African Continental MTB Championships
10 May 2015
So! It's been a week since the super Mafutha adventure I had with the South African Mountain Bike team in Rwanda for the ACC African Continental Champs. I've been to Lesotho and Zimbabwe, but this was my first time traveling the African Continent as far as the Middle East- how exciting! But before that there was admin of getting yellow fever shots and malaria tablets; made me think is this what Europeans do when they come down here haha, but anyway that was also a good experience.
The team landed at OR Tambo and there I was, filled with excitement like a little kid about to open a birthday present. The next day we were off to Rwanda and as usual I had issues at the border control, I really need to get a new passport with an updated photograph!
I finally made it through border control and was greeted by people with warm smiles in Kigali. We had a 2-hour drive to Musanze- there were bikes and scooters everywhere! I have never seen a country so clean and the friendliness and harmony of the people made me feel ashamed of the Xenophobia happening back home. Everything was mind blowing; not at all what I expected.
First day of practice we went to check out the track and it looked like race day already with all the spectators- from the start all the way to the finish line. The track started on a climb about 1,4km, then a nice easy flowing single track. It was actually one of the best tracks I've ridden so far.
I didn't feel my best, but did a few laps to try get used to the altitude. After that it started raining every day, but that didn't stop us from riding, oh no no no, it was actually a bit more fun with the rain! Then my body was feeling good for a change, pain and injury free.
Raced day finally arrived; I was a bit too excited- 7 laps of 6,4km was awaiting us! The call up, waiting on the start line, and then off we went. I didn’t want to hold anything back so I went full gas from the go. It paid off as I saw myself with the guys up front for a change- only a kilometer that is haha! Then I rode consistently alone for the next 5 laps. Heiko from Namibia caught me on the 6th lap, but when leading into the last lap I gave it everything I had to ride away from him.
I didn't win, but I did have the best time and I walked away with the motivation of becoming better. I felt good and had 10x the fun I've ever had on a trip! I learnt a lot, made friends, and got a few more pointers. Thanks to Cycling South Africa for this great opportunity, once again I’m very grateful to have been part of the team.
#Iwant2doBetter
Photo: www.bicycling.co.za
10 May 2015
So! It's been a week since the super Mafutha adventure I had with the South African Mountain Bike team in Rwanda for the ACC African Continental Champs. I've been to Lesotho and Zimbabwe, but this was my first time traveling the African Continent as far as the Middle East- how exciting! But before that there was admin of getting yellow fever shots and malaria tablets; made me think is this what Europeans do when they come down here haha, but anyway that was also a good experience.
The team landed at OR Tambo and there I was, filled with excitement like a little kid about to open a birthday present. The next day we were off to Rwanda and as usual I had issues at the border control, I really need to get a new passport with an updated photograph!
I finally made it through border control and was greeted by people with warm smiles in Kigali. We had a 2-hour drive to Musanze- there were bikes and scooters everywhere! I have never seen a country so clean and the friendliness and harmony of the people made me feel ashamed of the Xenophobia happening back home. Everything was mind blowing; not at all what I expected.
First day of practice we went to check out the track and it looked like race day already with all the spectators- from the start all the way to the finish line. The track started on a climb about 1,4km, then a nice easy flowing single track. It was actually one of the best tracks I've ridden so far.
I didn't feel my best, but did a few laps to try get used to the altitude. After that it started raining every day, but that didn't stop us from riding, oh no no no, it was actually a bit more fun with the rain! Then my body was feeling good for a change, pain and injury free.
Raced day finally arrived; I was a bit too excited- 7 laps of 6,4km was awaiting us! The call up, waiting on the start line, and then off we went. I didn’t want to hold anything back so I went full gas from the go. It paid off as I saw myself with the guys up front for a change- only a kilometer that is haha! Then I rode consistently alone for the next 5 laps. Heiko from Namibia caught me on the 6th lap, but when leading into the last lap I gave it everything I had to ride away from him.
I didn't win, but I did have the best time and I walked away with the motivation of becoming better. I felt good and had 10x the fun I've ever had on a trip! I learnt a lot, made friends, and got a few more pointers. Thanks to Cycling South Africa for this great opportunity, once again I’m very grateful to have been part of the team.
#Iwant2doBetter
Photo: www.bicycling.co.za