(Paddling the final straight on of the 2007 Powerade Triple Challenge. Photo by GoMulti Mag)
I rolled out of bed this morning, broken in half with that ‘been hit by a train’ sensation in a beautiful tented chalet at Inanda Dam thanks to Msinsi Holdings. A few steps in the direction of the basin and I was able to straighten my back, fragile as anything. Everything seemed to be hurting, other than my alter ego.
It had been a great weekend. A great two weeks in fact. Started out on Friday scouting the course with Max and his girl Eszter, as my planned pre-rides had rained out weeks prior. Mist on the race morning spoiled many of the incredible views from up on the escarpment looking down into the valley.
(Max and Eszter with the Valley of a Thousand Hills behind)
(My weekend wheels. A treat having freedom to operate as I need to)
The ride I caught glimpses of and figured it be a hard slop, with many little steeper sections compared to last year, but the bike course seemed considerably more challenging than I’d expected. We drove most of it in the Jeep Compass, computing as much to memory as I could. The torrential rains have caused havoc on some of the gravel roads, and made for muddy traction issues in other parts. I assumed that if I could keep working well throughout the ride, just stay spinning and feeding, that it would be the decisive stage of the day, with the paddle showing expenditure on the bike.
Max Cluer Sports Marketing team had done great work on the course, revolutionising the Triple Challenge in the right direction taking it more off road than the previous five years. I admire their input and work, and attention to fine detail was top class. The Triple Challenge Website is a reflection of the high standard set for every part of the event, from admin, to planning, course design, and infrastructure at the end.
(The finish setup at Inanda Dam)
I am bit bruised and have a few grazes after the crash, but my wrist are feeling alright and I’m so thankful for it. Incredible thinking how different it could have been. Aiai.
Again I raced on USN, pre-race, during, and after. So happy with the products, and my response on them. Great to have been able to put the nutritional support of USN to the test on two hard out weekends. I had my dips, and might have mis-timed a CytoGel or two, but they and the High Energy bar sustained me real well, kept me cramp free and got me to the end feeling alright.
One of my bigger gambles on the day was taking some maiden shoes for a run. My trainers were a little fatigued, and wanted to run in Phasis IV’s, but ones in good nick. In the end, got them two days before. But not one blister, not one bit of discomfort, and like USN, so happy with my suppliers.
Should note Mason’s Bike Inn too, for sorting my bikes for both weekend’s. Wouldnt be possible without their support.
Also equipment I stole for the weekend from Courtney Love, Len Jenkins, and Johnny Kritzinger. Indebted.
The chopper flight was just such a treat, and had a rather adventurist pilot who treated us to a few breath taking plunges. Jeannie who won the girls race really enjoyed too.
(Jeannie about to board)
Still waiting for some photo’s from the weekend. Will have them to you soonest, there will be some great ones…
