Karkloof Trailblazer - 28th November

One thing I have been really enjoying since I got home is all the amazing single track and just riding in general we are so fortunate to have here in Howick. Sunday was an event I was definitely not going to miss as it was a ride on some incredible single track in the karkloof designed and maintained by Hylton Turvey and his crew. I started off in H batch so I knew there was gonna be a serious back log in the first few kms of single track. After one or two sniper lines and shifting out of granny gear i started passing riders and making my way through the pack. There were some serious climbs to get to the single track, and the mornings heat didnt make them any easier. But all in all totally worth the effort because the ride down had me in my element and just made me remember why i love my sport so much. It was a hard 45kms, I finished in 2 hours 48 minutes, placing me 55th out of 303 riders, and 15th in the senior men. I really enjoyed the ride and was happy with my result. I want to do more longer rides in the future and slowly improve the results as I get stronger.

Ride safe,
TB

Greg Kaumpek memorial race - 7th November

After 3 plane trips, one missed flight, a bit of sightseeing in London and ALOT of walking I finally arrived in South Africa on Sunday the 31st November. I was extremely excited to see my family again, you really learn to appreciate how much they mean to you when your limited to a phone call once a week at the most. After a week of relaxing, catching up with friends and getting over some serious jet lag it was that time of the year again where Martin Fourie puts together a race to remember our good friend and fellow rider Greg Kaumpek who passed away in April 2004 on the way back from the George national. I chose to ride my Ndiza since I had heard the track was quite pedally at the top with a few jumps thrown in. Turned out to be a good choice and I was really enjoying being back on the bike since I hadn't ridden for about 2 months due to my rear shock blowing at one of the bike parks in Canada. I pedalled hard in the first run and finished second behind Tiaan with Kelvin in third. Second run was nice and fast in the top half, but near the bottom of the course I landed on a rock leaving me with a flat tyre and a slow pedal to the finish line. Luckily I had done enough to stay in second position for the day. Would have liked to have got my name back on the floating trophy for Greg, but Tiaan rode hard to earn it for this year.

Thanks to Martin and Brian for organising the race as well as the Kaumpek family for being there to share a few words about Greg and hand over the trophy. He will always be missed!

Ride safe,
TB