For a average typical ex roadi and now a mountain biker, every Tuesday night 7pm you will find me in front of the tv watching Supercycling on Supersport. With some familiar faces being shown every week, the time I was waiting for have arrived. The UCI African Cross Country Continental Championships will be broadcasting on South African most loved cycling show on tv.
As most know, I was the bottle girl for Team Jeep rider Ryan Ellis on the day. Never the less did I know the tv crew of Supersport caught me on camera while Renay Goustra of Team GT Mr Price had a mechanical not far from me. While my parents is looking out for themselves walking up and down past the start/finish line, I was standing on top of a mountain passing on bottles for Ryan and there wasn't time to do any other things besides looking into the bushes of the Forest of Jonkershoek searching for a person with a Scott Scale bike with a red Specialized helmet.
Tonight was one of those nights when the memories become a reality once again. It felt like I was experiencing it over again as I watch myself on tv while taking over a couch. One thing is for sure, nobody will every take that experience away from me as it was a special moment for me and a big present before I'm turning 21. Its never an easy task as its quite stressful but at the end of the day, its all worth it. You meet so many people alongside the road and be able to see your friends you haven't seen in a very long time.
Today the pictures of Ryan Ellis and me at the UCI African Cross Country Continental Championships is against my wall and everytime I take a peek at it, everything single moment is going through my mind like some kind of movie playing in a cinema. I just would like to take a time to thank Ryan Ellis for everything he have done for me and my family for driving me all the way to Stellenbosch early in the morning so that I can support Ryan on the day.
Soon I'm starting racing and I'm looking forward to it.
As I'm an Ambassador for the movement against the use of drugs in the sport of professional cycling, please support Bike Pure which is an organization that supports a drug free sport. If you like to join as a rider or a team, please feel free to drop us an email at info@bikepure.org or visit our website www.bikepure.org to see how you can make a difference within our sport. Follow us on twitter @BikePure or join our page on facebook Bike Pure for daily updates.
Till next time.
Yolande
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
The road to recovery.
If you want to be a successful cyclist, training is crucial when it comes to winning races and physical and mental strength. When you compare road racing to mountain biking, you will soon find out that mountain biking is a real tough sport. The worst thing that can happen to you is injuries, it takes a lot of time to recover and training is out of the question. Unexpectedly this is what happened to me more than a year go and till today I struggle to recover from a ankle injury.
There comes a time when you think by yourself while sitting at the hospital waiting for confirmation on tests, “Is there a chance I can't do cycling anymore?”. With pressure on your shoulders to do well in races, it does make it even more stressful when you look at your training plan and think on what's really lying ahead. No one ever said it easy to make a comeback and that's true. While I'm sitting here writing this blog, lots of things run through my mind. Cycling is definitely not an easy sport and for those who sit in front of the tv looking at the racing thinking to themselves, that looks easy, then you should try it for yourself.
While I was walking in Pick-n-Pay one afternoon, I got this evil look from my enemies and I though to myself this time around I'm gonna beat them at the line. While this is giving me some motivation to train even harder this time around, I'm going to show them what I'm capable of. I have more experience when it comes to climbing and singletrack then them. Thanks to the organizer of the event, I was chosen to ride out the route and give my option on the route. We just hope it won't be muddy this time around.
This is never an easy route, with lots of steep climbs and technical downhills and singletrack, this is where support comes in. While my dad is pushing me to train harder this two months to prepare for the big event, my goal is to take the win home. Not an easy task but would be the greatest achievement. All men for itself, there is no such thing as a person riding next to you in a car, shouting “Go harder”. This is where the voice inside your head comes in telling you to push harder like never before. With about 6 climbs you have to face, it goes up and up. When you hit the nature reserve, its either turning those legs till your lungs burn and your legs shout at your or get off the bike and walk up with your bike over your shoulders.
This might sound easy to those who read it, but trust me its a tough race in the Klein Karoo. If you want to finish under 3 or 2 hours, then you have to forget thinking about pain and use your determination. The evening before the race, I think back to the route and know where to ride at a high pace and where to relax. With the race around the corner, two months of suffering is lying ahead. With my family and friends backing me, this is now or never. The road to recovery is painful but can pay off at the end of the day.
Robertson Winery MTB Challenge is taking place on the 4th of June 2011 at Paru Farm. This is the moment I've been waiting for.
In my next blog, I will be writing on my training so I can update everyone on my journey to take the win home.
Hope you guys enjoy reading it.
Till next time!
Yolande
There comes a time when you think by yourself while sitting at the hospital waiting for confirmation on tests, “Is there a chance I can't do cycling anymore?”. With pressure on your shoulders to do well in races, it does make it even more stressful when you look at your training plan and think on what's really lying ahead. No one ever said it easy to make a comeback and that's true. While I'm sitting here writing this blog, lots of things run through my mind. Cycling is definitely not an easy sport and for those who sit in front of the tv looking at the racing thinking to themselves, that looks easy, then you should try it for yourself.
While I was walking in Pick-n-Pay one afternoon, I got this evil look from my enemies and I though to myself this time around I'm gonna beat them at the line. While this is giving me some motivation to train even harder this time around, I'm going to show them what I'm capable of. I have more experience when it comes to climbing and singletrack then them. Thanks to the organizer of the event, I was chosen to ride out the route and give my option on the route. We just hope it won't be muddy this time around.
This is never an easy route, with lots of steep climbs and technical downhills and singletrack, this is where support comes in. While my dad is pushing me to train harder this two months to prepare for the big event, my goal is to take the win home. Not an easy task but would be the greatest achievement. All men for itself, there is no such thing as a person riding next to you in a car, shouting “Go harder”. This is where the voice inside your head comes in telling you to push harder like never before. With about 6 climbs you have to face, it goes up and up. When you hit the nature reserve, its either turning those legs till your lungs burn and your legs shout at your or get off the bike and walk up with your bike over your shoulders.
This might sound easy to those who read it, but trust me its a tough race in the Klein Karoo. If you want to finish under 3 or 2 hours, then you have to forget thinking about pain and use your determination. The evening before the race, I think back to the route and know where to ride at a high pace and where to relax. With the race around the corner, two months of suffering is lying ahead. With my family and friends backing me, this is now or never. The road to recovery is painful but can pay off at the end of the day.
Robertson Winery MTB Challenge is taking place on the 4th of June 2011 at Paru Farm. This is the moment I've been waiting for.
In my next blog, I will be writing on my training so I can update everyone on my journey to take the win home.
Hope you guys enjoy reading it.
Till next time!
Yolande
Saturday, March 12, 2011
While watching the Social Network, I found myself breaking one of my teeth.
For a long period of time while seeing the advertises on the Social Network which is based on Facebook, I was looking forward to watch the behind the scenes of how they develop this amazing social networking site which I'm using. The reason why I'm using facebook is to communicate with my family and friends all over the world. Its also a great way to advertise a business or even a organization on this site.
While you find people that's against the use of facebook after they read articles in newspapers or hear what the presenters on the news on how girls and guys breaks the rules and regulations of facebook, the number of safety concerns was certainly a huge factor. You will even find people who use facebook to find their love of life. Strange enough some people did find a guy or a girl that they met over facebook and today they are happily married or in a relationships.
After a long period of wait for the Social Network to come out on a DVD, today the wait was over. While I took a painkiller last night, it caused me to sleep till after 12 today and maybe that's the reason why family so concerned about me sleeping till late. All I do remember was when my mom and sister rushed into my room to tell me that they are going to town while I'm looking like someone who recently experienced a hangover.
While I got out of the bed, I accidentally over heard that my sister went and hired two DVD's at our local video shops in Robertson. While I rushed to my sisters room in my pajamas after one in the afternoon with a packed of Lays chips, I was ready to watch the Social Network for the very first time ever.
While watching it with a smile on my face and eating some chips, something strange happened to me. For some reason there must have been something hard in my packed of chips and while grabbing some of it and eating it, the worst thing happened. One of my small teeth in the back of my mouth broke off and I thought at that time maybe it was just a chip that got stuck in between my teeth or something. I went to the mirror and saw I was wrong.
This certainly spoiled my say and with my that hate a dentist just like a doctor, I wasn't happy to hear that I need to visit one during this coming week. With my ankle giving me hell since this last few days thinking if I should consider visiting my doctor for a injection into my ankle ligaments, I wasn't prepared for the next part of breaking one of my teeth.
All I can say is that I do hope for better days instead of worst ones that consistently hit me day in and day out.
Let's hope the upcoming week will turn out better.
To all of my friends who rode and finished the South African XC Championships at Delvera Farm today, well done.
That's all for now.
Till next time!
Cheers
While you find people that's against the use of facebook after they read articles in newspapers or hear what the presenters on the news on how girls and guys breaks the rules and regulations of facebook, the number of safety concerns was certainly a huge factor. You will even find people who use facebook to find their love of life. Strange enough some people did find a guy or a girl that they met over facebook and today they are happily married or in a relationships.
After a long period of wait for the Social Network to come out on a DVD, today the wait was over. While I took a painkiller last night, it caused me to sleep till after 12 today and maybe that's the reason why family so concerned about me sleeping till late. All I do remember was when my mom and sister rushed into my room to tell me that they are going to town while I'm looking like someone who recently experienced a hangover.
While I got out of the bed, I accidentally over heard that my sister went and hired two DVD's at our local video shops in Robertson. While I rushed to my sisters room in my pajamas after one in the afternoon with a packed of Lays chips, I was ready to watch the Social Network for the very first time ever.
While watching it with a smile on my face and eating some chips, something strange happened to me. For some reason there must have been something hard in my packed of chips and while grabbing some of it and eating it, the worst thing happened. One of my small teeth in the back of my mouth broke off and I thought at that time maybe it was just a chip that got stuck in between my teeth or something. I went to the mirror and saw I was wrong.
This certainly spoiled my say and with my that hate a dentist just like a doctor, I wasn't happy to hear that I need to visit one during this coming week. With my ankle giving me hell since this last few days thinking if I should consider visiting my doctor for a injection into my ankle ligaments, I wasn't prepared for the next part of breaking one of my teeth.
All I can say is that I do hope for better days instead of worst ones that consistently hit me day in and day out.
Let's hope the upcoming week will turn out better.
To all of my friends who rode and finished the South African XC Championships at Delvera Farm today, well done.
That's all for now.
Till next time!
Cheers
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Tv crew + mud = a fun/challenging Robertson Winery MTB Challenge.
The month of June means Wacky Wine Weekend for our local cyclist its not about the wine but the most amazing race on the mountain bike calendar! When it started in 2007, I was there on the start line while its raining cats and dogs and all you hear is the squeak of the brakes behind you. It was so cold that I couldn't feel my legs or anything.
With the route that have a bit of everything from jeep tracks, climbs and single track, its a race for the whole family to enjoy. While you walk out the steep climbs, you can take some time to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the wine valley. Robertson is known for its famous wines from Bon Courage, Robertson Wines, Rooiberg, Graham Beck who passed away from cancer, Van Loveren and for those who likes brandy, Klipdrift is also here.
With the pouring rain, we was clearly not warned of walking with our bikes through a dam and with your mtb shoes and socks getting wet, your feet was freezing off. When you got to climbs there was no chance of changing gears nor brake on the fast down hills. We don't want to crash and end up getting injured at all. With parents watching over their young ones we grouped up with the 12km route before turning off into the bushes of the little karoo. Its dry and all you see in front of you is mist. This was making racing difficult as you couldn't see where you are going at all.
While I must stop to wipe of the mud from my chain and have some lube on my chain ring to carry on riding, it was surely not easy and I all I want to do is finish. At that moment I want a hot bath and a warm cup of coffee. That time there was no chance of doing it. With my glasses covered in mud, the water on the roads was rising quickly as it wasn't stop raining. With no phone signals in the area, you simply keep on pushing yourself to the next water point.
There was a point I wanted to give up but I was pushing myself and telling myself you can do it you are not that far from the finish. As I waS climbing out the last climb, I could hear the music and the screaming of the people at the finish line. That made me pedal faster and my heart was pumping with the adrenaline rush.
I could see in my mind how I'm going to throw my arms up into the air from being proud. My family is standing next to the finish line waiting for me to come in. Like I know them, they will shout at me and do all kinds of things. With my cycling kit soaking wet and see myself covered in mud while all you see is my eyes and my teeth. It was hilarious to think what my mom will say. Coming in at a high pace into the finish I had watch out for the slower riders in the single track and find a solution to past them without putting not only myself in danger but them as well.
While doing some bunny hops over the pot holes and keep on pedaling, the end of the long day out on the bike in the rain, I finished it under 2 hours. It was first time to take some pics and get my bottle of wine. I forgot to bring some clean clothes with so I had to walk around it dirty and smelly cycling kit. My mom came up with the comment “Only a mother can lover her child” after she realized that she have to wash my clothes. But man getting a prize for the best youngster was a honor.
Thanks Barry Kok organizer of the event for this insane race, Robertson winery for sponsoring the event and the owner of Paru Farm for hosting the event on his farm.
Hope you guys enjoy this blog.
Till next time!
Cheers
With the route that have a bit of everything from jeep tracks, climbs and single track, its a race for the whole family to enjoy. While you walk out the steep climbs, you can take some time to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the wine valley. Robertson is known for its famous wines from Bon Courage, Robertson Wines, Rooiberg, Graham Beck who passed away from cancer, Van Loveren and for those who likes brandy, Klipdrift is also here.
With the pouring rain, we was clearly not warned of walking with our bikes through a dam and with your mtb shoes and socks getting wet, your feet was freezing off. When you got to climbs there was no chance of changing gears nor brake on the fast down hills. We don't want to crash and end up getting injured at all. With parents watching over their young ones we grouped up with the 12km route before turning off into the bushes of the little karoo. Its dry and all you see in front of you is mist. This was making racing difficult as you couldn't see where you are going at all.
While I must stop to wipe of the mud from my chain and have some lube on my chain ring to carry on riding, it was surely not easy and I all I want to do is finish. At that moment I want a hot bath and a warm cup of coffee. That time there was no chance of doing it. With my glasses covered in mud, the water on the roads was rising quickly as it wasn't stop raining. With no phone signals in the area, you simply keep on pushing yourself to the next water point.
There was a point I wanted to give up but I was pushing myself and telling myself you can do it you are not that far from the finish. As I waS climbing out the last climb, I could hear the music and the screaming of the people at the finish line. That made me pedal faster and my heart was pumping with the adrenaline rush.
I could see in my mind how I'm going to throw my arms up into the air from being proud. My family is standing next to the finish line waiting for me to come in. Like I know them, they will shout at me and do all kinds of things. With my cycling kit soaking wet and see myself covered in mud while all you see is my eyes and my teeth. It was hilarious to think what my mom will say. Coming in at a high pace into the finish I had watch out for the slower riders in the single track and find a solution to past them without putting not only myself in danger but them as well.
While doing some bunny hops over the pot holes and keep on pedaling, the end of the long day out on the bike in the rain, I finished it under 2 hours. It was first time to take some pics and get my bottle of wine. I forgot to bring some clean clothes with so I had to walk around it dirty and smelly cycling kit. My mom came up with the comment “Only a mother can lover her child” after she realized that she have to wash my clothes. But man getting a prize for the best youngster was a honor.
Thanks Barry Kok organizer of the event for this insane race, Robertson winery for sponsoring the event and the owner of Paru Farm for hosting the event on his farm.
Hope you guys enjoy this blog.
Till next time!
Cheers
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Finding myself in the middle of a gay parade while traveling by a taxi and see how cyclist train in Green Point
On the 5th of March, I'm turning 21 and what's a 21st without a party, in my term its nothing so I decided I want to celebrate it with my friends and family in the beautiful city of Cape Town. During the week happy things happened and at the same time disappointment eventually happened at the worst possible time. After running around organizing the final few things such as searching for a guest house and where I will meet my friends at the V&A Waterfront, it was time to sit back and simply hope for the best.
Early Saturday morning, my sister woke me up with a sweet letter for my birthday and it struck me that I'm 21. While traveling in a old toyota car, we came to a stand still on the N1 due to road works and it caused heavy delays especially if you're traveling in the direction of Cape Town and with everyone heading back home from the argus mtb challenge it made it even more difficult. On a hot summers day all you want to do is chill and enjoy the scenery of Signal Hill, Table Mountain and Green Point stadium which was used during the 2010 world cup.
After a while of swearing words such as f%@k, I found myself ending up giving directions to Green Point and when you're traveling to Cape Town with my family be sure to hold onto your seat. After checking in at the guest house, we organized us a taxi with a guy named Jack and he was kind enough to take us past 3 Anchor Bay and Sea Point. While I'm enjoying being a tourist, I found myself in the middle of a Gay Parade and yes it was funny till a point where I can't stand it any longer. Bad timing to get stuck in traffic seeing guys walking around in their underwear or dresses to prove a point on whether it should be legal for them to marry the same sex as them. Walking around with signs won't help you get somewhere in life especially when it comes to things like that in my case I simply ignore the things they say.
After enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Cape, I finally arrived with my family at the waterfront and the first thing we wanted to do is head off to grab some food and while I was getting out of the taxi, I saw the two of a band I unlike Die Antwoord walking in looking so pale and yes its true. With the view of the ocean from Spur which is located on the second floor, this was surely the best way of celebrating a birthday. For me the special thing about my birthday was having my family and friends there to make it more special day.
For the first time I enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Cape Town as every time I was there, the south easter wind will blow you away or simply the bad weather show its face over Table Mountain. The weather turned out to be perfect which was a great turn out for the weekend. While taking a tour in the shopping mall at the V&A Waterfront with my sister, I saw so many interesting things which was pretty awesome for someone who's there for the second time.
With my blackberry reaching its “Low battery” mode, I had to rush somehow back to the guest house as its the only way to stay in contact with the rest of the world. While my sister is doing her shopping spree, I was biting my nails and that was pretty much not a good sign. While me and my dad is sitting outside, I was looking how the buses and taxi's are traveling past by and all I hear was music coming from the Green Point stadium and its a 20min walk from where I was that is if you take the fan walk which was used during the soccer world cup. For my parents it was all new experience of seeing parts of Cape Town they never been too which meant I was the leader in explaining every detail of Green Point.
While traveling back in the taxi to the guest house, I saw some cyclist out on the road training for the annual Pick-n-Pay Cape Argus Cycle Tour which is the biggest one day race in the world as nearly 40 000 cyclists participate it, I was shocked to see how they ride in the middle section of the road and simply ignore the traffic rules by riding over a red light at the robots or simply ignore the signs of the traffic officer that's leading the pile up of cars waiting for its turn at the traffic roundabout and this one of the reasons why the death of cyclists on a public road is rated high. Personally when I heard what Jack our taxi driver told us was shocking.
After being dropped off by the V&A Waterfront on the opposite side of the Breakwater Parking Garage, it was time for me to be the host of the day and take my family all over the waterfront but first we head off to the Spur located on the second floor and wow the view of the harbor was out of this world. While my mom and sister was exploring in the shops, me and my dad decided to take a break and sit outside then a women came up to me and we were starting talking about the scenery of Cape Town and then I found out that her twins is sharing their birthday with me and that was really strange. After along period of sitting in the sun, it was time to head back to the guest house and just chill for a while before heading back. While I was pumped up by some music on my Blackberry phone, I got a call from my friends telling me that I must meet them at the Mitchell's Waterfront Brewery and I was obviously was stoked but then again I found myself figuring out where the hell Mitchell's Waterfront Brewery are as I was confused with the other beer house near the head office of Nedbank on the other side of the bridge which caused some confusion not only for me but my family too.
After waiting for nearly 2 hours at the main entrance of the shopping center building, I found myself listening to the music of a guy outside playing his guitar and sing the song "De La Ray" who was the leader of the Voortrekkers during Anglo Boere War many years ago and it reminded me on when I visited the concentration camp in Vryburg where lots of white crosses are of the women and children who passed away during the war. Sadly till today no one knows who's buried there and there's a memorial stone with rocks on it with the last letters they wrote before they passed away. To study in South African History about the Blood River where they fighted against the Zulu's.
After receiving a call from my friends, it was time to run all the way to the other side of the shopping center to find them and as I walked as fast as I could, I quickly found myself standing in front of the NSRI (Nationals See Rescue Institute) building and then its back to searching for the building of where my friends are waiting. For someone who was a year ago at the V&A Waterfront, it was surely stressful to have someone walking next to you while keeping on asking the same question. Thanks to the friendly staff of the V&A Waterfront, it was time to turn around and walk over the bridge once again. All I see is banners of the ABSA Cape Epic all over the place which is great exposure for cycling in general.
After walking up and down, it was time to sit down with my family, Roxanne and Lauren Alberts and their friend Roxanne. While sitting with a Hunters Dry in the one hand watching the Big Wheel, it was time for a toast for my 21st. We also decided to order some cake and ice cream, I was the only one eating vanilla ice cream with a bar one sauce over it. While hearing guys scream behind me at the tv screen cos of the rugby that's being broadcasted, we chatted the whole night long and enjoy our evening with laughter while talking about stalking Ikey Tiger the mascot of the Ikey Tiger Rugby Team that's playing now in the FNB Varsity Cup. After my dad came around and told us its after 11pm already, it was sadly time to leave and hike for a taxi to come and pick us up. While standing at the circle in front of the hotel, I saw parents coming from the bar drunk and for me it was shocking as they didn't know what's going on around them neither is they a good example to others. While the taxi use their hooters, we waited for our man in a white vehicle to pick us up and yes it was Jack. We decided to give him a tip to say thanks for doing such an amazing job.
After arriving at our guest house, it was time to head off to bed and get some rest in.
Just want to thank my family for everything, Jack of Inter cab Taxi for his friendliness and loyalties, Roxanne and Lauren Alberts and their friend Roxanne for an awesome evening.
That's all for now.
Till next time.
Cheers
Early Saturday morning, my sister woke me up with a sweet letter for my birthday and it struck me that I'm 21. While traveling in a old toyota car, we came to a stand still on the N1 due to road works and it caused heavy delays especially if you're traveling in the direction of Cape Town and with everyone heading back home from the argus mtb challenge it made it even more difficult. On a hot summers day all you want to do is chill and enjoy the scenery of Signal Hill, Table Mountain and Green Point stadium which was used during the 2010 world cup.
After a while of swearing words such as f%@k, I found myself ending up giving directions to Green Point and when you're traveling to Cape Town with my family be sure to hold onto your seat. After checking in at the guest house, we organized us a taxi with a guy named Jack and he was kind enough to take us past 3 Anchor Bay and Sea Point. While I'm enjoying being a tourist, I found myself in the middle of a Gay Parade and yes it was funny till a point where I can't stand it any longer. Bad timing to get stuck in traffic seeing guys walking around in their underwear or dresses to prove a point on whether it should be legal for them to marry the same sex as them. Walking around with signs won't help you get somewhere in life especially when it comes to things like that in my case I simply ignore the things they say.
After enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Cape, I finally arrived with my family at the waterfront and the first thing we wanted to do is head off to grab some food and while I was getting out of the taxi, I saw the two of a band I unlike Die Antwoord walking in looking so pale and yes its true. With the view of the ocean from Spur which is located on the second floor, this was surely the best way of celebrating a birthday. For me the special thing about my birthday was having my family and friends there to make it more special day.
For the first time I enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Cape Town as every time I was there, the south easter wind will blow you away or simply the bad weather show its face over Table Mountain. The weather turned out to be perfect which was a great turn out for the weekend. While taking a tour in the shopping mall at the V&A Waterfront with my sister, I saw so many interesting things which was pretty awesome for someone who's there for the second time.
With my blackberry reaching its “Low battery” mode, I had to rush somehow back to the guest house as its the only way to stay in contact with the rest of the world. While my sister is doing her shopping spree, I was biting my nails and that was pretty much not a good sign. While me and my dad is sitting outside, I was looking how the buses and taxi's are traveling past by and all I hear was music coming from the Green Point stadium and its a 20min walk from where I was that is if you take the fan walk which was used during the soccer world cup. For my parents it was all new experience of seeing parts of Cape Town they never been too which meant I was the leader in explaining every detail of Green Point.
While traveling back in the taxi to the guest house, I saw some cyclist out on the road training for the annual Pick-n-Pay Cape Argus Cycle Tour which is the biggest one day race in the world as nearly 40 000 cyclists participate it, I was shocked to see how they ride in the middle section of the road and simply ignore the traffic rules by riding over a red light at the robots or simply ignore the signs of the traffic officer that's leading the pile up of cars waiting for its turn at the traffic roundabout and this one of the reasons why the death of cyclists on a public road is rated high. Personally when I heard what Jack our taxi driver told us was shocking.
After being dropped off by the V&A Waterfront on the opposite side of the Breakwater Parking Garage, it was time for me to be the host of the day and take my family all over the waterfront but first we head off to the Spur located on the second floor and wow the view of the harbor was out of this world. While my mom and sister was exploring in the shops, me and my dad decided to take a break and sit outside then a women came up to me and we were starting talking about the scenery of Cape Town and then I found out that her twins is sharing their birthday with me and that was really strange. After along period of sitting in the sun, it was time to head back to the guest house and just chill for a while before heading back. While I was pumped up by some music on my Blackberry phone, I got a call from my friends telling me that I must meet them at the Mitchell's Waterfront Brewery and I was obviously was stoked but then again I found myself figuring out where the hell Mitchell's Waterfront Brewery are as I was confused with the other beer house near the head office of Nedbank on the other side of the bridge which caused some confusion not only for me but my family too.
After waiting for nearly 2 hours at the main entrance of the shopping center building, I found myself listening to the music of a guy outside playing his guitar and sing the song "De La Ray" who was the leader of the Voortrekkers during Anglo Boere War many years ago and it reminded me on when I visited the concentration camp in Vryburg where lots of white crosses are of the women and children who passed away during the war. Sadly till today no one knows who's buried there and there's a memorial stone with rocks on it with the last letters they wrote before they passed away. To study in South African History about the Blood River where they fighted against the Zulu's.
After receiving a call from my friends, it was time to run all the way to the other side of the shopping center to find them and as I walked as fast as I could, I quickly found myself standing in front of the NSRI (Nationals See Rescue Institute) building and then its back to searching for the building of where my friends are waiting. For someone who was a year ago at the V&A Waterfront, it was surely stressful to have someone walking next to you while keeping on asking the same question. Thanks to the friendly staff of the V&A Waterfront, it was time to turn around and walk over the bridge once again. All I see is banners of the ABSA Cape Epic all over the place which is great exposure for cycling in general.
After walking up and down, it was time to sit down with my family, Roxanne and Lauren Alberts and their friend Roxanne. While sitting with a Hunters Dry in the one hand watching the Big Wheel, it was time for a toast for my 21st. We also decided to order some cake and ice cream, I was the only one eating vanilla ice cream with a bar one sauce over it. While hearing guys scream behind me at the tv screen cos of the rugby that's being broadcasted, we chatted the whole night long and enjoy our evening with laughter while talking about stalking Ikey Tiger the mascot of the Ikey Tiger Rugby Team that's playing now in the FNB Varsity Cup. After my dad came around and told us its after 11pm already, it was sadly time to leave and hike for a taxi to come and pick us up. While standing at the circle in front of the hotel, I saw parents coming from the bar drunk and for me it was shocking as they didn't know what's going on around them neither is they a good example to others. While the taxi use their hooters, we waited for our man in a white vehicle to pick us up and yes it was Jack. We decided to give him a tip to say thanks for doing such an amazing job.
After arriving at our guest house, it was time to head off to bed and get some rest in.
Just want to thank my family for everything, Jack of Inter cab Taxi for his friendliness and loyalties, Roxanne and Lauren Alberts and their friend Roxanne for an awesome evening.
That's all for now.
Till next time.
Cheers
The story of a time when I fall in front of hospital with a road bike
This is probably the most uncommon fall you will ever hear from this part of the wine valley which was dangerous and the most painful one ever. This may be sensitive to readers and I do recommend that no one must try this in public roads if you do not have the experience of bike handling skills.
One day I was doing my final preparations for the Individual Time Trail Champs and while I didn't think back to the piece of road surface that's worked on that's wet and sand lying all over the road, I came around a traffic roundabout in Van Zyl street where the back side of the hospital is then you're back on climbing a short climb, on the opposite side of the road in front of the hospital, I did n bunny hop over the wet road surface to miss it from getting the wet tar stuck to my wheel. Unfortunately it didn't go well according to the timing. My front wheel slipped on the sand causing me to fall in front of a other vehicle.
One of the sister who's on duty at the hospital was walking on her way to the hospital and saw what happened. Everyone got out of their cars to come and help me get out of the road while I was in pain. My knee was full of tar and a glass cut my knee as well. My jacket back side was ripped off with a black mark all over it. The person of the hospital checked out my shoulders and knees to see if there are any damages. With a little bit of help, I was getting up walking with my broken bike on my back all the way back home.
To be honest I felt so embarrassed on what happened and everyone asked me if I'm ok. After that fall I broke my bike into pieces. I got back home and my parents was cleaning my legs etc and wash off all the tar and blood from my body.
A couple of days later while out training, a cop from the traffic department gave me a warning. Worst thing of all is that I stopped at every stop street but when a other guy with a bike rode over a stop street, he had no problems at all. I felt like I was treated unfairly that the other person got away with everyone just cos he had a other skin color doesn't mean it is right of him to do it. We sent a letter in for the mayor of the town to place signs on our roads and yellow lines for our cyclists on our public roads. I was invited to attend a sport and recreation meeting, I told him what we as cyclists need from the government in order to have safer roads for us. Unfortunately till today nothing came up.
From this I urge people especially primary kids to not try anything like bunny hops or riding their bikes without helmets or hands on their handlebars on public roads where its unsafe to do so. Motorists don't respect us when we use the roads so obey all traffic roads and always stay on the left side of the white lines at all time and make use of the yellow lines.
Have a safe ride.
Till next time.
One day I was doing my final preparations for the Individual Time Trail Champs and while I didn't think back to the piece of road surface that's worked on that's wet and sand lying all over the road, I came around a traffic roundabout in Van Zyl street where the back side of the hospital is then you're back on climbing a short climb, on the opposite side of the road in front of the hospital, I did n bunny hop over the wet road surface to miss it from getting the wet tar stuck to my wheel. Unfortunately it didn't go well according to the timing. My front wheel slipped on the sand causing me to fall in front of a other vehicle.
One of the sister who's on duty at the hospital was walking on her way to the hospital and saw what happened. Everyone got out of their cars to come and help me get out of the road while I was in pain. My knee was full of tar and a glass cut my knee as well. My jacket back side was ripped off with a black mark all over it. The person of the hospital checked out my shoulders and knees to see if there are any damages. With a little bit of help, I was getting up walking with my broken bike on my back all the way back home.
To be honest I felt so embarrassed on what happened and everyone asked me if I'm ok. After that fall I broke my bike into pieces. I got back home and my parents was cleaning my legs etc and wash off all the tar and blood from my body.
A couple of days later while out training, a cop from the traffic department gave me a warning. Worst thing of all is that I stopped at every stop street but when a other guy with a bike rode over a stop street, he had no problems at all. I felt like I was treated unfairly that the other person got away with everyone just cos he had a other skin color doesn't mean it is right of him to do it. We sent a letter in for the mayor of the town to place signs on our roads and yellow lines for our cyclists on our public roads. I was invited to attend a sport and recreation meeting, I told him what we as cyclists need from the government in order to have safer roads for us. Unfortunately till today nothing came up.
From this I urge people especially primary kids to not try anything like bunny hops or riding their bikes without helmets or hands on their handlebars on public roads where its unsafe to do so. Motorists don't respect us when we use the roads so obey all traffic roads and always stay on the left side of the white lines at all time and make use of the yellow lines.
Have a safe ride.
Till next time.
The time when I punctured at the wrong place at the wrong time.
For a 20 year old who's lazy do stand up and do things that need attention is too good to be true. After I got injured on my 20th birthday (which was last year) I couldn't do any real training that can effect my recovery from a serious ankle injury. For a very long period, I had to get enough rest in and stay off the bike which was quite hard for someone who's used to getting up every morning and take the bike out of the garage and hit the road for about 2 hours. With Robertson known for a town thats small but have a big heart is likely to attract many international tourist to the famous R62 wine route but pretty much this town is dead. The only thing that keeps me super happy is my cycling which explains once again why Robertson is to bored and no wonder nobody knows Robertson besides the fact that the Wacky Wine Weekend is on everyone list of events, to mention that students even takes time off from university to come and join the festivities. So after my small accident at the Pick-n-Pay Cape Argus MTB Challenge, I had to give up my chance of traveling in the bus of the Cape Town Market Cycling Team at the Giro Del Capo which is now known as the Tour de Boland. After came back home, the next morning I saw myself sitting in the office of Dr.Naude with a bandage wrapped around my sore ankle. Clearly I didn't know what to expect besides hoping for the best and prepare for the worst.
The only thing that went through my mind that time was "What if he gives me an injection??" I'm scared when I see a needly just touching my skin, thats the time when I want to run out of the door. The next thing I hear is I have to go in for x-rays which I clearly found unacceptable but its the only way to find out whats wrong. The next morning I had to go in to the hospital just before 7 to get my files done and yes you can guess where that is.. the provincial hospital. The was a table at the waiting room where the files are and the person who's file is there first goes in first but then we saw that one of the workers who's file wasn't there got in first was unacceptable to all of the patient's including me. For 2 and half hours of sitting there was enough for me to walk out and shout. I found myself sleeping on the seat just to feel better. I got in and done the x-rays which was uncomfortable as you have to put your foot in a certain position on a plate. Luckily I didn't have any broken bones whatsoever which I was happy about and two sessions of physio and train at light intervals of 20min made me the happiest person. After weeks gone by I still had problems with it which forced me to stay off the bike. After long time I'm finally back on the bike training.
The most inspirational moment was when I was racing in Robertson with a sore ankle and finished 4th place in Robertson which motivated me to carry on training. Today I'm back on the bike training for the mountain bike season. With February that just passed, its the vineyard harvest which makes it difficult to train as there's trucks and tractors everywhere and sadly enough Robertson have narrow roads and no yellow lines in town itself.
So the only way to train is over weekend, so one Sunday I decided to take a spin on my mountain bike. The weather was great and I was ready to hit the road then a few meters from our house I got a puncture in front of the hospital so you can say I rode on my rim all the way back. There was no other choice but to turn around in the main entrance of the hospital and all I see is people staring at me from the building and outside. I thought hell did they never saw a cyclist before?? That was too strange for words to describe the looks on their faces.
I got back home and still till today my bike needs a new tube and urgently need a wash with all the mud on the frame and wheels.
My next blog is all about my interesting weekend in Cape Town.
This is it for now.
Till next time!
Cheers
The only thing that went through my mind that time was "What if he gives me an injection??" I'm scared when I see a needly just touching my skin, thats the time when I want to run out of the door. The next thing I hear is I have to go in for x-rays which I clearly found unacceptable but its the only way to find out whats wrong. The next morning I had to go in to the hospital just before 7 to get my files done and yes you can guess where that is.. the provincial hospital. The was a table at the waiting room where the files are and the person who's file is there first goes in first but then we saw that one of the workers who's file wasn't there got in first was unacceptable to all of the patient's including me. For 2 and half hours of sitting there was enough for me to walk out and shout. I found myself sleeping on the seat just to feel better. I got in and done the x-rays which was uncomfortable as you have to put your foot in a certain position on a plate. Luckily I didn't have any broken bones whatsoever which I was happy about and two sessions of physio and train at light intervals of 20min made me the happiest person. After weeks gone by I still had problems with it which forced me to stay off the bike. After long time I'm finally back on the bike training.
The most inspirational moment was when I was racing in Robertson with a sore ankle and finished 4th place in Robertson which motivated me to carry on training. Today I'm back on the bike training for the mountain bike season. With February that just passed, its the vineyard harvest which makes it difficult to train as there's trucks and tractors everywhere and sadly enough Robertson have narrow roads and no yellow lines in town itself.
So the only way to train is over weekend, so one Sunday I decided to take a spin on my mountain bike. The weather was great and I was ready to hit the road then a few meters from our house I got a puncture in front of the hospital so you can say I rode on my rim all the way back. There was no other choice but to turn around in the main entrance of the hospital and all I see is people staring at me from the building and outside. I thought hell did they never saw a cyclist before?? That was too strange for words to describe the looks on their faces.
I got back home and still till today my bike needs a new tube and urgently need a wash with all the mud on the frame and wheels.
My next blog is all about my interesting weekend in Cape Town.
This is it for now.
Till next time!
Cheers
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