This and that

It has been ten days since the 6hour exertion of the Totalsports Challenge, ten fragile days. Managed to get some work done which included three stunning sessions up the coast while camping for the weekend with my flatmate Michal (birthday wishes). Another ride above Hermanus, a 1h45 long run on the Onrus coastline, and a 4h long ride in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. At some stage the race effort will build strength endurance, just hoping that this Saturday is a realistic time frame.

I am off tomorrow till Sunday.

Flying to Durban in the morning, for a meeting there, before heading up to Johannesburg in the evening. I do like flying, the shorter local stuff that is. Usually a few moments of standstill. Not that I optimise my time around here, with my procrastination talent and all, but it usually affords me little option but to think and be still for two hours.

Another meeting or two on Friday morning in the business hub of South Africa, before fetching Mari Rabie and Michelle Lombardi at Lanseria Airport, to head out to the Buffelspoort Dam 90min away.

(Johannesburg at Dusk)

It will be the second time racing at the venue after having been there back in November 2007. Was discussing it earlier today as if in a previous lifetime, and yet it was a mere 14months back. So much has poured in and out of me since.

Its a tough course, especially if the summer burners are cranked up. Very rocky and technical on the ride, with a very demanding run. Both have some fast flat sections as well giving the course a bit of everything. Michelle was saying it reminded her of Maui’s Xterra Worlds’ course.

Next week I’ve been invited to join the Specialized Factory Racing Team tire testing, here in Stellenbosch. An opportunity most grateful for. Excited to learn all I can and possibly be a small part of R&D for a company that is built on a motto of “Innovate or die”.

Thereafter I’ll have a constructive 8week base building block, with only the Sani2C mountain bike stage race in late February. Thats the foundational block on which a better season will be built. A ‘focus season’ that starts with Xterra Grabouw on the 18th April, before heading to the USA soon after for a 7 week race block till mid July. Still needs figuring and finalising, but looks probable. Will keep you posted as it develops.