On Friday the Jeep team piled into the Jeep Patriot, along with Candice Neethling, and began the long trip up to Sabie for the SA Marathon Champs.
After a really long trip we arrived in the tiny town and went straight to the venue to register, and hit a ride to wake up the legs for the following days racing. After the quick spin we headed out to Hazyview, where we stayed at Pete's aunt and uncles farm. It was really cool of them to let us stay in their house while they were away, and even better... they gave us some awesome food :) After supper we all had an early night after the really long day of travelling.
Saturday Morning dawned and the weather looked fantastic for racing. We packed our bikes onto the Jeep and headed straight to the venue. As we arrived Craig an Pete went straight out for their warm up. Ryan, Candy and I all chilled at the jeep and pumped up some tunes to try get psyched.
After a VERY thorough warm up we all made our way to the start for our 45 odd km race that lay ahead. All the big names were up from KZN and the other provinces, like James Reid, Trav Walker, Adam Reyneke and Arno du Toit. James was decorated in the new leaders jersey and his presence was definitely known amongst the riders. Straight out of the starting blocks it was James who made the first move which began to string out the bunch straight away. We hit the first climb and the pace got even hotter. James managed to get away, with Trav Walker bridging across the gap. They began to open a gap really rapidly. My legs were absolutely screaming, and was really putting in a effort just to stay with the chase bunch. I dug super deep and went to the front to see if I could try and get rid of some of the guys in the bunch. Fortunately it worked and the bunch whittled down to 3 of us, being Adam Reyneke and Xander Botha.
We began to work really well together and as we hit the biggest climb of the day Adam dropped off, but the gap had closed to James and Trav. It was just under a minute as we hit the climb. I eventually managed to ride Xander off of my wheel and chased as hard as possible to catch James and Trav. It didn't seem to be working, but near the top I saw a red shirt in the distance... I thought it was the camera crew but soon realized it was James and Trav. They were around 30-40 seconds ahead but I was now absolutely red lining. I managed to close a very slight amount before the top of the climb, but they were just much too strong... As soon as the descending started, the gap stayed pretty much the same, but once on the flats and undulations they left me for parking, and rapidly opened a big lead. I rode out of my skin, and tried everything to at least make a dent in the lead that they'd made but in the end they were MACHINE!
I settled for 3rd overall and 3rd Junior, and man was I super stoked with the result. James took the win, with Trav a minute or so behind, and myself or so minutes down. Craig and Ryan had a bummer, with both of them pulling out. Ryan Had a huge crash and Craig just didn't have the legs, and decided o rest up for Sani2C. Pete had a scorcher and finished an awesome 7th overall in the ultra! and Candy got 1st juior lady and first lady overall in the half marathon!
Thanks to Pete's relatives for the awesome accommodation and to TJSA for the Jeep! it was really an awesome experience.
Now its time to hit some speed work and get ready for the national in April
Monday, March 1, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Bishopstowe XC Prov # 2
Well this weekend was the 2nd round of the KZN XC Provincial series, and man oh man was it super hot! We raced at Bishopstowe, just a few kilometers outside PMB. For once I was able to sleep in and pull myself out of bed a lot later than usual.
I arrived at the race at around 9 o'clock and managed to watch the elite womens race plan out in front of us. Eszter Cluer won elite women and young Candice Neethling came 2nd (even though being a junior). The racing was really quick,and due to the really short course the number of laps were increased. With my race only being at 12:30 I chilled as much as possible, and tried to get amped for the difficult race that lay ahead.
I would be racing up an age category in the u/23's and Elite men. What lay ahead was 9 laps of brutal punishment! Straight from the gun Rourke Croeser came to the front with myself in tow. We made our way down to the bottom of the course but soon found myself dropping back some positions. By the end of the first lap I found myself trailing in 6th but I just tried to remain focussed and keep a consistent pace. As we approached the 4th lap I started to real in the bunch of 4 riders just up the road. The gap was getting smaller, but very slightly every lap. A huge effort on the 6th lap saw me smashing into solid concrete barrier of pain on the 7th. To my surprise I still managed to close up to Andrew Warr. I managed to get a second wind half way through the 8th lap. As I went onto the last lap I dug deep and managed to bring the time gaps back down. I was pleased to hang onto a 5th overall and 2nd u/23. The course was extremely short, but still had a good variety of single track, descents, climbs and district roads. Ryan had an awesome race and wrapped up the Juniors race. So all in all we had an awesome weekend
Next weekend we're heading up to Sabie for the SA Marathon Championship! Hopefully we have a good one!
Thanks to Darren Goddard for the pictures
Until next time
B
I arrived at the race at around 9 o'clock and managed to watch the elite womens race plan out in front of us. Eszter Cluer won elite women and young Candice Neethling came 2nd (even though being a junior). The racing was really quick,and due to the really short course the number of laps were increased. With my race only being at 12:30 I chilled as much as possible, and tried to get amped for the difficult race that lay ahead.
I would be racing up an age category in the u/23's and Elite men. What lay ahead was 9 laps of brutal punishment! Straight from the gun Rourke Croeser came to the front with myself in tow. We made our way down to the bottom of the course but soon found myself dropping back some positions. By the end of the first lap I found myself trailing in 6th but I just tried to remain focussed and keep a consistent pace. As we approached the 4th lap I started to real in the bunch of 4 riders just up the road. The gap was getting smaller, but very slightly every lap. A huge effort on the 6th lap saw me smashing into solid concrete barrier of pain on the 7th. To my surprise I still managed to close up to Andrew Warr. I managed to get a second wind half way through the 8th lap. As I went onto the last lap I dug deep and managed to bring the time gaps back down. I was pleased to hang onto a 5th overall and 2nd u/23. The course was extremely short, but still had a good variety of single track, descents, climbs and district roads. Ryan had an awesome race and wrapped up the Juniors race. So all in all we had an awesome weekend
Next weekend we're heading up to Sabie for the SA Marathon Championship! Hopefully we have a good one!
Thanks to Darren Goddard for the pictures
Until next time
B
Monday, February 15, 2010
Hard Weekend! Blythedale MTB Classic
Hey guys!
Man was this weekend tough! I was down in Port Shepstone from Friday and man did I have some tough training while I was down there! Saturday morning I was up at sparrows and took to the road to attack the 'Two Gorges' route, I lung busting route that makes its way through, yes you guessed it... two gorges! and then a 40 minute time trial at the end! Then that evening it was Candice Neethling's 18th Birthday party... meaning a late night.
After a really awesome night and a couple hours of sleep I loaded the car and left the Neethlings' house at 5am to make the trip to the Blythedale Coastal Resort MTB classic. We arrived at the race at around 7 and suited up straight away and went for a thorough warm up. I settled on the start line with Craig, Pete and Ryan! Straight from the start one of the riders tried to split up the field but this was soon countered when Craig came through and started to put down the hammer on on of the short climbs! I responded really well and managed to jump ship and follow his wheel, along with Andew Warr. The pace got harder and pretty soon we had a comfortable gap over the chasing bunch behind. Unfortunately Craig's legs started to hurt of his race the day before, which left Andrew and I up front. Andrew began to attack frequently and I was determined to stay in contact with him. He managed to get a gap a couple of times, but surprisingly I managed to close them down. At about the 25km mark I began to feel the previous days training. I pushed to stay with Andrew, but when he upped the pace again I just couldn't follow his wheel. I rode the final 10km a a solo time trial and managed to hold off the hard chasing pack of Craig, Pete and Sean Merridew. Andrew finished 2 or so minutes ahead. Craig had a awesome sprint for 4th against Sean, which gave Jeep and awesome 2nd, 3rd and 4th overall.
Well done Max for such an awesome event and a huge thanks to Blythedale Resort, Ewan and the team for putting together an amazing course! It was awesome to see new event sponsor Vitamin Water handing out some thirst quenching beverages at the finish-what an awesome product, go out and try some!
Until next time
B
Man was this weekend tough! I was down in Port Shepstone from Friday and man did I have some tough training while I was down there! Saturday morning I was up at sparrows and took to the road to attack the 'Two Gorges' route, I lung busting route that makes its way through, yes you guessed it... two gorges! and then a 40 minute time trial at the end! Then that evening it was Candice Neethling's 18th Birthday party... meaning a late night.
After a really awesome night and a couple hours of sleep I loaded the car and left the Neethlings' house at 5am to make the trip to the Blythedale Coastal Resort MTB classic. We arrived at the race at around 7 and suited up straight away and went for a thorough warm up. I settled on the start line with Craig, Pete and Ryan! Straight from the start one of the riders tried to split up the field but this was soon countered when Craig came through and started to put down the hammer on on of the short climbs! I responded really well and managed to jump ship and follow his wheel, along with Andew Warr. The pace got harder and pretty soon we had a comfortable gap over the chasing bunch behind. Unfortunately Craig's legs started to hurt of his race the day before, which left Andrew and I up front. Andrew began to attack frequently and I was determined to stay in contact with him. He managed to get a gap a couple of times, but surprisingly I managed to close them down. At about the 25km mark I began to feel the previous days training. I pushed to stay with Andrew, but when he upped the pace again I just couldn't follow his wheel. I rode the final 10km a a solo time trial and managed to hold off the hard chasing pack of Craig, Pete and Sean Merridew. Andrew finished 2 or so minutes ahead. Craig had a awesome sprint for 4th against Sean, which gave Jeep and awesome 2nd, 3rd and 4th overall.
Well done Max for such an awesome event and a huge thanks to Blythedale Resort, Ewan and the team for putting together an amazing course! It was awesome to see new event sponsor Vitamin Water handing out some thirst quenching beverages at the finish-what an awesome product, go out and try some!
Until next time
B
Monday, February 8, 2010
Rietvlei National XCO #1
Hey guys
This past weekend was the first round of the National XC Cup series. We piled into our car early on Friday Morning and drove up to Rietvlei to check out the course. After about 4 hours or so we reached our destination.
Craig, Ryan and I hit the track, and man was the course cool! Super rocky, Steep Climbs and tight twisting single track! It was definitely one of my favourite course that I've ridden! We left after a couple laps and I went to stay with my aunt in Bedfordview. It was really cool to catch up with my family again, and after a good nights sleep we headed out to the track the next day.
I arrived to see the end of the women's race, with our team mate Eszter Cluer bringing home 2nd overall! I hooked my bike up to the stationary trainer and hooked a really good warm up. After 45minutes or so I headed to the start and settled on the front row. I felt really confident on the new bike, even though it was only my 3rd time on my new bike! off the start I found myself in the front but soon was overtaken by Arno du Toit. We entered the first single track and I was now 4th, just behind James Reid. We hit the first climb and Luke Roberts made his move. There was now 5 of us away but then disaster struck! I burped my tyre on a rock and all the air had come out, ironically at the same place as Ruan du Toit had just punctured. I stopped and bombed my tyre and got going again. I slowly began to work my way up the field, but as I reached the half way point of the track a burped my tyre again. I stopped and did the entire procedure again. I got going and pushed super hard to close up the positions. But unfortunately disaster struck every lap in the exact same spot, except for the 4th lap. On the 4th lap I managed not to burp my tyre and began to claw through the field and took back 5 or so positions. I felt confident that my bad luck was over and was now determined to keep closing up the positions. I came into one of the technical sections and heard the dreaded sound of metal hitting the ground yet again!!!! I ran to the nearest tech' zone where I pumped my tyre. with only a few kilometers to go I took it easy and tried to salvage what was left of my race.
It was definitely the worst race I've had so far, but I made a choice to use new tyres, and obviously it was the wrong decision. I've taken it as a valuable learning experience and hopefully I've learnt from such mistakes.
Thanks to Andrew Warr for the concern and encouragement he gave towards me on the last lap, it really helped me pull through! Well done to Craig and Ryan on their awesome results, and to Max Cluer for giving the much appreciated support!
Peace out
B
This past weekend was the first round of the National XC Cup series. We piled into our car early on Friday Morning and drove up to Rietvlei to check out the course. After about 4 hours or so we reached our destination.
Craig, Ryan and I hit the track, and man was the course cool! Super rocky, Steep Climbs and tight twisting single track! It was definitely one of my favourite course that I've ridden! We left after a couple laps and I went to stay with my aunt in Bedfordview. It was really cool to catch up with my family again, and after a good nights sleep we headed out to the track the next day.
I arrived to see the end of the women's race, with our team mate Eszter Cluer bringing home 2nd overall! I hooked my bike up to the stationary trainer and hooked a really good warm up. After 45minutes or so I headed to the start and settled on the front row. I felt really confident on the new bike, even though it was only my 3rd time on my new bike! off the start I found myself in the front but soon was overtaken by Arno du Toit. We entered the first single track and I was now 4th, just behind James Reid. We hit the first climb and Luke Roberts made his move. There was now 5 of us away but then disaster struck! I burped my tyre on a rock and all the air had come out, ironically at the same place as Ruan du Toit had just punctured. I stopped and bombed my tyre and got going again. I slowly began to work my way up the field, but as I reached the half way point of the track a burped my tyre again. I stopped and did the entire procedure again. I got going and pushed super hard to close up the positions. But unfortunately disaster struck every lap in the exact same spot, except for the 4th lap. On the 4th lap I managed not to burp my tyre and began to claw through the field and took back 5 or so positions. I felt confident that my bad luck was over and was now determined to keep closing up the positions. I came into one of the technical sections and heard the dreaded sound of metal hitting the ground yet again!!!! I ran to the nearest tech' zone where I pumped my tyre. with only a few kilometers to go I took it easy and tried to salvage what was left of my race.
It was definitely the worst race I've had so far, but I made a choice to use new tyres, and obviously it was the wrong decision. I've taken it as a valuable learning experience and hopefully I've learnt from such mistakes.
Thanks to Andrew Warr for the concern and encouragement he gave towards me on the last lap, it really helped me pull through! Well done to Craig and Ryan on their awesome results, and to Max Cluer for giving the much appreciated support!
Peace out
B
Monday, February 1, 2010
My new Steed and Barberton Pics
Hey guys! Its here! My new steed is awesome! Thanks to the boys at WSquared for hooking me up with such a sweet setup! Johann Wykerd has really gone out of his way to help me out and I'd really like to give a huge thank you to him!
Chilled Ride with the boys
The Awesome Patriot
Craig and Ry having a chuckle
Chilled Ride with the boys
The Awesome Patriot
Craig and Ry having a chuckle
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Barberton XCM #2
Hey guys!
Well yesterday was the Barberton National XCM (marathon). Ryan and I entered the half marathon. With Team mates Craig and Pete hooking the Ultra Marathon.
We were up really early in the morning as the other guys had to get ready for their race at 07:00. We took a drive across from our accommodation and made our way toward the start.
After a good thorough warm up with Ryan we took our place on the front row of the grid with fell Natalians, James Reid (Mr Price/Specialized) and Trav Walker (DCM). The nerves kicked in with a few minutes to go and I became really keen to scope out the form of the national competition. We began our ride slowly but a few hundred meters down the road James attacked. I managed to get onto his wheel, with Ryan following close behind. We went through the town really hard and by the time we reached the main climb (11km long) I knew I had to back off. Travis bridged the gap, and I fell off the lead pack and rode on my ace.
I chased hard to close the gap and eventually after 8km of climbing I reentered the bunch,as I made contact I went really hard around the side to see if any of the riders would drop off. I held the pace for a while but soon slowed to let the others come through. James and Trav came through extremely fast and I found myself off the back again with only 2km left of the climb. Ryan soon dropped off and I managed to catch and drop him. At that point shear determination took over and I started to reel in the gap very slowly. By the time I reached the peak of the climb James and Trav were only 62seconds ahead, but had managed to increase the gap on the descent while I was climbing the final few meters of the climb. I pushed myself to the absolute limit on the descent, scaring myself to death on some of the loose rocky switch backs. By the time I had reached the bottom I had closed it back down to 60 or so seconds. The gap sat between 1 and 2 minutes for most of the race, but as I got nearer to the 40km mark my back went into an immense pain. This was caused by my frame being too small. I tried to push through the pain, and was nearly forced to pull out at the final water point, but I received news that I had a good gap over 4th place so I just chilled the last two or so kilometers. I crossed the line in 3rd overall and a few minutes down on James and Trav. Ryan brought home a 4th. KZN had a fantastic day, with the top 4 positions going to us.
The race was super hard but it was good to race and see how the national competition's form is as well as the way that they race. I am totally over the moon with my result. Well done to James for the win!
Craig and Pete had a good race. Pete brought home 11th, Craig 12th and Carl Calvarley was 14th. Well done guys!
The trip back this morning was awesome! It was great to get to know Carl a bit better It was a totally amazing experience! Thanks to Jeep for lending us the vehicle, which just made the experience all that more unforgettable!
This weekend is the first national! I absolutely cant wait! New course, new venue... should make for some interesting racing
Until next time
B
Well yesterday was the Barberton National XCM (marathon). Ryan and I entered the half marathon. With Team mates Craig and Pete hooking the Ultra Marathon.
We were up really early in the morning as the other guys had to get ready for their race at 07:00. We took a drive across from our accommodation and made our way toward the start.
After a good thorough warm up with Ryan we took our place on the front row of the grid with fell Natalians, James Reid (Mr Price/Specialized) and Trav Walker (DCM). The nerves kicked in with a few minutes to go and I became really keen to scope out the form of the national competition. We began our ride slowly but a few hundred meters down the road James attacked. I managed to get onto his wheel, with Ryan following close behind. We went through the town really hard and by the time we reached the main climb (11km long) I knew I had to back off. Travis bridged the gap, and I fell off the lead pack and rode on my ace.
I chased hard to close the gap and eventually after 8km of climbing I reentered the bunch,as I made contact I went really hard around the side to see if any of the riders would drop off. I held the pace for a while but soon slowed to let the others come through. James and Trav came through extremely fast and I found myself off the back again with only 2km left of the climb. Ryan soon dropped off and I managed to catch and drop him. At that point shear determination took over and I started to reel in the gap very slowly. By the time I reached the peak of the climb James and Trav were only 62seconds ahead, but had managed to increase the gap on the descent while I was climbing the final few meters of the climb. I pushed myself to the absolute limit on the descent, scaring myself to death on some of the loose rocky switch backs. By the time I had reached the bottom I had closed it back down to 60 or so seconds. The gap sat between 1 and 2 minutes for most of the race, but as I got nearer to the 40km mark my back went into an immense pain. This was caused by my frame being too small. I tried to push through the pain, and was nearly forced to pull out at the final water point, but I received news that I had a good gap over 4th place so I just chilled the last two or so kilometers. I crossed the line in 3rd overall and a few minutes down on James and Trav. Ryan brought home a 4th. KZN had a fantastic day, with the top 4 positions going to us.
The race was super hard but it was good to race and see how the national competition's form is as well as the way that they race. I am totally over the moon with my result. Well done to James for the win!
Craig and Pete had a good race. Pete brought home 11th, Craig 12th and Carl Calvarley was 14th. Well done guys!
The trip back this morning was awesome! It was great to get to know Carl a bit better It was a totally amazing experience! Thanks to Jeep for lending us the vehicle, which just made the experience all that more unforgettable!
This weekend is the first national! I absolutely cant wait! New course, new venue... should make for some interesting racing
Until next time
B
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