tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30594849200523541142024-03-14T21:06:27.113+02:00No Choice But To PedalSharing my cycling experiences after many years of sharing my running experiences. A view from the back of the pack.Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.comBlogger491125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-8183769824203219112018-02-22T13:03:00.000+02:002018-02-22T13:03:45.655+02:00Dischem Ride For Sight - Feeling More Motivated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Sunday Anette and I rode the Dischem Ride For Sight race at Boksburg Stadium. This is quite a popular race with 1640 riders finishing the 62km event and 2504 riders finishing the 116km event. We opted for the 62km as we did not feel 100% ready for the longer race.<br />
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There was a hive of activity before the start as riders made their way to the different loading pens before moving to the start. Even though it looked a bit chaotic, the organisation was actually very good and everything went smoothly.<br />
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Anette in good spirit before the start.</div>
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We started in batches of plus minus 350 riders and the road was fine to handle these numbers easily. I am getting used to riding with and close to other riders. It took me some time to feel comfortable with this.<br />
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Waiting at the start.</div>
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On our way!</div>
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The race went very well and I was glad I took the shorter option. This meant I could ride a little faster and get more confidence between other riders on the road.<br />
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The first half of the race was fast with lots of downhill riding. Even though this makes things fairly easy you still need to be careful not to go out too fast and concentrate on pacing. I was a master at pacing with running, but I am still learning how to pace myself properly while cycling. I think I did well pacing myself for this race.<br />
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All in all the race was good and I felt excellent the whole way. I definitely have a long way to go still with the cycling. I have to work extra hard on my climbing and with that also get rid of lots of extra weight. No skipping of training rides for me...<br />
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Nice, positive experience race.</div>
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I need to work on my climbing.</div>
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The race was good for my motivation as well. That is part of the reason I did the 62km and not the 116km. I needed a hassle free race where I finish feeling great with only positives to take home. I got exactly that and it lifted my cycling motivation a lot.<br />
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Finish line in sight!</div>
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This was my 20th cycle race finish. I had a few DNF's due to punctures but the 20 finishes probably means the next target is 50. This is nothing compared to my nearly 1400 race finishes when I was running, but that is just it; I always though it would be nothing for cycling... nothing as in zero. Now it is 20 and that is good.<br />
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It is great to be more motivated to cycle and now that I have some number on the board I will work more positively to achieve my goals.<br />
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Anette was also in good spirit after her race.</div>
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Happy training & racing everyone! Be safe out there!Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-82820552357370704732018-02-16T14:30:00.000+02:002018-02-16T14:30:32.796+02:00Bad first Ascent Switchback Gloves<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you ever see the first Ascent Switchback cycling gloves for a good price, be careful to buy them. I can't say if they are all the same, but I had no fun with mine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">first Ascent Switchback gloves</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The colour keeps washing out and even sweating out. I thought it would get better over time, but it actually became worse and worse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've stopped wearing them now after some clothing and other things got stained. My hands looks like I burst multiple veins when I remove the gloves after a sweaty ride. Really not good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So be careful when buying these and even more careful to wash them together with any other clothing...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a happy weekend everyone! Be safe!</span></div>
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<br />Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-43718851048988109732018-02-06T13:43:00.000+02:002018-02-06T13:43:47.477+02:00Keeping it close to home<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I mentioned before I do a lot of my riding in the neighborhoods around my area, always keeping things close to home. During the week all my rides are in the neighborhoods. This is for safety reasons mainly and also in case of an emergency like a fall or a flat or whatever. I don't have much time during the week so if anything happens it helps to be close to home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the weekends we like to go on the open roads a bit more although we still include some neighborhoods as well. We still like to keep things close to home for the same reasons as above. I say we as over the weekends Anette usually joins me for riding. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNd0gIgEcPgr7BwoMe62-EhwLcJNixexpxoKlujEgMgyQnDVCVgPUFbUT3AJogtaNrVMnUv4rwhzGDJcG-A3IUoHASSsm7datRVURcCUjVOHLZP3qHX6iN_X3EI-ioSKIry75Ick_3rep4/s1600/DSCF2156_800x600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNd0gIgEcPgr7BwoMe62-EhwLcJNixexpxoKlujEgMgyQnDVCVgPUFbUT3AJogtaNrVMnUv4rwhzGDJcG-A3IUoHASSsm7datRVURcCUjVOHLZP3qHX6iN_X3EI-ioSKIry75Ick_3rep4/s320/DSCF2156_800x600.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are lucky that we live in an area where we have open roads to ride close to home. A few weeks ago I could do my 105km ride without ever being more than 10km from home. This makes doing long rides alone possible and safer.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzeCzo3ckbCbOGI4Y0JrAXpQjqFYA0jarRFsvNDlwjyhlxDIQP67YgFSqODf7JowqhrMZEkMi0to5z8vR9XavG4qN-ZbpqqC_SmHF7Dx3kaxP3VE0JcIi1UVZ2bWWepjKNDdjO7MdgCQY/s1600/DSCF2151_800x600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzeCzo3ckbCbOGI4Y0JrAXpQjqFYA0jarRFsvNDlwjyhlxDIQP67YgFSqODf7JowqhrMZEkMi0to5z8vR9XavG4qN-ZbpqqC_SmHF7Dx3kaxP3VE0JcIi1UVZ2bWWepjKNDdjO7MdgCQY/s320/DSCF2151_800x600.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYy-XDtKsZcubqUopGMCs7SkJPCM4I6L8yPeo5kR8hCb9occHR6SGaBm-mXJVGFy2u54eYKbtp0z56OLHSpYN77gVjCj_7fieaBEWxvtz-Z6EDhhNDKvFs3QCG3K_Kr852plDJHa5VHCDo/s1600/DSCF2162_800x600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYy-XDtKsZcubqUopGMCs7SkJPCM4I6L8yPeo5kR8hCb9occHR6SGaBm-mXJVGFy2u54eYKbtp0z56OLHSpYN77gVjCj_7fieaBEWxvtz-Z6EDhhNDKvFs3QCG3K_Kr852plDJHa5VHCDo/s320/DSCF2162_800x600.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxpL-wM4WIsC6hEs153Zfy0_Ve0_WrFusX9r1wT29UR8CYEJmmMgnVOKPe_f_ZbjxFThgVNlxsOtxVHvjeby81kDwZd5FbuhAGeqbNng2nGqJi-zbnCboy7xkKJ0ThY1i-XTC9tQw22nS/s1600/20180101_094433A_800x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxpL-wM4WIsC6hEs153Zfy0_Ve0_WrFusX9r1wT29UR8CYEJmmMgnVOKPe_f_ZbjxFThgVNlxsOtxVHvjeby81kDwZd5FbuhAGeqbNng2nGqJi-zbnCboy7xkKJ0ThY1i-XTC9tQw22nS/s320/20180101_094433A_800x600.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have some lovely open roads literally in our back yard. Lots of cyclists enjoy these roads over weekends as everyone tries to stay safe and away from traffic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some video clips of the open roads around our area...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keep it going everyone!</span>Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-49308665858140759752018-02-01T12:50:00.001+02:002018-02-01T12:50:33.334+02:00Throwback Thursday<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>What?! I have a throwback for cycling? Indeed I have...</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Throwback to January 1984</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is when I bought my first proper bike. Actually this is when I bought my first bike. Before then I rode on "hand-me-downs" from my brother and sisters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In January 1984 I used R800 of the R850 I was paid for holiday work at the Johannesburg Post Office to buy my first proper bike. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Basso 12 speed dream machine! It was a high quality bike at the time and R800 was a lot for a bike in 1984.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5cRqxxMr5rEuBdFz1rMhxI2HE0qMOxJquMxJj7yJ5ILEzV74H4ier0Nlo31vleXencqWmhJPzJFBEXFfelf_vOOKSYznJj_NR32_WjEwjZ2nmU7WuVhHhchNwi0CgVmlERPHNskk_JUI/s1600/Basso1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="739" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5cRqxxMr5rEuBdFz1rMhxI2HE0qMOxJquMxJj7yJ5ILEzV74H4ier0Nlo31vleXencqWmhJPzJFBEXFfelf_vOOKSYznJj_NR32_WjEwjZ2nmU7WuVhHhchNwi0CgVmlERPHNskk_JUI/s320/Basso1.jpg" width="263" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">January 1984 - Proud owner of my new Basso</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIJcRRFvJ4mwj3JMBStPszeiIREHCAbgNN7Kpo7OgiMf2krutEm4e7KrBWMtupfHuMZWQSXqNM8oQ966WoiKaDCo4DbC9OLI-FCDHyaa4hP2oU24gxNB30x4w6RHP4TEINHy4YHMKH4cC/s1600/Basso+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="882" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIJcRRFvJ4mwj3JMBStPszeiIREHCAbgNN7Kpo7OgiMf2krutEm4e7KrBWMtupfHuMZWQSXqNM8oQ966WoiKaDCo4DbC9OLI-FCDHyaa4hP2oU24gxNB30x4w6RHP4TEINHy4YHMKH4cC/s320/Basso+2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bought my Basso from the late, great Alan van Heerden. "The Idol" did the setup himself and it was absolutely perfect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I still have the bike although it is not in a rideable state. I will have have it restored to its former glory one day. It was an incredible bike and really just great in every possible way; the reason I am still hanging on to it.</span><br />
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<br />Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-12890690658093875002018-01-26T14:29:00.000+02:002018-01-26T14:29:32.116+02:00Cycling Is Harder Than Running<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSlZ9R7GZL7jon4b0Xmjqjlbv2_bcIzuTmX2AHx9imvrxvbFd6XDWoAW1Ur0M-xqBp16zQHH0IOhO0QiSV79GRJfDRe1PaH-k1z0n0G79SsEGXv5Bn8OdHeiX_5iea7QPUDjAJErU8l1A/s1600/cyclingvrunning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSlZ9R7GZL7jon4b0Xmjqjlbv2_bcIzuTmX2AHx9imvrxvbFd6XDWoAW1Ur0M-xqBp16zQHH0IOhO0QiSV79GRJfDRe1PaH-k1z0n0G79SsEGXv5Bn8OdHeiX_5iea7QPUDjAJErU8l1A/s320/cyclingvrunning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I can already see my running friends raising their eyebrows when they see the title of this post. Don't worry, I'm not saying running is easy. I'm saying running is simpler and cycling requires much harder work.<br />
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You need to look at how you compare the two sports. Comparing distances like running 20km or cycling 20km or whatever distance is dumb. Of course it is easier to ride 20km than running it!<br />
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To compare the two you have to look at it over a long period or switch between the two full time for a year or longer. That is what I had to do and is where this comparison comes from... switching from running for 34 years to cycling as my sport for the last three and a half years.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #4c1130;"><b>Keeping fit and in shape over a long period and achieving your distance goals is much harder with cycling than with running.</b></span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruYkABXTLv6ep3cyOGxiDpW1_XYIZ0-iNEDb-3gXXLrKJ2zFCjKMW-r5yTyK31nQ6jbjy2_UajmPbT0yP34KFa-DnLG8Ua3LrkA9nD2wavh5UiLzjdpbuDOsydLCyOk3GhZxg269w3LIP/s1600/RunorCycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="880" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruYkABXTLv6ep3cyOGxiDpW1_XYIZ0-iNEDb-3gXXLrKJ2zFCjKMW-r5yTyK31nQ6jbjy2_UajmPbT0yP34KFa-DnLG8Ua3LrkA9nD2wavh5UiLzjdpbuDOsydLCyOk3GhZxg269w3LIP/s320/RunorCycle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Let's look at what I find harder...<br />
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I'll start at the beginning. Getting ready to go out training. Oh my word! This can be extremely painful. I have to give myself 20 to 30 minutes extra for this which means my 4AM alarm for longer runs is now a 3:30 - 3:40 alarm for longer rides before work.<br />
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From the bib shorts to the helmet and gloves and glasses and lights and chain lube and all the other <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">paraphernalia</span></span>, it is really a time consuming task to finally get outside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3FEnHbhnIgdI8Hj04LW7tXqfmG9cH41orKnoInOkrSJThIkWkI4Bd4Of82emrDDr0IyEjt0nllnoaYtSK2suHE06PTLL2wA-vKqx8BuhPOFyDv_x7H7a15EF7-4RklNqDGL5-QfuKoOe/s1600/Equipment-for-Cycling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3FEnHbhnIgdI8Hj04LW7tXqfmG9cH41orKnoInOkrSJThIkWkI4Bd4Of82emrDDr0IyEjt0nllnoaYtSK2suHE06PTLL2wA-vKqx8BuhPOFyDv_x7H7a15EF7-4RklNqDGL5-QfuKoOe/s320/Equipment-for-Cycling.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">Oh, and those bathroom breaks once the bib and everything is in place... let's not even go there!</span></i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01You4JRN2CDbJMprPrLxZNeD1p1peYzdOBbkRSwwXn_5hnfj9C4Abaoy5ypKxBJvnhNlc7pvA6TCNBIWCOFNnTU0oqUbZCEgWT6rbcm4UFvhelnx9RISENKdZh7PfY8Vv12AFI3EVvgo/s1600/hqdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01You4JRN2CDbJMprPrLxZNeD1p1peYzdOBbkRSwwXn_5hnfj9C4Abaoy5ypKxBJvnhNlc7pvA6TCNBIWCOFNnTU0oqUbZCEgWT6rbcm4UFvhelnx9RISENKdZh7PfY8Vv12AFI3EVvgo/s320/hqdefault.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then there is the bicycle itself. The pride of any full blood cyclist. I'm not full blood yet. I don't like being dependent on anything that has some mechanical or moving parts. Now it has to be part of the routine. Check the tyres, check the gears, check the chain... Even worse if any of these have something wrong with it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WgtM9hPa2ycpkWZTOrNxAKon9DFiBVFd1C3NymExajh47H1CQH-78LBO9oz8GKFTUphfcPObNanHHMHF4Q0DHmWi20BIiaU1Lqv6hnRRafeZ42EZwmPppz6edi4ZSLWf8ySCu0Z83FpW/s1600/7-Things-You-Need-to-Check-Before-Any-Ride...The-Pre-Ride-Checklist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1500" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WgtM9hPa2ycpkWZTOrNxAKon9DFiBVFd1C3NymExajh47H1CQH-78LBO9oz8GKFTUphfcPObNanHHMHF4Q0DHmWi20BIiaU1Lqv6hnRRafeZ42EZwmPppz6edi4ZSLWf8ySCu0Z83FpW/s320/7-Things-You-Need-to-Check-Before-Any-Ride...The-Pre-Ride-Checklist.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">By now the runner would be halfway through his or her run! Plain, simple, easy...</span></i></b><br />
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Once out riding the problem is how much time and distance you need to put in to stay in shape and reach the goals you are working for. I find this very hard. Even though cycling is much softer on the body, I find that the time and effort required is a lot more exhausting than running was.<br />
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At my age and with my ability I had to run a minimum of 75km per week to stay in shape, keep my weight down and build from here for ultra runs. With cycling my minimum is about 200km per week and I find the time and effort to keep this up much harder than the 75km and bigger weeks were for running. Over time it takes a lot more out of me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPATxwCxQPaCWULQISqMBFWOqWfORjrPhp8LQs_uRlXUJh1or5Bx9QJIEOlov180rGJIsWPf2_QIAM70sfUs23CNyewd8yiA_jfZ56XDrdvjkY58KDcEU1LDG_iqRq9e6Rb3rvQp1DHiK/s1600/pbp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPATxwCxQPaCWULQISqMBFWOqWfORjrPhp8LQs_uRlXUJh1or5Bx9QJIEOlov180rGJIsWPf2_QIAM70sfUs23CNyewd8yiA_jfZ56XDrdvjkY58KDcEU1LDG_iqRq9e6Rb3rvQp1DHiK/s320/pbp.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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This brings us to the physical aspect. I find long rides harder than long runs. For me hours of riding is harder than hours of running. Riding a bike for long distances in the wind is harder than running long distances in the wind. If you bonk while cycling it is also much harder than when running. The same goes for long, hard climbs.<br />
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Breaking into a walk up a hill or when you really have no energy left is much easier when out running. Add a bicycle to the mix and you have to struggle forward in some ridiculous gear or get off and push. Both can be extremely painful. I always feel sorry for the people struggling to push their bikes while trying not to slip on their cleats.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYQWDCPIvMOh3RSQjH_2q8d8Tcp_mY8TNFOvOJSVEmj-s45UZnr9Mbq-gQzdzepbTeqfFWhYHy-a2SXjwyKO2Doiq3VHlq3F881WMrwsWKbKyVahqY1V-PWMUOkH2rRTB-2eS7aZcQX14/s1600/DSCF2111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYQWDCPIvMOh3RSQjH_2q8d8Tcp_mY8TNFOvOJSVEmj-s45UZnr9Mbq-gQzdzepbTeqfFWhYHy-a2SXjwyKO2Doiq3VHlq3F881WMrwsWKbKyVahqY1V-PWMUOkH2rRTB-2eS7aZcQX14/s320/DSCF2111.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I still do the toe clips and tekkies (running shoes) thing... My Nike Pegasus Trails are the best! <b><i><span style="color: #4c1130;"> </span></i></b>I've had a few long walks home after numerous punctures and I am so glad I could do them in my Nikes.<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">I might have moved to the dark side but I'm not a Sith yet...</span></i></b><br />
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To summarize then:<br />
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Cycling all year round is much harder work than running all year round. It is softer on the body, but when the going gets tough, it is much easier to suffer without carting a bike around. Over time it is much more exhausting.<br />
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Also, there is no such thing as sit and free and relax! One thing I learned very quickly is that the recovery you think you'll get on the downhills don't really happen. I certainly relax more when running downhill. The downhills also goes by so quickly on the bike that time to rest is very limited.<br />
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No relaxing on the downhills!</div>
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In the end training hard and often all year round is hard, regardless of what your sport might be. There are no shortcuts or easy ways anywhere. What I find might be different for someone else, but for me cycling is much harder than running was.<br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><i><b>Happy training and stay safe everyone! Keep it going!</b></i></span>Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-5091862863026404492018-01-22T15:42:00.001+02:002018-01-22T16:48:33.053+02:00Cyclists are tough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ihRBadg-IG4zX1oIbU5c7unN7tplIU20hseiTAxRU28OY7YXw5PtJu6BREgfiiiNjEAmX_2ocF_iIQXzlnUJgLtBAgTYc2t8w9eL1f-8MU7KmzA7jmYh0YR__Qp6RDCtrtddgEXsxaWr/s1600/Impey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="660" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ihRBadg-IG4zX1oIbU5c7unN7tplIU20hseiTAxRU28OY7YXw5PtJu6BREgfiiiNjEAmX_2ocF_iIQXzlnUJgLtBAgTYc2t8w9eL1f-8MU7KmzA7jmYh0YR__Qp6RDCtrtddgEXsxaWr/s320/Impey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I was watching and celebrating Daryl Impey's victory of the Tour Down Under yesterday, I couldn't help to think about his GC win at the Tour Of Turkey in 2009 when he was pulled onto the barriers in the final sprint by Theo Bos. We won't get into that...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yet, here he was years later, still giving his all and winning the TDU overall. Make no mistake, these guys are tough. Just Saturday I was thinking the same when I saw the young Movistar rider, Nuno Bico, crashed in the breakaway, but after some treatment continued racing.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDaxAS98NaaOG1hj60jaICiJMhtAwo8QupFjzUIBl4fkmqRMLbEHH1qIgnS-tT_DX7V7kQCUVkZ5STXWhpJH1CINK7tJ9WTdvOAy6M2hVfRqhQqa-heOLoOoULiWlV8pDVIjipipiHyUr/s1600/Movistar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="662" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDaxAS98NaaOG1hj60jaICiJMhtAwo8QupFjzUIBl4fkmqRMLbEHH1qIgnS-tT_DX7V7kQCUVkZ5STXWhpJH1CINK7tJ9WTdvOAy6M2hVfRqhQqa-heOLoOoULiWlV8pDVIjipipiHyUr/s320/Movistar.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This made me think of some of the crashes and "tough rider moments" I've seen that I remember more than others for whatever reason.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The massive crash in the Tour de France 2015...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEzaL12t7lVIxnP8rqqdJL26Meox4hQ-kh-KWDJ3WkFVshyzL7NsKyoTxoL-td8ocXoGjcsE1cz5l6mxEeFj58nEN7WqZ-OVNDCTMPh9xL4xuVwhz5RQe78AB1OlBWex-lUa3mW-0PczZ/s1600/tour+de+france+crash+stops+race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEzaL12t7lVIxnP8rqqdJL26Meox4hQ-kh-KWDJ3WkFVshyzL7NsKyoTxoL-td8ocXoGjcsE1cz5l6mxEeFj58nEN7WqZ-OVNDCTMPh9xL4xuVwhz5RQe78AB1OlBWex-lUa3mW-0PczZ/s320/tour+de+france+crash+stops+race.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">British rider Lauren Dolan crashing but finishing the junior world championship time trial last year...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLH9YbO9Y3RABFtivpxXOpZQi5n_pbm2I7FzbzW9zNXnhL4REjsevfUyI7mTbchsncTlQBidbI94GOVNm0yQHDdvYmkdT0tA1vJVdWXKYwp6KAnDClbWgwrXlIkIbUkP0dDJTMSoUkj8Zs/s1600/_97865636_dolan_cycling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="624" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLH9YbO9Y3RABFtivpxXOpZQi5n_pbm2I7FzbzW9zNXnhL4REjsevfUyI7mTbchsncTlQBidbI94GOVNm0yQHDdvYmkdT0tA1vJVdWXKYwp6KAnDClbWgwrXlIkIbUkP0dDJTMSoUkj8Zs/s320/_97865636_dolan_cycling.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Alberto Contador often racing while looking like this...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_byUB9Vs2LaRx4m5thj3TvSdorT4enO0cGry2XAl4m6s01SsHZWVQ7VZf121aJIryrWQqkmndqKYCWKgAuuBH173ZZ4KuVEOQ1Aga-kPmFDXgaqRdSEcAhjFPKOEdCY0Ogkb7IaGMOB3O/s1600/Alberto-Contador-Stage-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="640" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_byUB9Vs2LaRx4m5thj3TvSdorT4enO0cGry2XAl4m6s01SsHZWVQ7VZf121aJIryrWQqkmndqKYCWKgAuuBH173ZZ4KuVEOQ1Aga-kPmFDXgaqRdSEcAhjFPKOEdCY0Ogkb7IaGMOB3O/s320/Alberto-Contador-Stage-1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The magical story of Keagan Girdlestone who almost died after crashing through a team car's back window. Now he is starting to race again!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2ndCmc6iqYIEIyUd_cEAeODGcBMAwkrSxvH4ywCUhIt0oXzGj2cPI6WgnmF2ww0oOl9WKNp7LAttgN_Sn1D46BMgAm-BWvugdDw_o70fesGB7XZT235cd1zFRLOfw2kzYL6X7fbinepx/s1600/DSC_3941.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1030" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2ndCmc6iqYIEIyUd_cEAeODGcBMAwkrSxvH4ywCUhIt0oXzGj2cPI6WgnmF2ww0oOl9WKNp7LAttgN_Sn1D46BMgAm-BWvugdDw_o70fesGB7XZT235cd1zFRLOfw2kzYL6X7fbinepx/s320/DSC_3941.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EunlKwxfj-mgctutmQgV_zy8s88AeMl8sE9hdmxl0XR3TmYxEJ7aXI8UzyPc0JIeZ85-RiHK6vEJek60uwx1MgyxbW2UyIV4xTT_8oWZq4Plu3aklFan2KPn-J00EPEqStQIY85vdAH_/s1600/Keagan+Girdlestone+incidente+coppa+della+pace+trofeo+anelli+5+maggio+foto+-+07-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EunlKwxfj-mgctutmQgV_zy8s88AeMl8sE9hdmxl0XR3TmYxEJ7aXI8UzyPc0JIeZ85-RiHK6vEJek60uwx1MgyxbW2UyIV4xTT_8oWZq4Plu3aklFan2KPn-J00EPEqStQIY85vdAH_/s320/Keagan+Girdlestone+incidente+coppa+della+pace+trofeo+anelli+5+maggio+foto+-+07-2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ScuVPyAjRU7aq_xktudd8JgbWb6fTUNYVgTtpcMofoRkAnwaB1Qw5vaEuiQExsQNY80z9_nG8M5Svq6itnx6fxAaYK87nQHP6tA8ud0m2n-D-xyjWH3GzGCyBlLyCLI5ZvPlPjPpm84u/s1600/v636131728669470000-68a86800-2a27-4ac7-bdd2-a62801698d5b-800+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ScuVPyAjRU7aq_xktudd8JgbWb6fTUNYVgTtpcMofoRkAnwaB1Qw5vaEuiQExsQNY80z9_nG8M5Svq6itnx6fxAaYK87nQHP6tA8ud0m2n-D-xyjWH3GzGCyBlLyCLI5ZvPlPjPpm84u/s320/v636131728669470000-68a86800-2a27-4ac7-bdd2-a62801698d5b-800+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3REFr1QGV4nH56wUU8WfjMJ37qAFS8r2EijUequBu2phz2kIOYewyCgGu9BHn1q0o64AyEPBAV1PDFDatTtsYY-CuN6HS4qDgKa8xnvmoBwTfILqge7awMj0bYtunqIG6w5esvKkYnk5H/s1600/1475800491321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="614" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3REFr1QGV4nH56wUU8WfjMJ37qAFS8r2EijUequBu2phz2kIOYewyCgGu9BHn1q0o64AyEPBAV1PDFDatTtsYY-CuN6HS4qDgKa8xnvmoBwTfILqge7awMj0bYtunqIG6w5esvKkYnk5H/s320/1475800491321.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliwwDeZmtapljCDpFKekuB1of69d8bPhyphenhyphenS8N57JMNdO5whZspRtwUspbyQfmPw-AkKSOQ3iELObo2d3n07RZenBiQhz4hwiyicZBcuQ3V9CiOsiPmK2JPmYTLKCOemuvQUtrN_Z8wuy5v/s1600/b88743431z1_20170510120906_000g1uk8ogo2-0-186042o3626skqvp7o2_t460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="460" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliwwDeZmtapljCDpFKekuB1of69d8bPhyphenhyphenS8N57JMNdO5whZspRtwUspbyQfmPw-AkKSOQ3iELObo2d3n07RZenBiQhz4hwiyicZBcuQ3V9CiOsiPmK2JPmYTLKCOemuvQUtrN_Z8wuy5v/s320/b88743431z1_20170510120906_000g1uk8ogo2-0-186042o3626skqvp7o2_t460.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now he is racing again!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The moral of the story is that cycling is dangerous, but also made great by people like these. Hard and tough. Somehow their experiences motivate me to get out there and train. No excuses because the wind is blowing too hard or the sun is too harsh or the temperature too low.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Get out there and ride! At the same time, stay upright and be safe!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy training everyone!</span>Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-4726871231263284992018-01-16T13:54:00.000+02:002018-01-16T13:54:37.208+02:00Century Electrical Cycle Race<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnu6q2EHbkG8fmYTMEdEthtMxktcpkMbql1_vwTbPkb1YVjcrtFxhSGYy-kZyit_Hfesa7cIXhxFfC7Om_gmZnrvfZwgndDEMc6uiLahxGfTJ3SU95Svfkcef6Synzz0T82EU6oMx_1Syt/s1600/Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="544" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnu6q2EHbkG8fmYTMEdEthtMxktcpkMbql1_vwTbPkb1YVjcrtFxhSGYy-kZyit_Hfesa7cIXhxFfC7Om_gmZnrvfZwgndDEMc6uiLahxGfTJ3SU95Svfkcef6Synzz0T82EU6oMx_1Syt/s320/Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Saturday the 13th of January Anette and I rode the Century Electrical Cycle race at Vanderbijlpark. It was a small, but very well organised race and I think the time of the year makes it even smaller with people still out of training for the holidays and out of money because of the holidays.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9AL2qhUqzazQ9E_gOJ-2b31ju4876UEqPfNdVlNNNNTAcGATNuXSThW2e5CIbORM8pqlCfwyCz9SlTXWcuQf6GUHaVLLyiHCEnZDfocj9n7RXVPEvc5-5xzEpuf66Y13y35Kc4T9OrLw/s1600/DSCF2186_800x600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9AL2qhUqzazQ9E_gOJ-2b31ju4876UEqPfNdVlNNNNTAcGATNuXSThW2e5CIbORM8pqlCfwyCz9SlTXWcuQf6GUHaVLLyiHCEnZDfocj9n7RXVPEvc5-5xzEpuf66Y13y35Kc4T9OrLw/s320/DSCF2186_800x600.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Making coffee at 4:16 in the morning...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As with all things racing in South Africa it was out of bed early to travel and get to the 7 AM start of the 80km race in time. I always prefer to be a bit early and we could get ready to ride without any pressure or hurry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anette on her way to the start.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Giant waiting for me to get moving.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The start and finish was at one of the local churches and all the volunteers were from the church as well.The start was in the church grounds and we had enough time to be relaxed while waiting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Waiting for the start of the 80km race. Small field.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even time for a selfie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After a rolling start we rode passed a few industries and were out into the country roads after about 6km. The whole race is out in the country with only the start and finish in the suburbs of Vanderbijlpark.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNPgduHH4ZASfE4QB8FWBYifMET550_D9FGaSWGeX-A4CN5dxJ1yYPDz1OcLIEW4ueyquQdoRzVFB8JgmOxTuck_05Wm-VxiUFYniAu6Dps_YNGHpPy6hZavQcy6Mawlom_es2U8wbJk2/s1600/DSCF2193_800x600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNPgduHH4ZASfE4QB8FWBYifMET550_D9FGaSWGeX-A4CN5dxJ1yYPDz1OcLIEW4ueyquQdoRzVFB8JgmOxTuck_05Wm-VxiUFYniAu6Dps_YNGHpPy6hZavQcy6Mawlom_es2U8wbJk2/s320/DSCF2193_800x600.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDDEyLOjlbVJaq6gfj5wAl9_hcULTld2RyIl5H2dhShcpWtFFy_rsVmLXJzMdt1b1cUOulhz4l8fMsXDm_X8cVyBuTfGmNyV9WvynWQLjc0-TsukhM6n1SFO6fkNC_Rhc9maRUf1RqAgX/s1600/DSCF2197_800x600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDDEyLOjlbVJaq6gfj5wAl9_hcULTld2RyIl5H2dhShcpWtFFy_rsVmLXJzMdt1b1cUOulhz4l8fMsXDm_X8cVyBuTfGmNyV9WvynWQLjc0-TsukhM6n1SFO6fkNC_Rhc9maRUf1RqAgX/s320/DSCF2197_800x600.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The open country route was one of the reasons I entered the race in the first place. It is always great to get out of the city for some time during weekends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've done parts of the route a few times in other races. It was good to know a bit about what was lying ahead. Knowing that the route was fairly fast and flat gave us confidence for the ride. With such a small field it was also not long before I found myself on a solo 80km ride.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crossing the Vaal river.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyeuf2Dv6IdoaZxaENOyBt4mLCIBzO98jR3MSugADlo3vEr2Lw3mVT6mmkq7xZiolshsfQV6hb56UYoOQr55cqkpvz-D7ylYg-NPWySCOmkfVFZ04hLj-gn6B0UkYyiJdzmbxYli7YP3Y/s1600/DSCF2199_800x600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyeuf2Dv6IdoaZxaENOyBt4mLCIBzO98jR3MSugADlo3vEr2Lw3mVT6mmkq7xZiolshsfQV6hb56UYoOQr55cqkpvz-D7ylYg-NPWySCOmkfVFZ04hLj-gn6B0UkYyiJdzmbxYli7YP3Y/s320/DSCF2199_800x600.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We crossed the Vaal river to exit Gauteng for a round trip in the Free State. This part of the route was mainly between farms with some cattle and lots of maize fields. The crops are looking good and there was lots of green around us after some good rain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crops are looking good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The only down part of the race was some roads with really bad potholes. Luckily the race organisers filled a lot of them the day before and also marked the worst ones with spray paint. The potholes and the temperature that was climbing towards 30°C fast were the only negatives on the day for me. I was actually having a good time out there! Me having a good time cycling! Who would have thought that a few years back...?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having a good time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before anything got bad or difficult or really warm, I was on my way back to the finish. My best cycle race by far. Anette also had a good race without any incidents. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1st Medal for 2018 in the bag.</span></div>
Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-54520033923902479702018-01-11T22:48:00.000+02:002018-01-11T22:48:46.938+02:00Riding the NeighbourhoodsI do a lot of my cycling through the neighbourhoods in my area. In fact, all my rides during the week are in the neighbourhoods and I only get onto the open roads over weekends.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrnvtA39PGMtiOhnyrWpd-W7CDSCLVnmBqUMWnOrYjKb22LglMIcY3ZngSI7KpAWby1nCvrwYijyXzFqekUZD1SKMQeBLRY4Oz5XxFAbqdBPXIb1aKJ-7ZUWc4D4YgtLBjWpi-YD1cHc3/s1600/xBiking-neighbourhood-735x400.jpg.pagespeed.ic.JyBsuPa30B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="735" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrnvtA39PGMtiOhnyrWpd-W7CDSCLVnmBqUMWnOrYjKb22LglMIcY3ZngSI7KpAWby1nCvrwYijyXzFqekUZD1SKMQeBLRY4Oz5XxFAbqdBPXIb1aKJ-7ZUWc4D4YgtLBjWpi-YD1cHc3/s320/xBiking-neighbourhood-735x400.jpg.pagespeed.ic.JyBsuPa30B.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I mentioned a while back that I might include some videos in my blog going forward. This is for me to play a bit but also to help me with motivation. Something new is never a bad thing...<br />
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I'm literally playing and experimenting with video so please don't expect award winning material!<br />
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This is a few clips of <b><span style="color: red;">Not So Nice</span></b> and <b><span style="color: lime;">Nice Moments</span></b> while riding the neighbourhoods.<br />
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Stay safe out there!<br />
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Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-57341155934064916622018-01-08T19:27:00.000+02:002018-01-08T19:27:00.324+02:00Kick Start 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2z4DiS_MugibFPYpc9LfB7lVluFiqzGTWguOpV6zypr2aaJCjF1kF04QqYA1SSDtLBec10kFVj7SjTebEy9cWJ93Jo_8q2OtvfnvNfF-tn_kQOfGeOLFBp1xUEOAXToMv9Kz_bIdKEBI/s1600/2018-cycling-holidays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="1280" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2z4DiS_MugibFPYpc9LfB7lVluFiqzGTWguOpV6zypr2aaJCjF1kF04QqYA1SSDtLBec10kFVj7SjTebEy9cWJ93Jo_8q2OtvfnvNfF-tn_kQOfGeOLFBp1xUEOAXToMv9Kz_bIdKEBI/s320/2018-cycling-holidays.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If the first week of 2018 is anything to go by this year will be a speedy one for sure! I'm still on leave, starting work on Wednesday, which is probably one of the reasons last week flew by at the speed of light.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At least I started the year with some good training. 203km for the first week of January is good for me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL28amLZyRBvo8QTxxh5xAI7wIOx30fdZ5IZtlA4nBjdMRLiJ6LTPXnlySykr_i3D1Iwa59AvWSMR7-zgyqOBLrJzm4-tBtlJgVXSgp-RsJqsHje-VoodW12NT6O9pZcr5pUXEoISVDP0v/s1600/Snag303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL28amLZyRBvo8QTxxh5xAI7wIOx30fdZ5IZtlA4nBjdMRLiJ6LTPXnlySykr_i3D1Iwa59AvWSMR7-zgyqOBLrJzm4-tBtlJgVXSgp-RsJqsHje-VoodW12NT6O9pZcr5pUXEoISVDP0v/s1600/Snag303.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now to keep it up for the next 51 weeks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what are the plans for 2018? I'm not a big New Year's resolutions person, but I love setting goals. Having long term goals always keeps me going, while setting smaller short term goals to reach the long term ones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've always been a slow, back of the pack runner that prefers long ultra runs. I'm now a slow back of the pack cyclist that prefers long slow rides. I think you are born a slow or fast athlete, no matter what the sport is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My search for cycling races that fits my profile and preference brought me to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randonneuring" target="_blank">world of randonneuring, the world of Audax.</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVia6zSH4cpEEMmrr6pQ2U-ltArCPG-halzBbZMbpM9NGs_4DTT0f2ijb9fIlGwc3HBG1507Fu8jIo7-RgjkjP08F42EdjgCer3s6iywg4isTIZDf_pHuWNj7bu9tqJVy5yWyDPqi3ADz/s1600/SA-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVia6zSH4cpEEMmrr6pQ2U-ltArCPG-halzBbZMbpM9NGs_4DTT0f2ijb9fIlGwc3HBG1507Fu8jIo7-RgjkjP08F42EdjgCer3s6iywg4isTIZDf_pHuWNj7bu9tqJVy5yWyDPqi3ADz/s1600/SA-logo.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is long, slow distance cycling and really excites me. This is cycling of routes of 200km and higher. It is not racing, but simply the aim of completing the journey. The idea is more or less to complete a 200, 300, 400 and 600km event and then look at the 1000km or further events. To get Super Randonneur status. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The cutoff times also sits well with me, giving you time to finish at an average pace of 15km/h.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfn7dMdceX-UEORKgzGIQj4W1vIjMvvmCWUQbLAYC_cBBZJ8q7hJLgrUxYCudpDvKwB-prn10WG-1fGiAb5GEM1QYBkHCzkyg6htU5gsAHfbY_5ifGA2GqqTfBYoHs6IDsxhqKhNTEUGZ_/s1600/AudaxTimes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="564" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfn7dMdceX-UEORKgzGIQj4W1vIjMvvmCWUQbLAYC_cBBZJ8q7hJLgrUxYCudpDvKwB-prn10WG-1fGiAb5GEM1QYBkHCzkyg6htU5gsAHfbY_5ifGA2GqqTfBYoHs6IDsxhqKhNTEUGZ_/s320/AudaxTimes.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really like this and it is definitely something that will keep me cycling. There is also the prospect of taking part in some 1200 to 1500km events in other countries.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, without getting ahead of myself, my goal for 2018 is to do a 200km event in the first half of the year and a 300km event in the second half of the year. Getting there will include some long rides and some long races. Should be fun! Should keep me busy for the year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A wonderful 2018 to all of you! Stay safe!</span><br />
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<br />Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-70912303628501594212017-12-31T16:13:00.001+02:002017-12-31T16:13:27.116+02:00That's it for 2017<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only a few hours left of 2017! It was a quick year, but also not...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRD6zlAZgvfix0MR3aOIH0Lqd7bcdF6w7573NfAu588i6B0lCPA5P2e2of6zTZWT4OlwbP4FCSiC8vd3VGBlpkwz4njwHkq0BsYPhk-7I2MBxH7g101LxLss9lrzJ1lOaKvbQBNn74VLg/s1600/500_F_107807753_jpv0CEFpqvKPBGayMQEmyNPjxXISGf7q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRD6zlAZgvfix0MR3aOIH0Lqd7bcdF6w7573NfAu588i6B0lCPA5P2e2of6zTZWT4OlwbP4FCSiC8vd3VGBlpkwz4njwHkq0BsYPhk-7I2MBxH7g101LxLss9lrzJ1lOaKvbQBNn74VLg/s320/500_F_107807753_jpv0CEFpqvKPBGayMQEmyNPjxXISGf7q.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the cycling front I can at least say I am still cycling. I must admit there were a few times where I thought about not doing this any longer. Having said that, I am making progress.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0R7GKq8IXFa96bKWDRVsyLas4okp8pGm6gSPyG50e94lwOYCFllNvojSkRnYb-n5gDPcffPvFfk6HRsgbjlguvCBQqrfH8gQNTavSAKRe0CnomsYAZedAX-_7vAhD79eeMjMbicXyZMv/s1600/Strava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="398" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0R7GKq8IXFa96bKWDRVsyLas4okp8pGm6gSPyG50e94lwOYCFllNvojSkRnYb-n5gDPcffPvFfk6HRsgbjlguvCBQqrfH8gQNTavSAKRe0CnomsYAZedAX-_7vAhD79eeMjMbicXyZMv/s320/Strava.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did miss my distance goal for the year. So for 2018 my goal is 6500 km again.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3433mMbpJ5gyxVAc1kN9-ZXrB0msIPlwuJ7xA5cdYbecwijFyHg5MX__uSBxX-Dnt1iynIydOX079fbzLaMuNM6q-I5iaUl_jH4fhssvhTX62O6GKX2aNtwvXdxnWRiiEsI3wPeZSjGJ/s1600/goal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="334" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3433mMbpJ5gyxVAc1kN9-ZXrB0msIPlwuJ7xA5cdYbecwijFyHg5MX__uSBxX-Dnt1iynIydOX079fbzLaMuNM6q-I5iaUl_jH4fhssvhTX62O6GKX2aNtwvXdxnWRiiEsI3wPeZSjGJ/s320/goal.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am reasonably happy with the year's cycling, but I will be the first to admit there are many frustrations that face me with the transition from running to cycling. I will do a post about that so lets just say <i style="font-weight: bold;">I was an old school, conservative type runner that now find myself in the world of cycling and tight fit and lycra... </i><span style="color: blue;">where's my lose fitting one size too large cotton t-shirt?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the racing side I have not much loot to show for 2017.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1z77oJGuVWcIZBEsLAv0FDtU7NV8Ls52ZeUT77mJv-jCLlLIJmNEBkd6lVr-y0hr5-i0JNzjjTrrI0WZnQ9zxEMGDX6stPD4chBsqyL1pOs00vs3dbEvMmf1Ei7rISbJH2Mxx8sD3ZStF/s1600/DSCF2170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="800" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1z77oJGuVWcIZBEsLAv0FDtU7NV8Ls52ZeUT77mJv-jCLlLIJmNEBkd6lVr-y0hr5-i0JNzjjTrrI0WZnQ9zxEMGDX6stPD4chBsqyL1pOs00vs3dbEvMmf1Ei7rISbJH2Mxx8sD3ZStF/s320/DSCF2170.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had incredible bad luck with punctures this year. Four races were not finished due to multiple punctures. I even had my bike serviced prematurely and wheels checked multiple times, but in the end it all seems to have been bad luck.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I felt a bit better about the puncture situation when I saw this post by Louis Meintjies yesterday:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKD6NNniva5Wqrv8g8srG7H1-spUMcj3OKhl5cF_y7oaqMsiIxDklykEL3SCu8Nw_3Z7AE0R3TeDfowkQTzIAgcuUenV4xH_NTa57A2hFrgOkomodvWWq-1fPuRPd0hxxutnMhG-59i4J/s1600/Louis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="475" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKD6NNniva5Wqrv8g8srG7H1-spUMcj3OKhl5cF_y7oaqMsiIxDklykEL3SCu8Nw_3Z7AE0R3TeDfowkQTzIAgcuUenV4xH_NTa57A2hFrgOkomodvWWq-1fPuRPd0hxxutnMhG-59i4J/s320/Louis.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, that's it for 2017! Have a great New Year everyone. See you in 2018! I will start the year with a post about my thoughts and goals for the year. <i><span style="color: purple;"><b>Happy New Year!!!</b></span></i></span><br />
<br />Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-6910883638569844872017-12-22T18:12:00.000+02:002017-12-22T18:12:56.942+02:00The Power of the Dark Side<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaiOxvJedgNFT1-9wwh2sGfcoO5CWULVBXSNZD42zCZliVmT8dEkpBca20cGgz1SfFgI3nXPD4iHZotm9BWXUzhRv4YxPKL6hV7eYGDCcWq7RLZa2QUYIEosybCFoaX1J_zou6lPlhci5/s1600/you-dont-know-the-power-of-the-dark-side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="500" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaiOxvJedgNFT1-9wwh2sGfcoO5CWULVBXSNZD42zCZliVmT8dEkpBca20cGgz1SfFgI3nXPD4iHZotm9BWXUzhRv4YxPKL6hV7eYGDCcWq7RLZa2QUYIEosybCFoaX1J_zou6lPlhci5/s320/you-dont-know-the-power-of-the-dark-side.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure if it is only here by us or everywhere that cycling is referred to by runners as the dark side. There has always been some friendly and some not so friendly banter between runners and cyclists. To put it short... I have gone over to the dark side after being on the light side for 34 years!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3suvE14N8D43zM2F5KsWpFwu3e7n4-IEMLGglpuzuwfr0s-Za4wbWmhMPoOfEkbMNMtdyc8Koo8Y7BH36dPu-YrII2LZB3pDhmZKIH-oX0ZK_xOzWvQW1k-U6LNWqtxTi0stHl1bK6K4/s1600/de638a14d741624a4942e78872ffe31a--darth-vader-starwars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="640" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3suvE14N8D43zM2F5KsWpFwu3e7n4-IEMLGglpuzuwfr0s-Za4wbWmhMPoOfEkbMNMtdyc8Koo8Y7BH36dPu-YrII2LZB3pDhmZKIH-oX0ZK_xOzWvQW1k-U6LNWqtxTi0stHl1bK6K4/s320/de638a14d741624a4942e78872ffe31a--darth-vader-starwars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now I will feel the power of the dark side. Well, that is the truth, as I experienced yesterday. I visited a local cycling shop and fell straight into the trap of the dark side.<br />
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This is my new SPCA cycling jersey.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhpbCMaPNxjjm9KbVc3fnV8hB9Mtz6tn-sMvV3fDW0cMISGfkFCqLLd3VVMOO34MuXDD03_U6IGEodF98fAgG4wpCK772pqTAWjNeGHbJOW25JnO-l7H9evwZIG_x8fyf9qQMEITjT6_M/s1600/DSCF2140_800x600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhpbCMaPNxjjm9KbVc3fnV8hB9Mtz6tn-sMvV3fDW0cMISGfkFCqLLd3VVMOO34MuXDD03_U6IGEodF98fAgG4wpCK772pqTAWjNeGHbJOW25JnO-l7H9evwZIG_x8fyf9qQMEITjT6_M/s320/DSCF2140_800x600.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I walked into the cycling shop and straight to these cycling shorts... on special as well!<br />
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I was overpowered and immediately had to have them. It is a perfect match!<br />
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In my 34 years on the light side I never bothered about something like that. The power of the dark side is strong indeed...<br />
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<br />Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-6101111932011859782017-12-20T14:28:00.000+02:002017-12-20T14:28:56.476+02:00The Cycling Tan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One thing that cycling gives you is the cycling tan. I've always had a sock tan from running and some running shorts type tan. A bit of a running vest tan as well but I must say my cycling tan beats that.<br />
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The fore arm... note the watch outline and then the nice tan between the watch and the glove. White hand with tanned fingers. Beautiful!<br />
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The upper arm... this gives any farmer a run for his money.<br />
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And of course the legs... lovely, especially when wearing shorts.<br />
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I'm told all of this means I'm having a great summer. Yes, I can go with that. I'm having a great summer!<br />
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Please take care in the sun everyone. Have fun!Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-20850332192669244252017-12-14T14:14:00.001+02:002017-12-14T14:14:33.337+02:00It's a mindsetWow! A year since my last post... give or take a few days! I think the fact that I am still cycling and know I will not run again played a huge part in my lack of interest to blog during the past year. I always ran with my heart and I must still get to that with cycling. I'm not sure how or if I will ever get there. It's a mindset and I'm still a work in progress. But hey, I'm now a cyclist!<br />
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I've accepted the fact that I will not run again. My back won't allow this and I'm now fine with it. That is a huge step for me! The passion and love I had for running is not the same yet for cycling and I think this is my main battle currently. I have to accept that I am now officially on the dark side...<br />
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I've set myself new goals and I am working towards them in the same way I did with running. It's working and I am definitely more keen to get out there and train than I was some months ago. Again, a mindset, and working towards goals has always worked well for me.<br />
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We're in summer and riding is lovely.<br />
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Sharing my running life through this blog has always been fun and motivational. I think it's time I start doing that with the cycling now. The stories are getting bigger and better. I might throw in some vlogging between the blogging. I'm still thinking about that, but making videos might be a good addition to the blog. I have some ideas for a vlog. Let's see where it takes me.<br />
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For now, take care and be safe out there. Cheers from the bike!<br />
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Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-55080578754483964872016-12-19T14:12:00.000+02:002016-12-19T14:12:54.975+02:00Powerade Christmas Challenge, A Late Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We did the 60km Powerade Christmas Challenge on 11 December and it was great! With the year coming to an end and all that happens... including me becoming lazy... I am only doing the report now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The race was at <a href="http://stonehaven.co.za/" target="_blank">Stonehaven</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanderbijlpark" target="_blank">Vanderbijlpark</a> and it was an out & back course. We did another race on this same route last year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We arrived quite early and had time to be relaxed before the start. This is not a big event and that is perfect for me. Support was still good for this time of the year.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAq_wAQ5ZYQ7c-76X6Y2_YN9cFXF8Nvv4RqPai0AkMB3k13MVMDX7NlCFXbaJwGYQrNrNf0p44jsWK0rvNRdCYEapeurQ-8tfMFMgIyxVtYT114I9qoc5qXF9oQULSxS_x3-RaIMDYLOZ/s1600/DSCF1837_640x480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAq_wAQ5ZYQ7c-76X6Y2_YN9cFXF8Nvv4RqPai0AkMB3k13MVMDX7NlCFXbaJwGYQrNrNf0p44jsWK0rvNRdCYEapeurQ-8tfMFMgIyxVtYT114I9qoc5qXF9oQULSxS_x3-RaIMDYLOZ/s320/DSCF1837_640x480.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There were a few disabled competitors with handcycles also taking part. This drew quite a bit of interest as one of these athletes was <a href="http://www.mathysroets.co.za/" target="_blank">Mathys Roets</a>, a local Afikaans singer and celebrity. Mathys was paralysed in a motorbike accident some years ago.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeoHkAVGSmwoRWCtvKKiUH8sTX2Fj06ellDuMPmb87eHCmfGUmu_uymaiZhxrBaudCGA0BQ1dUykie2npPzOXWbWBJ68V3bDAES8Z8XY3i9QrgrX0jpfy2zHue0xOlqkuXC9sG1ZA9e-t/s1600/DVD.HR-Copyright-Jane%25CC%2581-v-Litsenborgh-23-1030x345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeoHkAVGSmwoRWCtvKKiUH8sTX2Fj06ellDuMPmb87eHCmfGUmu_uymaiZhxrBaudCGA0BQ1dUykie2npPzOXWbWBJ68V3bDAES8Z8XY3i9QrgrX0jpfy2zHue0xOlqkuXC9sG1ZA9e-t/s320/DVD.HR-Copyright-Jane%25CC%2581-v-Litsenborgh-23-1030x345.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mathys Roets</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The route is fairly easy and takes you out into the typical country scenery of this part of South Africa. It is summer and rainfall time now, so the field is green and really beautiful.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55nh13OCtanav6VJveSk4gRpM1VSzDNHy1iPT6pap7g2OMgnRORmwacI3HJRykGj6ajba8MPUHC1Kq1skJUGAfyMV9PXKgCgnuvJJ8mvQDTgjNi9y1w2SGmkBFG6rvXe2Xlc5crk8ofsI/s1600/DSCF1839_640x480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55nh13OCtanav6VJveSk4gRpM1VSzDNHy1iPT6pap7g2OMgnRORmwacI3HJRykGj6ajba8MPUHC1Kq1skJUGAfyMV9PXKgCgnuvJJ8mvQDTgjNi9y1w2SGmkBFG6rvXe2Xlc5crk8ofsI/s320/DSCF1839_640x480.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YNiuNDqEofs6AR2LwwVfbka4aoHTFNoYpvHyBMe1zssqzCDrw5kA1EIDfqrfO8f8kOgYdE5Y-FiI1gEbfQVROnpOCAysrcmttSjgxQ5XZLZeYZQ9Uw9FEFShNp9NLt89X9TQagc-8EPZ/s1600/DSCF1841_640x480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YNiuNDqEofs6AR2LwwVfbka4aoHTFNoYpvHyBMe1zssqzCDrw5kA1EIDfqrfO8f8kOgYdE5Y-FiI1gEbfQVROnpOCAysrcmttSjgxQ5XZLZeYZQ9Uw9FEFShNp9NLt89X9TQagc-8EPZ/s320/DSCF1841_640x480.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anette on her way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The route crosses the Vaal river and this takes you from Gauteng province into the Free State. The river is full at this point although the dams in the country are actually very low and a severe drought is still having a terrible effect in some areas.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBw_uFBKSxOEpZQyvFc0uQelR_DEtDII8Q_dpr2VQ5bGJALppFPtAX_krWBSEg4i7KxGwcjBI_4g1Nnv811eXmfsKod3M3PRoF3z66jTtnuRN0Du6V7DaR49ZQSvGeMgD-xvdaXDA87dW9/s1600/DSCF1843_640x480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBw_uFBKSxOEpZQyvFc0uQelR_DEtDII8Q_dpr2VQ5bGJALppFPtAX_krWBSEg4i7KxGwcjBI_4g1Nnv811eXmfsKod3M3PRoF3z66jTtnuRN0Du6V7DaR49ZQSvGeMgD-xvdaXDA87dW9/s320/DSCF1843_640x480.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crossing the Vaal River.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We arrived at the turn around, which is also a water point. I was feeling good although it was warm and quite windy. A quick stop and we were on our way back...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdE8rgIRvYTAEZ0ObE4Fq-AibvdwELzhCdthp81q_QMAjP1ow09Q3Phf-DbrTDl_i664cg66vpEyP_NnZ3aXMd6K0_upik6BUgMPf4ZVLa9tFVm-MCooM-9WEnMv1cpZ-06iITdgF1E6xC/s1600/DSCF1845_640x480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdE8rgIRvYTAEZ0ObE4Fq-AibvdwELzhCdthp81q_QMAjP1ow09Q3Phf-DbrTDl_i664cg66vpEyP_NnZ3aXMd6K0_upik6BUgMPf4ZVLa9tFVm-MCooM-9WEnMv1cpZ-06iITdgF1E6xC/s320/DSCF1845_640x480.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anette at the waterpoint.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdMzk8ov0mVdlrBPq6DKz0zFxD7PGH6AyoyMBGIw34WIgh3v7CPKiZ-RtHssenykomoKm4qyYAqshnxy8B4IO5ETZJwhqOGkPkHKKs5D1YQ9YM6_61xE5J4yghyphenhyphenSJWo82dT5O5XWD7IM8/s1600/DSCF1846_640x480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdMzk8ov0mVdlrBPq6DKz0zFxD7PGH6AyoyMBGIw34WIgh3v7CPKiZ-RtHssenykomoKm4qyYAqshnxy8B4IO5ETZJwhqOGkPkHKKs5D1YQ9YM6_61xE5J4yghyphenhyphenSJWo82dT5O5XWD7IM8/s320/DSCF1846_640x480.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some riders taking a breather.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I felt good although I definitely think there are more hills on the way back than on the way out. The profile doesn't really support this.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbocxwJwSyomZ96XpvN38sftGFX7YGaQwR9qBFhOtKn1ixZzrHvD8CTPCeZGTe7zVXECHTdhkYVVj40nx9y-Bp25gWw2tQkz5AUmCgYRRrLdlsg3gHBHhXXhgSHAi2MTCgq3l8piEljniA/s1600/pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="53" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbocxwJwSyomZ96XpvN38sftGFX7YGaQwR9qBFhOtKn1ixZzrHvD8CTPCeZGTe7zVXECHTdhkYVVj40nx9y-Bp25gWw2tQkz5AUmCgYRRrLdlsg3gHBHhXXhgSHAi2MTCgq3l8piEljniA/s320/pro.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Race profile.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVn-rprYZwBtTjIuBStVO-t3yyULGRXNoxMCMb0NR-fU61UX0SaCUW1kSa72zcmHuMDUrWTCv7zJ6-EaulfonVQYsc5qpOWEOesGNpLZxZ8B0w0x-uVKNbxkrR8LJe_W6VTXOaC00c5VCm/s1600/DSCF1852_640x480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVn-rprYZwBtTjIuBStVO-t3yyULGRXNoxMCMb0NR-fU61UX0SaCUW1kSa72zcmHuMDUrWTCv7zJ6-EaulfonVQYsc5qpOWEOesGNpLZxZ8B0w0x-uVKNbxkrR8LJe_W6VTXOaC00c5VCm/s320/DSCF1852_640x480.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Approaching the river again.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFVozBJyr3PeBxbqqvQl7nrkEb0KRtLFciMWlQWtyuztUI5S6V89ik0OJPTFs4Qf8gXcrivvalQX12Y3SOSDGw-R8dCbQCKssHLHt0eJglx0mkmVzLplEy-Iqx8IMN0ZxQbxOjhyZ2rw0/s1600/DSCF1850_640x480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFVozBJyr3PeBxbqqvQl7nrkEb0KRtLFciMWlQWtyuztUI5S6V89ik0OJPTFs4Qf8gXcrivvalQX12Y3SOSDGw-R8dCbQCKssHLHt0eJglx0mkmVzLplEy-Iqx8IMN0ZxQbxOjhyZ2rw0/s320/DSCF1850_640x480.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm slowly getting used to the road bike.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On our way back we caught up with Mathys in his handcycle. He was doing the 40km race. I have a ton of respect for these guys.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQX_VDDC91xWaBaGdi_8uo-eV3TwWbDc-Mp1rI89BCfadTF4_6NOhQTZcknv7oE0KHSQQu2WkQ4J7XnmtlrSC8t9u-VeDPmpD4u0Qf3nnlRxk9BIyY3jkH3VVS_LjY-NkQntF97-0F329C/s1600/DSCF1855_640x480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQX_VDDC91xWaBaGdi_8uo-eV3TwWbDc-Mp1rI89BCfadTF4_6NOhQTZcknv7oE0KHSQQu2WkQ4J7XnmtlrSC8t9u-VeDPmpD4u0Qf3nnlRxk9BIyY3jkH3VVS_LjY-NkQntF97-0F329C/s320/DSCF1855_640x480.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anette with Mathys Roets</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The last few kilometers were without incident although Anette got some pain in her left leg/hip about 3km from the finish. We are not sure what caused it and will investigate and look into some bike settings going forward.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We finished strong and received this really cool medal...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1pmt9XENVs8PaU08D-d_8mg8l_BrNFEojqJQX92Nk61dJtqbg3JhAJ6orgqO8HoFewMh4sNxP6w3kMjJAsgufnLXq2mAFFca_MZ03zOlk3I3D1kogX71YpyGc55hyphenhyphenW82FWv7Cmh7tx-Y/s1600/DSCF1856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1pmt9XENVs8PaU08D-d_8mg8l_BrNFEojqJQX92Nk61dJtqbg3JhAJ6orgqO8HoFewMh4sNxP6w3kMjJAsgufnLXq2mAFFca_MZ03zOlk3I3D1kogX71YpyGc55hyphenhyphenW82FWv7Cmh7tx-Y/s320/DSCF1856.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That was our last race for 2016. We are planning some nice races for 2017, but before that we have some serious training to do. This will include our first 100km ride. I will definitely post some feedback on that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enjoy December everyone!</span><br />
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<br />Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-77251860324372601332016-12-09T13:32:00.000+02:002016-12-09T13:32:45.434+02:00Missed Race<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hi Everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had to skip our race last weekend because our one dog got really sick and had to be taken to the vet on Sunday morning. When I woke on Sunday morning I thought he was dead already, but luckily we still got him to the vet in time to be saved. It looks like he ate something poisonous or got poison into his system in some way...?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj53tQobJOGf9lW7XCD0EXqQQkBkyo_09yQExAn2EMPxD7kP_CMuXNxFX9metPcvujrGONa2OymSFX0WmEq8moa4RVgdFr66VRT8fsZdJ00ZkESdM4dKl3XKidJvrx8iRpnRrwduxvgrYP/s1600/20161204_110248_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj53tQobJOGf9lW7XCD0EXqQQkBkyo_09yQExAn2EMPxD7kP_CMuXNxFX9metPcvujrGONa2OymSFX0WmEq8moa4RVgdFr66VRT8fsZdJ00ZkESdM4dKl3XKidJvrx8iRpnRrwduxvgrYP/s320/20161204_110248_resized.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Very sick doggy...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chewy is about 99% himself again now and luckily there is another race this weekend. Anette and I will both line up for the 60km Powerade Christmas Challenge. Report to follow next week.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9QTM_jLAaT7wtb1vedL2RSgVAa1Megkqz4j3C_C91RS7Q6-_ZKrADGVfZmYfFnaW0z_9DwBihvQw_k6LdAIEKHAzEbeUmNzR1kbLuwv5ZG7_Mg9hqcn97BxPmeASTCJ9cSugrmnmiUTp/s1600/20161206_070424_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9QTM_jLAaT7wtb1vedL2RSgVAa1Megkqz4j3C_C91RS7Q6-_ZKrADGVfZmYfFnaW0z_9DwBihvQw_k6LdAIEKHAzEbeUmNzR1kbLuwv5ZG7_Mg9hqcn97BxPmeASTCJ9cSugrmnmiUTp/s320/20161206_070424_resized.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Almost 100% and my alarm clock again in the morning!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a super weekend everyone!</span>Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-78990415801797857572016-11-30T15:20:00.001+02:002016-11-30T15:20:57.865+02:00Quick UpdateHi Everyone!<br />
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I've been a bit MIA but life just caught up with me and here we are at the end of November already! I can't believe how the year has flown by...<br />
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I don't have much to report on which is probably another reason for not blogging that much.<br />
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Anette and I did a race at the beginning of the month. I forgot to take the camera! It was a very hard and very windy race but we did it and got this medal to show for it...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWunxFXglvMgNQaillutd-fUbd5wW4yw3tiTpvgx_U4PouvmrmSpRggWb-jwCKV087nPCInq9E1jxoZx_a_pfaW1W3Q-9AAObgZUTRgIwieW2gdc_0W_VFb7s7INPk0nGyKWTvAOPA3FP/s1600/14937373_10209844888872519_8549076612306089979_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWunxFXglvMgNQaillutd-fUbd5wW4yw3tiTpvgx_U4PouvmrmSpRggWb-jwCKV087nPCInq9E1jxoZx_a_pfaW1W3Q-9AAObgZUTRgIwieW2gdc_0W_VFb7s7INPk0nGyKWTvAOPA3FP/s320/14937373_10209844888872519_8549076612306089979_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anette had a little crash during one of our training rides a few weeks back. Luckily nothing serious but some scrapes and bruises to show for it. She says her ego is bruised more than her body.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSbdK0fBFLXFm-llsBaS-FvtXjOO6K5o92i0l64fmOg5T_txkU8xUY-7jsZZ3L4oiToSTbx1CJviU0JvZuGXZ1CVXGh6rd-uknOHICFrVYWcq0yvYNd2QUh40EU_P0hajjteYUXStLMwv/s1600/14993520_10154802393364571_4386571860407605927_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSbdK0fBFLXFm-llsBaS-FvtXjOO6K5o92i0l64fmOg5T_txkU8xUY-7jsZZ3L4oiToSTbx1CJviU0JvZuGXZ1CVXGh6rd-uknOHICFrVYWcq0yvYNd2QUh40EU_P0hajjteYUXStLMwv/s320/14993520_10154802393364571_4386571860407605927_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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I pulled my right calf muscle a month or two ago and it was really painful. Walking was almost impossible at some stage. I could cycle without much pain though. Last week was the first time I felt that it healed well. That was until Monday when I stepped funny going down some stairs and I pulled the muscle again. The injury is back just as it was originally. Bummer!<br />
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It is not torn but badly bruised in the same way and place a tear would occur.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOfvzS9VgSUMAolQB0ur_fuQxNI747m1TCdWFAl_lBhbghH4pSlsfl8J5SWPWeSJux3AAGnoTOlI1ubrMoB7mVxVYbiAXKR66EgrGjROOS09Rr8Hq9tyuD9PAE4QktoqmLV6A8g7b1NpQ/s1600/calf_tear.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOfvzS9VgSUMAolQB0ur_fuQxNI747m1TCdWFAl_lBhbghH4pSlsfl8J5SWPWeSJux3AAGnoTOlI1ubrMoB7mVxVYbiAXKR66EgrGjROOS09Rr8Hq9tyuD9PAE4QktoqmLV6A8g7b1NpQ/s320/calf_tear.gif" width="214" /></a></div>
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Exactly like this...</div>
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That's it from me! We have a race this weekend and I will do my best to remember the camera...<br />
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Happy training everyone and be safe out there!Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-24111750300628604772016-10-26T17:23:00.001+02:002016-10-26T17:23:15.527+02:00GUTR Sweat Band ReviewI've always sweat a lot when running and also now when cycling. Yes, runners, cyclists sweat too...<br />
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I always have a big problem with sweat running into my eyes. This was fairly easy to handle while running, using my trustee buff or even a t-shirt to wipe my eyes. Rinsing out with water was also easy on the run. Not so easy while cycling...<br />
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Sunglasses is the first problem when cycling and sweat runs into my eyes. That is long before I try to stay upright and alive while wiping my eyes. Rinsing is also not so easy and probably not recommended while riding.<br />
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Experiencing all these problems on a daily basis made me search the web for proper sweat bands. There are some nice goodies on the market with the GUTR and HALO standing out as great cycling sweatbands.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpe5cawFByFB0uvQVovbPl3e5HMjSKbSrlI6Js4SwPL4jLT1yiQga0EA9UwfyoAs5JkQUqmXa8znpKtxyAg4jcPlE81VGh4ATnR7xSFgZRSOyyzj1thRGNDYKlk0FW_7khX7G0jn9YkPF/s1600/GUTR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpe5cawFByFB0uvQVovbPl3e5HMjSKbSrlI6Js4SwPL4jLT1yiQga0EA9UwfyoAs5JkQUqmXa8znpKtxyAg4jcPlE81VGh4ATnR7xSFgZRSOyyzj1thRGNDYKlk0FW_7khX7G0jn9YkPF/s320/GUTR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I found the GUTR locally and decided to give it a try. It is amazing! No sweaty eyes anymore! It uses a very basic concept to get rid of the problem.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdk0aAJ6IhCMxl132XW9CV2tFvgRmC4K7m31P4TRDnIYnwWGHWJIFO-UWkcXXTc3I6Yg-csH9SHK3YhKgdFyfTlokqtp5PkKpulRFrGyXg8RtbN3cRDN1GGPKgyL_C8wkF3vcg9NKYb4za/s1600/DSCF1822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdk0aAJ6IhCMxl132XW9CV2tFvgRmC4K7m31P4TRDnIYnwWGHWJIFO-UWkcXXTc3I6Yg-csH9SHK3YhKgdFyfTlokqtp5PkKpulRFrGyXg8RtbN3cRDN1GGPKgyL_C8wkF3vcg9NKYb4za/s320/DSCF1822.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The GUTR is a silicon sweatband which also means it never gets soaked in sweat. No soggy sweatband anymore. It simply directs the sweat away from your eyes. It has a little lip that acts as a gutter and the sweat just flows away and down the side of your face. It really works wonders for me!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MRK5TdxhOqvYVLgsRFu8a5bEUcLSHYaKC9U5v0D5auCk1cr88vsnmdVB2Anz3vlFa26uaPyOxzuGjLzidNHZHtMoKES4fKdRavLTBnscmd5hfeME4cd9O4RAUlskGc61Z5sqXiMtUQuz/s1600/DSCF1823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MRK5TdxhOqvYVLgsRFu8a5bEUcLSHYaKC9U5v0D5auCk1cr88vsnmdVB2Anz3vlFa26uaPyOxzuGjLzidNHZHtMoKES4fKdRavLTBnscmd5hfeME4cd9O4RAUlskGc61Z5sqXiMtUQuz/s320/DSCF1823.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you have a sweat in the eyes problem I highly recommend the GUTR sweatband. It is worth every cent I paid for it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEids4TFtKICbRUyhwAAKQYV6Tzkg_w5PAICSxD7uFFMCqEKj8j44ugvzJuBpPrqfQG4yoisukv0yeI-iYj-0hwlgPW7WlCKUR_CaXbihAKweSieKzshUFue3d47Pg4DPC2O459gBxbvT3m9/s1600/DSCF1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEids4TFtKICbRUyhwAAKQYV6Tzkg_w5PAICSxD7uFFMCqEKj8j44ugvzJuBpPrqfQG4yoisukv0yeI-iYj-0hwlgPW7WlCKUR_CaXbihAKweSieKzshUFue3d47Pg4DPC2O459gBxbvT3m9/s320/DSCF1816.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Me with my magic GUTR sweatband.</div>
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Happy training everyone!</div>
<br />Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-54171402824779684912016-10-20T13:02:00.000+02:002016-10-20T13:02:33.020+02:00The Giants<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being a cyclist is quite different from being a runner. That is my experience anyway. You need a lot more gear than for running and there are many gadgets to have. This is a good thing for me as I love gadgets!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But first of course is the bicycle...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are incredible machines available today. They also come at incredible prices. With our currency not doing great at all bicycle prices in South Africa seems to be totally crazy. Maybe it is the same everywhere... I really don't know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bought my Giant ATX 27.5 last year and it's been great. This is a great mountain bike for riding on the road and also some gravel and other off road if needed. It also copes well with the poor road surfaces and pot holes here in SA! It is not for technical single track in the mountains. It is perfect for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've done 4000km with the ATX now. I ride it in the mornings during the week. It is perfect for our road conditions and I feel safe on it in the dark or semi dark.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS13VobJoJ5ebHUujsw7MIv69JqvY36EYmt8ijvhDCksjuQKaH3mFpvvcUZs1P-F7_Mzn7sOMJPj1VRbkzxMdxh3kNtsIlW6BqjlhHr34MKN0RSVfQcH6Wbb6VwIK3_BriiI4EZDXGx1kX/s1600/DSCF1375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS13VobJoJ5ebHUujsw7MIv69JqvY36EYmt8ijvhDCksjuQKaH3mFpvvcUZs1P-F7_Mzn7sOMJPj1VRbkzxMdxh3kNtsIlW6BqjlhHr34MKN0RSVfQcH6Wbb6VwIK3_BriiI4EZDXGx1kX/s320/DSCF1375.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Giant ATX 27.5 2</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've done a few races with the ATX without any problems. I am slow and don't plan to get very fast... However, I do find it difficult lately to keep the wheel of my wife Anette's road bike more and more as she gets stronger and faster.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So after some thinking and contemplating and more thinking I decided to buy a road bike as well. It is more or less the road equivalent of the ATX. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireA3S_WHmHfrPB3wyVHHrUQNiQbjdeBhFlPuKv7v5aHcFOVyfaPHb4IsfHus2UsqI83MgrITHFb9IhVozsN-vp1L-5wfz61Vw7pnOe6A3qX0k_0nzTS8HIgdG0C6JBGtGhlaWjxHLzRnY/s1600/DSCF1800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireA3S_WHmHfrPB3wyVHHrUQNiQbjdeBhFlPuKv7v5aHcFOVyfaPHb4IsfHus2UsqI83MgrITHFb9IhVozsN-vp1L-5wfz61Vw7pnOe6A3qX0k_0nzTS8HIgdG0C6JBGtGhlaWjxHLzRnY/s320/DSCF1800.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Giant SCR 2</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bike is still very new and I am still getting used to it. It is great! The same effort on the mountain bike makes me much faster on this bike and I like that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't plan to own 2 Giants, it just worked out that way. I suppose they have the right bikes in the right price range for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The road bike will be my weekend ride for now while I stay on the mountain bike during the early morning week rides. I'll keep you posted on how things go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy training everyone!</span>Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-84120077564120816262016-10-17T16:32:00.000+02:002016-10-17T16:32:02.831+02:00No Choice But To Pedal<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you can see I am changing the name of <b>Run Tall, Walk Tall</b>
to <b>No Choice But To Pedal</b>. Yes, I am still cycling and it seems that it will
be like this for a long time to come. I have fully recovered from the stress
fractures I had but the back injury I sustained during the recovery period is still
giving me problems and more so when I run.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So it is time to get my heart into cycling as it
has always been with running. Let’s see if blogging will help the process along…
because at the moment I have no choice but to pedal…</span></span>Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-81611419539411303222016-01-28T11:48:00.000+02:002016-01-28T11:48:07.998+02:00Throw Back Thursday<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First I better throw back to 1 January 2016 and say Happy New Year to everyone! I've been <strike>too lazy</strike> too busy for blogging. Anyway, I hope we all have a fantastic year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Throw Back Thursday doesn't go back very far. We go back to 15 November 2015 and the 94.7 Cycle Challenge. If you read <a href="http://runtallwalktall.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/947-cycle-challenge-race-report-2015.html" target="_blank"><b>my race report</b></a> you would have seen the photo below with the caption in there:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oFexBsR218npXcnpfIuOtFxo8l5_PfT0iBiZfocMUGlZNeau5ftpX1E-sQjpyMrIpyGZNOSsOOYFYS3H0FxjmAXfMa67xgbO6T1_03PDzEsd0zm_HUf3dIj_P1YwPMEGNL-Ju-KqC7yV/s1600/DSCF1697_640x480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oFexBsR218npXcnpfIuOtFxo8l5_PfT0iBiZfocMUGlZNeau5ftpX1E-sQjpyMrIpyGZNOSsOOYFYS3H0FxjmAXfMa67xgbO6T1_03PDzEsd0zm_HUf3dIj_P1YwPMEGNL-Ju-KqC7yV/s320/DSCF1697_640x480.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want the jersey of that rider behind me!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I now have proof that someone actually reads my blog! The day after I published the report I received an e-mail from our local vet that said they can maybe help me with that jersey.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was very surprised but followed it up and after some mails and getting some info they managed to get me a jersey like that. Wonderful!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I never had a chance to fetch it until yesterday afternoon. So here it is! My own SPCA Riding For Animals cycling jersey!</span></span></div>
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Back</div>
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Front</div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to Michelle and everyone else that made this possible! I would ride for this cause any day.</span></span></div>
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Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-49981809770690999282015-12-15T14:40:00.000+02:002015-12-15T14:40:40.483+02:00Summer Cold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It seems I jinxed myself with my <a href="http://runtallwalktall.blogspot.co.za/2015/12/i-have-plan.html" target="_blank">previous post</a> about my training going forward. Just the day after writing it I started feeling the first symptoms of a cold or flu. <div>
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We are nearing the middle of summer but trust me to get something like this just as my training finally comes right... Frustration is the word that comes to mind. </div>
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Anyway, my plan still remains the same. Everything will just be a week or two later than originally planned. Let's hope this is really the last setback.</div>
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Happy training!</div>
Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-16190039928187939472015-12-09T14:28:00.001+02:002015-12-09T14:28:49.390+02:00I have a plan!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEY1riX3wnTmhV8kmk3rDX-G7DEs0xiwRjRqkoUHpJ4SVFoKlXLCDsyHQ7CwO0lfFrIobA8IdXIuPTFNDqNNn7VKhLlcGeP5-mpgyKm0I_Wtj4pG_Va-Msmu59gUAj2mLLDI9Tw-d-g49/s1600/I-have-a-plan-reallyboring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEY1riX3wnTmhV8kmk3rDX-G7DEs0xiwRjRqkoUHpJ4SVFoKlXLCDsyHQ7CwO0lfFrIobA8IdXIuPTFNDqNNn7VKhLlcGeP5-mpgyKm0I_Wtj4pG_Va-Msmu59gUAj2mLLDI9Tw-d-g49/s320/I-have-a-plan-reallyboring.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My training is slowly but surely coming along and after the past two years of really not much I am happy to actually have a plan again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With all the injuries and mishaps I've been through, there was no real plan on the cards. The 94.7 cycle race was it and now that it is done and a new year is lurking I feel confident again to take up some challenges.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQa8n3I2rkZh6fl1SKCIxoIHhM7hYbgiXsJNnUQZk13fiVwyIPZI6FuqN_4SY9S9ANxc2LHpWeOuoUIU3prqH8qaU2s8xFujr6C6d3q20hapwsurVuvWqnEgwzD0bGJXdRypqCUJ_Bk9M/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQa8n3I2rkZh6fl1SKCIxoIHhM7hYbgiXsJNnUQZk13fiVwyIPZI6FuqN_4SY9S9ANxc2LHpWeOuoUIU3prqH8qaU2s8xFujr6C6d3q20hapwsurVuvWqnEgwzD0bGJXdRypqCUJ_Bk9M/s1600/download.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The main goal for 2016 will be to run some races again. But I am making a change. I will keep on cycling and do cycle races as well. The cycling is definitely helping me to build up strength for the running. The best news is I haven't felt anything from the stress fractures again! Big yay!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My plan for now is to run 3 times per week and cycle 4 times per week. This currently gives me 7 good workouts a week without too much stress on the body. The distances are too short for stress on the body yet... :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will keep this up while preparing for my next cycling goal. A 116km race on 14 February. Once I've done this I will switch to running 4 times per week and cycling 3 times per week. This will continue until I run a 10km race probably early in March or maybe end of Feb.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From here I will build up distances and aim for longer races to run and also get myself back on the trails. I want to get on the trails with running and biking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are plenty goals to work for. For now I won't be too specific. What I will do is alternate the 3 and 4 days per week between running and cycling while continuing with 7 workouts per week. I will do this for which ever type race I am training for next and 3 of the other to keep the balance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later next year I will also try some Dual X off-road events. Trailrun - Mountain Bike - Trailrun. This is new to me and something exciting to look forward to.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYfVU31Ai8DOZOvjIh6Yq1X04hy43FiekiGVcv1VD235Sh9xn6U_XVOaYH7WLdePrAFBd-4Uq8baT9D1tAxDsDF18xexfRGrTwh293jXQqhBeFFJphtEE6QzvZZqPx01I6xCR-81qq_Fe/s1600/RBRlogoJ1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYfVU31Ai8DOZOvjIh6Yq1X04hy43FiekiGVcv1VD235Sh9xn6U_XVOaYH7WLdePrAFBd-4Uq8baT9D1tAxDsDF18xexfRGrTwh293jXQqhBeFFJphtEE6QzvZZqPx01I6xCR-81qq_Fe/s320/RBRlogoJ1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For now I am just happy that I can train regularly again and I'm doing it without any pains or strains. It is awesome to look forward to the challenges ahead. It is awesome to be able to set goals with confidence again. I am happy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading! Happy training!</span>Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-87916620475649840902015-11-27T10:42:00.000+02:002015-11-27T10:42:06.112+02:00Finish Foto FridayThese photos from the finish tell the story of<a href="http://runtallwalktall.blogspot.co.za/2015/11/947-cycle-challenge-race-report-2015.html" target="_blank"> the day Anette and I had at the 94.7 on 15 November...</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFr02tAZX6M5NZIsYDJX5XJaKsfoe24P7F7cwkcAx8nMefXhb3OIJ_OCpWr2cLcCTbHLorah1o0RSS1QgG0ulz6e91IhkN9B8PnjMRNFIRz1QEekvojrwQckWF-JF86UvUcQaVCIplGqV/s1600/86ad40493c37521c90935a3ec1677172_DSC_1421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFr02tAZX6M5NZIsYDJX5XJaKsfoe24P7F7cwkcAx8nMefXhb3OIJ_OCpWr2cLcCTbHLorah1o0RSS1QgG0ulz6e91IhkN9B8PnjMRNFIRz1QEekvojrwQckWF-JF86UvUcQaVCIplGqV/s320/86ad40493c37521c90935a3ec1677172_DSC_1421.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy Friday! Have a super weekend!</div>
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Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-52379387504058059342015-11-24T14:25:00.000+02:002015-11-24T14:45:19.289+02:0094.7 Cycle Challenge Race Report - 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpBXkKfSkLkTd5jY2-Yoq3te4OJT7fBA6JemfxeJRN6nqllZ_hevAJApuLrTAfBiOx145sWeXghr1jH9BePLw7lLLwOxezStUIqYybeGp04xzeD-mnfY5XdKr7tzYUsBBHQFf2jlPvOrU/s1600/CC_Logo_Landscape.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpBXkKfSkLkTd5jY2-Yoq3te4OJT7fBA6JemfxeJRN6nqllZ_hevAJApuLrTAfBiOx145sWeXghr1jH9BePLw7lLLwOxezStUIqYybeGp04xzeD-mnfY5XdKr7tzYUsBBHQFf2jlPvOrU/s320/CC_Logo_Landscape.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Work and life has been crazy since Anette and I completed the 94.7 Cycle Challenge, but finally my report is done. It's a bit lengthy but please read and enjoy...<br />
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I know this is a big race and not being a fan of big events I prepared myself mentally for it. Well, I thought I did, or maybe it is just me. I was not prepared for the masses and chaos at the start. People and bicycles everywhere!<br />
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Looking towards the start.</div>
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We arrived quite early which was good. You have to arrive early for this race. Traffic and parking can be a problem, but you also need to give yourself enough prep time once at the venue.<br />
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Early morning at the venue.</div>
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We did the toilet queue which took long and then all our normal pre-race prep and checks. Our start time was 08:01 in group W. The elite race started at 05:30 already. The winner finished the 94.7km before we started in 02:15. Amazing for this very tough course.<br />
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Pre-race selfie.</div>
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The venue is at a very newly developed office park. The only problem is that most of the property is not developed yet and there are lots and lots of thorns where we had to park. This meant lots and lots of punctures for riders even before the start.<br />
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Tons of thorns in the grass parking areas.</div>
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As we made our way to the start there were dozens of riders next to the road fixing punctures. It's a long walk/ride to the start. There are so many people that they have to spread things out a bit towards the start. More than 33000 cyclists started the race this year.<br />
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Making our way to the start.</div>
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As we were getting closer to the start (about 400m), Anette realised that she had a puncture in her front wheel. Bummer! The only thing to do was to change it as quickly as possible. Luckily two of Anette's colleagues were with us at this time and they quickly helped us to change the tube. Thanks guys!<br />
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By this time we had only 5 minutes before our start with 400 meters and 4000 cyclists between us and the start. We decided to join the batch after our's that started 5 minutes later.<br />
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Puncture fixed, now to get to the start!</div>
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The start was, as the rest of the morning so far, quite chaotic. Just too many people! This is one reason why I will decide very carefully if I do this race again. Just too many people!<br />
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Waiting for the start.</div>
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There was a long and quite challenging hill right at the beginning and I was surprised to see people pushing their bikes up this hill after only 1,5km of riding! I think they were in for a hard day...<br />
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After 2 to 3km things eased off and we could start settling in a bit. I could take my first in-race photo of the day!<br />
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On our way and settling in.</div>
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We cruised to the first waterpoint without any issues. Anette had to make a P-stop here. There were enough toilets at every waterpoint which was excellent.<br />
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First waterpoint.</div>
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After Anette's stop we were on our way, deciding to take water and drinks at the next point.<br />
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The route was undulating with some long hills but also a few nice descents. The first half of the race climbs to the highest point of the race so naturally there are some good climbs.<br />
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Second waterpoint.</div>
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The best part of the race for me was the full road closures. No traffic on the route at all! I enjoyed riding through intersections without the worry of what the traffic is doing. This also allows the race to ride on some of the highways around Johannesburg and after the road closures this was my next favorite part.<br />
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Onto the highway!</div>
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Riding towards Johannesburg CBD.</div>
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The third waterpoint was just after the first part on the highway. Here it was really busy! Looking at all the riders I just knew it was time to relax and enjoy the race. Time should not be a concern. Enjoying the experience is what this race is about.<br />
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Busy waterpoint.</div>
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Every waterpoint had enough toilets, entertainment and a small workshop/technical assistance point where your bike can be checked and fixed if needed. Even though it was very full and busy, we still got through the waterpoints fast enough for what we wanted to do.<br />
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Still looking good!</div>
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Moving out of the third waterpoint.</div>
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The first testing hill came just after the third waterpoint. The top is also the highest point of the race. I enjoy the climbs and moved up the hill quite nicely. The only real problem for me was the high number of riders around me and the problem it created when someone just in front of you suddenly slowed right down or even stopped on the hill. There was no space to move around someone at times and I lost my momentum often. I suppose the solution to this is to ride with the faster people...<br />
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Somewhere arounf the highest point of the race.</div>
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Once over the hill we dropped down towards the highway again. We were now passing Johannesburg city central on the eastern side. I stopped on the highway to wait for Anette who got left somewhere between all the people on the hill.<br />
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Johannesburg from the east.</div>
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I loved riding on the highway!</div>
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We turned right and passed the city on the southern side. The route took us off the highway for a quick loop through downtown Johannesburg.<br />
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Into town.</div>
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Through Gandhi Square.</div>
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Back South to the highway. I worked in the building on the left some years ago.</div>
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We went onto the highway again riding west. I really enjoyed the views of my city like this. I was having a lot of fun.<br />
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I waited a bit for Anette again who asked me to stay with her from here as she was not feeling her best.<br />
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Johannesburg.</div>
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We turned north and passed the city on the western side now. Officially, we were on our way back to the finish!<br />
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We went through New Town and over the Mandela bridge. Here I could do some train spotting!<br />
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Yay trains!</div>
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Mandella bridge.</div>
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More trains!</div>
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We were now riding towards the Johannesburg Zoo. We stopped a bit longer at the next waterpoint and had some coke while our water bottles were filled with cold water.<br />
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I knew the route would become more testing from here, going up and down all the time. I decided to ride behind Anette and let her dictate our pace.<br />
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Testing hills ahead.</div>
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We arrived in Randburg and it was here that Anette had her first really bad patch. She had to get off her bike and push for a while. It was very hot and we just decided to take it slow and easy from here.<br />
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Randburg CBD.</div>
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The race is extremely well organised. In the last 30km the waterpoints are not so far apart and very well placed on and between the hills,<br />
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About 25km to go.</div>
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Everyone was hanging around the waterpoints longer and longer...</div>
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Anette not having fun only...</div>
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I want the jersey of that rider behind me!</div>
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Many people were pushing their bikes up the hills in the last 20km. This is certainly the most difficult part of the route and with 75km already done it was not all plain sailing to the finish. The wind was aslo very strong now, making it even harder.<br />
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Very hot and very windy.</div>
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There are a few brutal hills in the last 20km. With the wind howling through the trees and people hanging on to their gazebos next to the road we slowly made our way towads the finish.<br />
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Anette had to dig deep here. But we kept going and the kilometers were slowly counting down. I must admit I was feeling great and even though I could feel the long hours in the sun and wind, I felt good and enjoyed the experience we were having.<br />
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Some fun on the giant.</div>
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Somewhere at the roadworks here I had a little tumble. Someone stopped in front of me and I could not stay upright. I fell on the road but did not feel it or injured anything. Lucky escape!<br />
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On some of the last hills there were lots of very tired riders. People were just sitting on the pavement with their bikes on the ground. The route, heat and wind had taken its toll.<br />
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Tired riders on the side of the road.</div>
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The KOM (King of the Mountain) mark is at about 3 to 4km to go. Not a nice hill to get with more than 90km behind you...<br />
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One of the last hills.</div>
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We pushed on and Anette had a mental battle just as hard as the physical one she was fighting. Finally the last hills were done and we cruised over the finish line. It was done!<br />
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Anette receiving her medal.</div>
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We did it! My first 94.7 Cycle Challenge in the bag! It was hard and conditions were tough. Not pretty, but done.<br />
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At home with our medals. Hot and tired but very happy.</div>
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Very nice medal.</div>
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Profile from my Suunto.</div>
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Will I be back? I suppose I will. The only negative for me...Just too many people!<br />
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<br />Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059484920052354114.post-29517103395937195182015-11-11T13:20:00.000+02:002015-11-11T13:20:25.403+02:00Preview: 94.7 Cycle Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This Sunday Anette and I will ride the 94.7 Cycle Challenge. As the name suggests, it is a 94.7km race. The distance comes from the Highveld Stereo 94.7 radio station, who is one of the main sponsors of the event.<br />
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This is one of the biggest cycle races in the world with 35000 cyclists that will be lining up at the start. I must admit that this is the biggest challenge for me... not the distance, but riding between thousands of other cyclists.<br />
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Crowded roads will be my main challenge.</div>
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I committed to doing this race with Anette in June this year when I was getting more and more cycling done in my recovery from the stress fractures I had in my right femur. We will do the race together as we have done our preparation.<br />
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We joined Team FNB and will be riding in our new kit...<br />
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The advantage of riding for the team of the bank we both work for is that they pay our race entry, fetch our goody bags and qualify us for an earlier start time. There will also be a FNB tent at the finish with refreshments and space to recover.<br />
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This is a tough race. Johannesburg is not flat and there are some testing hills on the route. The profile certainly shows this.<br />
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Route profile.</div>
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There is also a topographic map available. I am mostly looking forward to the part where we will be riding through the streets of downtown Johannesburg. All roads are closed for traffic and we also ride on the highways around the city. I love Johannesburg and have never lived or worked anywhere else but here. I have run a lot of the roads that make up the route before.<br />
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It will be testing but certainly a lot of fun. A year ago I never thought I'd be doing this race but now I am really looking forward to it.<br />
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Lets hope that the heatwave we are currently experiencing gives us a break on Sunday. If you are riding... all the best and see you out there. Have fun!<br />
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<br />Johannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17588120934444485158noreply@blogger.com4