Seeing that I couldn't recall any great memories from that race around Parys, I was rather happy when Paul recommended we go up to Swaziland and do something different for a change - The Logico Swazi Frontier.
So after a few days of training the coach attached a small chainring to his bike and a Mapdeck to mine. Wednesday morning we then test rode the Dogma's to Bicccs just to make sure we where sorted before heading off.
As we arrived at registration I soon noticed a very different than normal vibe amongst the competitors. The food court seemed more like a beer tent. I could see all the navigators where excited about the size 11 font on the navigation cards.
Day 1: Needless to say it took me some time to get the hang of reading while riding cattle trails along cliffs and through rivers, so we decided to follow the leaders for a bit, while I tried to find our location and the old guy his legs, the perfect start.
It didn't take too long for the testosterone levels to settle and we soon rode off the front. Now no one to follow, but at least the scenery was great for being lost, as we found out not much later.
After riding in circles for a couple of minutes we found ourselves back on track somewhere in the top 10. Chasing hard we caught back up and leaped off the front again. Few more minor navigation errors on my side kept the chasing group close, which meant they could just follow without doing a whole lot of map work.
The stage came to an end with a very brutal climb, called "too brutal". I am proud to say that with the help of some grippy Conti tires, I was in fact the only rider to make it all the way to the top. I figured Paul must have ran out of High5 gels at this point. On his second attempt he threw in the towel and found out that the Sidi's are also very comfortable when walking up steep gradients.
So 4hrs and 35min later we crossed the line in 1st place. Almost broken!
Day 2: A few kilo's in just as I got held up in a river crossing, my partner attacked. Great move I thought and after burning a few matches to get back we where out of sight. Once again they sent us out on some amazing trails. Down a valley with about 34 river crossings just to name one section. With no navigation issues and just a quick stop to apply Squirt on our chains, we arrived at Pigs Peak Hotel and Casino. Extending our over all lead by a few more minutes.
It didn't take long for the pool bar to start pumping.
Being serious athletes we skipped that part and spent most of the afternoon in our luxurios room with the aircon on full blast. Unfortunately no Top Gear on the tellie, so after the evenings festivities we did some gambling.
5minutes later we both won a fair amount and cashed out straight away.
Day 3: When I saw the temperature on my CycleOps Joule was 24ºc on the start line at 6:30 I knew we where in for another rough day. I then figured let's get it over with as quick as we can and dropped the hammer right from the start. 500 meters later I realized uncle Paul was under that hammer. I basically crushed my partner...
A while later the old diesel engine got going and we navigated our way over a few more mountains and through some stunning valleys. We finished things off with another stage win and with a solid gap over the chasing teams.
Honestly this whole race has some of the best trails I have ever ridden. Ungroomed, but lovely flowing tracks with amazing scenery all round.
As the son started setting a few beers where enjoyed by the pool over looking Maguga dam.
The final prize giving or as some call it "stage 4" was special. Very different from the normal ceremonies... a bit more relaxed to say the least.
All and all for me this was a great way to end off a good season. I realise that I am very priviledged to have been able to experience this awesome event. Hats off to the organisers and a big thank you to Paul and a[s]gPYCycling for making it possible.
Till next year
Arno
So after a few days of training the coach attached a small chainring to his bike and a Mapdeck to mine. Wednesday morning we then test rode the Dogma's to Bicccs just to make sure we where sorted before heading off.
As we arrived at registration I soon noticed a very different than normal vibe amongst the competitors. The food court seemed more like a beer tent. I could see all the navigators where excited about the size 11 font on the navigation cards.
Day 1: Needless to say it took me some time to get the hang of reading while riding cattle trails along cliffs and through rivers, so we decided to follow the leaders for a bit, while I tried to find our location and the old guy his legs, the perfect start.
It didn't take too long for the testosterone levels to settle and we soon rode off the front. Now no one to follow, but at least the scenery was great for being lost, as we found out not much later.
After riding in circles for a couple of minutes we found ourselves back on track somewhere in the top 10. Chasing hard we caught back up and leaped off the front again. Few more minor navigation errors on my side kept the chasing group close, which meant they could just follow without doing a whole lot of map work.
The stage came to an end with a very brutal climb, called "too brutal". I am proud to say that with the help of some grippy Conti tires, I was in fact the only rider to make it all the way to the top. I figured Paul must have ran out of High5 gels at this point. On his second attempt he threw in the towel and found out that the Sidi's are also very comfortable when walking up steep gradients.
So 4hrs and 35min later we crossed the line in 1st place. Almost broken!
Day 2: A few kilo's in just as I got held up in a river crossing, my partner attacked. Great move I thought and after burning a few matches to get back we where out of sight. Once again they sent us out on some amazing trails. Down a valley with about 34 river crossings just to name one section. With no navigation issues and just a quick stop to apply Squirt on our chains, we arrived at Pigs Peak Hotel and Casino. Extending our over all lead by a few more minutes.
It didn't take long for the pool bar to start pumping.
Being serious athletes we skipped that part and spent most of the afternoon in our luxurios room with the aircon on full blast. Unfortunately no Top Gear on the tellie, so after the evenings festivities we did some gambling.
5minutes later we both won a fair amount and cashed out straight away.
Day 3: When I saw the temperature on my CycleOps Joule was 24ºc on the start line at 6:30 I knew we where in for another rough day. I then figured let's get it over with as quick as we can and dropped the hammer right from the start. 500 meters later I realized uncle Paul was under that hammer. I basically crushed my partner...
A while later the old diesel engine got going and we navigated our way over a few more mountains and through some stunning valleys. We finished things off with another stage win and with a solid gap over the chasing teams.
Honestly this whole race has some of the best trails I have ever ridden. Ungroomed, but lovely flowing tracks with amazing scenery all round.
As the son started setting a few beers where enjoyed by the pool over looking Maguga dam.
The final prize giving or as some call it "stage 4" was special. Very different from the normal ceremonies... a bit more relaxed to say the least.
All and all for me this was a great way to end off a good season. I realise that I am very priviledged to have been able to experience this awesome event. Hats off to the organisers and a big thank you to Paul and a[s]gPYCycling for making it possible.
Till next year
Arno
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