Am off to Johannesburg on Friday first thing, 615am flight from the grand new departure terminal nearing completion for 2010. Means I have the choice of more fine coffee than in the past, but also means I’ll need to pack the bike in the bike box as opposed to the lazy boy notion of just rolling her on. But that be mayhem left for Thursday evening I guess.
(Greengate Moto: I should be paying attention to them this week…)
As for now, trying to see straight – a little knackered. Spent but determined to post something, anything. So bare with me. My intention should count for something.
Somehow my feeling of centered calm and rhythm of Oct/Nov/Dec has escaped my grasp. Feeling like the rat-wheel is spinning out. Small fine detail distractions that topple the sturdy tower of confidence. Am so anti-stress, but feeling like its a part of most moments of most days. Alas – the niggle. Perhaps the underlying tone to thought trending here.
Ah. So much I want to write about. Fraser Cartmell winning the 70.3 in East London. And his housemate, my neighbour Mari Rabie, crushing the womans field with a spectacular 1:19 half marathon. I wanted to write about seeing them both downstairs, the day after. Feeling their sense of success. Its so powerful. Really happy for both.
And there there is Andrew Birkett – the rising star I’ve written about, who won the Dusi Canoe Marathon this past weekend. So stoked for him.
Been meaning to write of my new Epic – the 2010 Model. But actually more of the SL3 – my current infatuation – and arguably the most sensational ride I’ve been on. And for me to crown a road bike with such a label is saying too much. It is just unreal how the bike handles – the gentle softness over uneven road yet the rock solid response when flicking the wrist while standing on the pedals. Wish I could understand the carbon layup more, how it can be so polar opposite. Anyhow, the Epic has quite something last night too. Forget what a fresh setup feels like – simply, to good. XX is amazing, will miss my gripshifts though. Took two weeks to setup as Dylan needed to replace front derailleur for the Rotor Rings I run (the derailleur is blade size specific!), swop my breaks round, mount my Syntace handlebar and stem, change the 185 front rotor… Pretty amazing to have his skill her at the Mon Desir Republic. Will have to write in detail, someday soon, when not squint.
So much correspondence owing. Aiai. Forgive me if you’re on that list.
Pretty excited to race this weekend – have the most solid few months in the bag, and although the past few weeks have been shady it will be great to assess where its all at. Even with the altitude. It’s a great course, one that cracked me a little last year, but one well suited for some entertaining suffering. Need to check the weather – can be crazy hot there.
Booked my ticket to the USA – 1 Apr departure. Gets me going. Earlier than usual past three years. Maybe too chili for the summer tan in Truckee. Will have to piece it together still.
More good treatment booked for tomorrow and Thursday – and my alignment is reshaping – just taking time. Guess months of wrong doing cant be undone in a quick fix. So fortunate with the therapy I am able to get in Stellenbosch. They all deserve a post too… So does my explanation – or assumption rather – of whats been up with the tormentful niggle.
It’s race week – doesnt feel it though – but means I best read a few pages of “We might as well win by Johan Bruyneel” and doze off.
