Hey guys
If you guys are keen to see what I'm up to be sure to follow me on twitter!! It's a great way to inform people of what you're doing, at the very moment you're doing it! Its INSTANT!!
Follow me by just clicking on this link. Register with twitter and click on follow :) Its that easy!
@brendondavids
Happy tweeting
B
Monday, February 21, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Photo Shoot with Cycho Media
Hey guys!
Had a quick photo shoot with Darren Goddard from Cycho Media! Have a look at some of the shots!
Check out www.cychomedia.blogspot.com !
Ciao
B
Had a quick photo shoot with Darren Goddard from Cycho Media! Have a look at some of the shots!
Check out www.cychomedia.blogspot.com !
Ciao
B
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Mountain Biker Write Up
Hey guys...
Got a really good write up in the Mountain Biker Mag.
Go check it out on www.mountainbiker.co.za
B
Got a really good write up in the Mountain Biker Mag.
Go check it out on www.mountainbiker.co.za
B
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Goose Bumps - African Continental Championships 2011
Hey Guys! so sorry for such a late post! I've been gallivanting all over the countryside to eventually find myself back home in PMB!
This weekend marked one of the single most important race wins in my cycling career to date. The African continental Championships.
The build up the race was very different to normal, hard due to the fact that I hadn't ridden a mountain bike in nearly a month! With only 5days to go before the race, I received my 2011 race machine - The blisteringly fast Ellsworth Enlightenment 29er.
The very rocky, tight and technical course seemed that it may suit a traditional 26" full suss more as there was a lot of stop-go single track in the beginning. So after checking out the course, I swung my leg over the saddle and decided to hit the freshly cut course on my big wheeled machine. The first thing that came to mind when I hit the track was, " WOW!! this thing is FAST!!" I simply couldn't believe the speed at which this thing rolled over some of the obstacles on the route. It still felt very awkward to be riding single track, as I had become used to the SUPER low position of a TT bike over the past few weeks. But with a few days still to go I was confident that I would still be able to get my technical skills close to what they would need to be to get a good result.
The week flew by and with each day my confidence on the new 'beast' grew more. Friday dawned and of course the traditional Official Practise took place. I was honoured to be able to ride with SA Super Star Burry Stander and a Specialized team mate. Burry discussed how to ride the course ie. where to push hard, where to drink, where to ride smoothly and keep the heart rate down as well as one or two really cool lines.
Then came race day, and before I had even arrived at the course there was some pressure which had been dumped onto my shoulders. Micaela Jonnson and Hannlie Booyens of Team Jeep South Africa had both one their races, which definitely made my hunger for the win a bit stronger!
My race was off at 10:30 with pre race favourite Luke Roberts leading the way into the first single track with myself and Gert Heyns on his tail. Luke and I jumped off and ran through the heavily deteriorated 'up-down section of the first single track. Some how we managed to get a descent gap over the rest of the field, and so began our battle for the lead. Towards the end of our 2nd lap I dropped my chain, which then mangled itself between the big chain ring and the crank arm. I stopped to try and get it out, losing around a minute or so and inevitably dropping to 3rd. After sorting out the problem my chase back to Gert (now 2nd) began. The 29er dominated the fast swooping single track towards the end of the lap and I soon found myself on Gert's wheel. Unfortunately Luke suffered a mechanical too, which allowed us to close up to him. All 3 of us crossed the line pretty close together as we went onto our 3rd lap. Gert pushed really hard into the first single track, which lead to us opening a gap up on Luke. Luke then suffered a puncture which opened the gap further.
Gert and I battled it out over the 3rd and 4th lap before heading into our 5th and final one. Going through the first single track for the last time I decided to run as it was a lot easier than riding and would allow for my heart rate to stay lower before we attacked the main climb of the lap, Gert however chose to ride what he could. As soon as we powered up to the 1st tech zone of the lap I surged past Gert and managed to get a good gap going into the long single track climb. I maintained my gap up the climb and rode the long technical descent back down to the 2nd tech zone as hard as possible to try and give myself a comfortable cushion before entering the final single track.This plan worked and entering the final section of the day I was able to prevent any mistakes by riding smoothly until crossing the line.
A HUUUUGE thanks needs to go to Ellsworth! I definitely feel that I've been equipped with the best possible machine to take on the task of the 2011 season!
Thanks also needs to go to Malan Wykerd for the servicing and maintenance of my bike while I was down in the Cape. Burry Stander, for taking the time to ride with me and help me out with strategy, lines etc. Willie Brink, for the accommodation and for driving me everywhere while I was down there. Thanks guys!!
Junior Podium
Elite winner Burry Stander and I
This weekend marked one of the single most important race wins in my cycling career to date. The African continental Championships.
The build up the race was very different to normal, hard due to the fact that I hadn't ridden a mountain bike in nearly a month! With only 5days to go before the race, I received my 2011 race machine - The blisteringly fast Ellsworth Enlightenment 29er.
The very rocky, tight and technical course seemed that it may suit a traditional 26" full suss more as there was a lot of stop-go single track in the beginning. So after checking out the course, I swung my leg over the saddle and decided to hit the freshly cut course on my big wheeled machine. The first thing that came to mind when I hit the track was, " WOW!! this thing is FAST!!" I simply couldn't believe the speed at which this thing rolled over some of the obstacles on the route. It still felt very awkward to be riding single track, as I had become used to the SUPER low position of a TT bike over the past few weeks. But with a few days still to go I was confident that I would still be able to get my technical skills close to what they would need to be to get a good result.
The week flew by and with each day my confidence on the new 'beast' grew more. Friday dawned and of course the traditional Official Practise took place. I was honoured to be able to ride with SA Super Star Burry Stander and a Specialized team mate. Burry discussed how to ride the course ie. where to push hard, where to drink, where to ride smoothly and keep the heart rate down as well as one or two really cool lines.
Then came race day, and before I had even arrived at the course there was some pressure which had been dumped onto my shoulders. Micaela Jonnson and Hannlie Booyens of Team Jeep South Africa had both one their races, which definitely made my hunger for the win a bit stronger!
My race was off at 10:30 with pre race favourite Luke Roberts leading the way into the first single track with myself and Gert Heyns on his tail. Luke and I jumped off and ran through the heavily deteriorated 'up-down section of the first single track. Some how we managed to get a descent gap over the rest of the field, and so began our battle for the lead. Towards the end of our 2nd lap I dropped my chain, which then mangled itself between the big chain ring and the crank arm. I stopped to try and get it out, losing around a minute or so and inevitably dropping to 3rd. After sorting out the problem my chase back to Gert (now 2nd) began. The 29er dominated the fast swooping single track towards the end of the lap and I soon found myself on Gert's wheel. Unfortunately Luke suffered a mechanical too, which allowed us to close up to him. All 3 of us crossed the line pretty close together as we went onto our 3rd lap. Gert pushed really hard into the first single track, which lead to us opening a gap up on Luke. Luke then suffered a puncture which opened the gap further.
Gert and I battled it out over the 3rd and 4th lap before heading into our 5th and final one. Going through the first single track for the last time I decided to run as it was a lot easier than riding and would allow for my heart rate to stay lower before we attacked the main climb of the lap, Gert however chose to ride what he could. As soon as we powered up to the 1st tech zone of the lap I surged past Gert and managed to get a good gap going into the long single track climb. I maintained my gap up the climb and rode the long technical descent back down to the 2nd tech zone as hard as possible to try and give myself a comfortable cushion before entering the final single track.This plan worked and entering the final section of the day I was able to prevent any mistakes by riding smoothly until crossing the line.
A HUUUUGE thanks needs to go to Ellsworth! I definitely feel that I've been equipped with the best possible machine to take on the task of the 2011 season!
Thanks also needs to go to Malan Wykerd for the servicing and maintenance of my bike while I was down in the Cape. Burry Stander, for taking the time to ride with me and help me out with strategy, lines etc. Willie Brink, for the accommodation and for driving me everywhere while I was down there. Thanks guys!!
Junior Podium
Elite winner Burry Stander and I
Saturday, February 5, 2011
SA TT Championships
Ok guys, so sorry for the hectic late blog post... I'm currently down in Stellenbosch and have been trying to find an internet cafe for the last couple of days. So I've finally found one, so now... the blogging commenses.
So... at sparrows fart on Tuesday morning, my dad and I left PMB to make the long drive down to Port Elizabeth for the South African TT Championships. After a really good bonding experience with the old man we arrived in PE at around 12:00, making our way straight to the awesome accommodation the Bronwen Blunden so kindly helped organise for us- being literally a 2 minute drive away from the start of the TT and registartion, it was the perfect place for the occasion.
After a quick spin around the TT route, I could feel that my legs were feeling really good for the TT that was 2 days away, although I was slightly nervous to see how my body would hold up to the awkward geometry of the bike, as I had only had 4 days to try and get used to it
Wednesday was possibly the most chilled day of my life. My day consisted of one very light ride and driving the TT route a couple of times, which was then followed by some hardcore chilling.
Thursday dawned, game face on, and ready to race. My sights were set on one thing and one ting only-the green and gold stripes of the Sout African Champions Jersey!I did everything perfectly, down to the finest detail. The only thing that wasnt in my favour was the intense wind that was pumping... but I managed to keep a positive mind set. I was the 6th rider off, with each person being set off at 1 minute intervals. I sat perched in the starting pen, waiting for the count down to end so i could get onto the road.
I rolled out onto the tarmac and got staright into the most aerodynamic position possible. After around 2km I had already caught and passed the first person in front of me, and now set my sight on the next person. I began to catch up most of the riders who had started in front of me, each time telling myself that I could close the gap to the next person if I push harder - and it worked! 15km out was the turn around point, as I made the turn it literally felt as though I was riding straight into a wall. The head wind was so intense that it felt like I was barely moving. It took me a while but I eventually managed to find my rhythm again and set my sites and the fourth rider I wanted to catch. Coming into the final 4km's I turned myself inside-out. I managed to tear passed him and tried to block up the pain swelling from my back and butt! The pain was the most intense thing I've ever experienced... although I had ridden the TT bike a lot over the past 4 or so days, racing it was a COMPLETELY different story!!! Despite this, I pushed it to the back of my mind and crossed the line in 5th. It was a disappointing result at the time, but in the end I gave it everything. I missed 4th position by 4 seconds, 3rd postion by 20seconds and 2nd postion by 34secs. James Fourie completely destroyed the junior field! over 1:30 ahead of 2nd place. Hats off to him for such a classy ride!
I'd also like to thank everybody for the time and effort they put into me to try and insure the best possible result for me! From my very awesome parents, my manager, Max cluer, Bronwen Blunden, Dan Hugo, Dylan van der Merwe, Clint Morck, Craig Paul.... EVERYONE!!! You guys rock!
Time to go hit the trails! I'll keep you all posted:)
Peace
B
So... at sparrows fart on Tuesday morning, my dad and I left PMB to make the long drive down to Port Elizabeth for the South African TT Championships. After a really good bonding experience with the old man we arrived in PE at around 12:00, making our way straight to the awesome accommodation the Bronwen Blunden so kindly helped organise for us- being literally a 2 minute drive away from the start of the TT and registartion, it was the perfect place for the occasion.
After a quick spin around the TT route, I could feel that my legs were feeling really good for the TT that was 2 days away, although I was slightly nervous to see how my body would hold up to the awkward geometry of the bike, as I had only had 4 days to try and get used to it
Wednesday was possibly the most chilled day of my life. My day consisted of one very light ride and driving the TT route a couple of times, which was then followed by some hardcore chilling.
Thursday dawned, game face on, and ready to race. My sights were set on one thing and one ting only-the green and gold stripes of the Sout African Champions Jersey!I did everything perfectly, down to the finest detail. The only thing that wasnt in my favour was the intense wind that was pumping... but I managed to keep a positive mind set. I was the 6th rider off, with each person being set off at 1 minute intervals. I sat perched in the starting pen, waiting for the count down to end so i could get onto the road.
I rolled out onto the tarmac and got staright into the most aerodynamic position possible. After around 2km I had already caught and passed the first person in front of me, and now set my sight on the next person. I began to catch up most of the riders who had started in front of me, each time telling myself that I could close the gap to the next person if I push harder - and it worked! 15km out was the turn around point, as I made the turn it literally felt as though I was riding straight into a wall. The head wind was so intense that it felt like I was barely moving. It took me a while but I eventually managed to find my rhythm again and set my sites and the fourth rider I wanted to catch. Coming into the final 4km's I turned myself inside-out. I managed to tear passed him and tried to block up the pain swelling from my back and butt! The pain was the most intense thing I've ever experienced... although I had ridden the TT bike a lot over the past 4 or so days, racing it was a COMPLETELY different story!!! Despite this, I pushed it to the back of my mind and crossed the line in 5th. It was a disappointing result at the time, but in the end I gave it everything. I missed 4th position by 4 seconds, 3rd postion by 20seconds and 2nd postion by 34secs. James Fourie completely destroyed the junior field! over 1:30 ahead of 2nd place. Hats off to him for such a classy ride!
I'd also like to thank everybody for the time and effort they put into me to try and insure the best possible result for me! From my very awesome parents, my manager, Max cluer, Bronwen Blunden, Dan Hugo, Dylan van der Merwe, Clint Morck, Craig Paul.... EVERYONE!!! You guys rock!
Time to go hit the trails! I'll keep you all posted:)
Peace
B
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