So, how’s this for last minute prep?
Today I handed my bike in for a service and picked it up this afternoon, bought new cycling shorts and cycling top, waterbottles, arnica cream, suntan lotion, lip ice, all weather plasters and then had a sports massage from 5 to 6pm.
Then back home to pack my bags and eventually had it all squeezed in at 9pm.
Yes, all ready for my 4h00 wake-up tomorrow to leave for the start of the Sani2C on Wednesday morning.
You wont see my on the blog till the week-end when I’ll be reporting back.
Till then, either see you there, or enjoy the week!
here’s the results for Saturday’s event in Sabie.
Subaru Sabie Classic 2008 Results .xls
I’m always thinking about taking a trip to a far away country with my mountain bike strapped to the roof of the plane.
So, last night I typed “mountain biking alaska” into Google to see what comes up.
Low and behold I found a site called Mountain Bike Alaska with a variety of touring options.
It actually caters more for touring than just riding and the fees are quite steep but it gives you an idea of what can be done in Alaska.
I will attempt to add one link per week of an exciting international cycling destination.
Know of any?
so, a mere 5 days to the start of the Sani2C adventure on Wed 27 Feb and the Sani2C race the following day, 28 Feb.
The last email newsletter informed me of the daily distances, accommodation, meals provided, possible wet weather conditions and the like.
Am I ready physically? I doubt it!
Mentally? without a doubt
Now it’s just that last ride tomorrow, having the bike serviced on Monday, a massage Monday afternoon, packing the bags and then on the 06h30 flight to Jhb from Cpt on Tuesday.
From there it is the 5 hr drive to Underberg for registration before 4pm, hope we make it.
hope to see you there!
This from Dean Swanepoel at WPMBA
Our Western Province Downhill Provincial #3 originally scheduled for the 2nd of March has had to be brought forward to the 24th of February due to a clash with the Argus MTB Cycle tour on the same date.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, and hope that we will still have a great turn-out for the event.
Venue: Eden, Stellenbosch – Potties Course
Date: 23-24 February 2008
Registration: Sat 09:30 – 15:00 / Sun 08:00 – 09:00
Practice: Sat 10:00 – 16:00 / Sun 08:00 – 09:00
Racing: Sun 10:00
Cost: R 180.00 + (R20.00 refundable deposit for Number Board)
Click here for a map of venue
Please feel free to phone me if you have any queries.
See you at the race!
Hi all,
This in from Grevile in Pretoria
Another tough day of racing on the downhill at Gillooly’s Farm in Johannesburg, -not a long course, but certainly technically and physically demanding. And with seasoned downhill campaigners coming out tops amongst the talented youngsters.
As the season develops, the first two nationals have seen top class fields of riders and excellent racing. This must bode well for the next leg of the series in Pietermaritzburg on the 15th and 16th March, -which also doubles up as the one-off SA National Mountain Bike Championships for 2008. Perhaps the most important event of the year for the riders, -and we are surely in for some of the best mountain bike action in years! With the added incentive of a UCI delegation out to evaluate the venue, course and overall logistics and area with a view to a World Cup there in 2009, it is promising to be a very special experience.
Find today’s race results attached.
SA Downhill 2-2008.xls
Thanks to Grevile the results for the 2nd national are attached.
So, Burry Stander got his 1st place after all, after having suffered technical difficulties in the 1st national in Stellenbosch.
Burry’s comments earlier in the week were that the course, at Fountains in Pretoria, was flat but technical and that he will sacrifice some weight on his bike in order to ensure that his equipment won’t drop him this time.
His winning margin of almost 5 minutes ( over Marc Bassingthwaighte ) is huge for this type of event and at this caliber of racing.
He seems sure to be visiting Beijing later in the year for the Olympics.
Yolanda Speedy won the elite women, hoping also to visit Beijing this year.
SA Cross Country 2 2008.xls
IF you have the time and the cash, you gotta make it to the 2008 Sea Otter Classic in California.
With everything from downhill to 4X, short track, endurance, MTB rodeo, dual slalom, adventure challenge and more, this 4 day cycling festival ( yes, there’s road riding too) is a big must on the international MTB calendar.
See seaotterclassic.com for all the details.
This just in from Grevile:
Another excellent turnout at a WP Downhill event, -they are matching the numbers turning up for the XC events. Thanks to Dean Swanepoel, Chris and Gina Nixon and others who continue to put commitment and effort into downhill racing and the downhill riders! Also, the Moms and Dads who come along to support, and help
If you haven’t been to a WP downhill race, -come along to one and watch the talent and feel the vibe! –it’s great to see how all the riders encourage the mates, even when in competition, and they applaud everyone with enthusiasm at the prize-giving.
Altogether, a good formula to encourage participation!
