It Was Tough!

The Winter Challenge

And so, once again, Bulla was out in full force to conquer the mighty Winter Challenge. And what a tough challenge it was.

The alarm went off at 5:45............damn, it was suppose to go off at 4:45. We were suppose to be on the road at 5:45, bikes packed and stacked on the trailer. So after running around like nuts, we left in record time. Because this was to be an unique event of 70km tar and 30km dirt, we had to get our Mountain bikes in the change over area before the start of the race. Decisions, decisions, long gloves, another pair of arm warmers, leg warmers, bare legs.... and we were off!

The course was hilly; rolling hills, long climbing hills, lung breakers and there were two laps of it. We made it, still feeling fairly strong, getting to the change over as quickly as possible. And there the other challenge started. Which way Douglas Green? No, no, walk over the lawn pushing your bike. You're not allowed to ride it yet. OK Mam, you've been ticked off our list, now please follow the others. Which others, where? I did manage to sort of find the start just to find myself later on a very narrow hiking trail going up a steep mountain with a vertical drop of a few hundred metres just to my right. No wonder they planted the first aid guys with stretchers and equipment there. Beautiful view but no time for the view because I forgot to pack my hiking boots and my mountain bike was definitely not made for walking, because it kept on shoving its pedals against my calf muscles. More climbing and dragging my bike, up and up.
The down was almost as bad and I decided to save myself from a good possibility of a fall and to rather walk the steep down as well, except my bike decided he would like to go for a gallop and I had to use every arm muscle to reel him in and keep him from flying downhill without me.
At last there came the time for getting on my bike and start cycling again. Except this time it was against the electric fence. One too many a stone and you might end up in a shocking state. At last we hit the tar road again, but is that where I wanted to be?
Confusion at the gate. Between waving marshals and cars leaving and spectators welcoming in there loved ones, I miraculously did find the start of the second lap. Yes, a second lap. Nobody told us, but here I was again dragging my bike up the mountain.
I did find the end, it was there where the timing mat was, and my medal and my friends waiting for me with cold beers, soft juicy lamb on a bread roll listening to their story of their race.
It was tough. I'm sure the organisers will sort out the mountain bike part. In all we had fun.

Some other news

• The Bulla shirts have been ordered and hopefully we will have them soon. Will keep you posted.
• The cheaper price on the 16:30 class is falling away from 1st July. You will still get your classes at a very good price. R220 for 11 classes.
• There is still time to enter for the Tshwane lap race around the Union Buildings.
• Remember your next booking is just a sms away.
• A new poll all about music. What is it that you listen to? Let us know, bring some Cd's and we will try to programme them into a class.
• Watch this space for news on an organised ride on Sunday 15 July. With sweep vehicle, beer and sandwiches.

The middlest day of the year

The middlest day of the year? Well almost! It happened so quickly. We were still talking about the Argus, and now we are already talking about the first preparations for the 94.7. In the meantime there are quite a few other things we could do during the bbbbbrrrrrr months to help keep our fitness at top levels.

For those who wanted to .... and was still thinking of ...... and was still wondering if, ......... you should enter for the Winter Challenge. Well, sad to say it is too late. By the time you read this, entries have closed. The Winter challenge is a brand new race combining road and dirt, either as an individual entry or as a team entry. I will put you in the picture after the event to tell you all about it, what it was like and if it is a worthwhile entry for next year. All happening on Sunday the 24th June. Ok, so you have missed out on one event, please don't let it happen again!

You only have one week left to enter for the 702 Walk the Talk! Go to http://www.702.co.za/ click on the Walk the Talk logo and enter. We were 11 people last year from the gym walking the 21km. Really good healthy fun we had throwing in a couple of beers afterwards, licking our wounds. There are different distances to enter for, so log on, enter and we'll see you there, on Sunday 22 July. In the 5 and 8km event you are allowed to take your dog along. At registration you will get a free dog collar, and lead and a sample of dog food, all sponsored by Royal Canin. So if you don't want to walk the long distance, but would rather have your dog doing the healthy bit, please enter now!

Is there anyone that would like to take Ruby for a walk?



Still more to do in July.

For those interested in Mountain biking, there is the Medscheme Walkerville event taking place on the 15th July. 70km only. They are talking of the "mother of all hills" and of "carrying your bike down". But then, I can tell you things like that, because we have no faint hearted people here in the gym. So log onto http://www.cyclelab.co.za/ and enter.

Then on the 29th July, the Tshwane -Outsurance lap race around the Union buildings is taking place. 35km for the shorter route and 77km for the longer event. What really makes this a stunning event is that the pros keep on passing you on the laps and you can have a glimpse of their power, speed and ability. Now that is so close at home, it is basically on your doorstep, and if you don't enter for that, I gather you are hibernating and not planning to do anything until Spring shows itself and a few extra rolls around the hips!
See you out there, if it is running, cycling or just walking. Just do it!

To all the Comrades in the gym, may it go well on D-Day!

Tip of the month: Just do it!