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.