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Some visuals from testing rolling resistance…

Dripping viscous beads of persperation after a leisurely warm up stroll while making my way down to the swim start I noted, for the first time, the Xterra Lite transition space at capacity. Representing many who’d be dabbling in some adventurous racing for the first time. But when asked who’d be doing their first Xterra before the full event start, 75% enthused with response. This was the wave of multisport interest. This was the new generation of triathlete. This was Xterra Buffelspoort – and all under a blazing sun.

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Xterra Buffelspoort: 1.5km Swim, 27km mtb, 10km trail run.

2nd

2min behind Kent Horner

Was thinking today: “surely there is an easier way to earn a living?” during a tough day at brutal office. Kent had a solid race and impressed across the board with a strong swim, steady ride, and flying run. I felt stuck in second gear, ran out of fuel (which was diesel and not petrol as it should have been), and had to push the old beast to get home. Hot as, at altitude, challenging course.

My highlights of the day:

1. Seeing the raise of hands for first time Xterra entrants – Maybe 75%.
2. Having to swerve out for a teenage couple in the half distance event who’d stopped mid track, still standing over bikes, while pulling into each other with more intensity than I was racing with.
3. Having to pass a mini  Super Hero, who was also doing the Xterra Lite Event, no more than 10 years old. I felt bleak abusing him with pleading shouts of “track, track, track please”. Some day, when I’m grey and old, you’ll be flying past me my boy, shouting abuse of your own. Hang in there. Some day.