Well then....that did not quite go according to plan ......
Did the required pre race social media post, and tagged the mates, in great anticipation of what lied ahead.....only to wake up during Friday evening, with severe stomach cramps, shortly followed by the trots ! This continued into the early hours of the morning, and when the alarm went off at 4h15, and I walked into the kitchen with zero appetite, looking into the spare room where kit and bike goodies was all stacked out for ease and comfort, I already knew the inevitable. I've been on a bike before with diarhhea, and told myself never again ! To remotely consider the idea of taking on perhaps the toughest marathon event in the country, in adverse weather conditions, in an already dehydrated state, was simply looking for trouble.
So, there I went on my way to Wellington, this time around as supporter as my son was super excited for his first go at the event, and I had a bunch of mates due to take part as well. Thankfully I took my running shoes along as boy did I have to run around from the viewing point to the mobile toilet (I do hope they discard of that unit permanently).
Having done three (or was it now four 🤷♂️) Imbuko's before, I knew just how deep the okes will have to dig out there, made all the tougher with the heat and extreme wind up in the mountains, so I gave it my best at Waterpoint 2 & 4 to encourage them (which was basically shouting on / at them and making sarcastic comments about how fresh they looked 🤥). From there I made my way back to the finish area, and did my best to capture their facial expressions as they crossed the line, knowing that the ordeal is now over ....for at least another year that is. The okes all finished strong and chuckled their way to the shade, as they started sharing some war-stories of where they attacked, cramped, cursed, and considered taking short cuts back to the main road home. A quick chow from the lekker variety on offer, cold refresher in the other hand, the guys soon started talking about the next challenge......tipies !!
Although I obviously did not cross the finish line, heck, I did not even cross the start line, I can surely attest to the stature this event holds among the harde-baarde for being one of the toughest, for some the toughest, marathon event out there. I applaud each person who ticked that box yesterday and had the privilege of one of the friendly ladies at the finish line, place an iced cloth on their necks, whilst handing them a finishers-medal which most surely should not be thrown in a drawer, on the contrary ! (Forgive me for the shout out to my 18 year old, the youngest competitor, who rolled home in 28th place among the men of the day)
Gravel Travel just know how to host an event of this nature and they must be applauded for how smooth the event runs each year. The special vibe they manage to create leading up to the event, and on event day itself, is quite unique. If you like a challenge, and want to do something very special, you have 364 days to train for it......just look after your bowels boys and girls....no amount of Imodiums will help on that miserable morning !!
