As seen through the eyes of Newbie Des Buys
Tick tock tick tock…..the countdown started a long time ago, but the reality kicked in, in our luxury Merc/Vito transfer (a BIG thank you to Maritime in Port Elizabeth for providing us with transportation for the weekend) from Uniondale to Willowmore at 07h30 on Saturday. Much excitement and chit chat whilst the boys pointed out the route we will be taking along the way.
After a lot of faffing and wardrobe co-ordination, we were ready to start our adventure of a lifetime. There was lots of hysterical laughter on the start line as we noticed a fellow cyclist whose lycra was waaaaaay too stretched, left nothing to the imagination, and we all reiterated that we would ‘tell each other’ should that ever be one of us.
We had perfect weather, hardly a breeze, not a cloud in the sky and 19 deg on the start line.
Boom, it was 10h00 and we started to roll down the main road of Willowmore to the cheering of spectators and locals. Now I know what it feels like to be a celebrity in a dorpie ?.
Route to WP 1 (52km)– chilled chatting and not too much climbing. Behind schedule, but not much is said.
Route to WP 2 (104km)– first time we had to collect our boxes and all going well. Boys ‘subtlety’ starting to crack the whip because we are behind schedule.
Route to WP 3 (123km)– Did not realise that I would soon start eating my words of ‘this is so much more fun than The Jock’. We are behind schedule…….no words necessary! I made the mistake to writing our ETA on each of my bags in the box and Dean kept his beady eyes on my plastic bag, doing the math of how far behind we were. So far, the river crossings were a breeze and our feet were still somewhat dry. Famous last words because as we left, we hit Die Lang Water. I did not see anyone make it through on two wheels and the water was almost up to my knees. Now the feet were sopping wet and on we went into battle.
Route to WP 4 (140km)– Fangs & Mac were a real challenge and only one of us #Chantal managed to ride up ALL THE WAY! Ice cold feet and more behind schedule, the sense of humour begins to go south and we (no names mentioned – what happens in Vegas) start squabbling over stolen socks, who is sitting where, over-filled camel backs and I vaguely remember shouting ‘we are not sitting sun-tanning’ when told how far behind schedule we are. But on the upside, Chantal & Hilda are both interviewed by Gerald de Kok and Chantal is so busted putting plastic bags over her feet ?. They both sounded very professional and I sincerely hope they aire the interview.
Route to WP 5 (173km)– Oh man, how we managed to get down the Big Dipper, in the dark (yes, because we are behind schedule) is a miracle. I have never been down a mountain at that speed, not to mention, in the dark. It was suicidal! But, that was soon forgotten when we hit the Never Ender @#$#&*. Lekker downhill again at crazy speeds got the adrenaline going again.
Route to WP 6– no water point, just a table in the middle of nowhere.
Route to WP 7 (200km)– can’t say I remember much here as the ass was sore, brain was tired and all I remember is watching Dean’s butt, Dean’s legs, Dean’s back wheel, but I am ever grateful that I could.
Home Jerome – J’Bay (227km) – the longest 27km but what a sight for sore eyes when you get to the top of that hill and all you see are the alien lights of the wind turbines. Still a bit to go, but at least you can see the lights of J’Bay and the excitement sets in once again.
Questions asked:
Will you do it again– after hesitation, yes, but would change my training so that I can climb the hills and not have to push.
Will you do it again with your same team– hell yes! The boys made a huge sacrifice staying with us all the way and I will try not to remember the look of horror on their faces when they saw their ranking in the results ?. It is so important that you have the right team members and we made a pact to be friends afterwards, no matter what went down. I am happy to report that apart from a slight wobble at WP4, we all had a great time and we are still friends (well I hope we still are!)
Technicals– apart from 1 or 2 minor adjustments, our bikes were awesome. Can someone please thank Wayne, for servicing all our bikes, as I know he does not read the newsletter ?
Schedule (yes I know we were behind schedule ?) we aimed for 16hrs 15 mins and came in at 17h 26 mins but I am so very proud of us newbie ladies, doing it for the first time. My motto in life is never give up and age is just a number!
Leave a Reply