Saturday saw us to the Eston club for the Illovo Eston Marathon and Half Marathon. This race has grown from 180 riders, to the biggest one day mountain bike race in the country. The weather was extremely cold in the morning, but still sunny, typical winter weather.
The line up for the 40km Half Marathon was a fierce one, all the guys were here, Tim Stark, Travis Walker, Jedson Tooms and James Reid, along with two Elite, House of Paint roadies. Our start was off at 08:30, and the start was fast from the word go. There was a big bunch of us until the KOM (king of the mountains) came. From there it broke up into a pack consisting of Travis, Tim, Jedson, James and myself, with Tim coming out with the KOM victory. After that the pace grew really fast and Tim began feeling sick, after really putting in a really big effort earlier. It was now the three maverick riders and I. Upon the next climb, Wattle Hill, I struck a huge “unlucky” rock and punctured. I stopped to bomb it and there was no chance left for me to get to the leading pack by myself again. After that incident I chased really hard and the two elite riders from House of Paint caught up to me. We worked together trying to catch the leading pack, and it started to pay off, as we were closing on them. Eventually the one broke away, leaving myself and his team mate.
Just after the first water table I managed to drop the one roadie and began to close on his team mate which I caught and passed in the single track. I now had my sights set on the leading bunch, but was caught in no man’s land on my own. Their gap was just too big and the three of them worked phenomenally well together. I ended up settling for 4th overall in a time of 1hr 40 and 3rd youth for the day.
Well done to James who had an exceptional ride and took the honors, Travis in second and Jedson in third. Another big thanks to the organizers who made the course and venue such an awesome experience. The course was really cool, with one or two tough climbs and some awesome single-track.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Kwa-Ximba Super Classic - 22 June 2008
A very cold morning greeted us at the isolated Kwa-Ximba Mtb Super Classic at the end of a 4 x 4 track that took for ever to get down. The race was situated just outside Camperdown in literally what seemed to be the Valley of 1000 Hills. The race was scheduled to start at 08:00 am, so we left our place bright and early to get to the registration. Due to the number of people still coming in at 07:50 the start of race was delayed by 30 minutes.
The race started at 08:30 and was quite a relaxed start. But half way up the first climb the pace opened up, a break away of about 7 or 8 guys were in front, luckily I managed to go with them. A little further up the climb Pete Smith, Jedson Tooms, Chris Wolhuter and I had been dropped, along with Dave Louw and Gary Flint. Chris, Pete, Jedson and I formed the chasing bunch and we began to work well together. We came to the first single track section and Pete picked up the pace but I managed to go with him and we managed to get a small gap, but Jedson and Chris closed it down just after we exited the single track.
Directly after that Jedson put in an attack on a steep climb and I decided to go with him as he is a strong climber. We worked really well together and pushed the pace up a bit breaking away from Pete and Chris.
We eventually came past some members of the front bunch when Andrew Hill punctured at about ±19km mark and we got an indication from him that the front bunch was not that far ahead of us
The toughest and steepest climb of the day came, and I noticed Pete had really upped the pace, as he was closing on us. About half way up he caught us and really put down the hammer. I again found myself to be with him, and noticed both Jedson and Chris could not hang on to the pace and I wondered how long I could go with him but was eventually dropped after about 5 minutes.
I then lost touch of Pete and upon entering a single track, a pack of hunting dogs forced me to stop while they were crossing the road. I was really worried that they would chase me, so I stayed where I was until their handlers came to the rescue. Now being really frustrated I gave it my all and I then ended taking a wrong turn, but soon realized my mistake and only lost about a minute. Approaching the river crossings I saw Pete on the far side, and I tried to push and really catch him, but I was unable to close the gap.
A couple of kilometers later Carl Calverly and Dave Louw caught me again. As Carl caught me he put down the pace and I once again found myself in a small break away. Suddenly, Nico, Team Jeep, came past us, (he had been leading the race) he had obviously also taken a wrong turn and was going like the clappers. Eventually with about 5km to go Carl broke away and I had to settle with a 6th overall, and 2nd in the youth category finishing in a time of 2hr14mins.
The Race is by far the most difficult race I have EVER done, 7 absolutely grueling climbs. One climb was 8km on it’s own and the course was also extremely steep and grassy. The course was very cool, but extremely difficult for a 50km.
The race started at 08:30 and was quite a relaxed start. But half way up the first climb the pace opened up, a break away of about 7 or 8 guys were in front, luckily I managed to go with them. A little further up the climb Pete Smith, Jedson Tooms, Chris Wolhuter and I had been dropped, along with Dave Louw and Gary Flint. Chris, Pete, Jedson and I formed the chasing bunch and we began to work well together. We came to the first single track section and Pete picked up the pace but I managed to go with him and we managed to get a small gap, but Jedson and Chris closed it down just after we exited the single track.
Directly after that Jedson put in an attack on a steep climb and I decided to go with him as he is a strong climber. We worked really well together and pushed the pace up a bit breaking away from Pete and Chris.
We eventually came past some members of the front bunch when Andrew Hill punctured at about ±19km mark and we got an indication from him that the front bunch was not that far ahead of us
The toughest and steepest climb of the day came, and I noticed Pete had really upped the pace, as he was closing on us. About half way up he caught us and really put down the hammer. I again found myself to be with him, and noticed both Jedson and Chris could not hang on to the pace and I wondered how long I could go with him but was eventually dropped after about 5 minutes.
I then lost touch of Pete and upon entering a single track, a pack of hunting dogs forced me to stop while they were crossing the road. I was really worried that they would chase me, so I stayed where I was until their handlers came to the rescue. Now being really frustrated I gave it my all and I then ended taking a wrong turn, but soon realized my mistake and only lost about a minute. Approaching the river crossings I saw Pete on the far side, and I tried to push and really catch him, but I was unable to close the gap.
A couple of kilometers later Carl Calverly and Dave Louw caught me again. As Carl caught me he put down the pace and I once again found myself in a small break away. Suddenly, Nico, Team Jeep, came past us, (he had been leading the race) he had obviously also taken a wrong turn and was going like the clappers. Eventually with about 5km to go Carl broke away and I had to settle with a 6th overall, and 2nd in the youth category finishing in a time of 2hr14mins.
The Race is by far the most difficult race I have EVER done, 7 absolutely grueling climbs. One climb was 8km on it’s own and the course was also extremely steep and grassy. The course was very cool, but extremely difficult for a 50km.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Hazy view - Induna Drifter - 14 June 2008
Craig Paul, Willie Brink, my dad and I all traveled up to Hazy view, for the 3rd round of the Drifter series. We left late on Thursday evening and drove into our accommodation the next morning at around 08h00.
Craig, Willie and I got dressed and went for a ride to registration, while my dad drove. On our journey to the registration, Willie wanted to ride some single track that was in the race on Saturday. We eventually came to the Main tar road. We then ended up riding up and down to try find the single track. Eventually we came across it. After registration I caught a lift back to the accommodation with my dad as Craig and Willie wanted to do some more riding. I got back to the accommodation cleaned my bike and chilled the rest of the day.
Saturday came and I got up and started to get ready. Craig and Willie left a bit earlier for their race was earlier. I decided to ride to the venue as part of my warm up. It was absolutely freezing riding to the venue but I managed to find a nice warm sunny spot.
I went to the start at about 08:30, luckily from my good result at the last drifter I was seeded and went to the front. The start was off at just before nine o’clock. The first 1km or 2km was a neutral zone. But as the lead vehicle pulled off the racing went really hard, and straight into the first climb which was a real killer. Bryce Munro (riding in the colours of his new sponsor DCM-Chrome) went to the front and I tried to go with him. From sitting on the start for so long my muscles were cold and did not respond properly. But after about 1km my legs kicked in and I worked my way back to 2nd with James Gerber and his team mate just behind. On the second climb James fell and I managed to break away. I chased Bryce as hard as possible. 10km or so from the finish James and His team mate made contact with me again and they began attacking, with the elite team member pulling James along all the time. I tried to hang on but attack after attack they eventually wore me down and they opened a gap in the last 2km. In the end the gap separating 2nd and 4th place was 30seconds, with Bryce Munroe taking the win some 3:00minutes ahead.
Willie, Craig and I all chilled the rest of the day and recovered from a hard day in the saddle
The course was really awesome, a lot of technical stuff, some awesome river crossings and we even had a river ride (we actually rode in the river). The event was really well organized with MTN putting in huge backing. Well done to Theo and his crew.
That night we all went out for pizza and had a good time. We then packed up and left again at 0945pm to travel back… what a hectic Weekend!!!
Craig, Willie and I got dressed and went for a ride to registration, while my dad drove. On our journey to the registration, Willie wanted to ride some single track that was in the race on Saturday. We eventually came to the Main tar road. We then ended up riding up and down to try find the single track. Eventually we came across it. After registration I caught a lift back to the accommodation with my dad as Craig and Willie wanted to do some more riding. I got back to the accommodation cleaned my bike and chilled the rest of the day.
Saturday came and I got up and started to get ready. Craig and Willie left a bit earlier for their race was earlier. I decided to ride to the venue as part of my warm up. It was absolutely freezing riding to the venue but I managed to find a nice warm sunny spot.
I went to the start at about 08:30, luckily from my good result at the last drifter I was seeded and went to the front. The start was off at just before nine o’clock. The first 1km or 2km was a neutral zone. But as the lead vehicle pulled off the racing went really hard, and straight into the first climb which was a real killer. Bryce Munro (riding in the colours of his new sponsor DCM-Chrome) went to the front and I tried to go with him. From sitting on the start for so long my muscles were cold and did not respond properly. But after about 1km my legs kicked in and I worked my way back to 2nd with James Gerber and his team mate just behind. On the second climb James fell and I managed to break away. I chased Bryce as hard as possible. 10km or so from the finish James and His team mate made contact with me again and they began attacking, with the elite team member pulling James along all the time. I tried to hang on but attack after attack they eventually wore me down and they opened a gap in the last 2km. In the end the gap separating 2nd and 4th place was 30seconds, with Bryce Munroe taking the win some 3:00minutes ahead.
Willie, Craig and I all chilled the rest of the day and recovered from a hard day in the saddle
The course was really awesome, a lot of technical stuff, some awesome river crossings and we even had a river ride (we actually rode in the river). The event was really well organized with MTN putting in huge backing. Well done to Theo and his crew.
That night we all went out for pizza and had a good time. We then packed up and left again at 0945pm to travel back… what a hectic Weekend!!!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Howick Super Classic - 8 June 2008
A very VERY cold morning saw us to the Howick High School. The weather was to my liking, cold and really wet. Although the weather was really bum, there was still a considerable amount of entries, close on 300!
The Classic was off at 09:00 sharp. The first kilometer or so was a neutral zone, just until we crossed over the main road. As the lead vehicle pulled over, the racing began. Straight into the course and the first climb started. At the top of the climb I had managed to settle into 7th position, in a pack with Carl Calverley, Jedson Tooms and Dave Louw just behind us. I entered the first single track right behind Jedson, but on the other side Carl was nowhere to be seen (he must have suffered a mechanical). It was now Jedson, myself and Dave. But on the second climb of the day Jedson broke away leaving Dave and I to chase.
Dave and I gave chase until we eventually managed to catch Jedson on the biggest and longest climb of the race. Jedson, having had to stop for mechanicals, had caused his muscles to get cold, leaving us to close the gap on him. By the top of the climb Dave had opened up a gap on me. We had managed to drop Jedson further down the mountain.
We entered into “Gums” one of my favourite single-tracks, but it had become really bad with all the rain. I went as fast as the single track would let me, I came off hard in the one section but managed to regain focus and keep chasing Dave.
Approaching the finish came another of my favourite single tracks, and I again pushed as hard as the conditions would let me. As I hit the tar road I sprinted to keep the gap I had on the guys behind me and to try close on Dave.
I crossed the line in 7th overall, 1st in age (youth). I really enjoyed the course, one of my favorite of the year. Well-done to the guys who have put so much time and effort into this race!!!
The Classic was off at 09:00 sharp. The first kilometer or so was a neutral zone, just until we crossed over the main road. As the lead vehicle pulled over, the racing began. Straight into the course and the first climb started. At the top of the climb I had managed to settle into 7th position, in a pack with Carl Calverley, Jedson Tooms and Dave Louw just behind us. I entered the first single track right behind Jedson, but on the other side Carl was nowhere to be seen (he must have suffered a mechanical). It was now Jedson, myself and Dave. But on the second climb of the day Jedson broke away leaving Dave and I to chase.
Dave and I gave chase until we eventually managed to catch Jedson on the biggest and longest climb of the race. Jedson, having had to stop for mechanicals, had caused his muscles to get cold, leaving us to close the gap on him. By the top of the climb Dave had opened up a gap on me. We had managed to drop Jedson further down the mountain.
We entered into “Gums” one of my favourite single-tracks, but it had become really bad with all the rain. I went as fast as the single track would let me, I came off hard in the one section but managed to regain focus and keep chasing Dave.
Approaching the finish came another of my favourite single tracks, and I again pushed as hard as the conditions would let me. As I hit the tar road I sprinted to keep the gap I had on the guys behind me and to try close on Dave.
I crossed the line in 7th overall, 1st in age (youth). I really enjoyed the course, one of my favorite of the year. Well-done to the guys who have put so much time and effort into this race!!!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Mtunzini Super Classic 25 May 2008
An extremely early and chilly morning, 5:30! Saw us leaving our house to make the 2hour trek down to Mtinzini. The trip in total went very quick for me as I managed to sleep some of the way.
We arrived at the venue and it was a completely different type of weather. It had already become really humid and hot, and it was only a little after 7:30!!! My race was only off at 9:00 so I decided to just chill. This was my first race over 45km and I knew it was going to be tough, a whole 57 kilometers!!! I learnt my lesson from Karkloof and decided to take 2 bottles f juice on the bike. The time came to warm up, so Jedson Tooms and I went out to check the start loop and as we arrived back at the start it was a mad dash to try get onto the front row, for we were a little late.
At 9:00 sharp we were off, and it seemed to be a neutral zone for the first 2 or so kilometers. As we hit the dirt the pace jumped greatly, as Rourke Croeser, and Sean Merridew took to the front. It was a bunch of 5 or 6 of us, but at the first climb Rourke, Andrew Warr, Andrew Hill, and Sean broke away. Carl Calvarly, Jedson Tooms and I all gave chase but we eventually settled into a good pace and sat at it. After the first big climb we were a couple of a hundred meters ahead of the next guys. We put in some attacks to give us a bit of a cushion.
We all really worked well together taking turns to do some work in the front. But towards the end Carl had a powerful surge and broke away. It was just myself and Jedson now. Another 10-20minutes after that, I managed to get away from Jedson, but he managed to close the gap again.
Coming up to the finish a big pack was coming towards us. It was a pack of about 4 or 5 riders. I knew then I had to start to up the pace. I went as hard as I could for the last 2km and came out of the bush onto the last 200mtar section in 5th place overall, but the big guys managed to catch and out sprint me, which gave me a 10th overall and 1st in youth category.
I was very pleased with result. It was a long race distance wise but we had covered the 57km in a shade over 2hrs which showed the pace was rather quick. The sandy sections and short sharp climbs made for a very interesting experience.
Well-done to the organizers who did a good job with the marking.
We arrived at the venue and it was a completely different type of weather. It had already become really humid and hot, and it was only a little after 7:30!!! My race was only off at 9:00 so I decided to just chill. This was my first race over 45km and I knew it was going to be tough, a whole 57 kilometers!!! I learnt my lesson from Karkloof and decided to take 2 bottles f juice on the bike. The time came to warm up, so Jedson Tooms and I went out to check the start loop and as we arrived back at the start it was a mad dash to try get onto the front row, for we were a little late.
At 9:00 sharp we were off, and it seemed to be a neutral zone for the first 2 or so kilometers. As we hit the dirt the pace jumped greatly, as Rourke Croeser, and Sean Merridew took to the front. It was a bunch of 5 or 6 of us, but at the first climb Rourke, Andrew Warr, Andrew Hill, and Sean broke away. Carl Calvarly, Jedson Tooms and I all gave chase but we eventually settled into a good pace and sat at it. After the first big climb we were a couple of a hundred meters ahead of the next guys. We put in some attacks to give us a bit of a cushion.
We all really worked well together taking turns to do some work in the front. But towards the end Carl had a powerful surge and broke away. It was just myself and Jedson now. Another 10-20minutes after that, I managed to get away from Jedson, but he managed to close the gap again.
Coming up to the finish a big pack was coming towards us. It was a pack of about 4 or 5 riders. I knew then I had to start to up the pace. I went as hard as I could for the last 2km and came out of the bush onto the last 200mtar section in 5th place overall, but the big guys managed to catch and out sprint me, which gave me a 10th overall and 1st in youth category.
I was very pleased with result. It was a long race distance wise but we had covered the 57km in a shade over 2hrs which showed the pace was rather quick. The sandy sections and short sharp climbs made for a very interesting experience.
Well-done to the organizers who did a good job with the marking.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Nelspruit XC National - 17 May 2008
After arriving on Thursday morning we decided to go check out the course.
The national was to be held at the newly established Mankele Bike Park, just outside Nelspruit and very close to the Sudwala caves. We pulled in at the gates, and from what we could see the area looked VERY hilly. But the venue looked really awesome and I was super keen to hit the track. I took to the course and had not even completed a lap before I managed to puncture my back tyre.
On Friday we were again at the track, checking out lines and making last minute checks on the bike. While riding I kept checking out my back tyre and soon realized I needed a new one as my tyre kept going flat. Fortunately my dad had phoned friends in Pretoria and a tyre and a bottle of Stan’s was on the way. After practice I cleaned my bike and then we decided to visit the Sudwala caves. It was really cool and thereafter we all headed out to Graskop for some seriously good pancakes.
On Saturday I was able to lie in as my race was only at 13:30, the last race of the day. During the course of the day I took it really easy. Taking in a lot of fluid and staying chilled. We decided to leave the house a bit earlier to go and support some of the races before mine. The day seemed to take forever and eventually my race came.
I was seeded 8th after having a DNF in Pretoria. I still managed to sneak into the front row, next to Travis Walker. The start was really fast, and went into a really tight first corner. I was the second rider to the corner but having the outside line, I had to scrub off a ton off speed to make the corner, and I lost a couple of places, but then jumped into a good position in the pack.
On the first lap I managed to work my way up the pack into the top three, but then disaster struck. I came into a really rough section way too fast, and managed to crack or strip the bolts in my head set. This caused my bars to swing down, and I flung over the handle bars. I recovered from the fall and raced as hard as I could to the feed zone where Johann Wykerd and my dad assisted by re fastening the bars. It was during this time that I l slipped further down the standings and by the time I got going again, I had dropped to 6th position.
I then went as hard as I could to close the gap and managed to catch Luke Roberts (5th). But soon after catching him my bars came loose again and I slowed right down to retighten them. This caused me to lose a huge amount of time. For my final two laps I got over it and went balls to the wall only stopping to tighten my bars when I absolutely had to. I took huge chances in the very technical single tracks, but could only slightly close the gap, despite all the stopping. I still managed to secure a 6th position.
I was very disappointed with my result as I really wanted to do well and I felt really strong, right to the finish, but you can’t always have a good race I guess:-)
That evening we all had a braai at the venue, watched the 4 cross racing and finished off the evening with a live performance by Prime Circle playing the concert, it was AWESOME!!!
In all the course was really awesome, I loved it, it was really technical and had some good climbing. I rate the course as one of the best the XC circuit has to offer.
Well-done to the guys who put in such a huge effort. Look forward to the next race up that side- Hazyview!!!
The national was to be held at the newly established Mankele Bike Park, just outside Nelspruit and very close to the Sudwala caves. We pulled in at the gates, and from what we could see the area looked VERY hilly. But the venue looked really awesome and I was super keen to hit the track. I took to the course and had not even completed a lap before I managed to puncture my back tyre.
On Friday we were again at the track, checking out lines and making last minute checks on the bike. While riding I kept checking out my back tyre and soon realized I needed a new one as my tyre kept going flat. Fortunately my dad had phoned friends in Pretoria and a tyre and a bottle of Stan’s was on the way. After practice I cleaned my bike and then we decided to visit the Sudwala caves. It was really cool and thereafter we all headed out to Graskop for some seriously good pancakes.
On Saturday I was able to lie in as my race was only at 13:30, the last race of the day. During the course of the day I took it really easy. Taking in a lot of fluid and staying chilled. We decided to leave the house a bit earlier to go and support some of the races before mine. The day seemed to take forever and eventually my race came.
I was seeded 8th after having a DNF in Pretoria. I still managed to sneak into the front row, next to Travis Walker. The start was really fast, and went into a really tight first corner. I was the second rider to the corner but having the outside line, I had to scrub off a ton off speed to make the corner, and I lost a couple of places, but then jumped into a good position in the pack.
On the first lap I managed to work my way up the pack into the top three, but then disaster struck. I came into a really rough section way too fast, and managed to crack or strip the bolts in my head set. This caused my bars to swing down, and I flung over the handle bars. I recovered from the fall and raced as hard as I could to the feed zone where Johann Wykerd and my dad assisted by re fastening the bars. It was during this time that I l slipped further down the standings and by the time I got going again, I had dropped to 6th position.
I then went as hard as I could to close the gap and managed to catch Luke Roberts (5th). But soon after catching him my bars came loose again and I slowed right down to retighten them. This caused me to lose a huge amount of time. For my final two laps I got over it and went balls to the wall only stopping to tighten my bars when I absolutely had to. I took huge chances in the very technical single tracks, but could only slightly close the gap, despite all the stopping. I still managed to secure a 6th position.
I was very disappointed with my result as I really wanted to do well and I felt really strong, right to the finish, but you can’t always have a good race I guess:-)
That evening we all had a braai at the venue, watched the 4 cross racing and finished off the evening with a live performance by Prime Circle playing the concert, it was AWESOME!!!
In all the course was really awesome, I loved it, it was really technical and had some good climbing. I rate the course as one of the best the XC circuit has to offer.
Well-done to the guys who put in such a huge effort. Look forward to the next race up that side- Hazyview!!!
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