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I braved the 105 on Sunday. (very cold start and a long muddy slide down the single track from Hilton)

It was a day slightly reminiscent of my days at Potch during basics in 79, I revisited some of the old stuff that used to rent space in my head “Ek kanie meer nie Corporal” it took me all of 9hrs 18 to complete.( even the locals seemed unhappy to venture out of their huts from their warm piles of blankets)

Last yr this was my first ever Mnt b race and it took me 7hrs 50 , I was really keen on improving my time this year!

(Yes I put in a fair amount of training hoping to achieve this!)

It was however not to be, when at the Bisley valley section to say we became dislodged from our personal race strategies and spat out into a sticky serpent shaped river of mud was an understatement!

I am certain that I even heard a few new swear words I did not know existed ( that was just from the female riders!)

I reckon I shouldered my bike a good couple of kms, seriously skinny people struggled to keep their mud weighted bikes on their shoulders.

In the end it was probably more of a vasbyt deal then a true Mnt bike race. (Although a character builder for all that prevailed)I was pleased I was there when at about 30kms in I linked up with a mate and created our own team build /character building session from then on!

All told this was a T-shirt I felt was well earned and possibly created some additional thoughts for my motivational book “Moving beyond excuses”

( I noticed a one legged soldier fighting his way through “ my respects to you Sir)”)

Other more obvious observations were:

• Carry plenty of wet lube (chain suck sucks!)
• Don’t count on their always being water at a water point! ( especially after the first one becomes a bike wash!)
• My Old Mongoose may be heavy but “he`s my brother”.
• Team work is lekker! ( thanks Comrie)
• Jam donuts don`t bounce.
• Don`t expect a loud cheer from 2000 expectant supporters at the finnish on a wet windy and cold day! ( might have something to do with the 9hrs.18 it took me to finnish)
• The gap between Commitment and interest is vast!  ( where ever you are please be there)
• This is a cool sport that really hits the sweat spot for me right now!

Keep appreciating the ride!

Next time

Brett Ellis