Stiff Cheek muscles aren't quite what one would expect to have after a 3 day mtb race.....but I guess it's not really surprising considering I had a grin big enough to make even a Cheshirecat proud!
The Great Zuurberg Trek reminded me why I own and love riding a mountain bike. The magical views, technical singletrack and good solid climbs, had me in heart pumping euphoria, and each day just got better!
Day one kicked off with a last minute partner change. Janine, my intended partner in crime, fell foul to a sudden onslaught of snot siekte and it was clear that riding was not an option. It was heartbreaking to see the disappointment as we had been looking forward to the ride for weeks. Luckily for me, a mutual friend was ready and willing to fill her shoes! It was quite comical, because Traci and I were secretly terrified of each other.......a complete waste of emotions and energy as we made a fabulous partnership!
The pre-race butterflies were also exacerbated by the fact that I would be riding a new bike for first time! Luckily I had a couple of km's of easy riding to get a feel for the bigger wheels, gears and suspension, but then the honeymoon period was over and the technical single track started.... It was a baptism of fire...with a few heart stopping close your eyes and just wing it moments..but the bigger wheels just rolled over every obstacle and I really started to enjoy myself! The day was rounded off by the beautiful, but 'butt crunching' climb up the Zuurberg Pass.
Day two.....famed as the 'hard day'....I won't lie...it had me a little nervous! We started very conservatively.....rounding up the back of the pack, but steadily started to pass teams once the hurt started. After a short fast down hill section, we were treated to mind blowing views and some seriously awesome trail. Traci had a silly fall around 20km and rode the rest of the day in agony, as her left hand just continued to swell. I just grinned all day. I was in my element. There wasn't a second of the day that I did not enjoy. It was a fabulous mix of flowing jeep track, technical single track and some good old hike a bike just for a change of body position.
When we finished Traci discovered that she had dislocated her knuckle, and later found out she'd fractured a bone. I'm super proud of her that she rode so well with this for not only the whole of a really bumpy day two, but also an incredibly technical day 3.
Day 3....the fun day....and fun it was! After a steep rocky little awakener to spread the teams out a bit....the 40km of single track started. My bike and I had now properly bonded. It was awesome. Really technical, with no room for error. The day flew past with laughs, smiles and whoops. The last long climb up the pass finished the day off just nicely.
Traci was a fabulous partner. She was super strong physically and mentally and a good laugh. Thanks! It was a super fun filled three days.
The organizers got every aspect of the race spot on! It was brilliantly organized, the route was more than spectacular, the water points well stocked with delicious nibbles and the Marshall's and volunteers made us feel like rock stars!
I will be counting down the sleeps till Great Zuurberg 2016!
