Knysna Time
Yes, it’s that time of the year again: the Knysna Oyster Festival and what I rate as still one of the best MTB events out there.
The 85km Mountain MTB race forms part of the MAZDA SERIES and the 42km MTB race forms part of the RCI SERIES.
This is the 9th year of the event and it is still growing.
I am very excited about the event and love doing it. Sad thing though is that I will miss it this time round.
So, to all of you lucky enough to participate: ENJOY!
Please send feedback and reports.
Freedom Challenge starts
Yip, this amazing PMB to Cape Town 2300 km MTB race kicked off on Saturday.
The competitors are:
Andre Britz
Ben Swanepoel
Cornell van der Westhuizen
Gerrit Pretorius
Grevile Ruddock
Xolani Mtshali
Yes, great was my suprise when I saw Grevile’s name on the list. Grevile has for many years been the man at the helm of SA-MTB and of course he’s been responsible for the timing at all the XC and DH events and many others over the years.
Follow their progress on www.freedomchallenge.org
That looooong ride:
As you may recall, I spoke about the Tour d’Afrique in my posting on 15 May. Below is the interview I did with Jaco Cotter of Malmesbury who participated:
Is this your first long distance ride / race?
Yes. This is my first long long distance race. Not that I am a real racer.
Will you do it again?
No. Not this one – Once is enough if you have done the whole distance – 12000km. Maybe Istanbul to Beijing.
Why not?
It is too hard and long and I don’t think I can motivate myself to endure the same battle again. If I have to do it again I will not race it and rather enjoy the sights and scenery more.
What was the single most fascinitaing / exciting thing about the race?
The Challenge. Physically, mentally and emotionally.
What was the worst?
Getting stones and sticks thrown at me in Ethiopia.
What do you wish to advise anyone that plans to do it for the first time.
If you want a challenge – here is one – do it and you will not be sorry.
Any other general comments you wish to make.
Do the Tour Dafrique if you dare and you will become a strong person. (The Tour of Friques)
for more details on Jaco and some great pics, visit his web site http://myweb.cornergate.com/wjcotter/
About Time
Yes, I know: where have I been?
The honest truth: I had to have a little operation last week. I am not allowed to ride for another week. That means no ride for three weeks. This when we’ve had good weather nogals!
It really is annoying. But what to do? If I dont allow my body to recouperate properly I may undo everything I have paid the doctors so much money for.
The only thing to do in my opninion: plan for all those nice rides coming up. Karoo 2 Coast, Cederberg and even Sabie Experience.
Clean and service the bike, and try to get all my other bike junk sorted.
That’s as close as I am getting to riding right now…
Cederberg MTB experience
Okay, I know it’s still a few months off,but I am starting to think about entering this event.
According to the organisers, 180°, the 180° Cederberg MTB Experience is now regarded as the most prestigious 3 day stage race on the South African MTB calendar.
It is held from 27-29 October and passes through the Cederberg Wilderniss area.
The entry fee is R 2100 per person and you need to ride in a team of two.
Let me know what you think.
See www.180.co.za for more details.
