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