Precariously dangling between too much going down and semi control – that’s been the feel over the past three weeks. Much like the 2nd Giro Stage yesterday I guess. Well, gracious to self to say I had semi control there… The final roll of the dice has me in Joburg; departure to Brazil; Xterra race on Saturday morning; return Tuesday.
I’ll need to rewind
The week after Xterra Grabouw was graveyard stuff. Thought on Sunday morning I was in the clear after governed race, but by Monday morning my legs were swollen, and two trains had hit me head on. A few meetings to start the week before doing some images with Runners World and Gary Perkin.
I was really stoked to get invited back to the cover shoot. Rodale Media are very particular in what the like, the style and feel of covers. Again it was international, so unsure whether I’d get to steal onto the local cover again or only international, but either way, great for my profile and partnership with Puma. Day1 was in studio. Where nothing feels natural to me. Thought I was more relaxed this time round, till I watched a real model at work… Day2 was more my gig, out on Table Mountain. Biggest issue was flicking my feet up too high. Both need to be visible, proportioned, running into the cover, not out… Other than Puma I got to shoot in 2XU gear – and maybe the most standout apparel all there. Such fresh training gear.
Had planned for ages to do some work with Gary Perkin. Was a fan of his work published on cyclingnews.com long before realizing her was South African. Better known as Flipper, Gary is now contracted by Specialized for mtb world cups, some local imagery, and perhaps this season, a few triathlons.
We got some stuff done in Eden on Friday, but decided to get setup for the night after. Gary wanted to explore unchartered waters, and I was only to stoked to go along with it. So purchased a few small lights, got the S-Works Transition setup, and after some sushi, we started playing. Unlike anything I’ve done: Rolling through in pitch dark, sunglasses on…
Through this, James McDulling, my Sani2c partner had come to stay. Our second attempt, after failure last year. I had to withdraw after my concussion seemed too serious. We hit some great mountain biking over the weekend, and finally the body started to bounce after the Grabouw damage.
Travelled up to Underberg on Wednesday morning – quite a process. Think we left home at 5am and got to our hotel round 4pm. Was fortunate to steal away from airport layover thanks to Barry Lewin, who took Mari Rabie and myself to the nearest pool for an hour. But the migration from Bosch to Sani was lengthy and taxing.
James and I shared many fun moments together, but unfortunately he was not at his best during the three days of mountain biking. That said his road skills, and my lack of, had him putting pressure on me off the start…
Was a treat to represent EA Sports again. Was like the first Sani2c I got to ride with Dylan in 08. Grateful for the entry and support. They are a dreamGiver in my portfolio now, so thankfully did not have to win a stage for an Xbox like two years ago!
Had a crack on Day2 and Day3, and much enjoyed riding with the best in South Africa. Some real class – the few minutes I did get to watch. Day2’s start was the most mental experience, chasing down into the Umkomas Valley in missed too think to see three bike lengths in a peloton kicking up sticky mud at 60-70km/h. Hairy. When trying to change facial expression to speak at the bottom, my face strained under the mask of caked mud. Unreal really. Day3 was like motor pacing. Leg speed through Sugar Cane fields that must come good for me later this season. Was so fun.
But Sani2c is more than riding. Somehow 1300 riders per event (1day apart) get bikes cleaned, warm showered, fed three meals and snacks, housed in a tented village, and enjoy evening entertainment in an area that had no real infrastructure. Big vision, and amazing organization.
Had two days to recover and get some good swimming and running in before starting the Giro del Capo – a 4-day road stage race – the most prestigious in South Africa. I’ve not raced on the road much in years, other than the Tuesday evening Boca hit out in Truckee.
Day1 had me real nervous, and overly twitchy in the pack. Did not enjoy the first hour. Perhaps the hum of deep sections at 60/km was sweet as, but between locking up my brakes at the sound of anything, watching two crashes, and worst, need to piss too badly. I was at the back of the peloton with a pressure headache when the action started. Thing is, I never have to hold a slash, so my bladder is probably smaller than most. And I had over hydrated after Monday being the most severe heat in Stellenbosch.
Luckily, in true to Dan amateur style, my news S-Works road shoes (unbelievably comfy, nuts light, and super stiff) started shifting on my cleat. I’d not tightened them sufficiently. Dylan and Piet were in my Kelfords Fiesta (the Specialized Team vehicle for the Giro) as it became unplayable. Meant I could take a slash. Ahh. Was maxed out getting back to the group, but survived Day1.
Yesterday was a beast. One I could have should have respected a little more. Felt the running in the legs from the night before, and prob just the accelerations I am not used to from Day1. 146km, three identical laps. That deep dark place found me, found me empty and unable to respond on the second climb…
Pity I could not start this morning, a 170km loop going passed our family farm in Worcester. The Signal Hill TT tomorrow would have been a treat as well, and for sure riding in a pack with Lance Armstrong on Sunday would have been a moment. But I am pleased with the work done at Sani and Giro, 5 days of top end riding. Mostly would have been part of the winning team (even if I did not contribute once! Burry Stander will mostly likely win the GC, and think Friday night be a mean celebrations.)
I had been in touch with X3M in Brazil since the weekend, bouncing ideas and options. The first regional Xterra is on Saturday morning. I’d figured closed it out, figuring too little time to get my stars aligned. But yesterday a ticket got booked, and this morning I am on an SAA flight to Sao Paolo. I’ll drive from there to the Venue, and stay in Rio for a night after, before returning Monday evening, home Tuesday morning.
Can’t tell you how excited I am to be on the spontaneous trip. My 2006 experience in Brazil still tops my list, and been wanting to get back since. The guys there are so dynamic and power. Look forward to catching up with them, supporting their Xterra evolution in Brazil, and hopefully adding value to the their weekend.
So, wish me well. Forgive the lack on blogging with new perspective on my cup overflowing. It’s been a great block, form is coming on really well and spirits are high.
