Argus pics

Send me your argus pics and I will put them on the blog
mdcsport@hotmail.com

Morning,

What a brilliant day yesterdays Argus turned out to be. One could not have asked or wished for better conditions and weather.

Well, I was pretty sceptical going into this one for various reasons and of course Murfy(Murphy) played his part with me at number 99 going into the start chute, but other than that everything went off according to plan.

Many thanks for all the calls and SMSs received before the race and afterwards.

In all the years that we have been involved with training and the Argus I have never had such positive feed back with regards to results.

Virtually without exception it would appear that all had PBs and that is awesome to say the least. I don’t have all the results yet but from Ronnie (being the oldest Wannabee I think—who rode a 3hrs 32m at plus 70) to Tony Owen who although suffering from a nasal/chest infection rode a PB and Alie as well. To Jenny, Wendy, Mandy, Ina and Lourene, Sanette/Henry (all sub 4hrs), Jack Ack who once again cracked a sub 3hrs, young Wynand at 15 doing a sub 3hr ride and and and…. I have left many out I suppose, but will cover them when I get the results. Petie who did a 3hrs and some secs. How close can one get? Anton on his MTB bike and LOVED it. Well done to Dom, Allister and Desray (sy wat so baie gekla het en nie fiks was nie het die hele tyd op my agterent gesit.)

The weeks morning rides have come to an end and the week/end rides start time will as from now be at 6.30am.

On the down side several had to withdraw because of illness one of those being Anton. Next time my man.

Ryan had to withdraw from the Giro on Fridays Vissershok Stage due to bad planning on my part and mechanical problems. N duur les om te leer. So much time, effort and money goes into the preparation of certain events en ai dis hartseer vir almal, ongeag waarin jy deelneem. BUT VASBYT. Next Year!!!!!

Don’t forget to go into the Wannabee Blog.

Go well and once again many thanks,

Erna en ek.

08/03/2007 (SA) Yet more tourists attacked 09-03-2007

AN overseas cyclist who came to SA to participate in the Argus Cycle Tour, was almost killed when a rock was hurled at him on the third day of his very first visit to the country.
Peter Mayr believes his helmet had saved him from serious injury.
The incident happened on Wednesday, February 28 at about 14:00 while he was cycling towards Strand on Baden Powell Road (R310) with his girlfriend, Sabina Gandini.
The couple had arrived in SA on the Monday as part of an overseas tour group of 29 cyclists headed up by German citizen, Peter Rente, who for the past seven years has been organising the cycle tour with Vlok Pieterse of Strand.
The couple spent the first two days in Cape Town without incident and on Wednesday cycled to Strand where they were to spend the rest of their stay, taking the approved coastal route.
"We were cycling at about 13 km/h, when I saw two guys ahead of me near some trees," Peter told DistrictMail at the couple's room at the Ocean View Hotel. "I saw one of the men pick up a rock. He was only about a metre away when he hurled it straight at me."
The rock struck him on the side of his head, his helmet taking the impact, but Peter managed to cycle on. Sabina had to fend off the second man, who tried to pull her off her bicycle. She managed to get away.
"We were told the route was safe," Peter said. They did not report the incident to the police. "We are strangers in the country, we did not know what to do," says Peter.
They still intend to compete in the Argus race on Sunday. But the couple said on Monday, they don't intend coming back for a second visit to SA or another cycle tour.
A second, unrelated attack on a cyclist was reported on Sunday on the R310. Final year Matie student Emile du Plessis (23) was pushed off his bicycle by two men who stabbed him in the chest, robbed him and ran away. Emile's right lung had collapsed and he was taken to HH Hospital where an operation was performed on him.
The police at Harare, Khayelitsha, are investigating the incident.

Donation

Hi All,

With the Argus just round the corner we hope you have really benefited from those hard exhausting weekday morning training sessions of the Wannabee group and in particular have enjoyed those weekend rides along the beautiful Gordon’s Bay coast, the tough inland rides over Helshoogte and the more relaxed rides threw the wine lands along Bottleray road.

As you know none of this comes without some cost and as discussed at the annual meeting of our Wannabee group in September 2006, we agreed to all contribute R200 per annum to cover these out-of-pocket expenses.

There have been many of you that have made your contributions for which we are very grateful. There are however a number that have not as yet paid your dues and I, on behalf of the steering committee, request that you please finalise this matter as soon as possible.

We now have a separate Wannabee banking account and for your information all expenses are accounted for and approved by the steering committee.

Account Name: Wannabee
ABSA Bank
Somerset West
Branch Code: 632005
Acc No. 9178906183

We really would appreciate your cooperation regarding the above. If you are uncertain as to whether you have in fact paid, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Contact details: anton@norths.co.za or 082 5773305.

Kindly ensure that your name appears as a reference when paying and please fax (021 5924293) or e-mail the remittance advice.

Kind regards


Anton de Freitas (ably assisted by John Arnold)

PS Remember you won’t get any fitter between now and the Argus so enjoy the tapering off and have a memorable ride on the 11th

Greetings,

What a week training wise. A Taper week. Everyone handling the program like a hot knife through butter. However, I must admit the change of start point for the Rabbit runs certainly had a few huffing and puffing. Are we not blessed to be able to train with such a great bunch of like minded people and what an awesome venue.

The inclement weather Sat and Sun really suited me, I don’t know about u. Erna and I went out Sat am,but decided to turn back after an hour or so. Met up with Alie on the way back and had B/Fast at CJs. Sunday pm, we managed to sneak in a couple of hrs maar was nie baie lus nie.

Many cyclists taking part and preparing for different events at the moment and also sadly some disappointments as well.

Young Jurie will more than likely be missing the ARGUS because of injury and young Wynand is battling with a cold at the moment. It looks as if Elsa will also be missing out because of her mishap on the bike tour. Sterkte!!

Well what’s on at the moment?

This Sun the Argus, and the Giro starting with the Prologue on Tuesday 6.00pm in Paarl.
Yesterday the Boschendal Argus MTB race—haven’t checked results yet.
The Sani2C - this past weekend I think
Of the Wannabees are also training for the Iron Man and Lady—Carl and Celia – the weekend after the Argus.
The Cape Epic in a couple of weeks time.
Pretty shortly the X-Terra off rd SA champs at Elgin country club—Henning taking part.

I have mentioned it on several occasions that we have the Giro taking place on our doorstep and what an opportunity to support and cheer on our local teams and riders.

Tues 6/3 6.00pm Paarl the Prologue Time Trial – 6km
2. Wed 7/3 11.00am Paarl to Helshoogte then (4 x laps) with the finish at the top of Helshoogte.
3. Thur 8/3 11.00am Stellenbosch- start at Coetzenberg, then 4 x laps Winery and Bredell S/West finish at Technopark.
4. Frid 9/3 Bloemendal Restaurant start Tiekiedraai, loop 4 x and finish Bloemendal Rest.
Sat 10/3 Hill Climb Signal Hill CT start 11.00 am
Sun 11/3 Argus.

Week 6/6

Mon 5/3 REST
Tues 6/3 YZ 5 x 3min intervals
Wed 7/3 Recovery small blade 1 hr
Thur 8/3 BZ 3 x 6min intervals Waterworks
Frid 9/3 REST
Sat 10/3 Easy 1 x hr couple of surges keep the computer tuned plus coffee and muffins
Sun 11/3 ARGUS

Last minute checks.

Equipment OK
Visualization in place
Eat/drink/think like the winner that u are. Carbo load etc couple of days before
Race supplementation sorted out plus EPO, S2E, Regmakers(plenty caffeine) and all those Boererate in your back pocket for that extra bit of energy né!!
Suntan lotion/potion very important!

Enjoy, and good luck to all of u. Have a safe and fantastic Argus.

Ek.


Disclaimer

Participants in Wannabee cycling events hereby acknowledge that they take part entirely at their own risk and agree that they and their dependants shall not have any claims whatsoever against the Wannabee group and/or any person acting on behalf of the group.

Hello again,

There has to be a variation of this intro that is different and better.

By now u would have all noticed (those that don’t just delete the Buzz) that on the occasion I am pretty boring. The aim of this Buzz is not to compete with Cycling Mags and all the info that is available there, we are also a non profit setup so I DON’T go out of my way to sell anything, net seker maak almal verstaan.

However, we are step by slow step reaching a point that in time to come we will have our own BLOG, which I have told u all about and we will be able to communicate there. And of course, everyone can talk to us. (If I understand it properly). Won’t that be just great?

This past weeks’ training went off well with many a rider/cyclist getting some serious DOUBLE training sessions in. No place to hide u see I am like KILDARE—everywhere!!—that rhymes of hoe?

Sat saw the last League race take place in Wellington I think, no results for the Elites and Juniors etc or otherwise I am just too dof.
Be that as it may, I am led to believe that Wynand did very well in the u/16 group and RK got a second AGAIN. Maybe it’s better like that, less to pay out.

I am glad u asked how the Epic training is going. Quite a few of us are taking part as I’m sure u are aware of, but hell, dis moelik tyds gewys. Now I know why so many of some professions can take part and that is simply because they have the time to train and then of course there’s the BUCKS side of things.

When Erna told me that she had been successful in getting drawn, and the amount of money involved, I phoned at least 3 x lawyers to get advice and divorce proceedings going. Found out it would be cheaper to do the Epic.
But that’s only half the issue. On top of it all, sy ry my die hele d---se tyd weg. My ego guys my ego!!!!

Enough.

TAPER TIME:
Week 5/6

Mon 26/2 REST
Tues 27/2 YZ 8 x 3min intervals
Wed 28/2 Recovery ride small blade 1 hr
Thurs 1/3 BZ/Rabbit runs depending light
Frid 2/3 REST
Sat 3/3 3 hrs LSD
Sun 4/3 2/3 hrs LSD

Go Well

ek


Good day Erill

Since I recently bought myself a new Merida, I am selling my previous bike and will appreciate it if you could add the following bit of information at the bottom of your next e-mail to the group:

Raleigh RC3000 for sale, R2800, Full details on mybike.co.za, or contact Lize at 083 268 3477

Have a wonderful day!
Best regards
Lize vd Heever

Hallo All,

On Sunday morning, as per the norm I woke up at 4.30am, let the dogs in, made tea, had a rusk, looked at the weather and decided to get back into bed.

Race out at Paarl so we decided to shift/change/ bend our training schedule and rather see what the “Fun” riders were doing. Past many Wannabees on the R44 coming back, good to see and I would like to think that they all had coffee afterwards.
Got to the top of Helshoogte and waited for the leaders. Quite nice basking in the sun, doing nothing, and watching the cyclists straining to go over the top. Bly maar ‘n blikemmer die Helsehoogte.

Lead car coming , sirens going, motorbikes flashing lights etc and a breakaway leading by some 30 odd seconds. “Enjoying this commentary, are u?” Nearly feinted. Boetie with the breakaway -- about time!!
Rush to the car, something happening here, might cost me some money again. If a podium place, then I meet the prize money paid.

5ks to go and another breakaway. RK going for it. Must be the “SURE2ENDURE” kicking in or whatever. Plenty stuff to choose from, just stay legal of course. Taken out on the line but at least he’s back in town.

Well, for us ordinary mense we have a last week to go to the Argus before we start tapering. Last week went off well and I must admit I’m surprised by the fitness levels of everyone, especially if I see how the West Rd sessions are being done. Keep it up!!

Time to start Visualising that Argus race of yours. The planning, where u are going to make your mark, at what stage are u going to go with the next group coming past and making sure that u “CREAM” Suikerbossie. Not like last year when u misjudged the race and suffered badly there.

Hang in there!

Week 4/6

Mon 19/2 REST
Tues 20/2 West Rd YZ 11 x 3min intervals
Wed 21/2 Recovery Ride Small Blade 1hr
Thur 22/2 Waterworks 6 x 6min intervals BZ 70/80%
Frid 23/2 REST
Sat 24/2 Fun ride/ or 3/4hrs LSD
Sun 25/2 “

That’s all for now,

Ek.

PS: The Post Argus braai has been called off as well as the Breakfast ride.

Hi Everyone,

Nog ‘n week daarmee heen en die laaste paar dae was dit behoorlik winter weer. I personally couldn’t have wished for anything better.

Several took part in Saturdays’ 99’er and unfortunately young Wynand took a tumble after about 60ks. Nothing too serious I hope.

Not many pitched for the Saturday ride and quite frankly I don’t blame u. We were out doing the 4 passes and got caught in some pretty inclement weather between Fransieshoek and Stellenbosch. Thunder and lightning, pretty breezy and the rain bucketing down in places. “De le Rey” was with us and “Siener van Rensburg” predicted that we would have clear skies and sunshine on the Stellenbosch side and low and behold it was true. I could have done with De La Rey’s Wit Perd at that point in time. Bene was gaar! Wys jou net. Die man is in der daad menig maal in die kol.

Well Sunday’s turnout was pretty good considering. But alas the question remains to be answered. Does one in fact go and ride on the wet roads and inclement weather. I think at the last count we were at 11 punctures. Quite a costly exercise and much delay.

The Argus is nearing at a rapid rate of knots and its time to start thinking about your trusty Steed. Service Time. New tubes, tyres, cables and and and. Time to book your bike in with your preferred dealer.

We have had very little response re the planned Post Argus Braai. Pretty disappointing to say the least. I am approached by several concerning this and in the past it’s always been great, but what the heck one can only try.

Once again a reminder to all—safety is our first priority, so please lights!!

Well we are into Week 3/6;

Mon 12/2 REST
Tues 13/2 West Rd YZ plus 80% 9 x 3min intervals
Wed 14/2 Recovery rd Small blade 1hr
Thurs 15/2 BZ/ Rabbit Runs
Frid 16/2 REST
Sat 17/2 3/4hrs LSD or Fun Ride
Sun 18/2 ‘ “

Go Well,

Ek

For your info, I add to two letters re the Pre Argus Breakfast Ride and the Post Argus Braai:

Your are invited to a Breakfast after a Wannabee Ride on the 3 March 2007 at DULCE CAFÉ – WATERSTONE VILLAGE

For our great support through the year Elana from Dulce Café has offered COFFEE ON THE HOUSE.

Continental Brunch will be served for R26-50.

Should you be interested in joining please confirm via email propcon4@mweb.co.za INA JOOSTE no later that 26 February 2007
to do the seating arrangements.

CHEERS

INA

11 March 2007, 17h00 at CHARLES MORKEL STADIUM.

Come and enjoy a late afternoon spitbraai with all our CYCLING WANNABEES to share the experience of the day. It is for the whole family to celebrate and enjoy.

Bring along, chairs, picnic basket with necessary cutlery and glasses and DOP and the rest will be provided by die SPITBRAAI KING which include meat, 3 salads and garlic bread for R62-50 and half price for children under 10 years old.

Should you be interested to join please confirm via email to INA JOOSTE at propcon4@mweb.co.za or 0824686919
by no later than the 15 February 2006 to arrange the booking and payment to Spitbraaiking.

Hi Everyone,

Traditionally in the past we have had a POST Argus get together but unfortunately let it slide the last year or two.

Many have asked us to do something again, so we have arranged to have a Braai at 5.00pm after the Argus.

For those that have DONATED the R200.00 u will get a contribution of R30.00 per R200.00 from the DONATION KITTY towards the braai. Friends are welcome as are your spouse and kids. Kids are half price but the rest are full price.

Read the section below and please respond to Ina ASAP. We have to confirm by the 15th. The venue is excellent (Charles Morkel Stadium) and the food will be prepared for us.

REFER:
Hoe lyk die voorstel laat maar weet ons kry die Lapa geriewe gratis soos deur Danie gereel. Die Hengel Klub het nie toegang vir kinders nie.



11 March 2007, 17h00 at CHARLES MORKEL STADIUM.

Come and enjoy a late afternoon spitbraai with all our CYCLING WANNABEES to share the experience of the day. It is for the whole family to celebrate and enjoy.

Bring along, chairs, picnic basket with necessary cutlery and glasses and DOP and the rest will be provided by die SPITBRAAI KING which includes meat, 3 salads and garlic bread for R62-50 and half price for children under 10 years old.

Should you be interested to join please confirm via email to INA JOOSTE at propcon4@mweb.co.za or 0824686919 by no later than the 15 February 2007 to arrange the booking and payment to Spitbraaiking.

Go well
Ek
PS great ride this morning

Hi Everyone,

Sunday evening and I still haven’t recovered from this mornings’ ride. One would think that with the amount of pills I slick I should actually be able to fly. Dalk moet ek alles weggooi dan sal ek beter doen. Who knows?

Great ride with many of us there and everyone that I spoke to enjoyed it tremendously.

I was very impressed with the Marshalling (didn’t you just love their outfits). All the intersections, robots, turning points etc were well manned. Accolades to the PPA. I really believe that they are trying to go the extra mile, and this bodes well for everyone. There were one or two falls, one happened just in front of me at the Merriman intersection, I hope they were not serious.

With regards to the morning training rides, it’s going pretty well. Good turnouts and much enthusiasm. Just be mindful (once again) that we are fast running out of daylight time so please DEM LIGHTS.

Good to see Paul Lewin back on the bike after his mishap several months ago on the Fransies Hoek railway line.

OK Week 2/6

Mon 5/2 REST
Tues 6/2 YZ 7 x 3min intervals plus 1 x w/up West Rd
Wed 7/2 Recovery ride 1 x hr LSD
Thur 8/2 BZ 5 x 6min intervals WW
Frid 9/2 REST
Sat 10/2 3/ hrs LSD/ fun ride
Sun 11/2 3/4hrs LSD/ fun ride

Enjoy,

ek