Sani2C

Sani2C is the one event in South Africa that every mountain biker dreams of doing. The waiting list to get into the race grows  every year despite race organisers opening up extra entries by running 2 similar events called the Sani2C ‘Adventure’ and ‘Trail’ on the days preceding the man ‘Race’ event. Over the 5 day period 4200 riders would have left their tire marks on the Sani2C trails.

The event offers some of the best single track the country has on offer providing spectacular views as riders wind their way down mountain passes, through thick forests and alongside river streams. 

Last year I rode with my team mate Nicci Grobler, but for this year’s edition I switched from a ladies team to a mixed team as I partnered with Carel Bosman. Carel has joined the team on a few occasions forming part of a mixed team. He rode with Catherine Williamson at the ABSA Cape Epic in 2011 and with Leana de Jager at Joberg2C this year.

Underberg was the starting venue for the event and riders were set off from 7am to tackle the first 85km stage.

It was freezing cold as we left the start line with frost on the ground and a chilly mist in the air. Carel and I had a good start finding ourselves in the same group as our mixed team rivals. Unfortunately as we hit the first single track section only 15km into the event, Carel cut the sidewall of his tire. We managed to plug the hole and soon we were underway again.  Unfortunately the tire kept on losing air forcing us to stop 4 or 5 times during the stage to bomb it (forcing air into the tire with a CO2 canister).  Every time we stopped we lost time and rhythm and had to chase hard to limit the damage. At the end we crossed the finish line at Mackenzie club in 3^rd place. We were very happy about the result, especially considering what had happened during the stage.

The 2^nd stage took us from MacKenzie club down the breathtaking Umkomaas Valley, climbing out of the valley on the other side, through dense bush, over “push of a climb” and lastly through some fast flowing single track all the way to the finishing venue at Jolivet farm.

At 98km it was the longest stage and for this reason we were set off at 6:20am. The cold wasn’t the only early challenge with bike navigation at dawn proving quite daunting.

Before we even reached the infamous descent into the Umkomaas valley Carel‘s front derailleur jammed as he tried to shift in anticipation of a sharp rise. As Carel struggled with his gears the group we started in slowly disappear into the distance. He eventually managed to shift his chain from the big chainring to the small one but it required a lot of effort and patience. For this reason Carel didn’t have much of an option but to stay on his small chainring for as long as possible reducing shifting to a bare minimum. The stage included a lot of climbing, therefore staying in the small chainring wasn’t too big a problem.

Soon we made our way down the breathtaking Umkomaas Valley. No words can describe the picturesque landscape as you wind your way down to the river.

By now I had figured out that Carel and I shared similar traits in terms of our cycling. This meant we didn’t have to learn each other’s weaknesses or strengths and could simply just ride making racing together easier and much more enjoyable.

Halfway through the race I felt my shoe rubbing against the crank arm and didn’t give it much thought as I was focussed on the racing. It was only when I felt a sting in my knee that I knew something wasn’t right. I figured out the reason why my shoe was rubbing against the crank arm was because the cleat under my shoe came lose. Luckily the 2^nd last water station was only 4km away where Conrad (our team mechanic) was waiting to assist us. Conrad helped put my cleat back in the right position and tightened it for me before Carel and I were off again.

Stage two’s route was outstanding.  Even though we were racing, I could still appreciate the beautiful scenery and amazing single track.  Sadly Carel and I lost our podium place on the day and finished in 4^th place.

 The 3^rd and last stage took us from Jolivet Farm to finish 73km later at the sea in Scottburgh.

The fast, rolling course reminded me of a Belgium criterium race. The jeep and single track snaked through sugar cane plantations which left us sprinting out of every corner to stay in touch with the rider just ahead. Of course those willing to risk more brake less and have an easier time of it, but it comes at a price.

It went well for Carel and me on the last day as we didn’t encounter any mechanical difficulties and raced as hard as our bodies allowed us to in an attempt to regain our podium position. Unfortunately we didn’t make up the lost time and had to settle for 4^th place.

 Sani2C has so much to offer a mountain biker with its amazing trails, beautiful scenery, vibrant atmosphere and passionate race organisers.

So..... stop dreaming about Sani2C, come experience it for yourself (at least once)!!

MTN National Marathon,Clarens

The fourth round of the MTN National Marathon Series took place in the quaint little town of Clarens. The venue for the event made for an ideal family getaway weekend to the country side.

Under a clear sky and on a wonderfully unusual ‘warm’ winter’s day the Ultra Marathon (115km) Elite men were set off at 7:15am and the Marathon (75km) at 8:30am. The reason behind this is to have both distances finish around the same time.

The ladies field in the 75km event had their own start 10min ahead of the rest of the participants.

In MTN Series races ladies are always given a separate start to give them the opportunity to have their own race.

As we left the start line I was prepared for a warm up during the neutral zone as is the norm for a neutralized section. Theresa Ralph had other plans and took off as if we were in the final kilometres of the race.

This determination saw her, with Karien van Jaarsveld stuck on her wheel, moving away from the rest of the field within the first 5km.  I knew that it would be difficult, almost impossible to keep up that speed for the entire 75km. Therefore I decided to tap of a bit instead of trying to stay with them and blow up towards the end.  

Behind the leading duo I found myself alongside team mate Nicci Grobler and Su Don Wauchope.

The 3 of us worked together during the first section of the race which was mainly on rolling terrain.

On reaching the bottom of the first long climb I spotted Karien van Jaarsveld about halfway up the climb. I’ve learned that the ideal place to close or open gaps on riders is mostly on a climb and for this reason I decided to put in an effort to regain contact with Karien. I managed to ride up to her on my own, passing her as well on the steepest part of the climb. I was happy to crest the climb with a fair gap on the rest of the field as there was a technical downhill single track awaiting us.

This single track is no ordinary trail as it is actually a hiking path high up in the mountains laid out along the escarpment. The views from there must have been incredible but I didn’t dare look as a small mistake might end in me skydiving without a parachute – not a sport that I am particularly fond ofJ.

Route marking on these trails are very difficult as we ride over rocky surfaces. I must have missed one of the little white arrows painted on the rocks and carried on straight instead of turning right. By the time I got back onto the route, I found myself behind Karien again.

As we were still on the very technical downhill section I managed to pass Karien for the 2^nd time, despite a small crash which left its mark on my elbow.

On reaching the bottom of the trail around half way into the race, I couldn’t spot anyone in front or behind me.  With Theresa Ralph in the lead there was still a lot to race for and I continued fighting on.

With none of my competitors in sight it was difficult to gauge the speed I had to ride at to make up time or not to lose time. This meant I had to ride at my limit until the end. The rough terrain didn’t help my situation making me long for a full suspension from start to finish.  I managed to hold onto my position to the end, crossing the line in 2^nd place. Theresa Ralph’s ride gave her a well deserved victory with Karien van Jaarsveld rounding out the podium in third place.

Although the course was extremely rough and challenging, I have to say well done to the Advendurance team for putting together a well balanced course.

Final Results

1^st           Theresa Ralph (Biogen)

2^nd          Yolandi du Toit (bizhub-FCF)

3^rd           Karien van Jaarsveld (Team MTN/ Quebeka)

4^th           Nicci Grobler (bizhub-FCF)

5^th           Su Don Wauchope