So after what was possibly one of the most memorable weeks of my life at Sani2C with the best riding, one could ever imagine on a mountain bike, how you do proceed from here? It seems such a pity to take your foot off the accelerator (um sorry I mean pedal) after all those hectic months of training - yes there is an argument that your body needs a break, but I feel stronger then ever and need some extra motivation to keep on riding trough these cold winter months.
So I thought this could be pretty easy by entering a few races with my mates - say one a month. Unfortunately my Sani2C 'training group' has diminished in the last weeks to only one - me (Greg ITB injury, Mark's knees are shot, Adam - cut hand) so going out there alone can be pretty hard.
But this ain't gonna keep me off my bike - by using a local biking website
www.thehubsa.co.za and Twitter, I have managed to hook up with some other people in the last week. Saturday I went out with Twitter comrade aka
IronMan Clint and a few Dirt Roadies for a ride in the plots and then on Sunday, I was fortunate enough to attend a group ride (organized by Barry aka Tumbleweed on thehub) into the Benoni Mine Dumps (photos below). The latter was a awesome ride, 30 odd mountain bikers tearing up the dirt and creating plenty dust on some beautiful tracks, led skillfully by Paul from
Procyles. There were amazing drop offs, that I actually yearned for, instead of hesitating, like before and a few steep up and overs, what an amazing experience. I had a few falls in the thick sand and also did a classic face plant that has left its mark with a few scabs on my nose and chin this week.
Lastly I hooked up with another group after being in contact with (another) Greg on theHub for a ride in the mornings before work. OK funny story on its way.........the group meets at the BP garage 04:45 which means I need to leave home at 04:30 (getting up at 04:15), eager and not wanting to be late I got up before my alarm went off, got dressed for winter riding and hit the road on my bike.
I switched on my Garmin to see the time and to my horror it was only 03:30 - I had gotten up a whole hour early uuurgh. Long story short = back home, cup of tea and then leaving at the right time......
Was great morning ride though - longer, faster and more hills then I am used too (we went from Benoni to Bedfordview and back - 50km) but great to test the body with like minded souls for 2 odd hours, thanks Greg.
Here is to keeping the legs spinning for the next few months....
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| Barry and Ian before the mine dump ride... |
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| Nice downhills |
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| and small climbs |
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| Lovely drop-offs, yes those are mountain bikers on that mine dump.. |
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| Fantastic photo...of a group MTB ride |
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| Nice to ride with Pierre once again.. |
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| Paul waiting for the others to catch up before leading the way.. |
