After a turbulent time at the office (things aways seems to be turbulent!) the last weekend of April could not come soon enough. Put a couple of mountain bikers in a car on the way to Knysna and you get a recipe for awesome!
Destination: Knysna
Crew: Braam Gericke, Brandon Smook and myself
Mission: Garden Route 300
The car and trailer was packed to the hilt with our kit, bikes, 30 boxes of wine and wine tasting accessories as Braam and Brandon was on official company business for Wildekrans Wine Estate who was one of the main sponsors for the event.
The digs was Tyrone (who owns a local bike shop in Knysna)'s place. Tyrone and Faren were the perfect hosts. Their beautiful cottage have amazing views of the lagoon and Heads and it's homey feel made us all feel at home from the onset.
Friday's stage 1 started at the Knysna Yaught Club with a neutral zone up to the start of the climb to Simola. The day's riding took us on a 75km loop with just under 1300m of climbing.
Conditions made it tough as temperatures peaked at 38 degrees celcius and it was a fine balance for Braam and I between getting to know each others riding capabilities, riding fast, looking after the legs and not being exposed to the heat for too long. A time of 5h12 was respectable and with day 1 in the bag, we capped it off with SMOG pizzas from Chatters. Wow! Rob from Chatters can make a mean Pizza, so put this on your must-do dining spots in Knysna please.
Day 2 was at the Garden Route Trail Park. With a recent weekend spent at the park, We knew what to
expect. A shorter day, but with no respite as trail park riding gets quite physical. Mountain mania was a gas and was also the only proper enduro staage on the 3 days. Day 1 and 3 was more like king of the mountain followed by dirt road downhill, but we'll let the orginisers work on the Enduro element of the event for next year.
Another 38 degrees day meant that Braam and I. were doing damage control in the last 15 kms. We had a good day out and came in with a time of 3:26. Brandon was relieved from sponsorship duties for the day and joined in on the short route for the day.
A good fillet on the braai, great wine, excellent company... the off-the-bike moments often make weekends like this. We laughed, we laughed a lot! There were almost 3 new bikes coming home after the weekend, but Tyrone gave us the head shake as there may have been some wine speaking too. The bike in question is the latest Trek Top Fuel 9.8 with a 2 x 11 group set (I'm a little old fashioned when it comes to gearing, particularly for stage races). Its a beautiful machine. Black on black if anyone out there is sponsoring 😉🤘🏻.
Day 3 started at Simola with a neutral zone to Phantom Pass. My legs were struggling on day 3, but Braam was a machine all day long. A ride through Homtini, Millwood and the dreaded Hydro climb, back to Kom se Pad and up Simola to the finish was a 69km ride with 1450m of climbing in another 36 degree scorcher was done in 4:06.
With new friends made, memories that will last a lifetime and tired bodies the drive back was a time for relaxed conversations, good music and reflection.
Roll on Greyton in June. Its going to be Epic 😏
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Absa Cape Epic 2017 - a non-rider's perspective on what it takes.
With quite a few friends participating again this year, I was not only following the professionals progress, but many of the mid-packers as well (and a few back-markers, if there is such a thing in a race as tough as this one).
One thing was clear, whether pro or not: There are a few very basic ingredients to be successful at this event that I have picked up on from friends who have been successful.
- Focus
This is required not only for the training, but for all other aspects of your life when you prepare for a race like this. For the non-pro's this is even more important, as you have to apply focus to your job, the demands of daily life, your health and training. All these areas requires focus for a successful Epic.
- Discipline
Now while this may sound like focus, its not. Discipline is your mind overriding your heart when you need to make a decision. Am I going to bed at 9, so that I can have a focussed training session at 5 tomorrow morning, or do I stay up and watch TV until 10:30? Do I grab a second beer after my race on Saturday or is 1 my limit? Learning to say "no" is a very good quality to have if you need to be focussed
- Support system
Many underestimate the value of good support, until it is absent. Preparing for something like an Epic is just much more manageable if you have buy-in and support from your employer, family, friends (and perhaps your banker) as there will be areas where others may need to pick up slack that you simply cannot get to.
- Flexibility
Now this is not the opposite of focus, but a complementary quality to work on. Things don't always work out as planned, and one needs to be able to adapt from time to time. A last minute meeting may can your evening gym session, but tomorrow during lunch you can make up the session.
- Mental strength
With most endurance events, your mind can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Being in a good mental space during the whole race will be impossible, and you will have to find ways to get yourself out of those deep dark holes your mind can throw you into from time to time to make it through.
- The right team mate
Now this is different things to different people. I have done events with fantastic team mates and less fantastic team mates. Now regardless of their own preparation, the team dynamic is very important. Simply getting along is not enough, but understanding when your partner is suffering, when they are feeling strong, when to let them take care of you, or when you take care of them... it boils down to an almost instinctive understanding of what makes them tick to make a success out of such an event. Like-minded goals (are you in it to finish, or are you going for a top-200?) and being able to complement each other all helps to get along.
I often wonder how my 2009 Epic would have turned out if I did not dislocate my shoulder and broke a few ribs less than 2 months before the big day. I do know that I had no idea back then about many of the characteristics mentioned above, so perhaps it was a blessing in disguise.
Maybe one day I will be able to test myself in what must surely be the ultimate test of focus, discipline, my support system, flexibility, mental strength and a team mate -to-be.
To all those who have that finisher's medal. Well done and know that you inspire and motivate so many around you to become better.
One thing was clear, whether pro or not: There are a few very basic ingredients to be successful at this event that I have picked up on from friends who have been successful.
- Focus
This is required not only for the training, but for all other aspects of your life when you prepare for a race like this. For the non-pro's this is even more important, as you have to apply focus to your job, the demands of daily life, your health and training. All these areas requires focus for a successful Epic.
- Discipline
Now while this may sound like focus, its not. Discipline is your mind overriding your heart when you need to make a decision. Am I going to bed at 9, so that I can have a focussed training session at 5 tomorrow morning, or do I stay up and watch TV until 10:30? Do I grab a second beer after my race on Saturday or is 1 my limit? Learning to say "no" is a very good quality to have if you need to be focussed
- Support system
Many underestimate the value of good support, until it is absent. Preparing for something like an Epic is just much more manageable if you have buy-in and support from your employer, family, friends (and perhaps your banker) as there will be areas where others may need to pick up slack that you simply cannot get to.
- Flexibility
Now this is not the opposite of focus, but a complementary quality to work on. Things don't always work out as planned, and one needs to be able to adapt from time to time. A last minute meeting may can your evening gym session, but tomorrow during lunch you can make up the session.
- Mental strength
With most endurance events, your mind can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Being in a good mental space during the whole race will be impossible, and you will have to find ways to get yourself out of those deep dark holes your mind can throw you into from time to time to make it through.
- The right team mate
Now this is different things to different people. I have done events with fantastic team mates and less fantastic team mates. Now regardless of their own preparation, the team dynamic is very important. Simply getting along is not enough, but understanding when your partner is suffering, when they are feeling strong, when to let them take care of you, or when you take care of them... it boils down to an almost instinctive understanding of what makes them tick to make a success out of such an event. Like-minded goals (are you in it to finish, or are you going for a top-200?) and being able to complement each other all helps to get along.
I often wonder how my 2009 Epic would have turned out if I did not dislocate my shoulder and broke a few ribs less than 2 months before the big day. I do know that I had no idea back then about many of the characteristics mentioned above, so perhaps it was a blessing in disguise.
Maybe one day I will be able to test myself in what must surely be the ultimate test of focus, discipline, my support system, flexibility, mental strength and a team mate -to-be.
To all those who have that finisher's medal. Well done and know that you inspire and motivate so many around you to become better.
Sunday, March 5, 2017
PE>>Plett Day 4
Last day... it is always bitter-sweet. On the one side you know you will miss the quiet, the crunch of rubber on stones, pine needles, sand and sometimes a little tar, and on the other you miss your family, pets and the comfort of your own bed.
With these thoughts I set off on day 4 of PE>>Plett and decided to try and hang with the race snakes on the tar section leading out of Tsitsikama. Surprisingly I continued to hang with the front group for 12 km, where we all took a wrong turn (it seems to happen to the front guys often), but quickly we realised our mistake and doubled back to the route. By this time the second bunch passed, and in a flash my racing ambitions for the day evaporated.
I took it down a notch or 2 and rode a comfortable pace to the first water point at Storms River Village. I have happy thoughts of Storms River with the Storms River Traverse a few years back, and remembered the short, steep climb out of Storms River on the Western end. On this climb I encountered Ian Van Wyk who was in peril with a rather nasty puncture, and tyre that was somehow stuck to his rim. I opened my Camelbak and with the help of 3 tyre levers, Ian and his riding partner, we managed to get the tyre unseated from the rim to insert a tube, and pop the tyre back on. At this point they were ok to inflate the tyre on their own and I continued with my race.
We rode mostly Cape Pine Plantations, but the highlight was surely riding the old Bloukrans Pass, and with the King of the Mountain out of the pass on the Natures Valley side. At the top of the Pass we had our second water point, where Ian and his partner passed me with a wave and a thanks for the help earlier (I was glad that they managed to get going again, as it really sucks to put your bike on the bakkie).
With about 7km to go we encountered a portage section, that is part of the Otter Trail down onto the sandy beach of Natures Valley. A short ride along the lagoon, back on the tar and into Tsitsikama Resort for the finale.
And just like that, the race was done. A very cool finisher's sweater, medal, hot shower and a few handshakes with the MC, race orginiser and some of the crew that helped to make this a special memory for many of us.
Thanks Red Cherry events. The week was magic.
With these thoughts I set off on day 4 of PE>>Plett and decided to try and hang with the race snakes on the tar section leading out of Tsitsikama. Surprisingly I continued to hang with the front group for 12 km, where we all took a wrong turn (it seems to happen to the front guys often), but quickly we realised our mistake and doubled back to the route. By this time the second bunch passed, and in a flash my racing ambitions for the day evaporated.
I took it down a notch or 2 and rode a comfortable pace to the first water point at Storms River Village. I have happy thoughts of Storms River with the Storms River Traverse a few years back, and remembered the short, steep climb out of Storms River on the Western end. On this climb I encountered Ian Van Wyk who was in peril with a rather nasty puncture, and tyre that was somehow stuck to his rim. I opened my Camelbak and with the help of 3 tyre levers, Ian and his riding partner, we managed to get the tyre unseated from the rim to insert a tube, and pop the tyre back on. At this point they were ok to inflate the tyre on their own and I continued with my race.
We rode mostly Cape Pine Plantations, but the highlight was surely riding the old Bloukrans Pass, and with the King of the Mountain out of the pass on the Natures Valley side. At the top of the Pass we had our second water point, where Ian and his partner passed me with a wave and a thanks for the help earlier (I was glad that they managed to get going again, as it really sucks to put your bike on the bakkie).
With about 7km to go we encountered a portage section, that is part of the Otter Trail down onto the sandy beach of Natures Valley. A short ride along the lagoon, back on the tar and into Tsitsikama Resort for the finale.
And just like that, the race was done. A very cool finisher's sweater, medal, hot shower and a few handshakes with the MC, race orginiser and some of the crew that helped to make this a special memory for many of us.
Thanks Red Cherry events. The week was magic.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
PE >> Plett Day 3
Day 3 from Assegaaibos to Tsitsikama promised to be a fair bit quicker than day 2. 50km and only 900m climbing would see most of us home by 12pm. The bulk of the climbing was in the first 15km of the race, which for once suited me. I rode tempo all day and managed a 3rd position in the solo mens category. Today consisted mostly of Pine Forest Plantations, a few dairy farms and a spectacular protea farm.
Today's weather was perfect. It was overcast for most of the ride with a very slight South Westerly wind keeping us cool allmmorning.
The landscape changed accordingly and the terrain became much more forgiving, all making for fast riding. All the training hours, disciplined eating, focussing on getting sufficient sleep and better stress management all seems to be coming together nicely.
Tonight I am sleeping at Tsitsikama Lodge. I already made use of the Jacuzzi and will be trying out the bed shortly after my recovery massage at 1:30pm.
Today's weather was perfect. It was overcast for most of the ride with a very slight South Westerly wind keeping us cool allmmorning.
The landscape changed accordingly and the terrain became much more forgiving, all making for fast riding. All the training hours, disciplined eating, focussing on getting sufficient sleep and better stress management all seems to be coming together nicely.
Tonight I am sleeping at Tsitsikama Lodge. I already made use of the Jacuzzi and will be trying out the bed shortly after my recovery massage at 1:30pm.
Friday, March 3, 2017
PE >> Plett Day 2
There is nothing like a night in a tent to get you to appreciate the small comforts in life. As nights in tents go, mine was reasonable. I managed to get 5 hours sleep in which wasn't too bad.
The early start of 6:30am was quite welcome. The climbing started early on and I decided to not burn all my matches early on. The route consisted mostly of Jeep track through the hilly countryside, and combined with a near-gale force wind made for some interesting and challenging riding. The climbs kept coming, and the wind picked up further, I was stuck in no-mans land for most of the day, so there was no protection from the wind with working together in a bunch. The dry landscape reminded me of the Little Karoo, and at times it felt like I was somewhere in the Attakwas kloof grinding away. The descents were technical, meaning that there was nomrelqxing or recovering inbetween climbs. I made good use of all 3 water points today and managed to do the stage in 6h32, which turned out a very respectable time. 1650m climbing felt like 3000m.
Assegaaibos appeared after 73km. Tonight I am sleepng on a real bed, have a flush toioet and my own shower. The units are well kept with all the basics available. Also another note to visit again with the family in the future.
Day 3 promises to be a fair bit easier on the body. Now time to rest and relax before dinner and race briefing.
The early start of 6:30am was quite welcome. The climbing started early on and I decided to not burn all my matches early on. The route consisted mostly of Jeep track through the hilly countryside, and combined with a near-gale force wind made for some interesting and challenging riding. The climbs kept coming, and the wind picked up further, I was stuck in no-mans land for most of the day, so there was no protection from the wind with working together in a bunch. The dry landscape reminded me of the Little Karoo, and at times it felt like I was somewhere in the Attakwas kloof grinding away. The descents were technical, meaning that there was nomrelqxing or recovering inbetween climbs. I made good use of all 3 water points today and managed to do the stage in 6h32, which turned out a very respectable time. 1650m climbing felt like 3000m.
Assegaaibos appeared after 73km. Tonight I am sleepng on a real bed, have a flush toioet and my own shower. The units are well kept with all the basics available. Also another note to visit again with the family in the future.
Day 3 promises to be a fair bit easier on the body. Now time to rest and relax before dinner and race briefing.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
PE >> Plett Day 1
Opening my blog feels kind of strange. After an absence of almost 3 years it feels like that good friend you haven't calledmin ages, and hopefully after the first few awkward minutes things feel like the good old days.
Somon that note I'm changing tact to srage 1 of the PE >> Plett 4 day race. I opted for the 'light' version opposed to the extreme one. The 'quote' on light or extreme is merely to indicate that it was not all that light today. 'Awesome' would more aptly describe today's riding. After I had a slightly delayed start (trying to sort out access for my gardener at home) and missing marshalls who thought that the field all passed through, and subsequently taking a wrong turn, I had some catching up to do. I started catching riders in the first single track, and kept passing riders throughout the 3 rivers trails. Now I've made a mental note to come back to spend more time on the local trails here. They were quite magnificent!
More about those trails here.
http://3riverstrails.co.za/
We tracked the railway line for the first half of the race. Narrow gauge steel bridges, gentle gradients and amazing scenery would have made an amazing train journey decades ago. Now we were dong it on our bikes. Intle Game lodge offered some beautiful vistas of the veld rolling into the ocean. Another place to come back to...
http://www.intlegamelodge.com/
The second half of the race provided most of the climbing. The day was getting hotter and the tough route race snakes were coming through at regular intervals. A quick stop at the second water point and off again.
More climbing, and dropping 25 kg's since September and putting in hard time on the bike training all seemed to come together very nicely. Enjoying the climbs is maybe a bit far fetched, but at least I wasn't hating it like before.
64 km, 800m ascent l, 3 or 4 steel bridges, some light hearted banter, a rather deep river crossing later and Zuurbron opened up before our eyes. The race village is comfortable with a hearty lunch, free (yes, FREE!) Windhoeks and cooldrinks, a hot shower and a good sportsmassage done, and guys and girls exchanging war stories in the chill zone.
Tomorrow the start will be 6:30 to combat the mid 30's tempratures expected. Hopefully it equates to an earlier finish too.
Somon that note I'm changing tact to srage 1 of the PE >> Plett 4 day race. I opted for the 'light' version opposed to the extreme one. The 'quote' on light or extreme is merely to indicate that it was not all that light today. 'Awesome' would more aptly describe today's riding. After I had a slightly delayed start (trying to sort out access for my gardener at home) and missing marshalls who thought that the field all passed through, and subsequently taking a wrong turn, I had some catching up to do. I started catching riders in the first single track, and kept passing riders throughout the 3 rivers trails. Now I've made a mental note to come back to spend more time on the local trails here. They were quite magnificent!
More about those trails here.
http://3riverstrails.co.za/
We tracked the railway line for the first half of the race. Narrow gauge steel bridges, gentle gradients and amazing scenery would have made an amazing train journey decades ago. Now we were dong it on our bikes. Intle Game lodge offered some beautiful vistas of the veld rolling into the ocean. Another place to come back to...
http://www.intlegamelodge.com/
The second half of the race provided most of the climbing. The day was getting hotter and the tough route race snakes were coming through at regular intervals. A quick stop at the second water point and off again.
More climbing, and dropping 25 kg's since September and putting in hard time on the bike training all seemed to come together very nicely. Enjoying the climbs is maybe a bit far fetched, but at least I wasn't hating it like before.
64 km, 800m ascent l, 3 or 4 steel bridges, some light hearted banter, a rather deep river crossing later and Zuurbron opened up before our eyes. The race village is comfortable with a hearty lunch, free (yes, FREE!) Windhoeks and cooldrinks, a hot shower and a good sportsmassage done, and guys and girls exchanging war stories in the chill zone.
Tomorrow the start will be 6:30 to combat the mid 30's tempratures expected. Hopefully it equates to an earlier finish too.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Potberg & De Hoop Mtb weekend
Another weekend of firsts. We decided to take on the De Hoop and Potberg Mtb weekend on 9 and 10 August. The car was packed and we left Cape Town for the Overberg. After registration and check in a lovely dinner was served at the on-site restaurant followed by a race briefing and an early night.
Saturday morning started with breakfast and a drive to the drop-off at Potberg for the day's riding. The day would unfortunately be overshadowed by the burning down of the restaurant at De Hoop where we had the lovely dinner the night before.
The trail started off with some fun sections through Potberg. Singletrack sections were stitched together by bits of jeep track for the first 20 km. We got to Malgas and worked our way through some fast rolling dirt roads and farm trails to the water point. Sijnn Wines was on duty with some of their Cellar's best on offer, but I politely declined as there would inevitably be a lung-busting climb after a wine feeding stop en-route.
The anticipated climb did not disappoint, nor did the gnarly descent that followed. The marshall at the top of the climb gave me fair warning, so I dropped the seatpost with the flick of the switch on my handlebar and whizzed my way down the descent passing a few riders who lost their nerve and was cautiously porting their way down the hill. The proteas were standing tall in the veld and it was hard not to stare at the lovely blooms for too long.
The trail moderated towards the bottom and I was able to pick the speed up for the rest of the descent that brought us onto the district roads. This was a training weekend after all and I have managed to keep to training pace up to now. For once I did not mind the undulating hills that took us back towards Potberg and at 58km we got to the Hammer nutrition water point. A fill and a lube and off I went uphill for some more singletrack through the wattle plantations, bringing us back to the district roads.
We passed the start of the day and I anticipated a nice undulating ride on the district road back to De Hoop, but Patrick and his team had other ideas. Instead we made our way through grassland, ploughed fields and a lamb nursery. My behind was being eaten alive by the time I got to the final water point. Again I filled up, lubed my chain and set off for the last stint. The rolling hills took us ever-closer to De Hoop and soon the entrance of the reserve was beckoning, but not before we had a steep climb to end it all off with. The descent took us right into the last bit of jeep track and back to De Hoop Collection.
The staff at De Hoop Collection and management of Garden Route events need a mention. After the devastating fire they still managed to put up a lovely Al Fresco lunch under the trees and also managed to supply a lovely dinner at the conference hall. I can only imagine the endless calls to source and cook food for about 200 hungry cyclists, arranging backup power, setting up the conference facility, dealing with fire marshals, Cape Nature management and making sure that the riders all have an enjoyable time as well.
I opted not to ride the Sunday due to a persistent cold that seemed to get worse over the weekend. From what I gather the route was amazing and I promised myself to go back next year for another dash around De Hoop Reserve.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)