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“Change a Life” PAULOS – FASTEST IN AFRICA….
GOLD MEDALIST – “CHANGE A LIFE” PADDLER, PAULOS SHOZI
African Junior Sprint Championship 2010,Tunisia
Canoeing South Africa selected a development team to take part in the African Junior Championship held in Tunisia a few weeks ago. The team consisted of two girls and 3 boys, namely She Earl De Wee (Western Province), Tiiesetso Machate, Siseko Ntondini, Sifiso Cebekhulu (Gauteng) and “Change a Life” – Paulos Shozie.
Upon arriving in Tunisia, the team went for light training for an hour, getting used to the competition boats and the lake. The following day the team again did some light training, joined by the Moroccans’, Egyptians and the Algerians.
The 1st day of racing was a bit windy in the morning causing waves on the lake, which was not good especially for the girls, some even capsizing. Paulos made it through the heats to the final for the 1000m sprint, and raced brilliantly to claim GOLD.
The 2nd day of the competition started with the athletes racing the new Olympic distance – 200m. Paulos was 3rd (bronze) and Sifiso was 6th. In the Girls K1 200m Final, She-Earl paddled superbly to come 1st and Tiiesetso was 7th.
In the Boys 4000m, Paulos powered his way across the line in 1st position, claiming his second Gold medal of the Championship. Siseko was 2nd, winning silver (both were taken for Anti Doping tests for their performance). The Girls 4000m was raced in the afternoon, wherein She Earl came 3rd, earning a Bronze medal.
Arriving back in SA, late at night, Paulos couldn’t wait till morning to phone me. Upon answering he immediately ranted I won two Gold medals, two Gold Medals. Half asleep, I responded “what do you mean two Gold Medals?” African Champs Mart! I’m the fastest in Africa. – What an experience for a Zulu boy from the Valley of a Thousand Hills who has to walk 9km to training every day. Paulos so deserved to stand on top of the African podium.
Overall, South Africa was 2nd and Tunisia was 1st. Well done Paulos….
It was really great to manage the young team that showed a lot of commitment and respect. Even some other Team leaders from other countries were so happy to see the young South African showing the smile and unity in working together and doing so well on the water” – Artwell Mhlophe - Team Manager, African Junior Sprint Championship 2010 ——————————————————————————
FIRST CANOE RACE OF THE SEASON…. “CHANGE A LIFE” WARRIORS PODIUM
ERIC & LUCAS in the TEETH OF THE MOTO X WEIR
The Ngwenya canoe race was a qualifier and development team selection race for the Fish River canoe marathon (taking place on the 1st and 2nd October), so my boys were out in full force to try and come in the first 9 Development doubles, in order to secure their seat on the bus to Cradock in the Eastern Cape – because apart from being one of the best rivers to paddle in the country, all-round it is one of the most fun sporting weekends away – concluding with a real ‘Rock and Roll’ festive party.
ERIC & LUCAS TACKLING THE NEW IMPROVED COMMERCIAL RD WEIR
‘Change a life’s first doubles crew of Lucas and Eric kept the pressure on the second place finishers all the way down river, from the start at Campsdrift, to the finish 16km downstream at the Motocross Track. This section includes the notorious Earnie Pearce Weir, Commercial Rd weir (a lot easier since they lessens the gradient of the weir), Mussons rapid (the left and right lines were equally popular), Highway rapid, Low Level Bridge, Taxi rapid and the monster Motocross Weir to finish.
COLIN BURDEN ANCHORING THE K3 (3 PADDLERS) IN THE MOTO X WEIR
I felt terrible for top twenty K1 Dusi finisher Kwanda and his partner Moses when they had an unfortunate swim at Earnie Pearce. In such a short race, any mistake has dire consequences- (as they say, kicked out the the back door), as there is not enough time to recover and catch up.
ERIC & LUCAS HAPPYCHAPPIES….
Overall positions and making the KZN Dev Team to the Fish
3 – Lucas Mthalane & Eric Zondi
5 – Skhumbuso Ngidi & Thobane Mzolo
6 – Mmeli Cele & Paulos Shozi
12 – Mzamo Zondi & Scelo Mzolo
and
Richard Cele & Nhlanhla Cele (didn’t compete as their Father passed away, however were also included as a wild card entry in the KZN Dev Team).
‘ONE ARM’ JAN IS AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL – DOESN’T MISS A RACE
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CAPITAL CLIMB – Maritzburg’s most popular run
I thought it would be a lekker opportunity for my ‘Change a life’ boys to see the real road runners of Pietermaritzburg- the guys that run a sub-70min ½ marathon. Also, it would be a great chance for me to show them how to pace themselves on a run that starts with a challenging 8km climb and ‘ends’ with a (7km) downhill – 15km total. Starting the Capital Climb in Maritzburg, under the infamous Comrades banner of the City Hall, my boys were overly excited to be lined up with thousands of other runners at the crack of dawn. Waiting for the start gun, I explained to Eric & Sizwe (my fastetst), “if the winner today only starts running when you get to the 3km marker, he will still beat you.” They responded in unison, “No way, impossible.” The bet was on.
Four minutes after the start, running within the multitude of masses, Mkhonzeni was still so excited that he could not contain himself and was loudly ‘whoohooing’ to the world. Clever or not, Zonele and Kwanda tagged onto my pace, thinking that I would have the ‘know’, how to get them to the end respectably. Wearing our ‘Change a Life’ branded tops created such positive encouragement from the thousands of onlookers lining the route - they recognised the logo from their incredible Dusi results.
Eric and Sizwe ate humble pie at the end, astounded that there are runners in this world that can run so fast…. It was a great experience all round but if anything, it redefined their limits in how fast a person can actually run – illustrating that although Eric is the fastest man in the Valley of a Thousand hills, he is definitely not the fastest man alive.
FISH CANOE MARATHON
No Swims….
I joined my ‘Change a Life’ paddlers in a Fish River Training camp 4 days before the race itself. Other Canoe Club’s Development paddlers participated as well. We all camped at Marlow High School just outside Cradock, with breakfast and supper catered for by the School, and a visit to the Spar dealt with the lunches.
Michael Mbanjwa joined our camp, and we each paddled with two incredibly talented youngsters (14 years old), Colin Letwaba and Katiso Hlahatsi, from the Victoria Lake Canoe Club in Jhb.
“Change a life” paddler Nkosi, paddling in a Bethlehem Canoe as he was partnering with novice paddler Jabulani from the Dihlabeng Slalom Club - Free State.
Two of my “Change a life”‘ paddlers teamed up with novice Fish paddlers from the Dihlabeng Slalom Club in Bethlehem. Nkosi is now living in Bethlehem and is the Development coach there, earning a small salary. It was good to see the tripping was taken seriously and no negative incidents occurred on the River. The much talked about “double trouble” was successfully negotiated by everyone, except to the amusement of all, on Michael and Colin’s second attempt – Michael fell out half way and Colin shot the big hole perfectly by himself in the K2 with no driver.
The bar has been raised with regard to the Development Assault on the Fish – take a look at these results:
8 Development K2’s came in the top 100
14 Development K2’s came in the top 150
17 Development Boats came in the top 170
TRAINING FOR THE MIGHTY TRIPLE CHALLENGE (20km Run, 52km Mtb,20km Paddle)
ERIC, LUCAS & KWANDA loving their new Mountain Bikes….
On the weekend, we grabbed the opportunity to ride the Mtb route by joining the race organisers ‘official’ tripping ride. With the varying ability of the riders, I encouraged my boys to do extra loops while we periodically waited for everyone to regroup. The slow ride gave them a chance to memorise the course and was such good Q-time for me with them. I gave advice where I thought it best to push hard, ease up, eat (before long downhills) etc…. Having a few flat tyres, the guys saw the need to stay on the paths at all times and not cut corners to save a few meters. Before the race I will make Eric and Kwanda’s bikes tubeless. Lucas is superstitious with this no tubes ideology and would rather take his chances with tyre liners.
Not sure if it’s the long, steady base miles gained in Malawi or his brand spanking new GT Zaskar Pro XT, but whatever it is, Kwanda is riding like a machine. He is by far the strongest of the ‘Change a Lifers’ on the bike and would love to enter him in a ‘plain jane’ road bike race and see what comes of it (maybe the 94.7km race). He displays such raw power, emitating Jan Ulrich’s habit of pushing big gears come flat or climb.
It took a little persuading (Pizza on the way home was part of the bribe deal) to get them to join me on the water and complete the 20km paddle leg after the cycle.
ERIC & LUCAS – session complete….
I am very excited to have John Ntuli join the “Change a Life” Academy. Not being a paddler, I have entered him in the popular Multi-X section (20km trail run, 52km Mtb, 5km run) of the Triple Challenge. He has incredible talent (machine biker and runner) and think he will take alot of the ‘big boys’ by surprise. I watched him take part in the Team category in the Multisport races we have been doing, so when a sponsored entry from Hi-Tec, for the mighty 6 day Southern Storm fell into my hands, I thought he would be the best person for the job. The long Otter Trail Run caught him offguard, but thereafter he was mixing it up near front.
The Triple Challenge is just around the corner – 7th of November.
SURPRISE, CONTAINER….
BOAT STORAGE
It was great news when Carol Church from ACSA phoned me last week and said my ‘Change a life” container was ready for delivery. With the increase of our Canoe fleet, storage has become an issue of late.
CURRENT “CHANGE A LIFE” SETUP
What a Treat….
OZZIE GLADWIN….
KWANDA – top five hopeful in the Triple Challenge in a few days
Regarded as the season opener for the Dusi Canoe Marathon, this race gives one an excellent idea of where your fitness is at in terms of running & paddling.
There’s no holding back at the start as paddlers jostle for a good placing amongst the mass of paddlers, especially so, because the first 8km paddle is on the flat waters of Albert Falls Dam. As in Cycling, the group goes faster than the individual because of the drafting effect of hiding behind someone. Now in paddling, this same effect is created if you sit alongside another canoe and its called ‘riding the slip’.
After 30 min, there is a lung burning 2km portage, up and over the Dam wall, down to the Umgeni River. From there it’s a beautiful 21km paddle down a technically easy stretch of River. For the last two months, most of my ‘Change a Life’ big hitters have been focussing on the Triple Challenge (21km trail run, 52km Mtb, 20km paddle) which is this coming weekend – training their weakest discipline – cycling. So for my Academy, I had already accepted that this race would not be about results, just good honest training.
RICHARD – making a recovery from being ill….
It was awesome to see Mmeli Cele (2009 Dusi u/16 winner) charging up the portage in the top ten. Then on the river he pulled up a few more positions to finish an impressive 7th overall. He has developed into a powerful paddling machine and will be vying for top honours in the highly competitive u/18 category at Dusi next year. He is one of those unassuming guys that just gets on with it and is a pleasure to have around.
A few kilometers paddling down the river, a lapse in concentration saw Eric (coming 4th) make a rookie mistake, taking an incorrect channel which resulted in a 6min grovel trying to get back to the river proper. A few others, including Zonele Nzuza, ‘followed my leader’. They never really recovered from this mistake – but hey, thats all part of the learning process.
Results:
7 – Mmeli Cele
14 – Zonele Nzuza (1st u/21)
15 – Kwanda Mhlophe (2nd u/21)
18 – Eric Zondi (3rd u/21)
24 – Nhlanhla Cele
30 – Paulos Shozi
39 – Bheka Mzolo
42 – Mkhonzeni Gumede
48 – Mthobisi Cele/Ndumiso Ngcobo (u/14)
100 – Siboniseni Gcabashe
122 – Richard Cele
129 – Emmanuel Kirk
139 – Scelo Mzolo
MALAWI CYCLE – ‘Change a life’ FUN-RAISER!
KWANDA , MART & LUCAS – day 1
Not often you get to do something that is just phenomenal and yet by your mere taking part in that something, you are having a positive impact on Society in SA. This ‘something’ that I am referring to, is the recent ‘Change a life’ Cycle tour in Malawi.
To make the cut onto the short list, you have to bypass the steel gates, guarded vidulently by Tour Director (TD), Ursula du Plooy. A license to ride is only on offer to the cream of the SA Corporate World and even then you are not an assured stakeholder. However, the TD is human and when her guard dropped, some ‘rats & mice’ slipped through the cracks in the form of myself, Malcolm Lange, Owen Hannie & Gerald de Kock
The Route Master, Jonathan Scott would never allow the ride to be a ‘chip & a putt’ and if he did, I think all would be highly disappointed. Yes, riding along the Lake is horizontal but the sting in the tail came in the last 7km of the 500km’s cycled. For those who did not know what their max heart rate was, soon found out, as we ascended skywards to the top of Zomba Plateau – 700m vertical gain over 7km – lovely.
FAREWELL PARTY AT OR TAMBO INT AIRPORT
The ‘Change a life’ Cycle Tour is where the ‘bread & butter’ funding is generated to fund my ‘Change a life’ Academy in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, along with generous contributions from USN and Hi-Tec. Five of my ‘Change a life’ athletes were invited to come along as support crew. Forget Malawi, hanging out with Miss SA, what else could be important…. Flying for the first time scared the hell out of them. Before we took off, not thinking I said to Tom, “If the plane goes down, you won’t feel a thing….”
And to their utter disbelief, Kwanda (sponsored by Tracker – CEO Alan Hutchinson) and Lucas (thanks to Peter Koopman) actually participated, experiencing the ‘Red Carpet’ treatment firsthand. During the ride, at one of the rural food stops in the middle of nowhere, support crew Eric (3rd in Dusi) says to me, “Mart, the kids, they fight for the water bottles here.” He continues, “the crazy thing is, there is nothing in the water bottles and they still fight for it.”
BICYCLES WERE THE MAIN FORM OF TRANSPORT IN THE RURAL AREAS
And so their eyes were opened to a whole new world, where hardship doubled and opportunity halved. They realised the majority of this super friendly nation’s focus, is spent surviving. Four days later, upon our return to the Valley of a Thousand Hills, Lucas says to me, “Mart, we have it good here.” This coming from a person who lives in an area where there is no electricity and water needs to be collected a kilometer away.
ANYTHING GOES….
The legs were now nicely warmed up, having cycled the 120km Computershare Day 1 and then The Kelly Group 190km Day 2. A momentary lapse in concentration and lack of communication from the ‘herd’, saw my front wheel disappear into a crater, resulting in a spectacularme cart wheel over the handle bars – buying myself a proper piece of Malawi.
GRIN or GRIMACE…
That night, celebrating The TD’s birthday, we got the race briefing for the much anticipated ‘Sun International Amazing Race’ for the following day. Run a 100m, dig and find your personal drum buried in the sand, time trial cycle 18km out and 18km back, collect an ambulance bike and proceed on a 5km marked course, stopping to deliver 20 packets of goodies to a School teacher enroute, paddle 200m in a local Dug-out Canoe, run up the beach through the ‘Change a life’ Arch, to stop the clock.
‘CHANGE A LIFE’ FINISHER’S ARCH FOR THE “AMAZING RACE”
Then it was partnership selections, where the so-called bottom half (Hares and Tortoises) chose out a hat, a partner from the top half (Racing Snakes and Jackals). Phillip Shapiro drew my name, sealing the partnership with a handshake I instinctively knew that we wouldn’t go down without a fight – ‘all guns blazing’ was the plan of attack and deal with the consequences later….
The concept of the Ambulance bike seemed so foreign to us, the novelty experience of riding them would be fun & games, yet the brutal reality of this simplistic machine, was that it is the life-line of a means of getting the needy to hospital. The value placed on the local communities receiving these ambulance bicycles was illustrated in the arrival of the Minister of Tourism for dinner that night, who thanked the ‘Change of Life’ Cyclists for their incredible contribution to the community by the upliftment of the transport to get the pregnant Mothers, elderly and the sickly to the local Clinics or hospitals – thus saving lives.
Minutes before the race; CEO of Computershare, Stan Lorge says, “David, we need these guys to race for something, how about a weekend away at your Livingstone Hotel in Zambia?” CEO Sun International, David Coutts-Trotter didn’t hesitate, “no problem, great idea.” Such was the no-fuss make a plan atmosphere of the entire Tour.
Lining up on the start line, I was excited for these top Execs to be experiencing something out of the ordinary - I couldn’t help thinking “Welcome to my World”. A world where ‘curve balls’ were the norm, uncertainty around every corner and adversity the breakfast of Champions. Actually come to think of it, that applies to their world too. To rephrase: “Welcome to my World” – grovelly soft sand, Ambulance bikes that weren’t racing machines, that went faster when you pushed them.
GO! – Mad dash to the drum den – a good strategy was not to dig at all but to observe, then check all drums found, to see if it was yours. In that way you weren’t limiting your chances of success. Phillip found our drum just in time to make the 8 strong breakaway group on the bike. Having turned at the 18km mark, I could feel the peloton, lead by Malcolm Lange, hunting us down. 5km’s before the Ambulance Bike transition, our pack split, leaving just one other team alongside us – Racing Snake Brett and Jackal Nigel. Phillip charged down the runway on the Ambulance Bike like there was no tomorrow, with me running alongside him.
PARTNERS PHILLIP & MART – game on….
Then we turned into the Village to locate a ‘School’ and there awaited the soft sand – perfect – making it impossible to ride. I was jolted back to reality, upon reaching the ‘School’, where we must hand out packets of stationary/sweets to a teacher with twenty kids. Suddenly before us were 34 teachers, each with twenty kids, eagerly waiting in a perfect circle, hoping to receive our treats. Which group to go to….? The utter joy in their faces at this once in a life-time present was priceless. Although a mere ‘drop in the ocean’, I thought what we doing here today is good. I wish I had stayed a little longer to witness the next group of kid’s faces upon receiving the treats from the team behind us. But this was a race and the clock was ticking. Afterwards I thought, isn’t life always a race….
THANK YOU….
With the chain repeatedly coming off and Phillip’s calves misbehaving, it was best for me to push and Phillip to assume the position of a pregnant Mother on the stretcher part of the Ambulance Bike. With the temperature gauge soaring, admittedly this was the toughest part of the Amazing Race. But before one could lose ones sense of humour, we arrived alongside the lake, to a paddling experience extradinaire. I was excited to finally get to perform my speciality discipline, but these were no ordinary canoes. As a precaution, I chose the fattest, biggest Dugout for stability. And soon we were all aboard, paddling delicately along this Mauritius-like shoreline. Looking back, there were two teams also on the water. David Bellairs (Cycling SA CEO) & Mthunzi were making good progress, whilst behind them, Malcolm and Enzo were like a comedy act, finding the point of equilibrium impossible. And so, ‘thinking out the box’, Malcolm pushed their ship along waist deep, with Enzo getting a free ride. This sneaky manoeuvre saw them overtaking 2nd place only to find out later that they were disqualified for bending the rules. Crossing the finish line first with Phillip was a relief. I think the verbal abuse I would’ve had to endure if that had not been the case would have been endless – like ‘drip torture’. Thanks Phillip for an unforgettable experience. Never before have I paddled at 3km/hr and won a race. Thanks too David for a lekker prize.
VICTORY SALUTE
Lazing around later that day, recently retired CEO of Nedbank, Tom Boardman invited a few of us to join him on a boat cruise out to Bird Island to do some snorkelling and feed the 200 plus Fish Eagle colony….
An incredible spin-off from this ‘Change a life’ tour is the company Rentworks building two fully equipped computer labs at the Schools in the Valley where my Dusi Zulus attend. CEO Mike Chapman promises there will be more…. Thanks too Mike for kindly sponsoring my entry.
BEFORE….
AFTER….
The JSE Day 3 Zomba plateau climb was a perfect Finish setting to a phenomenal Cycle Tour. For most, mental barriers were broken and physical limits were redefined.
SUNRISE CRUISE….
RACING SNAKES – Atop Zomba Plateau – Black dress ‘After Party’
A big thanks must go to Susan Dreyer and her incredible support team.
WILD RIDING….
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….
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.
“Change a Life” – do Battle at Albert Falls Dam….
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 5th position.
Kwanda just beating Warren Nicol
Lucas and Zonele worked together on the paddle to tactfully pass a few unsuspecting cyclists come paddlers, finishing 9th and 10th 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.
MULTISPORT MANIA….
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.
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 5th position.
Richard and Kwanda kept each other company, finishing 10th and 11th respectively and Kwanda made podium for U/21. Mkhonzei crossed the line in 11th, while Nhlanhla, with all his ‘extra’ running, placed 12th.
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 (13th 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.
PADDLE, BIKE, SOCCER?…
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 – 1st U/18 K1
Mmele Cele – 2nd U/18 K1
Raced together – 1st U/18 K2
Chazani Gumede and Emmanuel Kirk – 1st U/16 K2
Ntobisi Scele (2nd U/14 K1) and Ndumiso Ngcobo – 1st 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.
GROWING VALLEY SPORTS
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).
RUNNING FREE….
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 9th 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
75 AND GOING STRONG….
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!
VIRGIN MOVES TO VALLEY….
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 10th position. Set off on the trail run, such a lekker route. Returned to the transition in 2nd. 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 24th of April, and then the following week at Shongweni Dam in KZN on Sunday 02nd 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.