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!!!!)