Archie's suggestion for new company cars

What do you think about this new Club kit proposition?

Morning,

Checking the weather early this morning two things come to mind which to me seem to be more severe than before and that is the daily temps which are still in the 30s and the windy conditions. Might just be my imagination but normally at this time of the year things have cooled off somewhat and the good dr has settled down.

Well the epic jol is really building into something. With Evans having to hang in with a bug and the o/seas pro teams doing well it’s going to be a thriller of a race. Let’s hope that all who are taking part complete the event without any mishaps especially all those from the club and basin area.

This past week saw the National Handicapped cycle event take place at Coetsenberg and Paarl. Amazing to see the tremendous determination of these unsung heroes and sadly so poorly attended and advertised.

We had our very own BJ taking part. I haven’t as yet confirmed the results of the road race but up until that stage BJ had already won FOUR gold medals in his category. Quite unbelievable to say the least. The time effort and commitment that these handicapped athletes put in, far surpasses anything that we as normal people do. Vasbyt second to none.

Congrats and well done from all of us BJ. May u still realise your dream of competing in the Olympics one day. We will keep track of your progress.

Yesterday we had a fun ride and league race out at Malmsbury and once again our club managed to make the podium. RK having a lucky break and managing to hold off the chase group to come in first. Alex Heward coming in close behind in 15th position. Mooi so manne.

Well in closing let me just congratulate Michel and his team in the safety comm... They have been awarded a substantial amount of money from PPA to continue their project work at the Primary Schools promoting safe cycling. Wel gedaan and keep it up.

Well that’s all for now.

Have a great week.

ek

Good day to all,

Sadly not much of the long w/end left.

Cycling pretty much in a recess at the moment although we have a League Race at Malmesbury this coming Sat followed with the WP Champs in a couple of weeks and then of course SA’s to be held in East London early in May.

Groups have been small to start off with but today was a pretty good turnout again.

Had the famous so called Two Oceans (why two oceans?) on Sat and I’m led to believe that several Wannabees took part. Congrats and well done.

I’ve just come back from Coetsenberg Athletics Stadium where the SA National Disabled Cycling Champs are taking place. Went there to support BJ who represents WP and is a member of our club of course. Proud to say that prior to my leaving he had already won Gold in the 1000m sprint and the 3000m event. He still had the 200m dash to compete in. Wel gedaan BJ van ons almal.

Wed they have the time trial which starts at the Boland Cricket Stadium at 8.30am and followed with a RR on Friday. Lets all hold thumbs for BJ in the two events to follow but I will keep u all posted.

Let’s not forget about the epic jol that starts this w/end. To all who are going to take part, may u be blessed with good fortune. Have a save and memorable tour.

Go well,
Ek.

Hi everyone,

Slowly returning to normal after a hectic four weeks or so.

As was expected with a howling southerly and no place to hide, very few (sensible people stayed in bed) diehards turned up for a ride on Sat morning. It was good to get out though without any form of pressure. Having Sepp, Hertzel and MdC there to push and pull me for 30ks or so wasn’t too bad.

As from this Friday (holiday) the start times for the w/end morning rides will be 6.30am. This coming w/end being a long one so we will be riding Friday, Sat, Sun and Monday.

I have scheduled a Steering comm. meeting for Mon April the 7th and it will really centre around an update on the different portfolios. In other words what we need to do and/or put in place for the rest of the year. Calling, MTbiking, the DC teams and training, current financial position etc. I will give u feed back and an update after the meeting. If there is anything that u think is important that should be discussed, mail me and if warranted I will include it on the agenda.

It’s been a fantastic first quarter of the year. The traditional Argus highlight coupled to the fact that we had a RT in the Giro which did exceptionally well in very trying and cash strapped circumstances, not to mention the odd storm in a tea cup. Perfect we are not but try we did.

Maybe it’s a good time to use this opportunity of thanking all those that went out of their way to support the Giro team.
The Van Schalkwyks, who were there every day supporting the team, taking photos, giving moral support and backup wherever possible.
To the Van Rensburgs for their donation and also all the work done by Nico at number 99 with regards to getting the necessary docs through.
To Anton, Pieter and Danie for their unselfish support and contribution time wise, and giving me advice and moral support in some testing situations (ek het gesukkel om perfect te wees)
The daily sms’s and e-mails and telephone calls from so many of u club members, many, many thanks it’s truly appreciated by the RT and myself.
To Cliff Hopf for taking time out to make it possible for me to get some work done in between the Giro and making it possible for me to ride on Sunday. Many thanks Cliff.
To Clive and Alex Heward, Hendrik Steytler and Ryan for unselfishly making their abodes available for members of the team and Burry’s father this past week. Clive going the extra mile and providing a carbo meal each evening at his house.
To young Ruan (the team mechanic) who was the official reserve as well.
And last but not least to Laura the team’s masseur who gave of her valuable time and sorted the guys’ spiere out.

It’s fitting at this point in time to thank our main sponsor Mr.Price. Without their contribution we would not have been able to enter a team into the Giro. The team did exceptionally well (refer last weeks post) and I would like to think that we did Mr. Price proud during last weeks race and Argus.
Year to date we have been on the podium more often than not and it can only bode us well for the future.

And last but by no means least to Omnico and GU for making of their product available to the RT.

What a learning curve for all of us who were involved up front, all be it that we had several Giros in the bank already. Nooit te oud om te leer nê!!!!!!!

Anything let me know,

Go well,
ek

Hi,

Monday 4.00pm pulse rate slowly but surely coming down to resemble something akin to normality and no it wasn’t the hype about the Argus but about the whole week.

What a great day yesterday turned out to be. Awesome weather although it did become warmer later on. Very little wind to contend with and I’m led to believe that most came thru with excellent times.

An event that anyone can be proud to be part of. Incredibly well run and organised. Well done to PPA and all those that were involved in putting it together.

Forgive me but there are just too many names that have to be mentioned so in one short sentence “Accolades to all of u C2H Wannabees and members who took part “ another fantastic experience to be remembered and cherished and aren’t we blessed that we are able to take part and enjoy it.

Needless to say there were some truly outstanding times namely:
Ronny 3hrs 27min
BJ 2hrs 58min
Werner 2hrs 40min
Dean 2hrs 42min Maybe Hertsel can ask Grahams Electrical for some sponsorship.
Johan 2hrs 56min
Fred 3hrs 3min

And then there was the Giro Del Capo and our very own C2H Mr. Price RT.

The stats are as follows:

1. Prov entry list 28 teams
2. Teams that finished 22 “
3. C2H Mr. Price 12 position
4. B. Stander under 23 2nd overall Mr.Price
5. S. Davel Pickford Points Race 5th “ “
6. S. Davel KOM 10th “ “
7. General Classification 15th “ B. Stander Mr. Price
42nd “ S. Davel “
79th “ R. Kemp “
8. Starters 150
9. Finishers 105
10. Argus 21st Overall R.Kemp 2hrs 27min 31secs
27th “ B. Stander 2hrs 27min 32secs.
57th “ S. Davel 2hrs 27min 45secs

With regards to the rest of the team:

Hendrick Steytler was in the huge fall that took place on stage one. Hendrik rode in alone against a howling S/Easter and missed the cut-off by 1 min.
Alex Heward missed the breaks after the gutter and also had to solo back in like Hendrik on stage one and was sadly eliminated as well.

Of the 50 odd Giro riders that were eliminated, most probably 90% were on stage one.

Dean Hopf had a bad day at the office on stage three, the notorious 178k Franschhoek Worcestor Bains Kloof loop with the incredible plus 40deg temp on the day. The high temp took its toll.

Much to think about, much to debate about but I am sure that we will see the above three back again and competing in next years Giro. A few more scars but that’s life.

Back to normal. Andre has let me know that he will be starting the MTB rides as from this Sat. 6.00pm Waterstone. Would appear that he has plans in place. We will keep u posted.

The Epic is just around the corner. Just about going into taper time, Kop hou time and Visualization time. Stadig oor die klippe manne we don’t want anything happening at this stage of the game.

The Mr. Price kit has arrived (rather late than never). Any o/standing orders please contact Irma. 082-775-4196.

I wonder what has happened to our run of the new C2H club kit. Can anybody help me. And what about the finalising (we had reached agreement at the last meeting) of our logo etc.

Goedgaan,
ek

Hi all
Job just about done. One week to go, final taper run and then it’s time to put yourself to the test after many (for most) hours of intensive training.

Many have coupled the Argus training with the iron man and epic still to come off. Several are gearing themselves up for the duo season and then there is still some mtbiking to close shop with.

So much happening, much discussion, much to look forward to.

Great turnouts over the w/ends and for the mid week sessions. Accolades to all of you for the tremendous support that you have given us in setting the C2H club up.

Hiccups and criticism (mostly constructive) we have had aplenty, but that can be expected going into a new venture irrespective of the amount of planning, experience and know how that goes into it.

What has to be said loud and clear is that you as club members have a fantastic bunch of girls and guys that are running the setup and it can only bode well for the club in the future.

Much is still to take place during the balance of the year. One thinks of the fantastic DC that must be prepared for and the new yearend Burger on our doorstep but first things first. After the Argus it’s time to back off, recover, have the relaxed coffee rides on the w/ends that are so popular amongst all off us. Smell the roses (melkboom, die see and die seaweed) as well and just enjoy those things that we are privileged to have and to be able to experience.

Spare a thought for those that have had hiccups, Elsa, Lourene and then we think of Ockie, Michel de Clippel and many others. Sterkte recover and join us again soon.

Technically speaking I see this as the end of the season. The start of the new season following after the break and epic. We then slide (baie nat and slippery) into the winter come MTB season and then SPRING time.

But hey we aren’t quite finished with this one yet. This week is GIRO week and YES we have our very own Team competing. Starting Tuesday 4/3/08 at I think 9.30am in Paarl. Hou hulle dop, come and support them if u can (maak die tyd, dis ons eie TDF) on our very own doorstep. What more can one ask for???

Do we expect them to win? ---- of course!! Maybe not this year but I’m led to believe that we have some real day stage winning material with the likes of Burry Stander and Shaun Davel in the team. Can’t ask for much more. I will try and keep u posted if we start tearing die Groot Name stukkend, otherwise I will be tjoepstil!

Our C2H - Mr Price Team:
Alex Heward – Captain
Hendrik Steytler
Burry Stander
Shaun Davel
Dean Hopf
Ryan Kemp
Ruan van Schalwyk – Reserve & Mechanic

Taper week

Mon 3/3 REST
Tues 4/3 YZ West Rd 4 x 3 min intervals Valve bounce session
Wed 5/3 Active recovery small blade. LSD and only LSD
Thur 6/3 BZ Up Lord Charles, down to Avontuur, back up Koos de Waal
And that’s it
Frid 7/3 REST
Sat 8/3 Clean the bike, check the tyres and tubes, check for loose spokes and a nice 20min ride.
Sunday 9/3 Groot oog dag

Enjoy and good luck to all of you.

From the team.

Hey guys,

Hearewith a couple of pics taken by Volki.

Hi,

Sunday evening, just had a braai and a little bit inebriated on good old TVL wine and egte MIELIE PAP. Not joking.

Most good things come from the TVL and believe it or not, not from the Cape.

Much to comment on and let’s be positive and not negative.

Training:
Great turnouts for the Week day sessions and for the w/ends
Two weeks to go. This week start of the taper week and next week actual T/week
Time for u to a. Have your bike checked out by your favourite/preferred bike shop and b. start getting yourself sorted out mentally for the Argus. Visualization is the key word. Think about the route, plan the route mentally and trial run it mentally. Many in the club have done it and some are going for the great NO 10 (I think for e.g. Ina) and some are targeting the magic no 21 (and please forgive me I am relying on Kombuis talk) targeting NO 21 i.e. Lyle Ramanos (23!) Charles Nesbit (18/19) Hertzel Brad (19?) Erna Kemp (17 Consecutive?) and so on.

Whether it be your first or 21st enjoy it and relish the experience and the fact we are all blessed and privileged to be able to be part of a great event.

While on the training issue a number of important points.

1. Lights, lights and more lights. Dit word donker.
2. Callers are the KINGS. One can’t satisfy everyone on the called route for the day. It’s extremely difficult to satisfy everyone. Remember we are safety conscious and pride ourselves on the safety aspect of the ride. Not negotiable.
3. With regards to safety: I have had many calls over the last week or two complaining about riders that are NOT sticking to our basic riding rules. Hey everyone, it’s your responsibility to ensure that we adhere to the road rules.
4. Die Ystermanne/Dames. U want to ride in the group with Tri bars then u DON’T use them. WHY??? Simple really. When using the tri bars u are miles away from your brakes and there is no way that u can react fast enough to get to your brakes in and emergency situation. Should u wish to ride in the group and u want to use your tri bars then u ride at the back of the pack!!!!!

VOLKIES RIDE;

Last w/end Volkie did part of the Argus route with several Wannabees. Would appear that many more would like to do it again this w/end (SAT). Those interested please contact Volkie (refer fone no last week). Meeting Waterstone 6.00am Sat.

Sick Parade:

Michel de Clippel, well known to all of us has just had surgery at Vergelegen M/Clinic. Would appear that all is well and that he should be on his bike next year sometime. Get well Michel.

Lourene is also recovering from a back op and we trust that she is on the mend. Sterkte ons het nie van jou vergeet nie.

The Epic Yuppie Challenge;

Several of our group are once again preparing for this great holiday event. Amongst others, Jack, Thierry, Henri, Alwyn, Chris, Danie (gp), Paul, Jonathon and more. Good luck, strongs, enjoy the journey.

Mr. Price RT

Once again we had the lads competing against the best in the West. Sats ride being a flattish ride from Wellington via Riebeek Wes back into Wellington. A tough 80 odd ks. Pretty stiffish S/Easter put most of the guys in the GUTTER for pretty long stretches going back.
Our team once again came to the party. Managing to get RK away on a break with about 7 other elites with 20ks to go. They managed to stay away from the chase group. With about 300meters to go RK challenged the group but couldn’t manage to hold off the pack at the end. Bene en boude bietjie moeg. We finished off with a 5th place. Nothing to be ashamed of.

Once again a great team effort by, Hendrik, Werner, Ruan and Alex.

This week:

Mon 25/2 REST
Tues 26/2 YZ West rd plus 80% 7 x 3 min intervals
Wed 27/2 Recovery Ride 1 x hr Small Blade
Thurs 28/2 BZ Waterworks Rabbit runs
Friday 29/2 REST
Sat 1/3 Fun ride LSD 3hrs/Volki’s ride
Sun 2/3 “

Go Well

ek

Greetings all,

Day late apologies. Hectic last week or so and a PE trip this past w/end. Nearly back to normal.

So where are we at this point in time? Argus training going well. As stated this is a recovery/back off week. Intensity stays paramount but hrs and distance come off. Next week we will pick up the tempo again. Not long to go now.

The RT trekked up to PE to show there wares and worth. If u have got time an hour or so then I can run u through the two events which we took part in. Briefly Sat saw a crit on the beach road. Gale force wind and very few teams pitched. Controlled and won by Neotel and we were taken to the cleaners putting it mildly.
Sunday was the EP Herald classic over a 100ks or so. Conditions not too bad. Team felt pretty positive. About 12ks out RK had a blow out on his back wheel. Quick change of wheels and the chase was on. Tried in vain to get back, picked up a group of elites that had been kicked off in the first few ks and meandered in way off the pace of the winners. The other three team members managed to stay with the main bunch of elites but also finished several minutes off the pace.
Bottom line is that they all came in. Maar hard om te sluk. Ry 2000kilos en dan kry jy n pap wiel!!!!!. And yes I double checked the wheels the previous night. Now for plan b and that is sludge in the tyres of RK from now on. Slightly more weight but at least we will virtually negate the pap wiel problem. Jis ek was die bliks--- in en hy was bitter teleurgesteld maar wat kan jdy doen. Cowboys mos don’t cry.(baie gevloek)
Saw our two liefies on the side of the road also met n puncture on their tandem. I trust they were ok.

Volki would like to plan a trip. Refer below sounds great.

our sunday ride was marred by rain.
unfortunately no one was picking up my plan on the blog.
therefore i would like to ask you to put it either in your esteemed
newsletter tomorrow
or make a reference to the blog.

my plan is to do the argus route from kalk bay in a loop this coming sat,
leaving waterstone at 6
interested riders should contact me Volki@gem.co.za, so that we can organize transport
so far i have two guys interested in participating in arthur and shaun

will see you tue morning!
Volki

Well that’s it. Wed recovery ride small blade one hr, Thurs a couple of wworks hills, Volkies peninsula ride on Sat and a race/fun ride on Sunday.

Enjoy,

ek