A 'Shova Weekend

[Li Mu Bai]

A ?Shova weekend.

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Bright sunshine, crisp green spring foliage, and clear skies had conspired well together to banish the rain that had sprinkled my Friday drive down, and held Kwazulu Natal hostage for most of the week. Amashovashova Weekend ? finally! An early Saturday dash from Hillcrest to Giba Gorge saw me ready to take part in the Asishove ? the final installment in the Mazda/Fritz Pienaar half marathon Series.

Having picked up my Whasp Gels goodie bag, I studied the route map whilst a local rider enthusiastically pointed out every crease in the route. The climbing looked formidable. Familiar faces decorated the start line. The race had also attracted the marathon big guns, JP Pearton, Burry Stander, Richard Beswick et al. Winding up the long, wooded opening climb, the muddy conditions soon made an impact. Place to rest along the route was minimal, as the downhill runs were treacherous and slippery and you had to keep working on each uphill. Plenty of river crossings, and the spectacular waterfall ravine etched itself in my memory. The route stretched along the Shongweni countryside, through cane fields and angled hillsides. On more than one occasion I found myself muttering at the hesitant directions of the marshals, and finishing in the environs of the Giba Gorge mtb park was an exercise in intuitive route finding, as the possibilities for getting through the last few kilometers were varied and unmarked.

Still it turned out to be one of the best races I have taken part in this year. Burry Stander and Christi Pienaar held the winner?s trophies aloft after all was said and done. Great fun, and very good value.

 

Sunday. Pietermaritzburg was a little misty. The City Hall stood guard over the start line as the thousands of roadies took off up the 17km warm-up climb. I soon joined 2 BP riders and the three of us proceeded to try leave the rest of group J as far behind as we could. The route was terrific, the sun had burnt away the early grey, and the spring greens sparkled in the morning light. Plenty of spectators lined the route, clapping and shouting encouragement, and making us all feel like movie stars. The downhills were fast and exhilarating. Dangerous too, as we passed the remnants of one accident. The trees of the M13 greeted our passing, but getting closer to the finish, Durban city turned on the brakes. The easterly wind was unleashed and built steadily to make pedaling harder and harder with each stroke. The atmosphere at the casino finish was welcoming, thousands of cyclists discussing their ride, laughing, and enjoying the Springboks win together; the stalls etc adding to the carnival atmosphere. My legs definitely felt the impact of the muddy trail riding the day before, but it was definitely well worth the effort. Thumbs up Amashovashova.

[water bottle]

 missed your calling Rude.. Ernest Hemmingway in the making. Makes me want to do it again, and yes I did it this weekend. Well spoken (penned) and I enjoyed the summary of your races.

[Thug]

Great report ! 

[Li Mu Bai]

thanks