RASA Day 4
Masakala to Ongeluksnek, a total distance on 64 km and a relatively easy day. We therefore decided to only start at 06:00. In the end we got going at 06:09. We started of by missing the first turn at the school within the first 2 km! We realised our mistake very quickly and back tracked to the correct track. Initially it was not to cold, but as we moved down into the floodplain the temperature dropped to -9.2! My hands were freezing. The rest of the body was fine because of the physical effort in peddling. I even was pleased when we encountered a hill due the extra body heat generated through peddling.
Our first turnoff was at 15.5 km, but there was some "disharmony" in the group on which turnoff to take. After some consultation with dome of the locals, we took the next turn at 18.1 km. This turned out to be a dead end, but we could see the clump of wattles we were aiming for so we made our way there through the short grass. There picked the right track and made our way to Queen's Mercy. This was closed so we just took a short break. As soon as we got going, the wind picked up. We were traveling on a NW direction and the wind was NE. We stopped at the Maria Linden School to fill our water bottles.
We once again encountered some problems finding the right track up to Mprhane hill. We managed to get to the right track but not as per the narratives. Fortunately we did not loose to much time. The wind was really pumping now. The route down the mountain was marked very clearly, but the wind was a real problem until we were down far enough not to feel the wind any longer. We made our way to Gladstone farm. From there it was fairly straight forward to the Maria Zell Mission and the new route to Ongeluksnek. We clocked in just before 15:00.
Total distance 64.67 lm; 1,281 meter ascent; total time 8:45.
Maandag 16 Junie 2014
RASA Day 3
RASA Day 3
The rout out of Ntsikeni has changed slightly do we decided to leave an hour later than normal so that will do less on the dark. This turned to be a good decision and we found the right rout. This was difficult and it took us 2:30 to do the first 9.5 km. the next 10 took about 1:30 and then we were on district roads and made hood time to reach our interim stop at 11:20. We left there after 40 minutes.
After this we were mostly on district roads for the 20 km with a number of big climbs, but not as serious as yesterday. We then took a left turn through some villages and a wattle plantation down to the Little Umzimvubu River. After crossing it we had a fairly rough climb of about 3 km to another district road. We were on this road for 2 km after which we took another left turn. The next 4.6 km was over some undulated ground and through some wet lands and wattle plantations. Here after it was another little monster for the next 4 km which took us about an hour. We finally got onto Masakala at 17:50.
Total distance 93.17 km; total ascent 1,818 meters; total time 11:42
The rout out of Ntsikeni has changed slightly do we decided to leave an hour later than normal so that will do less on the dark. This turned to be a good decision and we found the right rout. This was difficult and it took us 2:30 to do the first 9.5 km. the next 10 took about 1:30 and then we were on district roads and made hood time to reach our interim stop at 11:20. We left there after 40 minutes.
After this we were mostly on district roads for the 20 km with a number of big climbs, but not as serious as yesterday. We then took a left turn through some villages and a wattle plantation down to the Little Umzimvubu River. After crossing it we had a fairly rough climb of about 3 km to another district road. We were on this road for 2 km after which we took another left turn. The next 4.6 km was over some undulated ground and through some wet lands and wattle plantations. Here after it was another little monster for the next 4 km which took us about an hour. We finally got onto Masakala at 17:50.
Total distance 93.17 km; total ascent 1,818 meters; total time 11:42
Donderdag 12 Junie 2014
RASA Day 2
RASA Day 2
We got up at 04:00 for a 04:30 breakfast. In the end we had breakfast at 04:45 and left at 05:20. We managed to get the rout out of Allendale due to help we had from Ian Waddilove the previous evening. We did join the district road a little up from were we should have, but identified our position and found the turn off to the plantation loading site. We had no problem through the Donnybrook forest and made good time. From there went through the forest. There were a number of tricky areas where we had to back track but we got through in the end and for the first time in three attempts I actually join the tar road at the right point. We got onto Centacow at 10:20. We had a leisurely stop and got going again at 11:20.
The next section included two monster climbs. They both were about 5 km and both took about an hour each. We walked more than we rode on those hills. In between we had to cross a river, which we managed to do without getting wet by tip toeing over the rocks, and had a pleasurable ride through a blue-gum forest. We entered Ntsikeni Reserve via the famous Northern Gate by way of the "ladder" over the fence. I clocked in at Ntsikeni Lodge at 16:55, 5 minutes after Coen and 15 minutes before George.
Total distance for the day was 102 km with 2,800 meters of climbing and a riding time of 11:52.
We got up at 04:00 for a 04:30 breakfast. In the end we had breakfast at 04:45 and left at 05:20. We managed to get the rout out of Allendale due to help we had from Ian Waddilove the previous evening. We did join the district road a little up from were we should have, but identified our position and found the turn off to the plantation loading site. We had no problem through the Donnybrook forest and made good time. From there went through the forest. There were a number of tricky areas where we had to back track but we got through in the end and for the first time in three attempts I actually join the tar road at the right point. We got onto Centacow at 10:20. We had a leisurely stop and got going again at 11:20.
The next section included two monster climbs. They both were about 5 km and both took about an hour each. We walked more than we rode on those hills. In between we had to cross a river, which we managed to do without getting wet by tip toeing over the rocks, and had a pleasurable ride through a blue-gum forest. We entered Ntsikeni Reserve via the famous Northern Gate by way of the "ladder" over the fence. I clocked in at Ntsikeni Lodge at 16:55, 5 minutes after Coen and 15 minutes before George.
Total distance for the day was 102 km with 2,800 meters of climbing and a riding time of 11:52.
Woensdag 11 Junie 2014
RASA Day 1
RASA Day 1
Got up at 04:10 this morning for breakfast at 04:30. Had a healthy bowl of Jungle oats. We made our way to the City Hall at 05:30 for the 06:00 start.
We all stayed pretty much together into Bisley Nature Reserve. After 13 km we left the main road and made our way through the sugar cane plantations. Our group of 11 spilt into three here. The fast guys went ahead. Myself, Coen de Bruin and George Wienekus formed the medium group and the rest formed slow group.
We maintained a good pace and arrived at Minerva at 10:10. The fast guys were gone all ready when I got there. I was there first and had to wait 10 minutes for the other two. We had some soup, refilled our bottles and finally got going after 28 minutes. By this time the slow guys had not yet arrived.
We made our way down the hill to Byrne and from there via the Illovo Nek turn off to the Umkomaas valley. The track next to the river was very ridable. This is due to the Hela Hela MTB which was held earlier this year. After crossing the bridge the Hela Hela climb started. It took me 1:214 to do the 7 km! I only had one word to say when I reached the top - bliksem! The last 15 lm took us 1:10 and we clocked into Allendale at 15:24.
Got up at 04:10 this morning for breakfast at 04:30. Had a healthy bowl of Jungle oats. We made our way to the City Hall at 05:30 for the 06:00 start.
We all stayed pretty much together into Bisley Nature Reserve. After 13 km we left the main road and made our way through the sugar cane plantations. Our group of 11 spilt into three here. The fast guys went ahead. Myself, Coen de Bruin and George Wienekus formed the medium group and the rest formed slow group.
We maintained a good pace and arrived at Minerva at 10:10. The fast guys were gone all ready when I got there. I was there first and had to wait 10 minutes for the other two. We had some soup, refilled our bottles and finally got going after 28 minutes. By this time the slow guys had not yet arrived.
We made our way down the hill to Byrne and from there via the Illovo Nek turn off to the Umkomaas valley. The track next to the river was very ridable. This is due to the Hela Hela MTB which was held earlier this year. After crossing the bridge the Hela Hela climb started. It took me 1:214 to do the 7 km! I only had one word to say when I reached the top - bliksem! The last 15 lm took us 1:10 and we clocked into Allendale at 15:24.
Dinsdag 10 Junie 2014
Freedom Challenge minus one day
FC minus one day
Well, here we are again. My second try at doing the Freedom Challenge. I feel better prepared physically and mentally. Currently the weather is looking promising. Everyday is a bit hotter in Pietermaritzburg. Matatiele keeps on hovering between -1 and 17, with the -1 becoming 1 by the end of the week. No rain forecasted at this point, but it still is a long way to Praal!
Arrived in Pietermaritzburg. Checked in and assembled bike. Seems to have made to trip from Cape Town in tact. Tied rain gear to underside of seat and fitted number. Now ready to go.
Met all the guys I will be riding with at dinner. Seems a very bunch of guys with the same strategy as mine, but no one else, who is going all the way has done it before. Some of the guys who are going to Rhodes have, but I think they will be too fast for the rest of us.
Remember to follow us on the Freedom Challenge website. I am off to bed. Breakfast is at 04:30 and we leave from here at 05:30 for the 06:00 start from the City Hall.
Well, here we are again. My second try at doing the Freedom Challenge. I feel better prepared physically and mentally. Currently the weather is looking promising. Everyday is a bit hotter in Pietermaritzburg. Matatiele keeps on hovering between -1 and 17, with the -1 becoming 1 by the end of the week. No rain forecasted at this point, but it still is a long way to Praal!
Arrived in Pietermaritzburg. Checked in and assembled bike. Seems to have made to trip from Cape Town in tact. Tied rain gear to underside of seat and fitted number. Now ready to go.
Met all the guys I will be riding with at dinner. Seems a very bunch of guys with the same strategy as mine, but no one else, who is going all the way has done it before. Some of the guys who are going to Rhodes have, but I think they will be too fast for the rest of us.
Remember to follow us on the Freedom Challenge website. I am off to bed. Breakfast is at 04:30 and we leave from here at 05:30 for the 06:00 start from the City Hall.
Dinsdag 27 Mei 2014
AMA Rider 100 miler
AMA Rider 100 km
Saturday 24 May was the date for the annual AMA Rider 100 miler in the Malmesbury district. I looked at the weather forecast before I left home and saw the we were going to have sunshine until 15:00 from when light rain was forecasted. I planned to ride 7:30 and starting at 07:30 that meant that I should finish before the rain came! On the way to Malmesbury there was heavy thunder in the air!
I arrived at the start on time to collect my number and line up for the start. We got going at 07:30. I managed to line up towards the front and not being a fast starter, I was passed by numerous riders during the first couple of kilometers. The thunder which I saw on my way to the start brought some unwelcome thunder showers, but fortunately they did not last too long and did cause any problems. I passed the first water point after 1:34, 5 minutes slower than last year in spite of having a tail wind! I was enjoying the ride and maintained a good pace but losing time compared to last year. During this period we gained 560 meters in elevation and my average speed was 21 kph. I reached the second water point after another 58 minutes and maintaining an average of 21 kph. This time I stopped for some refreshments and got going again after 3 minutes.
The previous sections had a number of gentle climbs, but the first part if the next section had some serious uphills. After a while we joined a district road heading north. In the meantime the wind has picked up and was coming diagonally from the left front. Two ladies caught up with me and we managed to maintain a reasonable pace and I reached water point 3 after another 1:36 with my average speed coming down to 17 kph. During later part of this ride I was sure I had a slow puncture. Fortunately it was only my imagination and I was quite relieved when I stopped and that my tyre was perfect. This was the halfway point and by this time I was 24 minutes slower than last year, which was not that bad after taking the wind into consideration. I had some refreshments and got going again after 4 minutes. The ladies was contemplating giving up, so I left on my own.
After about ten minutes of riding we turned north west and was riding into the teeth of the wind. Some guys and a girl caught up with me and left me standing! A little later some more people came past and I managed to join them and we formed a group of about nine, working well together and catching some other "stragglers". On one of the slopes the pace got just too much for me and I was left behind. Once over the hill I managed to maintain the gap. The group in front split up into further smaller groups and I actually gained time on them, arriving at the lunch stop on their heels. There we were treated to dome wholesome soup. I got going again on my own after a stop of 5 minutes. During this section of 28 km, I lost 32 minutes compared to last year. That gives some indication of how strong the wind was! My average speed over this section was only 15 kph!
The next 7 km was still against the wind, but shortly after joining the R311 we took a left turn and had the wind coming over our right shoulder. After a further 13 km we turned left again and I had the wind in my face again. To make matters worse, it started raining and I only had a windbreaker, which is only shower proof, on with the result that I was getting wet. The rain was very feint and did not drench me through and as it was coming from the left only my lefthand side was getting wet. I was also lucky in that it was not too cold. It took me 1:35, the same time as last year to complete the 29 km to the last water point.
Here I just stopped to top up my water bottle and got going immediately.
The last 24 km actually included the second most climbing, 469 meters, of the whole course and we had portions with wind on our backs and others with the wind from the front. When the wind was from the front we also had rain from that side with the result of getting drenched! After 11 km I went over the top of the last hill and from there it was downhill to the end. I saw another rider in front of me and put in a great effort to catch him, which I did with 1 km left. I actually passed him, but he re passed me just before we crossed the finish line.
Total time 9:00; total distance 163.28; total ascent 2,213 meters; 7,864 calories burnt.
Saturday 24 May was the date for the annual AMA Rider 100 miler in the Malmesbury district. I looked at the weather forecast before I left home and saw the we were going to have sunshine until 15:00 from when light rain was forecasted. I planned to ride 7:30 and starting at 07:30 that meant that I should finish before the rain came! On the way to Malmesbury there was heavy thunder in the air!
I arrived at the start on time to collect my number and line up for the start. We got going at 07:30. I managed to line up towards the front and not being a fast starter, I was passed by numerous riders during the first couple of kilometers. The thunder which I saw on my way to the start brought some unwelcome thunder showers, but fortunately they did not last too long and did cause any problems. I passed the first water point after 1:34, 5 minutes slower than last year in spite of having a tail wind! I was enjoying the ride and maintained a good pace but losing time compared to last year. During this period we gained 560 meters in elevation and my average speed was 21 kph. I reached the second water point after another 58 minutes and maintaining an average of 21 kph. This time I stopped for some refreshments and got going again after 3 minutes.
The previous sections had a number of gentle climbs, but the first part if the next section had some serious uphills. After a while we joined a district road heading north. In the meantime the wind has picked up and was coming diagonally from the left front. Two ladies caught up with me and we managed to maintain a reasonable pace and I reached water point 3 after another 1:36 with my average speed coming down to 17 kph. During later part of this ride I was sure I had a slow puncture. Fortunately it was only my imagination and I was quite relieved when I stopped and that my tyre was perfect. This was the halfway point and by this time I was 24 minutes slower than last year, which was not that bad after taking the wind into consideration. I had some refreshments and got going again after 4 minutes. The ladies was contemplating giving up, so I left on my own.
After about ten minutes of riding we turned north west and was riding into the teeth of the wind. Some guys and a girl caught up with me and left me standing! A little later some more people came past and I managed to join them and we formed a group of about nine, working well together and catching some other "stragglers". On one of the slopes the pace got just too much for me and I was left behind. Once over the hill I managed to maintain the gap. The group in front split up into further smaller groups and I actually gained time on them, arriving at the lunch stop on their heels. There we were treated to dome wholesome soup. I got going again on my own after a stop of 5 minutes. During this section of 28 km, I lost 32 minutes compared to last year. That gives some indication of how strong the wind was! My average speed over this section was only 15 kph!
The next 7 km was still against the wind, but shortly after joining the R311 we took a left turn and had the wind coming over our right shoulder. After a further 13 km we turned left again and I had the wind in my face again. To make matters worse, it started raining and I only had a windbreaker, which is only shower proof, on with the result that I was getting wet. The rain was very feint and did not drench me through and as it was coming from the left only my lefthand side was getting wet. I was also lucky in that it was not too cold. It took me 1:35, the same time as last year to complete the 29 km to the last water point.
Here I just stopped to top up my water bottle and got going immediately.
Total time 9:00; total distance 163.28; total ascent 2,213 meters; 7,864 calories burnt.
Saterdag 03 Mei 2014
FC training ride via Platteklip Gorge
With only 39 days until I start the Freedom
Challenge, some serious training must be done. A while back I thought it would
be good training to go up Platteklip Gorge and Saturday 3 May was d-day!
I met Mike Smit at his place at 06:00 as he
agreed to join me on the ride to the bottom of Platteklip Gorge.
My plan was to cycle down the other side,
because I remembered that there is quite a nice paved road down the other side.
Unfortunately I forget that I still had to negotiate some very rough terrain
before I got to the paved road.
The next 2.7 km took me 46 minutes! That is an average speed of 2.1
k.p.h.! Over this distance I gained 48 meters and descent 321 meters. The
terrain was very rough and I had haul my bike over numerous rocks. I nearly
jumped with joy when I finally reached the paved road.
During the next hour I covered 11.4 Km and
lost 670 meters in height. The condition of the road was excellent and the
views were just breath taking! About 15 minutes into my ride down this
beautiful paved road, I was stopped by one of the local conscientious citizen
who informed me that I was not allowed to cycle on the reservoir service roads
or the local contour paths, but only of designated roads on the front of the
mountain! A this point he was not going to stop me and after our brief chat, I
was on my way again. I really enjoyed the descent down this service road which
was like an Alpine Pass!
I managed to join Kirstenbosch/Constantianek
road close to Cecelia Forest entrance. From there I went past Newlands Forest
and joined up with the Rhodes Memorial/Table Mountain MTB track. After some ups
and downs I exited from the mountain via Vredehoek and took the road back to
Bloubergstrand.
Total riding time 8:13:07; total distance 80.32
km; elevation gain 1,852; calories burned per Polar watch 5,530.
For some reason my Garmin did not measure properly from Blouberg
to town, with the result that the Garmin data as far as elevation gained is not
correct.
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