Subaru Sani2C

Only ten days after Joberg2C I found myself standing on the start line of the prestigious Sani2C, once again ready to enjoy the famous routes created by ‘Farmer Glen’ and his team.

Yet again I was in Team DEVELOP kit, but this time around my partner was Nicci Grobler . She is fairly new to mountain biking and has only one year of riding under her belt. In keeping with our team’s name, it would all about experience for her and I was glad to fill the role of mentor. I am also a recent convert to mountain biking and knew how daunting the challenge could be.

I am sure most of you are familiar with the Sani2C event but for those who don’t know: it’s a 3 day Mountain bike tour which starts in Underberg and finishes in Scottburgh. In between the race has stage finishes at Mackenzie and Jolivet farms which allowed us plenty of opportunity to enjoy the local hospitality.

The 9 day Joberg2C race incorporated the Sani2C routes as its last 3 stages. Having ridden the Joberg2C less than 2 weeks ago, I was happy to have seen the changes made to the course. Or so I thought! Much to my surprise I discovered that yet again they managed to modify the route. Not only did the organisers add a new single track section here and there, but also 2 steel bridge crossings built with the help of local farmers.

I really enjoyed riding with Nicci. Not only is she a strong rider but also a very fast learner. It was rewarding to see her improve as the stages went by. We managed to get a 3rd place on stage 1 and an overall 4th place at the end of the race.

The race was won by the team’s sister outfit, Team bizhub, which consisted of Catherine Williamson and Candice Neethling. Team USN (Karien van Jaarsveld and Cherise Taylor) finished 2nd with Team Jeep (Hanlie Booyens and Michelle Lombardi) rounding out the podium.

Winter normally means ‘off season’ for cyclist but not in South Africa where we are blessed with fairly good weather. In the coming months I will be busy and have quite a few mountain bike races which I am really looking forward to. One thing that does differ for me from the summer to winter season is that I am also spending some more time in the gym now. I hope that by the time summer arrives, I won’t feel so intimidated by the locals in the gym anymore:).



Nicci after stage 2

Fairbairn Capital Old Mutual joBerg2c

Last year I had the opportunity to participate in the inaugural
running of this amazing event. This year I was facing up to the
challenge with a brand new partner and a ‘new’ sponsor.

Aurelie Halbwachs and I teamed up under the sponsorship of ‘Develop’
which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bidvest group – the same
group that owns Bizhub. Develop focus solely on enterprise development
and knowledge transfer within the Print, Copy, Fax and Scan arena.

Our 9 day adventure started in my home town, Heidelberg, on Friday the
29th of April. From here we cycled across the Free State, stopping
over in Frankfort, Reitz and Sterkfontein. These little towns get
very cold at night but the warm hospitality together with the
beautiful scenery more than made up for it. In Reitz for example
there were kids dressed up in various costumes dancing and supporting
us along to the finish throughout the last kilometre. What a treat!

We crossed the border into Kwazulu Natal on day 4 riding from
Sterkfontein to Winterton.
Day 4 consisted of more technical single track and lots of climbing
which made for spectacular views from atop the Southern (Drakens)Berg
Mountains. This stage was definitely one of my favourite stages.
Aurelie and I even managed a top 20 overall result at the stage
finish.
From Winterton we visited the ‘Berg’ area and stayed over at Kamberg
followed by Underberg. Here we could feel the cold air blowing in from
the mountains on arrival but warm jackets and sleeping bags were
sufficient to keep us warm. The tranquillity and beauty of these
surroundings were truly overwhelming.

From Underberg the race took as onto the same route which the 3 day
Subaru Sani2c stage event consist of. Most mountain bike riders are
familiar with the Sani2c routes, but this year the organisers truly
outdid themselves and added even more amazing single track and bridges
to the course.
This year we ended our journey yet again at the sea in Scottburgh.
This 910km stage race over 9 days is truly a massive challenge which
makes it very rewarding once you cross the finish line at the end.

It is special to be part of an event from its inception and experience
its growth with them. For me it was really impressive to witness the
improvements the organisers made with the route in only one year. This
year there was more single track, jeep track and smoother riding
sections than in the past - particularly on the first 3 stages.
The organisation was again top class, the big variety of food was
delicious (and never ending) and the scenic routes were breathtaking.

Thanks to all our sponsors for supporting us (Team Develop and Team
Bizhub) in our endeavours.
Also to my partner (Aurelie Halbwachs ), we rode together as one and
as a result managed to finish 2nd overall in the Elite Ladies
category.

Results:
1st Team Bizhub (Ischen Stopforth & Catherine Willliamson)
2nd Team Develop (Aurelie Albwachs& Yolandi du Toit)
3rd Team Axis house velocity sport (Caren Henschel &Heike Jakins)