A real double century

[linnega]

On Monday we did a real double century (ie 200 miles) for charity.  Most didn't manage the full distance unassisted with temps reaching upwards of 42 degrees.  Route was from Little Switzerland in the Northern Berg through to the Mr Price offices in Durban.  The charity it was in aid of HABIT.  Please donate if you can - these guys do an excellent job looking after abandoned babies. http://www.habit.org.za/donate.html

 

I have done the ride before (in 2005) but this year we were joined by Phil Liggett.  He joined us on the ride at 4.30am and rode literally to exhaustion in Pietermaritzburg after about 220km and abovementioned 42 degree heat.  Most riders succumbed to the heat between Midmar and PMB (including myself) with most of us only getting back on the road at Hillcrest.  It was great to see Phil riding so hard at his age.  He is a thoroughbred racer of course, but with his schedule 320km on the best of days would have been pretty tough - yesterday it was impossible.

 

Anyway, what was interesting is my perception of the depth of his knowledge of cycling was shattered over the weekend.  I have long held the view that his knowledge must be limited because he seems to repeat the same well known information time and again when commenting on the Tour.  Well, for the 3 hour bus trip up to Little Switzerland he was able to entertain us with unscripted and fascinating "tales from the peloton" with some real insight into older and current pro's.  Anyone looking for info on LA would have been disappointed, as although they get involved in similar charity work, either the information wasn't shared or LA simply does not open up to anyone outside of the "inner circle".  Phil did call Michael Rasmussen vacant, intimated that LA had been behind the decision by Discovery to pull the plug (a message to the world that cycling isn't worth sponsoring), and shared some insight into what happened with Astana and Bruyneel etc.  His stories of Eddy Merckx and Luis Ocana were equally as fascinating, and I have to say, my impression of Mr Liggett's sporting knowledge and ability to entertain are forever changed.  Add to that his obvious love for the sport and his accessibility.  Just about everyone had the opportunity to chat with him and he seems as good a listener in a conversation as he is a talker.  Definitely a memorable two days.

 

[Omar]

did he wear a helmet?

[linnega]

With a bit of complaint.  He did tell everyone that he preferred not to wear a helmet.

[widget]

Good Grief, hows the legs?........... I cant believe its two years since you told me you were riding the first one Linnega - seems like just last week.

 

Interesting take on Phil.