Novice cyclist boasts many accomplishments
Although this cyclist has only been cycling for a year, she has accomplished has accomplished much to be proud of.
Although she has only been cycling for a year, Lanese Forbes, 39, has accomplished much to be proud of.
Lanese took up mountain biking a year ago, and loves every moment she spends on her bicycle.
“I love mountain biking because I love the outdoors, being part of nature, exploring roads that you didn’t even know existed – all the different surroundings, from small single-track roads to big gravel roads.”
She added that she loves the people whom she rides with as well as the feeling of satisfaction after the ride – she also enjoys the sore and tired legs and described it as an awesome feeling.
According to Lanese, she got into the sport through her husband as she wanted to be fit and stay active.
These are her accomplishments:
• She did two 50km Rugani casual rides last year
• She did her first 100km ride on July 17 last year
• On September 18 last year she did a 105km ride with the Randmark Club from Randfontein to the Brauhaus in Rustenburg
• On September 11 last year she did a hard technical ride, a 41km Trail Seeker
• She completed the 94.7 Ride Joburg on November 21 in four hours and 41 minutes
“I remember how happy I was after my first 10km, and now my longest ride is 111km.”
Lanese said she tries to cycle as much as possible and on Wednesday nights they have a night ride of about 40km; Saturday mornings they ride 50 to 60km; and on Sundays they either go out early in the morning or in the afternoon, then stop at Uncle Harry’s after riding the 40 to 60km.
“Except for the fitness, cycling helps you mentally. It takes you out of the rat race, put you in nature to appreciate others things, and it helped me to lose a lot of weight.”
She added that the hardest thing about cycling is pushing herself to become better and to have more confidence. Her husband and friends are good riders and encourage her to become stronger, but it doesn’t come easy for her.
She said anyone can take up cycling, as it’s a sport that people of all ages can enjoy. All you need is a bicycle and a bottle of water.
“I entered the Matsa that takes place on March 26, which is a 160km race from Kimberly to Bloemfontein. I also plan on doing the Race to the Sun on May 7 which will coincide with my 40th birthday. This 160km race is from Hartbeespoort Dam to Sun City.”
