Day #8

Day #8
Kleinmond To Lourensford Vineyard

The race that would not end!!!

So after yesterday dance on the surface on the sun what could be worse? I’ll tell you what. How about another trip up the valley of eternal heat!



Yep the stage re-traced the last 25 km on the day before. Now granted it was not 41 but with a late start and a desert head wind I felt like the villain in T2,just melting.

Darrell and I got thru it by putting our heads down and just kept riding. Once to the top of the broiler-esque climb it was into the shade of some trees and some fast road descents.


The route took us up to a National Park were we had to do a mandatory portage of our bikes. The pass we went thru was used by the Dutch settlers and you can see the ruts in the stone left by the wagons.



The finish line was quite impressive. We got our finisher medals on a big stage and then rounded the corner to a festival type atmosphere. There was a dee-jay up on stage playing great music and beer and food stalls everywhere.





Well, that’s that. We set out to achieve 3 things. Have Fun, enjoy the sights, and ride well. We accomplished all!! There are more photos and stories we are saving for when we get home but let’s talk about those over a nice cold beer!!

Cheers Jeff and Darrell.
P.S.

I might do the race again but I found a much easier mode of transport.

Day #7

Into the rotisserie

Two big hill descrbes the day with a little some’in some’in at the end.

I got the feeling we were travellin thru Scotland if it turned completely arid. The hill were strewn with white rock and the peaks were well rounded. Darrel put the “tree trunks”his term not mine, to action onthefirst climb and made up a bunch of spots. Maybe it was the thought that our wives and Darrells son Kiel were at the finish brandishing some cold Castles or us that made him move. The climb was very ong and very sustained but we sat in with our pace and just got’er done.


Day 7 Villesdoorp to Kleinmond
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From one valley to the next things can change dramatically. After the second water pint the climb summits on this red dirt with large trees that provide just a tease of shade.



Out on to the road and then a climb into the double secret “south African Insitiute for Sattelite and software Development” Three fences-6 foot chain link-electric razor wire-6 foot chain link. This is defineatley wee the aliens come for vacation.


So what’s up with the rotesseire?? Well let me esplain to ju!

We descend from the ET landing spot to a rolling valley trail that would take us to the coast with the promise of a cool ocean breeze. Riiiiiiight! There was a warm, no hot tail wind, in the valley blowing in from the desert to the north. Every time you went up hill you matched the wind speed, were in dead air and instantly broke out in a sweat EVERYWHERE! On the down hill you had to pedal to get going just fast enough to get in front of the wind for a minor cool down, then back up hill. It literally felt like rotessiere. Oh what was the temperature you ask. A mind melting 41 degrees that’s it.. This is the last picture I took before my camera oozed into a puddle of elecrtonics and plastic.



We had a beach finish and were rewarded with ice cream and smoochies from our wives.



The accommodations were a little sketchy. Just check out the paiting on Darrell’s wall. Look real close!!!

Day # 6 Montagu to Villesdorp

The stage was fairly straight forward today with two big climbs and 30 km fast tar road to start the day. The line for our starting chute was too long so we waiting for the gun to go and jumped in with the riders that we ride with after a couple of hours. It made a huge difference. The pace lines stuck together and there were less people falling off the trail.

Power lines and sand are what greeted us for the first climb. It was like they took a page out of the Trans Rockies play book. “We need to get to the to the other valley, these power lines go to the other valley, hmmmmm” It was not as bad as it seems. I think we are numb to the distance and vertical after 6 days in the saddle.




The second climb was a steep up hill to the radio tower outside of town. It was pock marker by cattle and very rough, but at the end it was my turn to buy Darrell a beer for placing no divet on the hill

After the top of the hill it was a fast 35kph along the aqueduct into town. This picture was actually preety hard to take at theat speed.



Before our post stage ritual of water and food we took a stop in the chill tub. The water feels cold but I am sure it is 20 degrees. Notice the brown tinge to the water from the dirt chamois cream and who knows what else.

Bumper to bumper traffic, views, and chamois cream

Barry dale to Montagu

We stayed at a very nice farmer house last night 7km outside of town. The owners were Duo (dee-u) and Marianna. The house was built by Duo’s grandfather and has been passed down to the sons. Duo and his dad look so much like each other in their wedding photos it leads one to believe Duo is a clone. They were extraordinary people and we sat and talked for about 1 hour. They own 110 hectares of land mainly for sheep and some cattle but around the house are orchards. The also produce beet and carrot seed and just plow the plant in at the end of the season. Now you know where all the seeds come from!

This is the view from their front stoop. Very quaint and relaxing.




The race started thru the orchards until we reached the first climb we saw this rare site. Capus Epicus is a rare snake species that only appears once a year in South Africa. It is distinguishable by its spectrum of colors and its rubber like under side. The Capus Epicus will become aggressive and ornery when it is hunger, thirsty, or tired but is normally quite pleasant.





As we approached the day’s first hill and were prepared to show our climbing prowess we notice a strange site not often encountered in Canada. The whole race was at a stand still. Not for a horrendous accident or incredible technical section. It was literally backed up with congestion. I guess when you try to squeeze 1200 riders up a single track things get tight. We actually stood there for 3 min until the line started its slow grind to the top. Once passed the first section the boys from the great white north were off and riding much to the surprise of locals who were mad at the organizers for putting in another “un-climb-able” hill.


We had a good day and with some fast pavement down hills and some good double and single-track descents.



Things were going good but I found a way to make them better. Chamois cream!!!! I normally don’t use it, as I don’t have any major problems with the “undercarriage”. As we refilled at the last stop I thought, “hey why not, go ahead and try it. The medics had tubs of it and I put aside the thought that someone may have double dipped and caked it on. At first it is rather ODD but as I rode the effects were fantastic. It took the sting out of sitting on the seat making it an almost enjoyable place to put one’s bottom.

We were treated to a stay in the Villa Victoria the is rated 4 stars. What makes a 4 star B and B in Africa. Well look at the room and then take notice of the lavender sticks placed in the shitter paper.



I hear it snowed in Calgary. Need I say it?

From the Fridge to the Sauna

A beautiful and crisp morning greeted us as we left Ladismith. I left my arm warmers in the bag and paid for it. The first part of the race was downhill on road and I was actually shivering until the climbing started. We passed thru a beautiful valley with the classic African tree standing atop the ridge like a sentinal watching us pass.




It was mainly pace lines until we passed Ronnie’s sex shop and headed into Leopard Rock Game reserve. There are all kinds of things you can use as chamois cream when in a pinch.




The reserve was mainly flat with endless sand traps. That’s fine if you are golfing but trying to ride them is like having your tires go completely flat then instantly re-inflate. You slow down, lose control; pedal hard and get a mall break until the next one.



Just a couple of climbs that were quite enjoyable (i thinkit's sick that climbs become enjoyable). Darrell and I had several rather good conversations on the way up and could be heard yelling Weeeeeeeeee on the way down,


Shade is at a primium in South Africa, you take it where ever it is. Her we are re-hashing the day with our buddies from Germany




Every night they have local musician play during dinner. This isa drummng group. The three guys up front were just givin' it.




Check this out! This is one of the mobile watering units they use at check points. Alll the water, 80,000 liters is brought from one spot and they have large flow hoses out the back. One is water and one is powerade. You can get you camelback filled in seconds with either.




Well another day another saddle sore.

Jeff and Darrell

Day 3

Day #3-Of Climbs and Walks!!

A beautiful morning greeted us in Oudtshoorn with a morning temperature of 20 degrees. No need for arm warmers or leggings. Darrell had to remedy an, ummm open sore on his butt and I had my knee taped to help the patella track proper. Then we were off.

To sum up the day it was across up/down/across/up/down etc and then across. It was into the desert with so much dust being kicked up my glasses were coated. It was humorous to watch everyone drive blind on the trail and then up having a yard sale when they hit the sand. We rode thru the Karaboo Game reserve but alas saw no lions or tigers or bears, Oh My. I did see a whole donkey train with them making all their ass noises. There were small asses and big asses and unfortunately rather foul smelling asses as well.





It is now certified and official most people in SA cannot ride up hill. The mule train started again on the first climb and we did Canada proud by only having to walk 400m all day. It must be mental because as soon they get back on the road they are gone!!

The route took us to the top of a mountain with a near 360 degree view.

We had near 20kms of downhill after with half being swoopy fast double track. Then it kicked us onto a road were the trains formed up and the pace was high all the way to Water station #2.




After that it was up again for some challenging and rewarding climbs. Challenging meaning friggin hard and on rewarding meaning thank the bike gods that is over.

There is nothing quite like hitting a 7km/1200 foot uphill on black pavement in the middle of a valley in 36 degree weather. The sound of your water bottle boiling whistling like a kettle is not encouraging.





Still working on how to stay full of fuel when riding for over 7 hours. Fed Darrell full of bars, coke, gels, and espresso hammer gel. That put the snap back into him.

We traveled thru orchards today in the last stretch. The countryside is stunning with the mountains behind the orchards rising thousands of feet to frame a beautiful picture.



Here is a sampling of what I ate in the last couple of hours. I like sugar, I really, really like sugar.

Tales from Beyond

Well I'm back to a town with an internet connection that works!!

Some may have got the stories but here they are again with pretty pictures. I will post several days woth but will keep you in suspense and will not post day 6 and 7 until tomorrow.

Enjoy!!

Day 2 Update via Alana, the spousal correspondent

Hi Everyone!
Finally heard from Jeff this am, after finishing a very tough 2nd day of the race. 132 km, 36 degrees, and some of it was through desert/savannah, so they perhaps did catch a glimpse of elephants or rhinos, but we can never be certain whether it was real, or the dehydration-induces hallucinations. Jeff ran out of water 2 km before the last checkpoint, which was 15 km before the finish. Why bother putting an aid station that close to the finish? because the was the gnarly up/down and climbing section - Jeff said quite similar to doing Skogan Pass 2 1/2 times. He went through 2.5 litres in that last 15 km, which took them 2hours. The wind is not much relief either - feels like a hairdryer blowing right into your face. They also were struck by mechanicals - 6 flats and a broken chain. Grrr. They moved up some places, but estimate they lost 35 minutes to mechanicals. Let's hope that's out of their systems!

And to recap Day 1 - also a tough day - adjusting to the heat, abdominal cramps... but they persevered.

So their spirits are high - bellies are all back in order, no crashes, and are feeling stronger as they adjust to the time difference. The race is very well organized, and have met wonderful people and hosts. They are definitly looking forward to their massage today, and have only a little bit of chafe so far.....good thing they have am amply stocked first aid kit!

Internet access is a bit scanty, but will hopefully improve and Jeff can add pics, and the more specific details. I will try to update as I get info before I leave.

Alana

Finally Made It to SA

Well I have arrived in SA after almost 35 hours of travel.

First stop was London where I had a 10 hour lay-over sooooo I jumped on the "tube" and headed down town. This is my first impression of London,Picadilly Circus. I know why it is called a circus, it had to be the busiest spot I have every been to. Cars whipping around, couriers dodging all the cars, people dodging the couriers, signs, stores.

I went for a walk-about and ended up at Buckingham Palace. Then back on the tube to wait 1 hour in the security line-up.

I travelled Virgin Atlantic to Cape Town. The service was incredible and I got ot play video games on the seat back TV. heh heh. I was playing Alpha dog with the guy next to me who thought he was intitiled to the whole arm rest. I slowly snuck my arm behind his and over the next 10 min pushed his arm forward until I had the arm rest. YEEEESS! Victory was mine.

Next Stop the ocean. yeep that's right that is the Indian Ocean behind Darrell and I. Notice that Darrell doesn't look nearly as tired as i do. I guess First Class on British Airways is better then economy ;).

The places are beautiful and dynamic. We drove through the city which is sacry as it is right hand drive and you have to drive on the left side of the road. More then once I heard" the ditch, the ditch, you almost in the F---ing ditch. Way more scary for Darrell I guess.

We went for a warm up ride and rode up the hill awasy from the town of Knysna. As soonas the ocean views were lost the shantys appeared. They truthfully are boxes with roofs. Your garden shed is built better. The people were smiling and waving to us and one litlle kid tried to keep pace for a minute. Tomorrow is the start and we are excitied to "get'er done".

Going to bed early nine local, 1300 in Calgary.

Jeff

Would you like to look at the menu??

Would you like to look at the menu??

This is part of what I plan to eat for the 8 days. I will still make my trusty PB&J. I will also make sandwhiches, eat fruit at the checkpoints/aid stations, have liquid fuel in my bottles and eat breakfast and dinner.

As the race is long we will need lots of calories from different sources.

Yes, that's right there are over 32 gels there. Any one want to ride behind me? Darrell has graciously offered to lead the charge.

Jeff

Training camp in Phoenix

2 weeks ago Darrell, ( my race partner), and I went to Phoenix to do some training and acclimitize to the heat. It was 28-31 degrees and sunny. We did several long days and some good hill climbs. This is a picture of Darrell riding the Desert Classic trial. It is the last portion of a long technical loop. The trail makes you want to scream " weeeeeeeeee", as you can tell by the ---- eating grin on Darrell's face.We ran into some bike troubles(read-ran into a rock) on the first day down there. We could only do some road riding but boy was it awesome. We climbed up to a small old town called Tortilla Flats were we let the steeds take a break while we went inside for some prickly pear cactus ice cream. It has a mild berry taste and man is it yummy.

It was a hot day and after 4 hours in the saddle we took advice from Darrell's coach, Me ;) , and we had a little siesta.

Here's hoping that all that riding down south will pay off.

Jeff

The Start of Jeff's Big Day Out

This blog was created to keep my friends and family updated while I am on my Big Day Out!

I will be travelling to South Africa to ride in an endurance mountain bike race called the Cape Epic. The race is an eight day stage race that travels 866 km and 13 000 vertical meters. My friend Darrell asked me to do this way back in November and for some reason I said "sure".

We have both completed several TransRockies, which is a similar race right here in B.C./Alberta.

I am going to try to keep everyone updated as I participate in this great event.

I hope you enjoy!!

Jeff