Update on my Silk Road Mountain Race

[Rob Enslin (Trailtrax)]

Apologies for the lack of updates...

 

When I wrote Preparing for the Silk Road Mountain Race 2019 - The Bike - Part 1 I was gearing up for the adventure of my life. Little did I know what was around the corner, something bigger and far more profound than I could ever imagine.

 

I was diagnosed with skin cancer. A mole on my stomach had turned and unleashed hell within my body. And worse, it was spreading quickly. After surgically removing my primary melanoma tumor, both my lymph nodes, and a newly developed tumor on my chest, I had moved to stage 4. And, I still am.

 

Fortunately for me, I have access to highly complex treatments to help beat this thing. After exactly 80 days there are signs of improvement, but I'm by no means out the woods. My life has changed for good.

 

All plans to race 1000miler in SA and The Silk Road Mountain Race in Kyrgyzstan were off. Convinced I'd be back, I reached out to the organisers; I asked them to consider deferring my entry to next year, to give me another shot at it. Without hesitation they confirmed my place for 2020, and sent me off with something to fight for. Thank you Andy Masters (1000miler) and Nelson Trees (Silk Road Mountain Race) for being so understanding, you guys rock.

 

Replanning has already started and I'm fit enough to ride again, just. I've even entered The Transatlantic Way, in June 2020. Then of course, god willing I'll be at the 1000miler and The Silk Road Mountain Race ready to celebrate a recovery victory.

 

If you're keen to follow my progress you can follow me here, or check me out on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Strava).

 

Back soon with a new update.

[Ozzie NL]

Sjoe, that must have been a hard landing.

 

Hope you beat the C bastard.

[DJR]

Joh, Rob, that is indeed shocking and life changing news. I wish you great strength for this battle.

[Rob Enslin (Trailtrax)]

For sure @Ossie NL! Will give it my best shot.

 

Appreciate it @DJR, thanks.

[tinmug]

Sorry to hear that Rob. But looking at your race prep posts I have zero doubt you have what it takes to beat the Big C (and then casually go and ride the SRMR). 

[Rob Enslin (Trailtrax)]

Thanks, appreciate the vote of confidence

 

Sorry to hear that Rob. But looking at your race prep posts I have zero doubt you have what it takes to beat the Big C (and then casually go and ride the SRMR).