JANUARY is proving to be the ideal month for Amanzimtoti Cycle Club cyclists, roadies and mountain bikers as they churn those pedals.
There has been an influx of new people and ‘returnables’ to the cycling fraternity.
There were quite a few guys hurtling around the track at Lords on Thursday evening, even though the previous bit of rainfall had caused the river to overflow and form nice little dams on the track. As all good mountain bikers do, they just made a new route. There were also a few riders who thought they would eyeball the ground up-close. Liezel Davis did a kamikaze dive on the switch back, but she is tough and bounced straight back up. Wayne Sives did a ballet dancer’s pirouette into the corner, doing a classic lie down with his bike. Luckily only a few walkers got to see his stunt.
The last two Friday mornings saw a large group of riders doing the fresh morning coffee ride. Once again, Thirsty Whale outdid themselves with quick service and fabulous coffee. The only complaint is that no-one wants to go off to work after having such a gorgeous view to look at and a good cup of coffee.
Friday night, 30 January saw a good turnout of cyclists at Thirsty Whale, all ready to socialise, exchange stories, and get to know each other a bit better off the bike. It’s amazing how different everyone looks without a helmet and lycra. In Liezel Davis’ words: “They clean up good”.
On Saturday, 24 January, the mountain bikers did a fantastic ride out back, clocking about 75kms and climbing about 1,200ms. The training is starting to accelerate. The numbers are growing on the C group ride and the members are getting fitter fast.
On Sunday, 25 January, a good group of riders set out to do a bit of fun exploring. They hit the Sappi forest track, only to be locked in by logs and trees. They carried their bikes, climbing over piled up logs and sticks, making their way onto the dirt road where they continued down to the Umkomaas Quarry. This was quite a nice adventure. After a quick dip in the water, they then followed Bruce Kolls’ suggestion to ride up the single track, which kicked to a 20% gradient at one time. Hearts were pounding out of chests by the time the top was reached but everyone returned to the cars smiling, so the mission accomplished.
On Sunday afternoon, Toti Cycling Club held a children’s riding day at Lords. Guy Watkins brought a ramp and some cones, and 24-odd children ranging from the ages of two years and upwards whizzed around the chicken run, through cones and over the ramp. There was even a sand pit for them to test their soft sand riding in. Hot, sweaty, happy faces were a pleasure to see. There were also quite a few adults who had just as much of a blast. They all got chocolate milk after their ride and the day was enjoyed by all.
The last Saturday of the month was the Bushlife Adventures outride from Rocky Bay. This ride is becoming ever more popular. There was a turnout of over 70 people. There were three different distances, with the 55km route pretty tough and definitely not for beginner mountain bikers. The heat and length of the ride eventually started to take its toll on some riders. This was much to the pleasure of a little roadside store that was madly harassed by thirsty riders, and which got to sell a few more cool drinks than normal that day. The 35km group followed a similar route, but turned back a bit earlier. There was one crash but that comes with the territory. The beginner group that did the 20kms seemed to all return with smiles on their faces, which is what mountain biking is all about. Everyone had a great day out in the saddle. This is definitely an outride never to be missed.
On the roadies side, the fast and furious roadies did a 140km ride to Ballito and back on Saturday morning, 24 January and a 100km ride to the Bluff and back on Sunday, 25 January. They are training for the Midmar Notts race in February.
The ballies road group did a 70km ride on Saturday, 24 January to Sasol Fibres, around Athlone Park and to Winkle and back and repeated the same training loop on Saturday, 31 January.
For more information on the cycling club, visit www.amanzimtoticycle.co.za
