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