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.
CNN ….“A Day in the Life of MARTIN DREYER “CHANGE A LIFE” ACADEMY
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
EPIC ENDINGS… AND NEW BEGINNINGS
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 10th 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.
GOING SOLO
STAGE 3 of the ABSA Cape Epic saw the retirement of my partner because of a very unfortunate incident. 10km into the race just after we had entered a sandy stretch of single track, a fellow competitor took a wobble ahead of my partner, Albe, and as Albe Skirted around him, this competitors cleat connected with Albe’s knee cap which immobilised his leg. The pain was excrutiating, but he soldiered on for another 40minutes, however things did’t get better. It’s always a tough one when one participates in a team sport where your partners well being is instrumental to your successs. I’m sad we couldn’t continue on as a team, but also realise it could have been me with the injury.
So the rest of the stage for me saw me catching up with friends and having a leisurely day.
STAGE 4 and we woke to a perfect morning, and although the wind was pumping, it was working in the right direction for us.
The leaders blastered off the start, and within 400m, the top seven teams had opened a small gap on the rest of the field.
WIth my new seeding as a solo rider, startin right at the very back of the field in the last batch, i was able to enjoy supporting fellow competitors as they headed out for the day, that would see us riding 89km with 1680m of climbing, taking us from Ceres to Worcester. I paired up with a beast of a rider, Hennie Kriel, who worked me over for the first half of the stage, but fortunately my endurance helped me to match him in the latter part of the stage. Even with the handicap of starting at the back, our time placed us 51st across the finish line yesterday. [Although i am not seeded, i am still official and will be pairing up with Hennie from today so will start in C-batch from tomorrow]
Wearing the African Leaders jersey, Kwazulu-Natalians, Max Knox and Brandon Stewart.
STAGE 5: 27km TIME TRIAL. Seems easy?…. 860m climbing… that’s the crux!
EARLY DAYS.. 6 TO GO
…So far, touch wood, it hasn’t been so bad. Today’s endless single track riding and spectacular climbs were well worth every turn of the pedals. I heard plenty of moans from fellow competitors as we hit yet another sandy patch after sandy patch, but luckily for me i don’t really mind the sand and seem to have some sort of a technique worked out.
Again, a casual start for myself and Albe, saw us start at the back of our A batch. Also not knowing that they had combined batch A and B (160 not 80 riders), we found ourselves further down the field than expected. By the time we realised though it was too late as we hit the first stretch of single track and already a slow moving queue of riders. Over the next 50km we managed to work our way through a fair number of the teams, putting us in 69th position across the finish line- now lying 63rd overall
SUNSCREEN, SWEAT and DUST…and NO TEARS
There seems to be plenty of excitement at the front of the race, new teams constantly taking the lead, as most of the top teams are battling with flat tyres during the stages- (the risk you take when you race with the lightest and thinnest of tyres to reduce the weight of your bike- i’ve seen they even shave the knobblies off the tyres to make their equipment lighter).
It’s still early days of this Absa Cape Epic and there are plenty of top notch riders, but we can be happy that our home-grown, Kevin Evans, riding with the World Marathon Champ, Alban Lakata, are wearing the leaders’ jersey.
Stage 3: today has been branded the, Epic day of All Epics. 115 km with 2280m of climbing, we are sure to feel the legs burning for most of the estimated 6h30 of riding time. Lets hope you log onto this page tomorrow morning and again see some smiles behind the dust.
AN EPIC START….
I don’t consider myself much of a biker, having only really ever biked for adventure racing, (where there it’s usually more push-bike than riding), and with my focus on the Dusi canoe Marathon in January over the past years, it wasn’t possible to even consider training up for this Epic race. But, with the recent changes in my Dusi racing career which is allowing me to be more verstile with my racing, how could i decline an offer to ride for 8 consecutive days and be part of the biggest MTB stage race in the world, the Absa Cape Epic. I have heard how gruelling this race can be, so i am thrilled to finally be experiencing it for real…or am I?
Albe, my cycling machine partner- psyching me up (me looking poep scared)
Wearing a brave face…
Stage 1: 117km with 2190m ascent- from Diemersfontein, just outside Paarl, to Ceres, has been the furthest i have ever cycled. Having taken a very laid-back approach to the race, and found ourselves near the back of the 600-team (1200rider) starting shoot, we surprised ourselves with a 61 position finish yesterday. So the race is on… and we are fired up for todays 90km stage around Ceres, which i have heard has plenty of incredible single-track and no doubt some ‘incredible’ climbs.
