with Emmanuel. Watch little Chazani in the 2011 Dusi u16 category next year, my money is on him. 

 ‘Change a life’ Results

Paulos Shozi – 1^st U/18 K1

Mmele Cele – 2^nd U/18 K1

Raced together – 1^st U/18 K2

Chazani Gumede and Emmanuel Kirk – 1^st U/16 K2

Ntobisi Scele (2^nd U/14 K1) and Ndumiso Ngcobo – 1^st U/14 K2

The Unlimited Dusi Mfula MTB Race gets a facelift

Dusi Mfula is a race I wouldn’t miss for the world. It gives me a bird’s eye view of the valley that has been my ‘hunting ground’ for the past 12 years. Just when I think there can’t possibly be a place I haven’t seen- paddled, run, driven or cycled through- then this 2-day MTB event treats me to another unexplored path. The route designers, or rather Route Masters, did a phenomenal job sourcing endless smooth flowing cattle paths which allowed us to cover most of the 64km on the first day. Even in places where it seems unimaginable to get to, we were made to navigate over sturdy bridges and single-track carved by hand. One of the numerous places that stopped me dead in my tracks, was the section traversing Mamba Gorge- this is a forbidden part of the Dusi river that paddlers and the like never get to see because of its inaccessability and the rocky gnarly’ness of the river bed. Another addition was the leisurely boat ride that ferried us across Inanda Dam from the finish line to the overnight stop and the well earned lunch. After gulping down a USN RecoverMax drink and feeling my body sapping it up, I was ready for the mountain we were going to have to ascend the next day.

                                                        After race boat ride….

Being boated back across Inanda Dam in the half-dark to the start of race Day-2, there was loads of chattering teeth, but the cold air was worth appreciating knowing the heat that would be generated minutes later as we were to snake our way up to Shembu plateau, where we would be greeted by a ghost village- The Shembe village is a religious community that once a year hosts the gathering of over 1 million people as they come to worship. Generally no one is allowed into the village with their shoes on and riders were given the special privilege of being the first people to be allowed through the main street of the village as visitors. This plateau also presented us with another incredible sight… the 85m Umzinyathi Falls- a real hidden gem- well worth easing up on the gas to appreciate this beautiful spectacle. If we thought the previous days single track was endless we were pleasantly surprised as we had a dizzying descent that took us into carved trails along the edge of the dam and after a short breather on an undulating open dirt road and a quick refuelling at the USN Oasis, we headed into the final stretch of trail that had us on and off the bikes as we put our backs into pushing up some calf-burning, short but steep rises. Free-wheeling across the line and any inclings of pain was instantly forgotten and that’s what makes us come back for more

Non-Stop Dusi 2010 Winner, Eric Zondi’s other sporting talent

Having to make a visit to Eric at his home above Shongweni Dam over the weekend, he said I should meet him at the local sports field. Thinking he would most likely be watching ‘his team’ playing a soccer match, I was happily surprised to find him on the field in the no.9 striker jersey.

RUNNING… A SPORT FOR EVERYONE 

Nagle Dam is such a special place for me- it’s where I spent 3 months before Dusi 2008 training (and living) with Bungi. It’s where my ‘Change a life’ Academy idea was sparked and then evolved into a squad of talented paddling and multisport athletes.  And now… it’s home to my first Interschool Running Sportsday. And what a lekker day it was.

One of many youngsters showing fine form and raw running talent

Although a small event to start with, the feeling at Nagle Dam was incredibly vibey as the local DJ (who had set up four big ‘boom boxes’, standing 6 feet tall), plus the excitement of the pupils, teachers, supporters and onlookers, created a celebratory/colourful atmosphere that only our nation know how to create.

I was further surprised that very early Saturday morning, as a headmaster from a junior school, that I haven’t yet got involved in the weekly running Time Trials, phoned to ask why their school hadn’t been included in the league and if he could bring 20 of his junior school pupils to participate in the run? (At the moment this is a pilot project to see the response and enthusiasm from the schools and those in charge to determine the feasibility of such a program in this Valley of a Thousand Hills). I can’t believe the commitment to the weekly trail runs and the competitiveness that is already brewing amongst the schools.

Total commitment… when you can race with only one shoe on

A perfect Natal winters day was already a scorcher by the time I set the juniors off on their 3.5km trail. I only hoped that the littlest competitor, just 9 years old, could handle the heat and the pace as he blasted off the start hoping to hang in with his peers for as long as possible. The High Schools athletes had a demon7km  route to contend with, circumnavigating Nagle Dam, with a challenging Kopje to conquer. They too threw all ‘pace setting’ advice out the window as I shouted GO! 

 Briefing the eager competitors

Both races proved to be challenging as the finish line was littered with exhausted pupils – they had all given it their best shot- not only wanting to gain prestige as the fastest runners, but with the incentive of first prize- a movie ticket and Spur meal for the 10 best runners (Seven Boys and three Girls) from the winning schools for the Juniors and the Senior Schools, plus of course the School Principal and Sports Teacher. Second Prize was a Spur meal, and third – food parcels for their families.

The winning Schools brandishing their trophies

Some girls really gave the boys a thrashing….

The competitors thought they were in heaven when handed their very own ‘whole 500ml USN Active Sports Drink’ (time trials they got a cup) to put petrol back in the tank and were very very grateful to receive a boerewors roll, which my ‘Change a life’ guys had braai’d to perfection (kindly donated by Parklane Spar).

Chuffed Principals and Sports Teachers

VALLEY VIRGIN ACTIVE

It’s very pleasing that Virgin Active has ‘put their equipment where their mouth is’, as a stack was delivered to the valley on Friday and secured in ‘the gym’ close to Nagle Dam. The guys are really looking forward to the super circuit sessions- but firstly I will have to get a professional come down to show the guys how to use the machines correctly and demonstrate paddling specific exercises to prevent unnecessary injuries (and so that they don’t get side-tracked pumping the heaviest iron to build their physiques for charming the ladies).

                          Awesome foursome from Mqongqo Junior School….

Trail Run – My decision to move to Pmb KZN was based on wanting to be near my ‘Change a life’ Academy – figuratively speaking to keep my finger on the pulse. This current project is ticking over beautifully and I will continue to manage it carefully, ensuring its continuity, as it is close to my heart.

Having said that, I too need to shift some energy towards something more challenging and far reaching, throwing my net into a far larger talent pool and in the process capturing the attention of the youth.

                                                   Minutes before start time….

There was lots of time to think on my long solo Epic training rides in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, witnessing subsistent life in its simplest form. No matter where I was, in the morning or afternoon, at the right time there were always children – little ones, big ones, young ones and older ones, walking to School Monday to Friday. I thought “I wonder how good they can run”

And so my idea of creating a School XC-Country Running League was born. Gone will be my current restrictions of specialist equipment needs like boats and paddles, being able to swim and transport limited to 12 kids in my Quantum bus. This would be open to everyone and anyone….

Why trail running? No traffic control necessary, kids can run barefoot (which 80% will) so anyone can pitch up and run – no discrimination towards those lacking equipment.

I will employ my ‘Change a Life’ athletes to monitor these trail running events, which will provide them with an opportunity to go to the next tier. And hopefully a new life-skill will be learned – Responsibility.

                                            Timekeeper – Zonele analizing the kids times

Lucas asked me that we choose trails clean of thorns. Subsequently I bought him a rake to sweep those parts which were problem areas. Zonele analizing their times

My inaugural X-country run was at Mqongqo Primary School. Principal Rita Mkize welcomed the idea with open arms. Subsequently we will be hosting our 9^th run this coming Wednesday.

Next to join this league were the two high Schools that flank Nagle Dam, Nhlanhla and Masijabule. Masijabule has a super tough running route, whereas Nhlanhla High has sweeping turns on tight single track.  Already I can feel the tension and excitement building up when these two Schools go up against each other this coming Saturday – Sports Day.

                                                             USN Treat….

Every three months, down at Nagle Dam, is Sports Day. Here Schools send their twenty best runners (14 boys, 6 girls) to represent them. The 10 best runners (7 boys, 3 girls) from a School count towards that Schools result. And the winning ten get to go to the Spur ‘eat as much as you can’ + movie. Second is just the Spur, no movie. Third  get food packs for their family.

Something as simple as eating out at Spur has created such a hype amongst the kids that I can just see them exploding out the start box, ‘pacing yourself’ not part of the race strategy anymore, running as if their lives depended on it.

                                                  No running kit but thats okay….

The ‘Change a life’ guys are training hard for the SA Canoe Marathon champs in Plettenberg Bay, preceded by KZN Canoe Champs at the beginning of June. I joined them on Nagle Dam yesterday morning- a perfect sunny and warm Natal winter, with not a ripple on the water which made Table Mountain reflection look as if it were the real thing. I was utterly impressed by the pace the boys maintained for the 20km marathon style course, which included a 150m portage every 4km’s.  

                        ‘Change a Life’ Boys doing what they do best down at Nagle Dam 

                                               ARTHUR AND I – Race Ready

It was lekker driving down into the valley early Sunday morning, sunlight through the clouds stained the cliffs on ‘Table Mountain’ a pale orange. Beside the odd early bird Zulu housewife already hanging up laundry to dry, the countryside was still asleep. That is until I arrived at Nagle Dam, and there the ‘Change a Life’ team were wide-eyed and eager to get going. Not often does African Time merge with Greenwich Meridian time. Destination – Spur Adventure Challenge at Shongweni Dam, 22km Mtb and 5km Trail run. Lovely overcast weather – perfect for racing.

I had a freak accident stepping on a branch last week, which resulted in a thorn breaking off an inch deep in my Achilles Heel. Unable to walk two days later, I went under the knife of an Orthopaedic Surgeon Sunday morning, left the hospital half an hour later with stitches, anti-biotics and crutch in hand. It was important for me to take part as I had planned a genuine Media angle to encourage kids/parents & all to have no excuse getting outdoors and ‘just doing it’. My highly inspirational partner, Arthur Duncan, was this media angle.

                                                      A few days before Race day

Arthur is 75 years young and only recently started doing sport of any kind in his late sixties. The whole race I was in utter amazement at Arthur’s athletic ability. Arthur didn’t hesitate at the steepest part of the downhill single track, where 70% of riders were walking, which resulted in a somersault over his handlebars. Thirty seconds later he was back on his bike in my slipstream.

                                                       HIGH SPIRITS THROUGHOUT

Tentative to try run so soon I was more than happy to walk the Trail Run, but this was not to be, as Arthur ran the flats and downhill. Not even the rugged underfoot riverbed and water crossing sections could deter Arthur’s forward progression. To think I still have 34 more years of such fun to look forward to….

We crossed the finish line all smiles, a truly inspirational experience for me, thanks a mil Arthur, I salute you. 

Back to the racing snakes. As per the other two Spur Adventure Challenges in CT and Pretoria, the youngsters took off from the start line like there was no tomorrow. The 25% gradient hill a minute after the start, pushed the heart rate sky high. The ‘Change a Life’ teams instinctively worked their way to the front, slowing up a bit on the single-track technical bike sections. Non Stop Dusi stars, Eric & Thomas, took full advantage of the long unrideable sandy sections, which felt so familiar as it simulated a Dusi portage except now a bike replaced the canoe.

                                               Thomas- focussed, pushing hard….

They were being chased hard by fellow team mates – Lucas and Zonele. However they cemented their lead when they powered up the monster climb midway on the run. The rubber ankles of the other ‘Change a Life’ duos saw them claw their way into the top five as other teams grovelled with the super technical 500m rocky river section.

                                                SCOOPING THE PRIZES….

                                                  On its way to bike heaven…. maybe

One of my top athletes, Nhlanhla Cele, couldn’t race, as a friend (not allowed to lend bike out) ‘totalled’ his bike a week ago. Right now, I have no plans to get it repaired as the cost is just too much. I feel sorry for him but it’s an example to him and the others that money doesn’t grow on trees. Right now the offer is that he must pay a third – R700,  and I will put in R1400. Its stalemate, as Nhlanhla’s at School and doesn’t earn a cent.

Interesting fact – last year I did this exact race with 11 year old Sean Maarschalk, we finished and had a lot of fun. So there is a 64 (75 Arthur minus 11Sean) year window of opportunity to take part in such activities – no excuses will be accepted!

                                            Lucas making do with the old stuff….

In the World of sport, the athlete must be proactive and approach possible sponsors. Seldom does the reverse happen, so when Helen from Virgin Active called to ask if I would be interested in any gym equipment, as the Umhloti VA would be having a revamp and their old equipment needed a home. I was knocked over backwards – How awesome is that.

Currently we have two weights made from putting concrete into a tin can with a thin pole connecting to the other tin can. Already Helen & co have come down to check out possibilities – security and shelter are nb. We identified an out building, belonging to Artwell Mhlophe, the Water Balif at Nagle Dam and how perfect that it has a garage door for access of the larger equipment like the Smith Machine.

                                             SPUR ADVENTURE CHALLENGE

                                        Songo & Mart 

What a cracker of a day, the best of everything – record turnout, magic weather and a stunning venue at Lourensford Wine Estate. For my partner Songo Fipaza and I, the setting was all too familiar, having recently finished the Cape Epic Cycle right here a month ago.

 This is my third straight year racing/partnering with Songo in the Spur Adv Challenge and so have become good friends. I have huge respect for the work Songo is doing with the kids of the Kyamandi Settlement on the outskirts of Stellenbosch. Drugs and theft are career moves for these kids who live here and have nothing, cycling has been a means of busying them with ‘life skills’ (discipline, hard work, timeliness and goal setting), keeping them off  the streets. You might recall the team name that the legendary Christof Sauser and Burry Stander raced under in the Cape Epic Cycle – Songo Info, raising money for a bmx track in Kyamandi.

Back to the Spur Adventure Challenge -13km mtb, 3km run, 13km mtb, 3km run (for the record – I took a bet that no female would beat Songo and I.                                                                                  GO- teams took off on their bikes like there was no tomorrow. After a few short sharp climbs, Songo and I found ourselves surprisingly in the front. The dam crossing saw us slip back as we both spluttered across with Songo ‘piggy backing’ on me. It still blows my mind that someone would attempt a water crossing  not being able to swim. Some more climbs allowed us to regain the lead. Almost back in the transition, boom – Songo’s rear tubeless tyre got a massive hole.

Bombing wasn’t effective and we had no plugs. We limped into the transition in 10^th position. Set off on the trail run, such a lekker route. Returned to the transition in 2^nd. And it was here that we battled, what seemed like eternity, to repair the tyre. Panic set in, when the first female team Rusty Bomb of Jeannie Bomford & Merina Rust overtook us standing still. When Songo and I finally set off , I was determined to catch the ‘chicks’, because if not – it would mean Nappy changing for me for a month. Cut a long story short – Yes, nappy changing for me for a month. 

Next Spur Race at Groenkloof, Pretoria – Saturday 24^th of April, and then the following week at Shongweni Dam in KZN on Sunday 02^nd of May.

Believe me, it is the best sporty fun a family can have. Something for everyone. There is also the Bush Baby Trail, an educational 2km/one hour chaperoned walk (parents welcome to accompany their little ones) where surprises await around some corners – like the chance to touch a pet snake…., see a porcupine….  Then parents wanting quality bonding time with their kids can go on the Nature Hike – 6-7km walk on a very picturesque route. And if you in undecided, just DO IT, as 100% of entry fees go to JAM (Joint Aid Management), to feeding hungry kids – currently feeding over 500 000 children.

Enter on the day or at www.spur.co.za  

                                                SA SPRINT CHAMPS                                                           The cream of South Africa’s sprinters, Olympians and World Cup Champions,  descended upon Nagle Dam to take part in the SA Sprint Champs. Distances raced were the 200m, 500m, 1000m, 5000m.

The ‘Change a life’ team has been training hard for this event, because it keeps them sharp, but realistically these distances are far too short. To get a result over such a short distance, you need to be super fast and powerful and done massive strength work in the gym.  Our best sprinter, Shaun Rubenstein, has focussed entirely on the 1000m and less for the past 8 years, only sneaking in one Dusi in the process. Such is the necessary focus in order to achieve on an international stage. So when ten ‘Change a Life’ paddlers made finals in different events, I was ecstatic. Zonele and Bheka medalled three times in the u/21 category – 200m Bronze, 500m Bronze, 5000m Silver. Very well done boys, excellent result.

                                                     ROCKAFELLAS FEAST

If all went well with the CNN TV shoot  then I promised the ‘Change a Life’ boys an ‘eat as much as you want in town. We arrived at the Golden Horse Casino to find that one of the biggest Horse Races in KZN was currently on the go next door at Scottsville.

Subsequently the restaurant was packed as there was a bird’s eye view of the racing. It was interesting watching  the total individual involvement of each Valley boy selecting his food from the buffet. Too many things we take for granted, like there’s always food on the table.

The guys couldn’t take their eyes off this beautiful girl, dressed for the racing, sitting on the terrace above them. Instead of taking a group photo, I couldn’t resist asking her for a photograph with the guys in the background. They were so excited about this photo. Then when we left, those brave enough got a little closer – courage in numbers.

                                                   HI-TEC GLOBAL LAUNCH

One hundred and fifty five delegates/distributors from around the world were invited to attend the Hi-Tec Global launch in Cape Town. With the Icelandic Volcano causing more havoc than you and I can imagine, all of Hi-Tec’s head office personnel in the UK couldn’t get there due to the airline shut down. But as the highly enthusiastic Frank Wesel (CEO and Founder) said  “the show must go on”, and that it did. Power Points were emailed across and others  (including myself) stepped up to the plate and delivered their presentations.

Attending this launch, I witnessed first hand Hi-Tec’s future marketing strategy on the Outdoor Market for 2011. Two products excited me. Their incredible outdoor clothing range, showed off by Minki van Westhuizen and her models, and their latest Adventure Trail Shoe, called the V-Lite Infinity. It’s Night and Day, in comparison to any of their previous Trail Shoes, and just so happens to be the lightest in the market.

                                        Richard learning a new skill

The CNN crew were an absolute pleasure to accommodate. They never shyed away from getting ‘down and dirty’, and made the Valleys boys feel at ease with their laid back attitude but very professional approach. They were taken by the beauty of Nagle Dam and the surrounding rural area. I thought one day of filming would be difficult to capture everything about my Academy, however viewing some of the footage that evening, they seemed to have captured it just right.

5am – An early Saturday morning start, we ventured over to Thomas’s home to wake him and get some raw footage of a day in the life of a’Change a life’ Academy athlete.

A very real and impromptu opening to the show, as Thomas scrabbles under his bed in the dark to find his training kit and Hi-Tecs. Heading to the dam, we shoot more of my guys strolling casually (as normal) to the dam, bantering and laughing all the way.

Some paddling and running shots, a few interviews and handing out of their monthly USN sports supplements and weekly foodpacks, then delivered to their families. A full days work, with a total of 3 1/2hrs of filming, which will be edited into a 7min show and broadcast around the World – Exciting stuff.

It is interesting that my three top ‘Change a Life’ guys - Lucas, Thomas and Erice, are uplifting their own lives and their families, by building houses in the valley. Eric brags that his house is the biggest and fanciest, “4 rooms Mart and it has a toilet inside”. These three youngsters have managed to afford these homes through their racing- winning prize money and getting incentives. One forgets the harsh living conditions these folk endure. I ask Thomas, “where is the basin”? He looks at me and frowns, “Mart, we have no running water in this whole area, the pipes have been broken for 6 years now”. His Mother and Sister cart a 25l drum of water on their heads from far down the hill with grace and ease – no complaints, because this is Life, deal with it.

                                         Thomas’s house -3 rooms, R35 000

There’s a big buzz at Nagle Dam as athletes are arriving in preparation for SA Sprint Champs this weekend. Many of the big guns will be racing as well as a large contingent of development paddlers from around the country.

      I delivered a trailer of Lotto boats to the Dihlabeng Slalom Club in Bethlehem

I went up to the Dilhabeng Canoe Club in Bethlehem last week to deliver some new Lotto boats and I am excited to the paddling potential of these athletes improve as they receive real support. This is where South Africa’s Olympians for Slalom, Master Cele and Cyprian Ngidi live and train. At the end of the month they are off to France for a 3 month training camp. For the last two months, “Change a Life” athlete Nkosi Cele has been shadowing these two paddlers, and now will take over coaching at this club. An exciting opportunity to earn a salary for the first time in his life.  

    “Change a Life” athlete, Nkosi (left), with Olympians, Master & Cyprian

         Kids giving their all - In Slalom you only use a one bladed paddle 

                                 Time Trail – Lance Style

The professional start for the STAGE 5 TT made even the ‘fish ‘n chips’ cyclists exit the ramp in true Lance Armstrong fashion. The views we experieced on this day were some of the best we got to experience during the entire Epic, as the 27km snaked itself 860m upwards behind Worcester. Not having a seeding, I had been placed well at the front of the field for the reverse order start, and by 9:15am I was ready to put my feet up and enjoy a full days re-fuelling and relaxing.

Stage 6 was now the beginning of the count-down to the end, but this was the furthest I had ever ridden and 6h02, the longest day in the saddle. The undulating route from Worcester to Oak Valley in Elgin Apple country, as shown in the riders info booklet, was very deceiving as some of the climbs reached 26%- honest leg-burning efforts needed. 

                                      Local Apple Farm Labourers giving their all….

Waking up on day 7, the dust had been settled by some night-time showers and although the end was close, Dr Evil (the route master) had no intentions of easing up on the well-worked over 447 remaining official teams, (600 teams to start). 

Each day melted into the next, so much so, that this was life and the outside world didn’t exist.

Having travelled on the N2 highway past Botrivier a thousand times enroute to Plett, it was refreshing to arrive at this quaint little dorp via the ‘back roads’. The journey back was highlighted by the loose rock and sandy ascent up Dassenberg, where even the pros were downsized to portage.

The slower more rugged the going, somehow was to my advantage….

Finishing with awesome singletrack in Lebanon against the majestic Hottentots Holland mountains evaporated the ‘tired from the legs. I couldn’t complain having a ‘snake bite’ on my rear wheel, 3km’s from the end as this was my first bike admin of the entire race. All means of inflating the tyre failed ( later found out that the rear rim had split) and so continued on with a pap wheel. 

While resting up in my room at the Houw Hoek Inn, after 5h28 saddle time.I received an sms from good friend, Iain Don-Wauschope: “You buggers, you beat us by a minute today.”                                                 My reply- “1minute, 1second… A win’s a win. Make you a deal, winner takes all tomorrow.”                      Iain- “GAME ON”.

                                Finishing with Ferdi and Iain on Stage 3

With our ego at stake, Hennie and I charged off from the start of the final Stage 8, target locked on Iain and Ferdi, who had started a batch ahead of us. With having only 65km to work with, we were lucky to track them down early and scuttle past them on a big climb. A compulsory 2km portage up and over the ancient Voortrekker wagon track was to my liking, felt like the good ol’ adventure racing days. From there you could smell the stable doors. Our 46th place finish was the ‘cherry on top’, on what was an exceptional 8 day Mountain Biking experience.

                               Great experience – but happy its over.

52% of Cape Epic Riders voted Burry & Christoff to win – they settled for second.     Interesting fact – Bulls Team didn’t win a Stage but won overall, just shows in endurance racing – “Steady wins the Game”

 Winning Sisters from Denmark – dominated the Woman’s racing

CNN SHOOT….

This Saturday 10^th the ‘Change a life’ athletes will be charging up ‘n down, in ‘n around the Valley of a Thousand Hills, showcasing their talents- cycling, paddling, running- to the rest of the world. CNN are coming to film “A Day in the Life of the ‘Change a life’ Athletes”. CNN crew will be staying two nights in the Valley proper, to experience the real thing. They are wanting to profile an individual:  from family, getting up in the morning, training, to going to bed at night.

A  SUNDAY DRIVE….

Knowing during the easter weekend, my Academy training was in the capable hands of my wingman, Lucas, I disappeared to the Drakensberg to stay in a quaint cottage nestled in the mountains of the Umzinkulu river source. Couldn’t resist a trip into the mountains in Lesotho.  

                                       Callum and I doing some altitude training….