Swakopmund Desert Triathlon

I’ve heard a lot about Swakopmund. I’ve always regarded the Namibians’ regard of Swakopmund as an “African Valhalla” as somewhat of an exaggeration. My experience of Namibia had been limited to the south of the country. A bleak landscape to say the least, which had led me to be of the opinion that the Namibian’s weren’t “used to much”.

How wrong I was. I drove around Swakopmund thinking that the descriptions of the jewel had been understated. I don’t think that any description on my part would do it justice.  Swakop needs to be seen to be believed. It needs to be felt.

I’d known about the Desert Triathlon – but the logistics of actually going seemed to be excessive. 1300km from Upington! This year the social networks had moved it to the front of my mind. Together with circumstances requiring a business trip to Windhoek round about the same time and with me boasting a “reasonable” level of fitness for this time of the year so I thought I’d give it a go.

I’m not a big fan of cold water and had seen the swim leg of this triathlon as a necessary evil. I’d brought all sorts of neoprene protective gear to help me survive it.  I was thus delighted when my “day before the race swim” turned out to be nowhere near as bad as I thought. On the contrary  - it had been great!

The same could not be said of the bike though – I’d decided, at the last minute, to build up my new TT frame that had been lying around for some time. Not the cleverest thing I’ve ever done.  And so it came to be that at 7pm the night before the race I was making last minute adjustments.

Race day was a relaxed affair. This was how I remember triathlons being when I started doing them some 20 odd years ago. Before the mass participation events that are the Ironman and 70.3’s. The transition area was relaxed and everybody laid their equipment out around their bikes without some over zealous officials enforcing the letter of law.

The race started on time with all 30 odd participants for the ultra event standing obediently behind a line drawn in the sand by the organiser’s foot. But only after Paddy Murphy after seeing my open water “face mask” mistook me for a crayfish diver and kindly pointed out where the reef was.  Smart arse!  The water turned out to be even nicer than the previous day and I settled into a comfortable rhythm. I abandoned any attempts to get onto the feet of anybody as the uber swimmers like Raoul, Glen and Paddy put me firmly in my place – a distant second group. I felt myself getting stronger as the swim progressed and was slightly disappointed to have to stop after only 4 laps. My Garmin said I’d done 2.2km in 28min giving me a pace of 1min17/100m. In my wildest dreams! I can now say with certainty that other users of the 910XT’s open water swim function shouldn’t feel too flattered by the results.  28min for 1.9km is closer to my abilities.

The bike started with a short stretch to get out of town and then a right turn sent us out behind the dunes that a run parallel to the coast line. The road is not tarred (paved) but is instead salt surface that is rock hard and, with minimal maintenance, is as smooth as the bottom of your bath. We headed out on this road for about 20km turned round and headed back the way we’d come to transition only to do it all over again.

Before the race I’d made a few calculations as to the power output I’d need to maintain to hit my target time of 2hr30 (Hunter and Coggan p212) – so I had a plan! For some reason (and I need to look into this) I was unable to maintain power outputs that I’d felt to be quite conservative. I was able to see the leaders heading back to town and gauge how far down I was.  Not that I was ever going to challenge them  - but it’s nice to be able to see exactly how far behind you are. On the second lap I was particularly despondent to see that I was going backwards very quickly – turned out the front 3 blokes and turned early and reduced the distance they covered by some 5k’s.

I reached T2 with a bit of an attitude.  I was disappointed with my average bike leg and 21k’s seemed like a “taai toffie”. Fortunately cycling legs and running legs are two different things. To me anyway. All of a sudden I felt better and I ran to see if I could catch at least one of the other vets ahead of me.  Turns out I couldn’t – but at least I closed the gap by some 10 minutes. And once again I was reminded that a happy day out in a triathlon depends on the run.

I finished the day after after 4hrs52min – giving me a 7^th spot overall and the 3^rd Vet. Although I should add that the guy just ahead of me was actually a frikken master (50+). The evergreen Paddy Murphy!

 Never the less I was so stoked to have been part of of such an awesome event. And dare I say it - but if I had to choose between the FNB Desert Triathlon and the 70.3 in EL, I'd choose Swakopmund. It wouldn't even be close.

Training Peaks File (Swim Leg)

Training Peaks File (Bike Leg)

Training Peaks File (Run Leg) 

Wine to Whales Day 3

Once again our efforts were rewarded an we were advanced to the C batch for day 3.  Interestingly enough only a handful of riders in our batch still ride 26" bikes.

At 75km day3 was the longest stage of the race. We were again spoilt with magnificent weather. Today Mark and I were determined to let the potential winners in our batch go on ahead. We had a great day with loads of space, never being held up and at times feeling as though we were alone out on the route with no one ahead of or behind us. Special feeling.

We finished in just over 4hrs. Capping a fantastic weekend of riding.

TrainingPeaks file part 1

TrainingPeaks file part 2

Wine to Whales Day 2

Our efforts on day 1 were "rewarded" by us being bumped up to D batch from G the previous day. This meant we needed to get up earlier - not ideal! Also there are enough riders in these earlier batches who are still disillusioned enough to think they can still win the race. So the first half hour of the ride is quite hectic - until the super hero's realise otherwise and everything settles down.

Negotiating the Boomslang

Weather wise day 2 was more of the same, however the route was 80% single track which made for loads of fun. With parts of the track labelled as "Boomslang" and "Pofadder" you can only imagine. Mark's efforts on the Pofadder made it onto the day's highlights screened at dinner. However having said that - I had decided earlier in the day that discretion would be the better part of valour and I take all measures i deemed necessary to maintain my bones in their original condition - and opted for the chicken run......

I reckon that day 2 of the Wine 2 Whales is about as much fun as anyone can have on a MTB. So the 3hr30 odd that we spent on the bikes passed far to quickly.

The ride was also gentle enough that I was able to get my scheduled run (at the scheduled pace) in that evening along the beach front between Hermanus and Vermont.

TrainingPeaks file

Wine to Whales Day 1

I hadn't done a MTB race for some time and I'm was stoked that Mark asked me to partner him in the W2W. My previous memories (2010) of the W2W had been good ones - with a not too difficult route, manageable daily distances and spectacular scenery. A fantastic re-introduction to MTB racing.

Forecasters had predicted HOT weather for the week-end but this didn't concern us too much. Coming from Upington where temperatures are regularly in excess of 40 degrees - the Western Cape's mid 20's were not worrying. At least we were going to be dry. I was fantastically relaxed and was looking forward to the day with genuine excitement. I even took time to enjoy the breakfast which resembled a woolies supermarket. We were so spoilt. I sometimes wondered whether it was a race or a sponsored corporate event.

As neither Mark or I had bothered to apply for a preferential seeded start we were allocated a start time in G batch. Which meant that we could stay in bed a bit longer as we started more than an hour after the first batch. The 10 minute separation between groups gave everybody more than enough space on the single tracks and on the whole we could cycle at our own pace. So with the exception of the compulsory portages (following in the footsteps of the early Voortrekkers over Sir Lowry's pass) we didn't really stand around waiting too much. One thing that a later start did help me appreciate is how slowly some people can go uphill without toppling over sideways.

Getting ready for Day 1

Admiring our new Token 29ers

The Token Green Team

Mark and I were both on our new Token 29er hard tails for the race. I'll be honest - its the first time that I've felt that a piece of equipment has caused such a dramatic improvement to my abilities. It flattered me on the technical terrain, and I got up the steep stuff with minimal wailing and gnashing of teeth - even when it kicked up to 22% on some parts.

My moment of excitement came when looking out over false bay I promptly cycled of the side of the mountain. Fortunately fairly dense bush brought my detour to an abrupt end. The lady following behind me on the trail cycled on ahead to tell Mark that I'd been delayed who responded with a remarkable absence of sympathy.

Something else worth mentioning is the rockstar reception we receive whenever we encounter the legendary Paul Valstar along the route or at the finish. Mark "Kapinedes" and Russell Nugent "the two Ironmen from Upington" roll off his tongue like Laurel and Hardy or Brandy and Coke. With the race falling in the month of "Movember" he made special mention of Mark's "tash". He reckons Mark was born with it.

Erica Green and Paul Valstar. 

After 5hrs of mountain biking fun and games we were firmly seated in the chill zone at the finish once again enjoying copious amounts of sponsors' product. From essential rehidrate fluid to a remarkably good rooibos/youghurt drink. It was some time before we eventually left for the Kearney's beach house in Vermont.

After action satisfaction

TrainingPeaks file from day 1 (Sorry no power data yet. But I'm working on it!!!!)

Day 6

Day 5

205km 6300m of ascent - including 3 Hors Cat climbs - The whole week I'd had my doubts that a stage like this was manageable given the number of hours in a day. But I had been determined to give it a go. My plan was to hook up my ipod and ride steady - minimising down time at the refeuling stops. But whichever way I approached the day there was a lot of meat on the bone.

Looking down the valley towards Luz St Saveur

 The approach to the Luz Ardiden did nothing to boost my confidence. My legs had been pumped full of cement and my tyres were sticking to the tar. Fortunately the Luz Ardiden proved to be awesome I got into a steady rhythm, surrounded by magnificent views the km's just flew by. I din't waste any time at the top and quickly descended into Luz St Saveur to make an attempt on my personal nemesis the infamous Col de Tourmalet.



The Tourmalet is just over 18km and is relentless. An average of 7km for 18km is not a tickling competition. My haste at the water stops cost me  as I ran out of water with 4 of the toughest km to go to the top. Fortunately as if by Devine intervention the "Arch Angel Lee" arrived and I fill a bottle.  In hindsight I probably spent to much time patting myself on the back and didn't get going quickly enough again. But after my close call I decided to wait for Lee to get my bottles filled and grab a takeaway lunch.

Tourmalet Profile

I was joined by Arne for the ride down Tourmalet and the first bit of the Aspin and the Ancizan. Unfortunately the knee that had been giving him gears all week finally packed up and he decided to call it a day.

 

 

Leaving me alone again to ride down and get going on the Col d Azet. I went through my usual mid day slump and suffered like a dog in the heat up this climb. Getting to the top I was amused to see Arne with his pants round his ankles sunbathing on a grassy patch at the summit. From the top looking across   the valley you could see the next climb snaking up the side of the mountain. The Perysourde.

 

 





This time we'd be going up the side we'd come down in the miserable weather earlier in the week. I like the Perysourde. Its not a vicious climb with fairly gentle gradients - but this late in the day it was a bugger.

I already knew that this would be the last climb of the day. I'd run out of time. Considering how late in the day it already was, I had no chance of making it up the last climb of the day (Super Bagneres) and back to Velopyrenees. It was a disappointing thought but, I knew there would be unfinished business motivating me to come back and have another go.

At the top of the Perysourde I called it day - packed my bike onto the van and waited for the others to catch up. Arne had bought us each a coke and the most decadent Strawberry tartlet. I briefly entertained thoughts of fighting the others to get theirs.




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Training Peaks File

That evening we packed our unrecognisably dirty bikes and were treated to yet another DELICIOUS meal. The highlight for me the carrot cake! In case you hadn't noticed I have an insatiable sweet tooth.

 

Day 4

On Day 4 we woke to clear skys. Albeit crisp, clear skys - they were clear! My mood was immediately improved. The 186km over 9 cols (4600m) didn't seem that daunting.

Clear skies for a change - thank goodness

We started out of town and immediately turned onto quieter roads to get over the first climb of the day the Col de Spandelles. My favourite climb of the week. Beautiful scenery and its not one of those RELENTLESS climbs. This one gives mixes the steep and easy bits quite nicely. And when we got to the top we were above the clouds/mist/fog.

The last bit to the top of the Spandelles

Need proof

The after pic - my bike started off down the hill without me

Mist at the summit

Mist in the valley where we were headed

Where we'd come from (down there somewhere)

It was fast but cold descent and I stopped a few times just to thaw in the sun.

From the bottom we barrelled along the valley climb for a couple of hours. I'll be honest "ze Germans" enjoyed putting the hammer down on these bits while I preferred to cruise a bit, psyching myself for the next climb and just to take in scenery. So I wind shadowed a lot and limited my turns at the front.

I'd had the Col de Marie Blanque in the back of my mind all day. Lee had warned us that this was one naaasty climb. Being fixated on this and expecting bad things I'd almost forgotten the 2 "little" cols that had to be crossed first. I was quickly reminded that the bite of a small dog can hurt just as much. The Col de Lie and the Col d Ichere proved to be such small dogs. They were steep and it was hot and they softened me up nicely for  the Marie Blanque.

How bad can this be?

Awesome Water Fountain

I cycled along the valley quite apprehensively to the foot of Marie B. At the start of the climb I filled my bottels from a quaint water fountain, took a deep breath and got going. The climb started quite gently, but this is BAD. Because if you know the average grade of the climb is more than 7% and it starts with a 2 and 3% km's you know that somewhere along the way you're going to get your ass kicked. And so it was. The last 4k's took me behind the neck and head butted me - repeatedly. To say I was happy to get to the top was an understatement. It took quite a few moments to regain my sense of humour and appreciate the views.

FUBAR

Thorsten

Mark careful not to overdo things

Proof Pic

Views making the climb worthwhile

The descent off the Marie B made the climb worthwhile. Fast with sweeping turns. And since it was warm and dry I could really let go. Unfortunately as much as I enjoyed it, Gerrie hated it. No sooner had I noticed that I was attaining my Max speeds for the week, than I came across Arnie helping Gerrie up off the road. On one of the fastest descents of the week Gerrie had crashed. By some miracle a buckled wheel crooked saddle and road rash was all he had to show for it. Looking at the scene I couldn't help but notice how close he'd come to taking a VERY short cut to the valley below. He was really lucky!

Road rash and a ripped rain jacket

Gerrie's Buckled Wheel

After the Marie B we had a short section of valley "wind shadow" work spent looking for cold cokes (can you believe the supermarket didn't have a fridge with any cold cokes. Beers yes but no cokes. WTF.

We were forced to start the last serious climb of the day the Col d Aubisque sans any coke. Fortunately just after the start we found a small shop where the shop keeper watched with some amusement as we sucked down 2 cans each in quick succession. The Aubisque was a long hot climb, but on Gerrie's advice I'd dug out my ipod and was helped up by some cooking tunes. I think I had reached a place/rhythm where I could tolerate the discomfort indefinitely but was fortunately still going uphill.

Spectacular Views

A long slog

Tour de France

I bin my helmet for the long climbs

Cool as ever

Mark just checking something on his handlebars

Thorsten 

The descent off the Aubisque en route to the Col de Soler is breathtaking. Sheer drops to your left and you pass through numerous tunnels hollowed out of the mountain side. The view would even get the Capetonians to shut up about Chappies for a while.

Our overnight stop in Bunn

Colourful decor

We stopped briefly on the Soler before free wheeling down to our overnight stop in Bunn. We stayed with Natalie and her husband who had turned their home into a B&B. Natalie fed us with chicken and a green pepper "Yorkshire Pudding". We drank all the beers they had in the house.

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Training Peaks File