Greetings,

I trust u have all had a great festive Xmas with loved ones.

Please be extra carefull on the roads especially this coming weekend, we want u all back safely.

Just a brief note to let u all know that as from this coming Monday (1/1/2007) all rides will start at 6.00am from Waterstone Village, until further notice.

Small world this is. Ryan’s on his way back from Mafikeng. Gave him a call to make sure all is Ok (6.00am this morning) and he tells me that he bumped into none other than Phil Liggett early this morning at a Kimberley Petrol Station. His vehicle wouldn’t start so Ryan gave him a push to get going!! MMM.

Hopefully PL gets to where ever safely.

Take it easy this coming w/end.

Ek.

Hi Everyone,

Not much to report at this point in time. Roads have quietened down somewhat albeit that the Vaalies and Co are down in strength.

This past w/end saw good turnouts on Sat and Sunday and as to be expected several newcomers. Welcome.
Good to see that Hannes is back on the bike after his fall and quite severe shoulder injury. Stadig oor die klippe Hannes en los die kinders by die huis.

Sadly I have just heard that Fred v Zyl had a nasty fall up in the Knysna area this past w/end and will be going in for surgery this afternoon sometime. Spare a thought for him. He is in the Stellenbosch M/Clinic. Sterkte Fred.

Well, the Steering Comm is sorted out for the challenges of the New Year. Welcome to the new Comm members. We have also managed to a put an Organogram in place. This to follow soon.

At this point in time we will leave the start times as is. Public Holidays will be as W/End start times namely 6.00am. (The week still at 5.30am). We will most probably change in the New Year but I will let u all know.

As far as the year is concerned I would just like to congratulate and thank everyone for their support and contribution to cycling in the Basin area in general.

We as Wannabees took part in many events during the course of this year. To name a few highlights: The Argus, 94.7, Amashovashova, EP Herald, To Hell and Back, Trans Baviaans, The Cape Epic and many more Fun Races.

Accolades to the Safety Comm for the work done by them. Sterkte vorentoe for Herman and his team.

And then of course there was the DC. To some a “walk in a park” but to most a challenge second to none and to me, something special. To all of u that trained for it and competed in it (whether u finished or not) well done. To those that had to withdraw at no 99 because of illness or injury, next year is nog ‘n jaar.

Lance Armstrong DNF several TDF’s in the beginning and then became the greatest ever!!

To all and sundry have a Merry Xmas and a blessed New Year.

Groete,

The kemps

Morning All,

Managed to get into this blikbrain without too much help this morning.

Shocked to say the least with regards to the passing away of one of our young and very talented cyclists, Sven. U will also (most of u) have received the mail from Maverick (as I have just now) of the planned ride this morning at 8.30am from Mavericks. Sadly it’s a bit late for me but hopefully some of u will have known about it and will join the ride.

To his family and friends our deepest sympathy from the Wannabees.

We have a Steering Comm. meeting next Monday and maybe we should raise the point of contributing in some way. Will let u all know.

Pretty laid back past week. Most recovering from the DC I presume and why not?
The start times will remain as is until further notice, and the rides are Social LSD rides.

Wettish for those that took part in the Wynlands race yesterday. My “Spies” tell me that there was quite a Wannabee turnout with Michell doing well on the Tandem with his daughter. Many were trying to get a better time for Argus seeding purposes. I hope u were successful.

Quite a few are currently focusing on the Epic which is due to take place towards the end of March. Good luck with the prep and training.

Goedgaan,
ek

Good afternoon everyone,

Beautiful day. I trust u all had a productive and lekka naweek, we did.

Pretty eventful to say the least. Exciting build up the past week or two going into the DC. Last minute arrangements to have the cats and brakke looked after, pack the bakkie, and off we go, to Montagu of course.

Pasta evening for some, and whatever else for the others. Much talking “bring back the past” stories, of DC’s already completed. Stories of broken jockeys, borrowed bikes, much cramping, bonking, dehydration, which pass is more difficult? Swaarmoed or Fransieshoek or is the “On the Tradouw” the killer and and and.

What’s new? All the “highlights” the euphoria of having finished the race, the sighs of relief, disappointment (such as myself) the unbelievable support by family and friends and Team Members, the incredible “vasbyt” shown by competitors and then sadly the “varknekke” for lack of a better word, that on the occasion put a damper on things.

An awesome event to say the least and to ALL of u that took part in whatever capacity, from Backup to supporter which includes the many telephonic calls I received. Julle weet wie julle is and a very special word of thanks to Laura and Charles for supporting Sanette when she experienced some difficulty and to some buddies of mine riding for the Williams Team who accompanied Mandy up the last pass many, many thanks and well done. To the Team Captains, many thanks for backing me up and making it happen. Without u nadda will happen.

Life carries on, with new challenges and opportunities to contend with and isn’t that just great.

Well for us as the Wannabees its time to relax, take it easy and just enjoy each others company on the morning rides. In as much as that we have a league race this w/end (which is also a last minute Qualifier for the Argus) I think we can all be proud of an exceptionally productive and eventful year.

Talk to u all later,

Ek

Ps Should you miss it, Mandy has a sleeveless jacket with a green collar.

Middag,

Bit late but not forgotten. Short and sweet and in to the Home Straight.

Last weeks training was as per what the coach prescribed and all went off according to plan. I’m led to believe that the w/ends ride turnout was exceptionally good. Well done to all of u.

OK, so now we have dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s and the following is in place and has been done.

Fit, confidant and raring to go.
Training has gone according to plan and is in the Bank ---- haven’t peaked yet, that is going to happen on Sat, and most probably the most important of all is that u have NOT OVER-TRAINED, and have NOT injured yourself.
Bike is booked in for a service en alles wat gepaard gaan daarmee. Tyres tubes etc.
Supplementation/Nutrition has been tried and tested and u know what works for u.
Clothing has been worn in, and other than one or two queries (me for example, who would like the shoulder strap to be plus minus about 2.5mm longer) it would appear that the greater majority are very happy with the kit. (Of course there are going to be some other opportunities for Pieter to sort out but there always are aren’t there? And Pieter, being the professional that he is will gladly accommodate) we strive to serve and deliver the best.
Mental preparation is cardinal. With the above in place your mind should be at rest, so, geen probleme hier nie.
Visualization is one of the final building blocks that we need to put in place and we started doing that some time ago. Die saak is reg ne?
You have trained with your team and know your team mates well. You have confidence in one another’s support and ability, and trust one another. You know each ones strengths and weaknesses and know when to exercise restraint and apply common sense. Dis nou vir jou ‘n bekvol, but I think very important.
And finally, I would like to think that the ‘RESEP is in plek’. Not much more we can do.
PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR TRANSPONDERS – YOU WILL NOT BE TIMED WITHOUT IT.

To all of u that are competing in the DC (maak nie saak vir watter span nie) have a great and safe ride.

Week 6/6

Mon 20/11/06 Rest
Tues 21/11 WW 70/80 % 3 x or RR WWV 5.30am
Wed 22/11 Rest/Rec ride Small blade 1 x hr “
Thurs 23/11 West rd 80/90% 4 x “
Frid 24/11 Rest

Race Day.

It’s been a privilege to be part of all of U.

See u,

Ek.

Ps. Was up in Joburg this past w/end for the ride (not me) I haven’t checked the results but I am led to believe that several competed and did well, including Pieter, Derick and Anneline and the Robinsons. RK missed the early break but managed to hang in for a 17th place. Well done to all that took part.

Greetings to all of u,

I trust u all had a great weeks’ cycling and recreation. Once again the PP sessions went off pretty well. Tuesday saw us doing Rabbit Runs instead of Intervals and Thursday a real crunch session at Westridge. Nogal 10 x, plus an extra”Reverse” one off. I am impressed. Not for the feint hearted these sessions.

Sat was pretty Breezy so we hid on the KuilsRiver and Stellenbosch side. Weather was perfect and an excellent 80 odd Ks were done.

It’s great to see so many cyclists in their Wannabee Kit. Many thanks once again to our sponsors and Pieter for making this Quality and very affordable kit available.

Sunday the Breeze picked up somewhat. I’m not too sure what the groups did. I was involved with the Tri at G/bay which turned out to be a disaster, to put it mildly. The swim was cancelled because the water temp was below ITU requirements so the race was changed to a Duathlon. To crown it all the routing in and out of the transition area was a nightmare. Wat kan ek sê, ek was maar net ‘n “Worka” en die Base wou nie na ons sagte baarde luister nie.

Many (I think) took part in various events which included the ride at Simonsvlei and the To Hell and Back MTB event. Hopefully I will get some feedback later.

For those of u that don’t know, Elsa took a nasty tumble last week on the Great Escape ride and had to have an emergency op late Thursday afternoon. Would appear that all went according to plan and that she is out of the ICU unit and in a general ward. Please bear a thought for her. Many thanks to all of u that have been to see her already.
From all of us, get well soon Elsa.

Alf Robinson is travelling by car up to the 94.7. If anybody is interested in joining him and sharing fuel costs, please contact him on 082 560 6969.

Ian (Chatterbox) is looking for a lift to and from the DC. He has to come back on the Saturday after the ride. Please contact him on 082 728 2364 if u can help.

The Wannabee There DC Team had their spanbou braai this weekend. Agter elke vrou is daar ‘n goeie kok! Wys jou net. Thanks to Wendy and Louis for an awesome get together. What a fantastic team.

It’s Taper time. Last week we crossed the T’s and now we have to dot the I’s. Pretty much reminds me of yesteryears so called 40 days time period. For the many of u out there that were part of Die Weermag u will well remember “Louis” and the 40 days. For those of u who don’t know, “Louis was the “Train” that took one home after your Military training.

Cliff Richard sang the song that became so popular during those years and I think it was called” I’m gonna give uuuuu---- Forty Days-- to get Back” In this period of time, Die OU Manne, that were going home, never ever stepped out of line, took any chances and never ever volunteered for anything that meant going out of the base camp.. One never ran if u could walk, never took a chance at an inspection and u were always available to do Kitchen duty and Guard duty. Anything to stay in camp and not have to be out on patrol.

Depends were u were stationed of course. We were about 2000ks from home. First had to fly to base camp (Dacs and Hercs—remember dem planes?) then “Louis” took us the rest of the way. When we hit De Aar u knew u were just about home.

Mid sixties en baie water onder die brug.

So what’s the message in this bit of sentimental drivel? Take it easy, relax, only do what’s necessary (cycling that is), stay off the N1, R44 and N2 if possible, and be extra careful.

In the old days when one tapered one backed off completely in volume and in intensity. Today not so! We back off on the volume but don’t let up on the intensity but don’t forget to stay relaxed. No more grinding of teeth and hunched/tensed shoulders going up the hills. U are fit and have done well.
Into the Home Straight. Saak is reg.

Week 5/6

Mon: 13/11/06 Rest
Tues 14/11 WW BZ 70/80% 5 x or RRs 5.30am WSt
Wed 15/11 Rest /Rec LSd Small Blade spin “
Thurs 16/11 West Rd YZ 80%plus 6 x “
Frid 17/11 Rest
Sat 18/11 3hrs LSD 6.00am WSt
Sun 19/11 3hrs “ “

See u ,

Ek.

Morning,

Pretty busy “Bee” this past w/end. Family affair, Erna sin, en geen fietsry nie. Must admit I needed the break. Alles seer, physical as well as mental, and desperately trying to recover.

Not a breath of air at my place maar die “skape wei” doer onder in die baai. An amazing past week what with the rain and pretty strong winds. In general I don’t think much training took place.

Saw a group of Wannabees coming back on the R44 at about 12.00noon yesterday and I think it could have been the “PRO”team. Must have been a long ride. I wonder if they are training for the DC?

Several rode the race out Bonnievale way on Sunday. Pretty wet I’m led to believe and quite testing towards the end. Earlyish break away in the Elites group and the usual games being played in the chase/hold-up group.

I wonder how they control the actual time versus position at the finish. RK comes in eleventh at the finish line but is timed way out at 30 something. The timing mats are way after the finish line. I will have to have a word or two with the “Falcon Sports mense” methinks!

Well we are into week 4/6 leading into the DC. Too late to be early at this point in time but I think in general a pretty good Base is in place for most.

This is pretty much a crunch week. We need to make this week really count as we move in to the final two weeks of tapering.

At this point in time 99% of the prep should be under control. Its now time to dot the I’s and cross the T’s.

Book your trusty steed in for a Major Service.
Good idea to have new tyres and tubes on the bike.
Make sure that the Back up vehicle will be carrying extra tyres, wheels and tubes for all.
Don’t forget a paar spanners and a chain breaker just in case.
Extra water, ice, first aid kit, sun block, stomach mutie, extra food (fruit, raisins, muffs) etc.
Get together with the team and discuss the above which is just an example.

I am well aware of the fact that some of u are very experienced with regards to the DC, so please share your wisdom and experiences with the others. Ons is mos een groot famielie al is ons in vier gedeel nê!!

Time to also start mentally preparing yourself. The experts call it “Visualising” Think of the event. How great it’s going to be. Think positively of the awesome experience, your team mates, the fantastic countryside you will be riding thru. Believe in yourself and your team. Remember some of the tough training rides. The Du Toits Kloof Pass and how u managed to handle it. Think of the bitterly cold and wet morning sessions that u were forced to do by some idiot and the GREAT cup of coffee and chat afterwards and much much more.
(If u need counselling please don’t hesitate to contact me.)

Oh Well!!!

Hierdie Week: 4/6

Mon 6/11 Rest
Tues: 7/11 WW.BZ. 70/80% 7x or Rabbit runs 5.30am WSV
Wed: 8/11 Rest/ recovery ride. Small blade 1x hr 5.30am WSV
Thur: 9/11 West rd. YZ. 80 plus 10 x “
Frid: 10/11 Rest
Sat: 11/11 3hrs LSD/Fun ride 6.00am “
Sun: 12/11 3-4hrs “ “

Go well,

ek

More,

Cold front sliding through. A bit late but better than nothing.

A pretty testing week has just become history, regarding both work and cycling. The DC, the focus point at the moment, but a bigger challenge lurking in the background. Get a hollow feeling in my gut when I sit down and think about it. I can barely finish 100ks on a road bike how the heck am I going to repeat some thing like that for eight consecutive days off road.

Maar nou ja, ‘n mens wil groot g-t wees!

Last weeks’ Polar Program went off well. Good turnouts. Available time still being the enemy. Never forget that whatever quality work one does, it’s better than nothing.

Last week I listed some of the pertinant physical indicators re “Overtraining”. Modern days thinking with regards to training (the two bad elements) is that it’s better to go into an event (especially and endurance event) undertrained than overtrained.
Herwith some behavioral indicators:
Apathy, Lethargy, Depression, Poor Concentration, Poor sleep patterns, Irritability, Decreased Libido, Clumsiness, Increased Thirst, Sluggishness, Craving for sugar.

With regards to following a training program; I have repeatedly stressed in the past that one should always have a three day break during the sessions every plus minus about 4 weeks. Dis nie my mening nie maar dis wat al die Experts sê. Of course I agree. This applies to our current PP. Next week is a good time to have a break somewhere, your call. Fit it in as u feel fit.

The w/ends rides went off extremely well to say the least. Sat was stunning along the coast. A big group well behaved. Thank u!!
Sunday saw several DC groups do long rides, the 4 x passes and Bainskloof.
Quite a few did the race at Milnerton. Well done to all of u. I’m led to believe that young Wynand came third in the short ride. Geluk man. Wel gedaan!
Damn, Richard Cane came in 2nd, 4th(photo finish) , and 5th with CSC 1st and 3rd.

Well we are into No 3/6 of the PP.

Mon: 30/10 Rest
Tues: 31/10 WW BZ 70/80% 7x or Rabbit Runs 5.30amWS
Wed: 01/11 Rest/Recovery ride Small Blade 1hr “
Thurs: 02/11 West rd YZ 80/90% 8x “
Frid: 03/11 Rest


Sat: 04/11 Bonnievale Race or Wannabee group 6.00amWS
Sun: 05/11 Wannabee Group ride “

I’m led to believe that the notorious railway crossing just outside Fransieshoek
is no more. The powers that be have tarred over the crossing and no lines are visible. Maybe we should erect something there. Many cyclists have come horribly short there.

Have a great week.

Don’t forget the kit.

ek

Morning,

Pretty eventful past week. What with the S/Easter howling during the week and then two beautiful days Sat and Sunday.

Virtually clear until about 10 min ago and the fog rolling in pretty quickly from the coast. Deathly silence with the occasional hum of cars.

Nog ‘n week, and Friday is just around the corner.

The Polar program started off pretty well considering the strong S/Easter. Five weeks to go to the DC so it’s very much count down time

Sat saw a league race take place at D’ville. Pretty flat but funnily enough not that fast. Teams playing games. The elites had a breakaway pretty early on and the initial reaction by the chase group was that they would be hauled in, not so. In as much as that Richard Kane got a second it was poor decision making by them to say the least. CSC won the day.

Pretty big group rides on Sat and Sunday and I’m led to believe that Marc had a mishap. Nothing serious thankfully but never the less the fewer the better.

The Wannabee Better Team (Hannes, Julian) and co had a get together braai at Andre’s place yesterday afternoon. Great bunch of guys and then of course Sasha the Small took over. Traditional way of beheading a bottle of bubly with a meter long Cutlass by the greatest. Bubbling with enthusiasm, awesome team spirit. Hey! what more can a team ask for? Many thanks guys, it was great inviting Erna and me. Hannes just about back in the saddle after a major shoulder op. Chomping at the bit to get going but alas!! Tyd meneer, tyd.

Many is the time that in a discussion, training versus overtraining comes up. Wat is van die tekens van iemand wat oor-oefen is? Hier is ‘n paar van hulle. It’s important that one takes cognizance of these points.

Weight change.
Morning Heart Rate up
Muscle soreness
Swollen lymph glands
Diarrhoea
Injury
Infection
Decreased exercise heart rate
Slow healing cuts

The menu for this week is.
Week 2 of 6—PP


Mon: 22/10 Rest
Tues: 23/10 Water works Blue Z 70/80% 7 x plus 1 5.30am WS
Wed 24/10 Rest/Recovery ride Small Blade 1hr “
Thurs:25/10 West rd Yellow Z 80% plus 1 plus 7x “
Frid: 26/10 Rest
Sat: 27/10 F/Ride or 3hrs LSD 6.00am WS
Sun: 28/10 “ 4hrs “ “

Go Well,

ek

Môre,

Blustery morning. Koffie and beskuit in the lounge and not on the stoep. Much to think about. Feathered friends unusually quiet this morning maar die katte hol oralster.

Hannes had an op on his injured shoulder on Thursday evening. I hope and trust all is well and that u are on your bike shortly.

Michel took part in the Vets tour which started on Friday, but alas, was “sort of” involved in the crash on Friday, lost several spokes and couldn’t continue. Fairies must have kept an eye on him. Cyclists falling all around him but he managed to stay off the tar. Really taken in by it. Tells me he intends winning next years’ tour and will most probably be putting a Wannabee sponsored team in. Great news to say the least. Is it going to be called the Wannabee/Villa du Cap team?

Well, what a fantastic cycling w/end we had. Great turnout on Sat. (Yes we will have to split up pretty early if we go through Strand). Too much “fishtailing” and we don’t want ANY accidents. Jammer, I should have realised it immediately. Hopefully it won’t happen again.

Sundays’ ride was a scheduled DC training ride with the teams being well represented. John and Julian had to revert to Plan B. The s/easter was up which meant the Four Passes and Kleinmond rides were out. All ended up going to Du Toits Kloof and back.

Averages were excellent. I think one can safely say, that based on yesterdays’ ride, all that took part can feel pretty confident going into the DC. The BIG hurdle on the DC is the last 40/50ks which includes the “Small Tradouw Pass” climb. This climb is nothing compared to the Du Toits Kloof climb and yes, I’m aware that they are done at different stages, maar nogtans, alles loop volgens plan.

This week sees the start of the Polar schedule. Taking into account that we had a “Tuffy” yesterday, we will ease into tomorrows’ session.

Six weeks to go with the last two being taper weeks.

Mon: 16/10/06 Rest
Tues: 17/10 Wworks Blue Zone70/80% 4 x 5.30am W/stone
Wed: 18/10 Where ever Small Blade Recovery ride 1hr “
Thurs: 19/10 West str Yellow Z 80/90% 6 x “
Frid: 20/10 Rest
Sat: 21/10 F/Ride or Group LSD 3hrs 6.00am W/stone
Sun: 22/10 “ 3/4hrs “

Please take note that the W/end rides now start at 6.00am and not 6.30am anymore.

Goedgaan,

Ek.

Good Morning,

As per the norm up 5’ish, engelse verdriet en beskuit en op die stoep. Chilly and somewhat overcast. Needed to confirm if there was enough light to start the Polar program this week. Afraid not.

So it’s official. The morning rides will start as from Tuesday 17/10/6, 5.30 am to 6.30am. That is next week. Next Monday I will lay out the program. Would like to see as many as possible there. Aimed at sharpening/tapering up the DC manne and dames for their event next month, but ALL other Wannabee riders are of course welcome to join.

Some good riding this past w/end. Sat we had the Lourensford MTB ride and the rest of us did an awesome coastal run.
Sunday was wettish and windy. I am not too sure if anyone went out on Sunday morning but there was quite a large turnout at Joostenberg for the Fun Ride. Yes RK did finish. Was a tough ride.

Sasha and Alan pitched and Elsa bailed. Preparing herself for the Wannabee “Unplugged Lunch Party” at John’s place I’m led to believe. A great braai. Many thanks to Belinda and John for once again hosting it. All 12 members and their families were there, and that in a nutshell says it all.

Hannes had a bad fall whilst Mtbiking with the kids last week and hurt his shoulder badly. He will be undergoing surgery this week sometime so spare a thought for him. He will obviously not be able to lead the team with Julian on the DC anymore. A sad loss. Archie has also had to withdraw because of a knee problem. Get well soon Archie.

It looks as if we are slowly managing to fill the Sosial DC team. We had a few unexpected withdrawls but should be up to strength by the end of next month.
Quite a bit of midweek training is being done by some of the ladies--- nothing wrong with that!

Would appear that Pieter is running to schedule and the the T-Shirts and kit will be ready as planned. I will keep u all up to date.

Go well,
Ek.

Good Morning,

Up at 5.00am(bit Late) smelt the roses, listened to the Hadies and Gypos, picked up the buzz of the traffic volume building up, made tea and toast for two, sat on the “Stoep” and suddenly realised that next month is DC month.

Scary to say the least. Think about starting the ball rolling many months ago(six to be exact) the trials and tribulations that go with the territory, the tough cold and wet Winter months of Base training and we are just about in the home straight.

Time has come and gone. Lost time. Used time. Misspent time and Productive time. Reminds me of something I read in a book lent/borrowed to me by Ginge. (who is also a staunch Wannabee, and is currently recovering very well from a recent knee replacement). The books name is “The Cold Moon” by Jeffrey Deaver.
It reads like this--

You can’t see me, but I am always around you.
Run as fast as you can, but you will never escape me.
Fight me with all your strength, but you will never defeat me.
I kill when I wish, but can never be brought to justice. Who am I?

Old Man Time.
Food for thought!!

Not a good week for us on the road. Three accidents that I know of. Derick Coetzee (a Wannabee up in Ptown) was involved in a road accident in Durbs somewhere. He went up to do a ride on the South Coast and somebody jumped a red robot. His Audie is a write off and his Cannondale doesn’t exist anymore. Fortunately they came off pretty lightly but the drama and inconvenience as u can well imagine.
Ricky a new member from Blouberg side, was involved in a Hit and Run. His bike is a write off but fortunately he wasn’t badly injured.
I’m led to believe that Jack Ack had a tumble last Monday in the wet weather conditions but seems to be OK.

This past w/end was a DC w/end. Recovery w/end if anything. Sat quite a few went out with Sunday having being pegged by the Social team for a Du Toits Kloof 130ks or so. Weather forecast wasn’t too good.

First call at 4.15am Sun. “Erill it’s pouring and the Team wants to know if we are riding or not. Well let’s give it an hour or so maybe it will go away. The rain that is. Let’s talk again at 6.00am. All’s ok. The ride is on. See u all there.”
Chuckle, Chuckle.

Well done to all that pitched for a magnificent Annandale Ride. The weather turned out good. Cleared up and quite warm. Not quite what we wanted to do but what the heck - money in the bank.

During the past couple of months quite a few bikes have been lost to “Affirmative Shopping” Michel and Nigel amongst others. This past week, Wendy had her bikes stolen as well. Ek weet nie wat om te sê nie maar ek dink baie.
Please take care of your bikes. Lock them up and chain them to your ankle at night—or something like that. Ek raak so die !@#$%^& in when I hear about this and there is not much one can do.

Pretty shortly we will start the morning sessions. Most probably a fortnight from today.

Have a great week.

Ek.

Môre Almal,

Felt much like a Sunday, the public holiday. SG to say the least. A few of us met up yesterday morning but didn’t get very far. Started bucketing down so we all went back to bed.

Pretty active weekend, what with the Monument to Monument in Paarl on Sat morning, and the Karoo to Coast on Sunday.

I was at both as a supporter mind u, and not a participant.

Took Ryan thru on Sat and begged him to finish the race if nothing else, with no additional costs to contend with. Quite delighted that he finished but it was pretty much a “Touch and Go” situation when they came into the finish. The route as u all know was very flat and also became very tactical, the result was that the finishing group was in the region of about 30/40 cyclists.

Quite a few from the Basin took part and I trust u all enjoyed it. Weather was good.

Made my way back home after the event, picked up Erna, and headed for Uniondale where Erna and many other Wannabee come Maverick and HCW cyclists were taking part.

Record entry I am told. Sunday morning turned out to be just what the doctor ordered, but alas we were to be tested again.

A “Comedy of Errors” to say the least.

Woke up at 5.00am and of course the normal ablution storie.
Started the last minute bike check.
MMMM!! Checked tyre pressure and guess what? The valve end broke off. Not a problem, we have a “spare” and I will find another spare to replace this one. Not So!! Reminds me of when I was at the start of the Medallion Mushroom race some time ago -- another time.
Spare tube valve thickness is not the same as the damaged one so is U.S. We have a nice new expensive “Soft Tail “ all ready to be tested on the race, but no tubes.
Run down the corridors shouting Help Help; open all the doors desperately looking for a spare tube or two -- No such luck! Comments following me -- who’s that idiot and what’s he doing? Comes to a race not prepared with no spare tubes! XZY@*^ idiot.
Eventually managed to make contact with a guy named NALAM aptly dubbed “The Miracle Man”. He had spare tubes for all makes of bikes and rims. Do not fear for I am near he says. Praise be to the bike man, he has saved the day! --- Well just about!!!
Meet up with the”Miracle Man” get tubes only to find out the the spindle nut has also decided to do a bunk -------- now what?
No problem says the Miracle Man, I have just the nut u are looking for Mr NUTCASE.

And so the day was saved and Erna finished the race problem free and very excited with the following comment.

“U know Erill the training program that we are following for the DC seems to be working. Remind me to thank the person responsible tomorrow.” Wat kan ‘n mens nou sê?.

Remember lasts weeks N. L. and the “Boy Scout” storie. Nou Ja!!!

I suppose the moral of the story is pretty obvious. Be Prepared and above all Stay Humble. You never know!

Congrats to all that took part in this great race, I envy u all.

This w/end is another DC training w/end. Going to be pretty laid back. Quite a few want to go MTbiking on Sat and most probably a Group ride of about 70ks on Sunday, weather permitting.

See u all soon,

ek

Hi There,

Another week has flitted by. For those that are still targeting the DC we only have10 weeks to go with two of the 10 being Taper weeks, scary, to say the least.

Wat ook al sy, vir daai mense wat die myle deur die Wintermaande ingesit het, die BASE is daar en niemand kan dit weg neem nie. Be comfortable with this fact. It’s crucial to get Base Mileage in whether it be for cycling, running or what ever, ask the experts there are plenty out there.

Possibly two longish rides left to do and then we will move into a 4 week or so “sharpening up” Polar program - hopefully we will have the morning light by then.

In Sats Die Burger I picked up an article on page 16, next to the adverts, about one of our Greatest Ultra runners passing away. Lindsay Weight a well known athlete, mother and academic in the field of sport, collapsed at home and died. Lindsay had accepted a post at Norwich University in the UK and they were due to leave in November, sad to say the least.

We were honoured to have the well known cyclist and multiple winner of events like the Rapport Tour (remember the good old days?), join the Wannabee Unplugged Team on their ride to Franschhoek. Alan has settled in Gordon’s Bay and hopes to give the ‘Old Manne’ in the Western Cape a go for their money.

The Boy Scouts as I suppose is the case with other such organizations are famous for the Motto of “BE PREPARED” In essence this is what life is about. Training for an event is no different—that’s why we train!!!. But there are other facets that are just as important and I suppose one can see it as getting the RECIPE right.

Using the DC as an example, one trains together for a variety of reasons and some of them are A. Get to know your partner. B. Learn to support your partner—we all have our ups and downs. C. Learn to know and accept the fact that if u don’t train with the group u are in fact putting the group in jeopardy—for obvious reasons—Think about them. D. One also becomes more disciplined knowing that one has to have a bike that is mechanically sound for the ride, so u check your bike out more frequently and LOVE it more. Something like a Horse, or what. E. Supplements, nutrition and and and! Lastly one must COMMINCATE. Is there a problem, am I turning back early obstacles in the road, punctures etc.

Just a little something to think about. All really pretty obvious.


This w/end we have the Karoo to Coast taking place and quite a few will be there.

Enough said.

Have a great week. Need anything or want to help please feel free to contact me.

ek

Morning everyone,

Weather not quite knowing what it wants to do. Pretty warm then blustery and pretty nippy. Change of season I suppose. It won’t be too long now and I suppose I will be complaining about the heat and howling South Easter, not to mention the invasion from up north.

A good turnout once again this past w/end. Quite a few Wannabees did us proud at Worcester on Sat. Really thought we were going to be on the podium but alas Michel decided to SIT UP in the final sprint and not get involved in the finish rat race. This decision turned out to be quite sensible. A number took a tumble after the line. Well done to Wendy, Elsa, Annaline, Erna, Ehrich and Stephan who also did well. Pretty good turnout for the first PPA ride of the season.

NB. Before I forget. It would appear that there are still cyclists that are not receiving the mail (very few I think). Please, if u have not received a mail by Wednesday give me a call.

AND

The start times as announced last week are at 6.30am for both Sat and Sun until further notice.

With regards to the Kit and donation, for those that have ordered and contributed already MANY THANKS.

Pending additional orders Pieter would like to start the production run some time this week. So, should u need kit please contact Pieter ASAP.

This W/end will see the DC teams do another back to back. Most probably in the region of 100km per ride. Weather permitting.

Go well,
ek

Good evening,

Wat kan ‘n mens sê?. The turnout last night was fantastic to say the least. Many thanks to all of u for pitching and making a success of the meeting and cycling in general in the Basin. Thank u to Petie and Malan for being there as well.

Unity is Strength and that’s what it’s all about.

Much was discussed in a very short space of time, and as per the norm, I left out a couple of points, the most important one is about the juniors and what we should be doing about them. We need to be putting something in place so that we have continuity in the group. The younger generation needs to be addressed and promoted simply because they are the future as we all know. Three school going youngsters were present. Jurie Franken, Sean Butler and Wynand Cillie. Mooi so kêrels.

Volki gave us some GENUINE “Team Mobile” kit, to be raffled for funds at some stage or other, as well as batteries. Many thanks Volkie!

In a Nutshell:

1. The DC teams are on track and in place.
2. The Donation amount for the year is R200.00/family and or individual as per the floor.
Should you wish to do so electronically, herewith the bank details:
Account Name: ACAS
Bank: Standard Bank No: 07 233 4193
Branch: Helderberg No: 033012
3. A book/ spreadsheet will be kept of all expenses and vorderings and will be available for inspection/perusal at any time. We are a” non profit” setup. Damn!!
4. The two Committees namely the Safety and Steering were announced. Those that will be joining as new blood are Wendy, Mandy, Ina and Lourene from the fairer sex and Danie Morkel snr GP. Welcome.
Herman V Zyl is the new Chairman of the Safety comm. Congrats!
5. Samples of the new kit were available for sizing. Thanks to Pieter Schoeman. Many orders were placed. Those who did not try the kit on last night please contact Pieter directly.
Just remember that payment is due to Pieter when placing your order:
Pieter’s details are:
Cell: 082 658 0905
Account Name: Fabi
Bank: Standard Bank No: 07 233 1690
Branch: Helderberg No: 033012
Price of kit:
Tops : R170
Bibs: R270
Pants: R210

6. Mount Rozier was discussed and the opportunity it affords to ALL MTBikers in the Basin area. Awesome potential. I mooted the fact that I was of the opinion that we should make it a joint venture between the Wannabees, Maverick and HCW. The floor agreed. A meeting will be set up with the relevant parties shortly. Of the issues discussed were:
1. ID card 2. Indemnity form. 3. Fixed riding times etc.

The bigger picture being the acquiring of additional farm land that we can link on to Mount Rozier and make the cycling circuit much longer.

7. We still have the facility available at Unv of Stellenbosch Sport Science Institute to do the VO2Max testing at a discounted price.
Contact Louise Prins. Tel: (+27) (0)21 808 2818

Once again many thanks to a fantastic bunch of people.

Go well.
Ek.

ps. Don’t forget that u can enter for the Argus. Do so before it is too late.

pps. AS FROM THIS WEEKEND : 9/9/06 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, ALL WEEKEND RIDES WILL START AT 6.30AM