FrequentFaller Posted October 4, 2016 Share AND? How did it go?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurendrin Posted October 4, 2016 Share Thanks for all the messages guys! The race is happening this Saturday, so will give an update thereafter FrequentFaller and Bloukrans 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurendrin Posted October 5, 2016 Share Ok, so a quick update on two things: My first cycle: Managed to finally get out on the bike this past Saturday. Armed with only a helmet and gloves, we tackled a cycle circuit in the Waterfall Estate which is apparently 7km long. It is paved though with a few ramps and bridges and we managed to go around just over 3 times. Completed this in just over an hour. I felt relatively ok, was tired but not exhausted. My ass was really sore though lol and so were the bottom part of my palms. I managed to give it a bit of a go the last lap and did it much quicker than the previous laps. Managed to get the hang of the gears and only braked using the rear brakes; which locked up once or twice but nothing major.Going for another cycle tonight in preparation. I know i have not been cycling enough but things have been a bit hectic all round. Will get into it properly as we go along though. On what i managed to get in preparation since: 1. Going with takkies (bought some Adidas crosstrainers to use for gym as well) as i have normal pedals2. Bought a First Ascent Endurance Bib and Cycling Top3. Bought a Camelbak Rogue 2l Hydration Pack4. One spare tube, puncture repair kit, Tyre lever and small pump5. Gloves as mentioned before6. Lifebeam Helmet7. Cycle computer (wireless)8. Water bottle cage and water bottle (as a back up)9. Cycling Glasses (as i use contact lenses and hate having dust or dirt in my eyes, makes it very scratchy) It seems as though i went a bit crazy but bought everything with Ebucks and i get 30% off the voucher cost. Albatross, nonky, FrequentFaller and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edge540 Posted October 5, 2016 Share Ok, so a quick update on two things: My first cycle: Managed to finally get out on the bike this past Saturday. Armed with only a helmet and gloves, we tackled a cycle circuit in the Waterfall Estate which is apparently 7km long. It is paved though with a few ramps and bridges and we managed to go around just over 3 times. Completed this in just over an hour. I felt relatively ok, was tired but not exhausted. My ass was really sore though lol and so were the bottom part of my palms. I managed to give it a bit of a go the last lap and did it much quicker than the previous laps. Managed to get the hang of the gears and only braked using the rear brakes; which locked up once or twice but nothing major. Going for another cycle tonight in preparation. I know i have not been cycling enough but things have been a bit hectic all round. Will get into it properly as we go along though. On what i managed to get in preparation since: 1. Going with takkies (bought some Adidas crosstrainers to use for gym as well) as i have normal pedals2. Bought a First Ascent Endurance Bib and Cycling Top3. Bought a Camelbak Rogue 2l Hydration Pack4. One spare tube, puncture repair kit, Tyre lever and small pump5. Gloves as mentioned before6. Lifebeam Helmet7. Cycle computer (wireless)8. Water bottle cage and water bottle (as a back up)9. Cycling Glasses (as i use contact lenses and hate having dust or dirt in my eyes, makes it very scratchy) It seems as though i went a bit crazy but bought everything with Ebucks and i get 30% off the voucher cost. Seems you have everything sorted for your first race, now just go out there and enjoy yourself Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goblin Posted October 11, 2016 Share and how was it ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurendrin Posted October 11, 2016 Share Hey guys! So here goes the update! Started the day off not actually eating anything before i got to the Cowhouse. All packed and ready, we arrived there around 07h00. Funny story; when we arrived and got out to offload the bikes, we realised that my cousin's front wheel was completely gone! lucky the guy that pulled up next to us managed to produce it from his boot. Apparently it fell off his bike once we entered the offroad section to get to the parking lot. Phew!! (My cousin suspects his son's were toying with the bike the day before) So we registered and have a small bar to eat. Got in line and off we went at 08h10 for the 20km A group race. We started right at the back of the group to give us our space to cycle freely and at our own pace. The first section was a bit slow due to the traffic, mostly cause by two or three bottlenecks i.e. A small stream/sludge crossing, a incredibly steep incline which everyone walked, and a very narrow drop and incline section. This was exacerbated by the introduction of the next group onto the scene, who were supposed to be 10 minutes behind us, who were flying past us and cutting in wherever possible. Was a bit scary and frustrating at times having guys bulleting past you, within centremetres of your bike, and cut you off or force their way in without saying a word. I guess this is probably the name of the game but still an experience nevertheless. Once we got into our "stride" though, things were much smoother sailing. We started with a long section of single track through grass, then onto some dirt road sections, lots of rocky roads that needed climbing over, some super fast downhills and some foresty sections. All in all was really fun and enjoyable for ourselves. We struggled a bit with the hills and all the bumps in the road but persevered regardless. We stopped about 3 times, for my cuz to get some water from his water bottle (my Camelbak came in very handy). At the very end of it we actually felt ok, not completely tired or even sore. We both completed the 20km's in 1h 34m and that was done at a relatively relaxed pace. Funnily enough, the guys who won the 60km race finished the same time that we had. In summary, it was an amazing experience! Most definitely the first of very many more! Thank you again to everyone for their advice, words of encouragement and support. Onwards and upwards! Albatross, nonky, Bloukrans and 6 others 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NelAndre Posted October 11, 2016 Share Welcome and enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slowbee Posted October 11, 2016 Share Freaken brilliant ! Lurendrin Well done!! All that experience you have gained will help in races/rides to come. Now you have some idea of what it is like and what to expect. So next time it is the 40km ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edge540 Posted October 11, 2016 Share Glad it was a good experience and everything worked out well. Like the man said next time 40km? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mamil Posted October 11, 2016 Share Congrats and welcome - in my experience this quickly becomes an obsession Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurendrin Posted October 11, 2016 Share Thanks guys, definitely the 40km next! bullet77 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrequentFaller Posted October 12, 2016 Share Well done and thanks for sharing your experience! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nonky Posted October 12, 2016 Share Well done on a great race! Reading this, I am excited like a newbie all over again. It only gets better and better...keep on pedaling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dev null Posted October 12, 2016 Share Congrats. So, when next we hear from you, you are going to complain about the slow riders on the ST? Don't just disappear. The hub has been sort of quiet lately. We need a new sheriff in town. You will understand what I mean in due course. Edited October 12, 2016 by Moridin Edge540 and Reinhardt89 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now