So a few weekends ago a couple of mates got together to ride bikes, drink beer and talk crap for a weekend. Or as we like to call it "Mannenaweek".
The crew: Coenie, who I met for the first time on this weekend, but going by the Whatsapp banter the weeks leading up to the weekend, was going to keep us on our toes, Philip, batchelor turned husband and recently father, who's company I've come to enjoy more and more, Shaun, who I've spent time with at the GRTP a few months ago, who is not only a great bike handler, but a stand-up bloke to boot, Werner, a.k.a. The Ginger Ninja, as he manages to do things with a mere 120mm travel and no dropper post that most of us mere mortals can only dream of and who I've made many a journey with and will be my first pick as a wingman, should I need to go to war anytime soon, as he will always have your back. And of course me, who jumped to an extremely good deal on a new 2017 Trek Topfuel 2 days before the weekend, after crashing my beloved Stumpy into A replacement frame due to damage on impact to the frame.
The destination: Greyton. In rencent years Greyton became a haven for me. Once I take the turn-off from the N2 to Greyton and Genadendal its like a mist of calm and well-being descends on me. With some fun and not-too-challenging trails as well we were guaranteed to get some good riding in as well, and still be fresh enough to enjoy some of Greyton's other attractions.
Once we arrived in Gteyton and worked out the sleeping arrangements, we were set for a short ride up Rocky Horror and down Luislang. The riding on the new bike was different. Going from a plush 140mm bike to a snappy 100mm racing machine not only requires a change in technique, but perhaps a change in approach as well. You have to be switched on and the margin for error is so much smaller, but there are massive gains as well. Some finer tweaks for Saturday's ride was made amd after a braai and a few beers we retired for the evening.
Saturday's ride took us up Bakenskop and I was pleasantly surprised at how well I managed the 20% plus gradients with the 32-42 gearing on the bike. I am still under no illusions that a 30T up front is a better choice for me and will be shopping for an Absolute Black 30T oval chainring very soon, but for now at least I can get up the steep stuff, all be it at a bit of a grind.
The single track down had me much more focussed than on my Stumpy and it started to feel much more comfortable. The market was well supported by the manne, slome banter and laughter afterwards and a visit to Vanilla Cafe to watch the last round of the 2017 DH world cup, another awesome evening with a few beers, some of Coenie's mushroom sauce and Werner's very potent Mampoer, and the rest will have to stay in Greyton, I'm afraid...
Sunday ended up in a longer than planned loop around to Bereaville to hit Davey's Sprocket and then through Voorstekraal to hit Rocky Horror and Luislang once again before heading back home again.
All too soon we were saying our good-byes and heading home. The weekend was a tonic for what can only be described as 6 months of dirty board room maneuvers and seeing the worst of people. Again I am grateful and humbled by how only a few days with genuine friends can restore your faith in humanity.
Dankie manne!
And a big shout out to the ladies in our lives who willingly and lovingly sends us off on these precious weekend. Know that we appreciate your love and understanding way more than what we can ever express.
