Route profile 2010 #Sani2C

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Off the bike – dislocated AC joint

Post Sani2c crash, I am wrapped in a sling for the next 2 to 3 weeks. A real blow for Joberg2c training. Tried one arm spinning today – better than nothing but not great.

Photo’s taken from day 2 #Sani2C

Rerouted on account of bad and ‘dangerous’ weather conditions.  We missed the sublime single track but enjoyed an amazing run on misty mountain jeep track.  The weather made it an easier day than I remember last year – about half the temperature .  The climb to the Nando’s feeding frenzy was very tough, the single track after made it all worthwhile.  We wore out a chain and a set of brake pads between us.

Photo’s taken from Day 1 #Sani2C

We stumbled onto the line with less than 2 minutes to spare.  We were late because of my bike falling off the trailer when leaving Himeville – we sprayed so much Mr Min on the frame that it literally slipped out of Thule clamps.  It was a very enjoyable ride despite wet and misty conditions.  The muddy ground seemed to hold us back time wise – even though it felt like we were rolling fast.

Photo’s taken before #Sani2C

Packing, foods and gels, spare parts, en-route, squatting at school in Himeville the night before the event.

Injury tally #Sani2c

In typical Dennison fashion I clocked up an injury. The medics say its a dislocated shoulder … but it needs proper verification. Either way I rode 30km’s in mild pain and nearly left the planet when I tried to take my shirt off at the end of the race. The guys heard the click 5m away. So we pack, eat and drive home now. Will post the rest of the pics over the weekend. Over and out.

Done, game set and match #Sani2c

5hrs odd for the day. Finished

Mud, mud everywhere #Sani2c

Saddle sore nightmare #Sani2c

Taking a bit of strain on morning of day three. I have jippo guts and Mike has saddle sore. I think I may be better off. The picture is of bum cream on Mikes shorts. We have slipped behind half way in the field but hope to beat last years time by a couple of hours – sitting at 12hrs25 with 75km’s to go.

Feeding time at Jolivet Farm #Sani2c

Two days down, one to go … and the boys have started drinking. I am drinking milk – first time in 25 years.

Day 2 done, 92km’s.a. #Sani2c

Long day. 7 hrs. Feeling strong now. Had to dig deep in patches.

Nando’s at 60km #Sani2c

Shattered! Tough last 10km’s. Amazing misty mountain start.

Group start day 2 #Sani2c

Route change #Sani2c

5am, getting ready in tent. Not raining. Route change on account of wet conditions in the valley. Safety concerns around slippery descent of 1,400 riders down single track. 15km’s or so shorter.

Tight accommodation #Sani2c

Battled to get organised in the on / off rain. All ready for 100km’s in equally wet condition tomorrow. Our position is about half way through the field under general classification. Better under veterans.

Tent city #Sani2c

700 two man tents. Amazing logistics. Very light drizzle.

Day 1 done, #Sani2c

Happy finish of day one. 84.4km’s, 5hrs25, 1,245m of climbing. Unbelievable mud, mist, rain and cold in patches. I fell but not injury. Chaos at camp. Will probably take 2 hours to wash bikes and shower.

40km mark wet #Sani2c

Early start 4:30 up #Sani2c

Up way earlier than we need to be. In F batch we actually only start at 7. The ‘knobs’ next to us, who start about 5 batches behind us felt it necessary to set their alarm for 4 and turn on the hall light while making the hugest noise.

It is raining lightly, pitch dark and I have heart burn after my Himeville Arms burger and wine extravaganza last night. Luckily we went to bed at 9. Despite all this, I am pumped.

The pic is of my race box.

Humble accommodation #Sani2c

It’s pouring down outside. Packing our kit under a tiny bit of roofing. Mattress city inside. All good.

Registered and in position #Sani2c

Got our race boxes. Found a bed at a nearby school in Himeville. Still raining.

Raining with heavy cloud #Sani2c

Forecast is rain from start to finish. In classic fashion I have the wrong clothes and no flippers or snorkel. We are 70kms outside Underberg in a place called Boston.

Burger stop 1 as predicted #Sani2c

Wimpy Harrismith. Usual order.

Locked and loaded for mountain bike race. #Sani2c

All ready. 1 hour of work then off we go. Very excited.

Sani2C Adventure : Event Journal

We leave for Underberg KZN  tomorrow.  It is about a 7 hour drive.  We will stop at all the Wimpy’s along the way.  We always do.  The order is always the same.  Double cheese and bacon burger with mayo and chilli on the side – chips on a separate plate x 2.  This will be our 5th bike related road trip and it is as predictable as clockwork.

My plan is to update the blog using my cell phone.  Time and signal dependant – I might end up doing a handful of posts each day.  Sorry for the overload but the fan club has spoken.  Annabel (8) and Tom (5) , this is for you guys.

For the record, we don’t think we will win.  Under 15 hours would be nice.