Well, what a great day to spend Youth Day. Never being one for political celebrations, I enjoyed the opportunity to spend a week day out in the mountains of Stellenbosch, doing my favourite thing: mountain biking.
I entered in a team of 2: PS2 (the team name) consisting of Mark Prutton and yours truly.
The “8km” lap turned out to be more 10km than 8km. Anyway, it was a great lap with a good mix of farms roads through the vineyards and some great single track sections.
Very little uphills and no real downhills either.
The type of track that took Jacques Rossouw 22 minutes a lap. My time was a “little” off that.
It was our intention to do 2 laps each, giving the other rider some time to relax before having to ride again.
Arriving there, we decided to do Athe one lap each thing, however. I must say, you don’t have much time to get off your bike, get something to eat and drink and maybe change an item of clothing in the time your partner completes his lap.
Though it started out as a very pleasant, sunny but crisp winter’s day, the wind started making it difficult at lap 3 for me.
In between laps I enjoyed hot pancakes and excellent butternut soup as well as 3 tastings of red wine at the wine shop on site.
At about 4pm, with 1 hour to go, we had enough and packed up.
No breakdowns or injuries, just heavy legs after doing the same lap 5 times over a period of 7 hours.
All in all a very pleasant day out and on the bike.
We’re expecting another beautiful winters day for the 4th annual 8-hour event, held at Delvera (near Stellenbosch) on this public holiday.
Categories: Solo (limited entries), teams of four or two riders (Open, mixed, juniors in each).
The 8km course will have some ups & downs (!), including fun & easy singletrack sections with jeeptrack through the vineyards.
The concept is simple: ride as much as you like/can in the 8- hour period.
Winner in each category: the one that did the most laps before 17h00. Team riders do not have to ride in sequence, but there can not be more than 2 lap difference between the rider with the least amount of laps & the rider with the most amount of laps in their team, at the end of the day (4 laps for junior & mixed).
Emphasis on FUN, but cool prizes to be won as well.
Pre- entries (only) accepted until Friday 13 June 17h00. Each entrant receives a goodybag. Registration from 07h30.
A social atmosphere with families, friends, supporters & spectators enjoying the great views of the mountain & vineyard from the lawn above the dam. Pancakes, soup, boerewors rolls, coffee & muffins etc. for sale all day. Restaurant, wine & cheese shop open from 10h00.
Entry form on the website or contact us for more info.
The Big Induna Mountain Bike Marathon – 14th June
This long weekend is also a popular weekend for tourists to the Lowveld so book your accommodation in advance!
500 Riding Shirts are given away to the first 500 entrants. Hurry!!!
Medals for Meals – We are not handing out medals but R5 of each entry will be donated to Sizabantwana Aids orphanage – Just by entering the race you are changing someone’s life. Money will be handed over to the manager of the orphanage on the day of the race. Learn more about the project www.sizabantwana.co.za
Pre Ride – Sat 7 June 08:00
Induna Mountain Bike Trails – Mapped & Marked self guided trails starting from Induna Adventures @ R 35pp. Two day and week passes also available. Trails vary from 5km to 45km. Lots of single tracks!
Visit www.indunaadventures.com for more info

The Dullstroom Dirty Double 28th & 29th June
The second leg of the series takes place in the clean air of Dullstroom. The organisers have really gone the extra mile to make this a event worth supporting. Although you start near Belfast on Day one, there is a shuttle bus to take you back to the start. It is a tough 56km at altitude and possible a really cold start. But the fires and free coffee and sandwiches will keep you toasty until you have to jump on your bike. There is a spit braai on Saturday night for all riders to share war stories. Day two (40km) is through a reserve which has been opened to the mountain bikers for a couple of hours for the race so enjoy the privilege of riding through virgin territory.
To enter or for further information, go to www.dirtydouble.co.za . Entries are R580 per team. Single riders may enter at registration but are not eligible for category prizes.

Only 100 entries left for the 2008 Sabie Experience
You don’t want to miss the 5th edition of this great race. The race is a tough but rewarding way to end your year. Come to Sabie with the family and enjoy the best riding in the Lowveld. Enter on www.sabiexperience.co.za . Entries are R2850 per team.
I finally had the guts to face the fact that my bike needs some servicing and upgrading!
As usual it went in for a service and a bit here and a bit there.
It ended up being:
- Full service
- 2 new tyres
- tubeless conversion
- new BB
- new chain
- new pop lock
At least now it will be good for another 6 months or until Tito decides to give us a breather again.
With that all in place and they money I’ve laid out to get it there I better start riding again!
