In keeping with Women’s Month, Amanzimtoti Cycle Club (ACC) is proud of its member, Nicky Tischendorf who can now, after completing the toughest single stage race in the world, the Trans Baviaans, proudly say she has been transformed into the ultimate mountain biker.
The distance of 230km from Willowmore (which is in the heart of the Eastern Cape, Karoo), through the world heritage site and remote Baviaanskloof to Jeffreys Bay, must be completed in 24 hours to qualify for a medal. This mountain bike marathon creates the perfect combination of extremely challenging cycling among spectacular scenery through exquisite mountain ranges, right into the heart of the magnificent Baviaanskloof Wilderness area, all in a team format. Teams consist of two, three or four cyclists and Nicky chose to ride this event with two other strong women, Penny Chapman and Jackie Hooijberg.
The event is unique as the entire route is unmarked and tests the orientation skills of each rider. This ensures teamwork among everyone and brings a camaraderie, making it an unforgettable experience. Teams must check in and out at the checkpoints strategically placed en route, so their whereabouts can be traced. A large part of the ride was done during the night – truly a test of character and endurance if ever there was one. It took Nicky and her team 19 hours and 28 minutes to complete. “A tough ride, both physically and mentally, with head winds and a bad corrugated course,” said Nicky.
“It was an amazing to ride through most of the night, with some spectacular scenery even in the dark. Great to ride with the best team buddies, Jackie and Penny and have the best support buddy, René van Heerden Tupper,” she said.
Also a huge well done to another Toti cycle club member, Neil Tupper who completed the race with Shaun Tischendorf and Graeme Yates in a time of 16 hours and 53 minutes. Being prepared is what it’s all about when riding a bike and ACC are holding a MTB workshop at their clubhouse on Sunday, 25 August, at 2pm.
Main topics that will be discussed are: What to carry with you when out riding; how to fix a broken chain; fix a puncture, plug a tyre, change a tube; what to do if you break a gear cable; and basic riding techniques and etiquette. RSVP to Shaun Heinze on 074-848-7405 by Thursday, 22 August.
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