Woodridge Way Slide Show 2013

Woodridge Way 2013

If queens know greater pleasures they are lucky indeed

“I remember lying on my back in the bottom of the wagon, eating cold green mealies and tossing the cobs into the veld, looking at the pale Karoo sky above with the little kestrels swooping, and listening to Olifant gossiping with the mules. If queens know greater pleasures they are lucky indeed.”

Eve Palmer – The Plains of Camdeboo, 1966

Around 40 cyclists from across South Africa know exactly how Eve Palmer felt when she wrote that paragraph…they had bicycles in the place of her mule wagon, and way more than cold green mealies to eat, but in five days they got to know 500km of Eve’s beloved land up close and personal.

Photo courtesy Arjen Melkhuyse

There’s so much more to the TransKaroo Mountain Bike Tour than just the history and beauty of the Karoo, though. Riders expect to get to know the land well because it is, after all, a mountain bike tour… but getting up close and personal with the people of the Eastern Cape is what makes the TransKaroo Tour a life-changing event.

The Eastern Cape is a remarkable province that has raised and adopted so many special people. People like Billy and Carol Teeton of Woodridge College:– they created and marketed the Tour; begged for sponsorships; planned, rode and marked the route; arranged food and accommodation with farmers along the way; woke up long before the riders rose and went to sleep long after the last rider had turned in for the night. They also managed to convince the finest volunteers to assist them – men and women you could go to war with – and they did all of this so that the rider's entry fee could be used to enrich the lives of others. They did the same in 2009 and 2011, but in 2013 they got another Eastern Cape legend, Mike Glover from Red Cherry Adventures and Touch Africa, to help out and the Tour took on a life of its own.

Touch Africa taught the riders how easy it is make a difference to the lives of children-in-need in this country. As a Touch Africa initiative, the proceeds of the Tour went to a child and youth care centre in Middleburg called Emmanuel. The home is run by Bertus and Carol Deysel, who provide a safe, loving – sometimes temporary – haven for local children.  

Cyclists know that their contributions sometimes benefit local communities, but Touch Africa makes that contribution feel more tangible by having each rider sign a handprint on the wall of the beneficiary organisation. It’s one thing to hear that your money will make a difference in someone’s life – it’s another thing entirely to be able to pick that little someone up and and hug him and hear him say “Dankie, tannie, lekker ry!”

There is a lovely story that illustrates how simple it can be to Touch Africa*:- Mike was riding his motorbike in the Baviaans one year when he came across schoolchildren far from the nearest school. They told him that they walk to the police station every day to catch a lift to school because the school bus had been broken for years. After making enquiries in Willowmore Mike found the dust-covered bus standing in a shed and arranged for it to be taken to Port Elizabeth for repairs. The broken part that had brought the bus to a halt for eight years cost a mere R85.  The Touch Africa team found sponsors to refurbish the bus for the Willowmore children, and the bus is still running, largely due to Touch Africa’s philosophy around the longevity of their projects by ensuring, for instance, that ongoing maintenance and fuel is sponsored. 

In the same way, the 40 riders on the TransKaroo will never be able to pass Middleburg without popping in at Emmanuel for big smiles, warm hugs and a “Dankie, tannie, lekker ry.”

Lucky indeed!

*The Willowmore Bus Story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRKRk9fjuU8.  Also see www.touchafrica.info for small initiatives that make a big difference in childrens' lives.

Back to life....back to reality

Geoff Vorpagel

Most of my friends use Twitter and Facebook to sell or promote something. I have decided that this says more about my friends than it does about those two social medias. Young entrepreneurs one and all! The really good thing about aged decrepitude is that I have nothing to sell (I have a website for that) and no real causes to promote. Thus, for me, the social media really are social and I can jus...t say stuff I want to say to my friends without fear of a damaged public profile. Thus I am pleased to announce that I have had a life altering experience on the Transkaroo Mtbtour. Why you may ask? The scenery and hospitality was unbelievable. The Afrikaans hospitality knows no bounds. But I knew that before I started. What changed things for me was that from the time I said I would do it I stopped being "sick getting well" and became "well getting fit". For those that don't know, I have spent the years from 2007 till now in and out of hospital the whole time and the 2 years prior to 2007 on crutches. In that time I have had both hip joints cut out and replaced with steel ones and then a section of my gut removed when a tumour was found after a burst appendix. The guys I rode with on the Transkaroo Mtbtour let me suck their wheels till the final 20 kms and then no quarter was asked or given. Thanks for bringing me back to life guys. A finer bunch I have never ridden with; quality warriors one and all

A stormy finish to test the toughest

Louis Hayward, his wife Leilani, William and Elkhe put together THE most delicious pooitjie of tender lamb in the rustic 'hunters' boma. A freindly pot bellied pig, tame springbuck, adorable 'hansies', hilarious turkeys and chickens filled the yard between the tents. The crew had set up an incredible last night camp on the front lawn at Doornrivier, beneath Mount Mac that stood tall behind the farmstead. There was a carcophony of loud snoring coming from almost every tent, male and female. The week had taken its toll and weary bodies recharged before the final challenge, 85km, 2000m or more of climbing and a technically challenging 17km climb. As the first group of riders set off an hour earlier than the rest, the weather in the east was clear. The low cloud that hugged Mac that morning only began to show intent as the second group left camp at 8.30. It was only when the sweep vehicle had began the 17km climb did it begin to rain. The mud stuck thick to tires as the road turned into a little river. It was good to see the support vehicle handing out the necessary before the half way mark. The wind picked up and the going got very tough. Between the sweep vehicle, the motorbike and the backup 4x4 3/4 of the group made it to the 2nd water point, the shelter of farmer Ralfs barn at Melkhoutbos. 10 riders slogged it out to Off Camber but the official finish had already been decided and as a result every one of the 41 riders that began the Transkaroo Mtbtour of 2013 was a finisher. Sharon and Tony Webb of Off Camber were amazing, opening their boma and showers to the wet and exhausted party that had come to the end of their 500km journey to touch Emmanuel Child and Youth Care Centre in Middelburg, Eastern Cap. 

Noors, soous, oos 'nd west

You're very special people indeed, when you open up your beautiful home to 60 people dressed in Lycra, helmeted and covered in Camdeboo dust! Hansie and Charonne Terblanche were amazing hosts as they chatted eagerly with all the inquisitive guests while preparing the venison and lasagne pies and sipping on Stone Road thanks to Louisvale. The fourth day began with a smooth jeep  track through thick Noors and our first taste of the teeth of a strong westerly wind. Before long we were grinding south on a testing undulating road south, with a lead group that decided to push to the limit. After Amy and Gary Hobsons water point, 35km in, we were treated to a spectacular kloofing, Haaspoort, folds of rock in peach Melba, south towards the mighty Cockscombe looming afore. By now the westerly was kicking up quite a stink and it was time to tuck up to the water point in farmer van Rensburgs goat kraal, perfectly positioned out of the wind and catching the warmth of the sun. It was proving to be a tough 110km but the picturesque Hottentotskloof, south to the Baviaansberge took ones mind off the soreness of the saddle for some! This was the day that saddle wore down the riders shorts, literally. The winter afternoon sun brought out every detail of this remote mountainous area on the edge of the Grootrivierpoort and heading east to Doornrivier farm at the end of another excellent days cycling we were welcomed by an array of Red Cherry tents on farmer Hayward's front lawn. Pooitjie in the boma that night, what a great to celebrate the end of day four!

Flying across the Camdeboo, UFO's and Noorsveld

Take a few moments to chat to a Karoo farmer about his day to day doings and you'll learn a lot about the passion for the land, conservation and community building. Trenly and Wilmarie had been the most amazing hosts, the jeep track had been graded  and the north wind continued to howl. We went to bed with a triple rainbow around a magnificent full moon and we woke up to two clouds, UFO looking but pancake looking to some. We headed out through fast, fast hard pack narrow roads, skirting the hills south of Kriegerskraal and then through the Harris veld with the most amazing aloes. Kendrew and Marais siding flew past but not before Bertus and Neal had rescued a Steenbok who flew head first into the fence and got stuck. Big sky country, the camdeboo, an incredible landscape! The wind turned a bit chilly and farmer Gerber's barn was a welcome stop out of he wind. Shortly after the stop we hit the Noors, a strange but valuable cactus type plant that is unique we think to tis area. Skirting Jansenville we hit the corrugation and after 130km, driekopvleiwes was an awesome site from the koppie preceding it.it was so lovely to see Charonne and Hansie Terblanche, our hosts for the night, after four years since ours last visit to the farm. THE most amazing game pie, lasagne and melktert with a bottle of Stone road merlot and a good chat to Hansie and Charonne, we hit the sack after another great day on the Transkaroo.

The North wind doth blow

Balmy weather we're having! An amazing evening in Bethesda was followed by a restful night next to the fire place on the tennis club floor. Our party left Bethesda crossing the suspension bridges over the Gats River and it was soon Stylkrans, our first climb of the 800m we were to do today, in the 97km. The view looking back over the valley was glorious as it always is, but to catch the peloton of 42 riders on the switchbacks with Compasberg as a back drop was very special. The ride to our first water point at Rietpoort, 25km was incredibly pretty, but the NW was beginning to show its teeth. The waterstops have been incredible! The next 30km were to be some of the best anyTrans Karoo rider in the past could ever have ridden , with riders clocking above 60km per hour with the wind behind them on the flats towards the Murraysberg road. The jeep track thereafter was technical, steep and one had beutiful vistas of the valley below. We all pulled in to Rheboksberg, Greig and Lynn Rose Innes and were treated to roostekoek, wors and pumpkin soup in the shelter of the barn on the hay bails. What a waterstops, wow! The climb out over the mountain was my favorite part of today, with views of the Camdeboo from the top and a technical descent to the Kroons farm. The turn into the wind for 10km was tough going and the Bothashoop water point was a most welcome stop, again in the shelter of Paul Merrifields guest house. Well, what a finish it was. With the wind behind us the last 25km was an amazing way to finish a great day cycling through, Gods country! Trenly Spence and Willmarie, welcomed usvto their farm, Kriegerskraal, andvWillmarie had bravely and successfully joined us from Bethesda. The local farmers joined together to provide the most delicious lamb Braai, chops so tender and flavour some, Malva pudding and all the trimmings. Several beers were shared until late by some, but really, what an incredible welcome by more very special Karoo people. 

Azure

Middelberg had an electrical power outage, so 60 people getting going at 6am was our first challenge we overcame. The day dawned, still and clear with an amazingly clear blue sky. We were blessed by Pastor Fred of the Alcapaye Church and wished a warm farewell by Carol, Bertus and the children. Rob Southey and Rhett escorted us out of town and into the golden countryside for our first 37km to the first water point. Brent, magic made sure some early tech issues were sorted out and it was more or less plain sailing, with an incredible array of delicious treats set up by Caroline at the stop. The NW wind had picked up, but that just pushed us up past Suurfontein and a heard of 20 Eland, past Gordonville and herds of Wildebeest and Blessbok, up and over the watershed down to The Rest where our second water point was stationed after 60km. The last 20km was a mad dash for the showers for some. It was a most welcoming sight seeing the village appear around the corner and the tennis club with its campsite and hot showers. 2pm and everyone was in, with the remainder of the day spent relaxing in the village. The evening was a very special occasion, a gorgeous Braai provided by the farming community, renown artist Albert Reedlinghuis sharing his artistic talents, Charl playing the violin over supper, Peet giving us facts about the village, Low doing the Braai, Ansie and Darleen spending ages preparing the food and Martin and Charmaine Haines moving mountains to make our stay a most memorable one indeed. Thank you NIEU Bethesda for a wonderful evening and helping us to touch Emmanuel!

All safely in Middelburg

A fantastic day greeted us all and the car park was a buzz with activity this morning. We were able to keep to schedule the entire journey and our stop at Polka in Graaff Reinet was amazing. What a place, what food and the Americano was so worth coming back for. The view from the top of Ravelskloof over the Kamdeboo was its usual breathtaking beauty. Spandau Kop in the distance a beacon to Graaffies and boy were we glad to be flanked by the Tandjiesberge, for our petrol gauge had been orange for 40km already. We climbed steadily over the Sneeuberg and then down into the attractive flats of Middelberg, everyone synching together their arrival at Emmanuel. It was good to be back in Smid Street with Carol, Bertus Rhett and Michelle and of course all the children. Pastor Fred so kindly opened his doors of the church complex for us to use as an ideal overnight stop and Michelle Newton and crew laid on THE most amazing supper. The vibe this evening has been great, old friendships rekindled and new ones made. It's a COLD night with a massive, full moon!

Geoff nursing his babe

Thanks Total for your incredible help

Polka you were amazing today, yum!

Mark Thijs prepares for bed

Ready like a coiled spring..............hope there's enough coil.

Its the night before we assemble at Woodridge and I've been carbo loading all week.......but not sure if I should be feeling like I'm five meals ahead and six "you know what's" behind!!! Hopefully it'll sustain me for at least the first day.

I'm absolutely sure I haven't done enough training but hope to call on inner reserves that exist somewhere in this body and want to tell you all that I'll be drafting wherever possible so please do not expect some form of reciprocation on route.

The Karoo, hill repeats and punk!

Geoff Vorpagel

I live in the Klein Karoo (Little Karoo) where the vistas are on a slightly diminished scale compared to the Greater Karoo, the wings of the horizon clipped by staggeringly beautiful in-your-face mountains and air so clear that the mountains themselves look like they have been photo-shopped. But the philosophy of the land is much the same as the Greater Karoo. Everything that lives here lies in a constant state of readiness to sting, scratch, bite or plain eat you...including the plants.
The climate itself is either indistinguishable from a microwave, or like a deep freeze preserving you (post sting, bite or scratch) for later putrefaction in the microwave. Everything has its seasons, or so you would think. Last week Bronwyn came back from her morning run looking a little frazzled after nearly treading on a puff adder on the driveway (which is 4kms long...driveway, not puff adder) who clearly hadn’t got the office memo about summer being snake season.
If you had participated in the Cape Pioneer Trek this year you would be more than familiar with the damage a swarm of migrating bees can do. I understand the George (town not bloke) evac helicopter was kept quite busy with the carnage. LOL.
If you have done the Karoo to Coast race you will be familiar with the “Old Wagon Path” at the beginning of the race. This is a 4 km climb at 10% that is very technical at any time of the year except race time when Jimmy Zondac grades it. The rains have started in my part of the world though, so its back to all its rough and ready glory. Proper mountain biking.
My intention to do hill repeats yesterday was ruined by the “office postal system” which clearly screwed up telling the bees that spring is “hive migration time”. Doing hill repeats on this stretch of trail requires an iPod playing punk very loud, thus it was only the first sting to my head that alerted me to the fact I had ridden into a cloud of bees. The first sting tells all 10 000 others where to attack, so I did the sensible thing and dropped my bike on the spot and jumped straight off the side of the road, a drop of some 5 meters thanks to the astonishing stone work of that Bain bloke who built all the ancient wagon roads down here.
I escaped with just one sting. There was nobody watching, except some baboons that I swear were snickering, so my pride was not all that was damaged. I crept back down wind, climbed back to the road and retrieved my bike. The swarm had passed.
If you are one of those interesting people (we ALL know that latex cat suits, zippers, whips and handcuffs figure largely in you private life) and who intend to ride the TransKaroo MTBtour with a hydration pack make certain you don’t spill anything sweet and wet on it. The bees are thirsty and hungry at the minute, and those paks are hard to get off fast.

The 'Crazy Aussie' tracks his training and puts it to us .............as it is!

Geoff Vorpagel shared Transkaroo Mtbtour's album.

May 9

Oh my poor aching butt by Day 3

Geoff Vorpagel

May 13

Ive hit the pause button on todays Frank Liebenberg (as taught to him by Josh) Russion Training Workout...which is 100km on an indoor trainer. This pause isnt because I have gone soft, but rather to undertake the somewhat complicated instructions for the second 50 kms which involve putting broken glass in chamois cream and applying liberally, putting electrodes on my gentleman bits to make them go number than the saddle already is and refill my bottles. This is all strengthening me mentally for the second half of every day of the Transkaroo Mtbtour (I am told).

Geoff Vorpagel

May 15

Ive run out of Chamois cream and have started to really enjoy the electrodes, so no more of this sissy Russian training. Think I shall ask Paul Cordes and Kevin Evans for some real "toughen up" tips. They survived the MTN Team training protocols, so they have no sympathy for anyone on a bike now.

Geoff Vorpagel

May 20

Many years ago I spent a decade and a (not inconsiderable) chunk of cash trying to get South African riders interested in Cross Country (now called OXC) racing, all to no avail. This is short, brutal, technical and fantastic fun, and undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of MTBing. It remains the only MTBing that has made it into the Olympic Games, and it basically kicked the front door down to do it only a few years after it was invented as a form of sport at all.
There was a time when there were more Marathon MTB races in SA in a single year than in the rest of the world combined and multiplied by 6. The races were basically 80 kms long and involved hellish climbs on dirt roads for half the race followed by warp speed descents on dirt roads for the second half.
I could just never see the attraction in that sort of racing, but eventually the rest of the world decided it was a bit of fun, made the distance closer to 140kms and put in some single track here and there. I remember Kevin Evans formally requesting the distances be increased in SA so he would be competitive internationally, and Ultra was born in SA.
It is therefore ironic, that I am now attempting to ride from Middleberg to PE with the Transkaroo Mtbtour. BTW there are still 2 spots open for a fully supported 5 day tour at R3600.
I am one of those idiots that thinks that any ride with more than one bike is a formal race, and even riding alone tend to watch my numbers and do better than last time I did the same route. I suspect that days one and two of this tour will beat that out of me. After that I will be able to settle back and try to use this as a launch platform.
If you are one of the riders of the Trans Karoo and find me half wheeling you, please just remind me that it isn’t a race. If you are fat, or old, or have so much metal in your body that you have to carry x-rays with you on international flights (like me) try to remember that this tour could be the first day of the rest of a new life if you ride it within your limits. If you ride it even 1kph outside those limits it will break you down. If you are clever it will make you stronger and leaner.
I have had to make peace with the fact that I will never have another race number on my bike after having two metal hips inserted and a section of my gut cut out in the last couple of years. I am taking strain training to survive the long days in the saddle. I am no less fat, but somewhat stronger.
The Trans Karoo is for me a launch, not an end in itself. I have a fantasy that it may even lead me to strap on a race number again. I also have a fantasy that Meg Ryan may call me up and want to go out for a drink (I already have the best girl in the world but you cant blame me for dreaming about having 2). The one thing that is certain is that I will ride every km under my own power; I will not complain (much); I will not race it; I will finish strong and lean.
I will be changed when we are done, and I will NEVER be weak again.

Geoff Vorpagel

May 26

Having made peace with the idea of "trimming up" ON the Transkaroo Mtbtourrather than before it, it raises the question of vanity versus bonking. Vanity says that in order to not look like a string of pork sausages keep away from lycra. However baggies catch wind like a parachute and slow you down so that even downhills feel like up hills. The jury is still out. But I will make sure that my chamois is worth the same as your car in dollar value whatever way I go. Remember, bibs not shorts!!!!

Geoff Vorpagel

June 5

I am living in abject terror of riding halfway across South Africa with the Trans Karoo MTBtour. Hence I am spending most of my waking hours sitting on a trainer (theres snow outside) and the remainder in a coma recovering...but there is also laying under my godforsaken Landy in sleet that needs to be factored in and cumulatively, this has used up all my happy thoughts. Sorry Im a bit MIA at the minute but (one way or another) it will all be over soon as there are only (terrifyingly) 15 more days to prepare for the onslaught. I REFUSE to die!

Geoff Vorpagel

June 7

Given the snow has melted from my mountains, I thought I might pass on the bicycle seat enema of the CompuTrainer today and see if I can still ride a real bike, a real mountain bike at that.

Geoff Vorpagel

June 9

Ive heard an evil rumour that Mark Thijs is rolling up on the Transkaroo Mtbtour. This is really bad news for the youngsters (anyone younger than 55) with all the fizzy hormones who are thinking they are gunna play. Mark is an Master TT Champion who will delight in slowly breaking all his playmates. Its actually spectator sport! Shame I'll be too far off the back to watch, but am sure will see the wreckage each night — feeling excited.

Geoff Vorpagel

June 9

For any participants in the Transkaroo Mtbtour who are considering riding without tubeless wheels and tyres, I strongly recommend being declared legally incompetent quite soon so that your new legal guardian can fit tubeless to your bike and sell your model T Ford before the start of the adventure. Whilst tubeless wont exempt your from thorn punctures, it is possible (hopeful) that the only way you will know you have punctured is the spray of latex that speckles you eyewear. Use only Stans or Joes. Put in double quantities. Choose robust rather than light tyres. Avoid anything growing across the trail with cute little yellow flowers.

Geoff Vorpagel

Friday

Im really looking forward to seeing some good friends on the Transkaroo Mtbtournext week. I am also terrified of riding that far. A first for me. I have spent many miserable hours lately on a Computrainer riding the Alien Crop Circle 28.77 with a 12/21 flatblock cassette on the back. Mark Thijs is probably one of the few (Paul Cordes and Yolande Speedy may be a couple more) who would understand the misery this represents. Its also too little too late. — feeling excited.

Geoff Vorpagel

Friday

I have always thought that Billy Teeton was one of those blokes that just didn't have a bad bone in his body. Many hours sitting on a Computrainer (ask Beatrice Hoganwhat that is if you don't know) leads one to think a lot. Billy has reinvented (probably unwittingly) a harsh and cruel professional training method (usually reserved for ball sport teams on LSD conditioning runs) called "sheep dogging". This means that no matter how fast you are you will spend as long in the saddle as the slowest rider, but cover more distance. It does mean I am forced to consider and bend sinister in Billy's make up! Cameron Dewaal's dad Bertus and I would like to apologize in advance because it is us that all the Transkaroo Mtbtour snakes will be waiting for, as we have a pact that even if we have to walk the whole way we will not get in the evil sweep vehicle and surrender our bikes!!!

Geoff Vorpagel

Friday

Another word of warning for Cameron Dewaal and Gus Teeton. Make it your business to identify Mark Thijs on day one. I will predict that if either of you attempt to hold his wheel on days 3, 4, and 5 that it will be you two little pups dragging yourself on your bellies to crawl the last 5 kms of the Transkaroo Mtbtour

One week to go!

It’s that time of year where you get up, go to work, it’s dark, you get home from work it’s dark. Trying to find time to train for a multiday ride across the Karoo is like trying to squash fleas with all five fingers!

This will be my third attempt at the great ride that is the Trans Karoo. I can’t wait to get out there! After all they say that third time’s the charm! However, I have mixed feelings of anticipation, excitement and anxiousness. Excited, to get out on the route and soak up all the scenery, hopefully not the rain. Anxious, of the long miles that lay ahead and cold or wet weather that could slowly ruin your day. But let’s not dwell in the midst of negativity.

The Karoo is a heartless witch. She takes no prisoners. She conquers all who fail to plan to take on her endless dirt roads and dramatic rolling hills. While in her presence I have often wondered if I should concede the day to her, give up and get in the vehicle. But grab her by the horns and take her on and if you’re strong enough she will show you her true beauty. You’ll get to experience her more subtle side, finding respite amongst her many mountains and the rivers that flow freely through her magnificent valleys. To catch a glimpse of a pronking springbok or shy duiker. The fragrances of nature will be as pleasant to you as the midday rays of sun that breakthrough the clouds.

In this place of freedom you’ll discover more about yourself than you previously knew. Your mind will push you on even when you’re pedaling in squares and you've left your lungs and legs far behind. Before you know it, you've arrived to a warm welcome by a friendly farmer and his wife, who have opened their homes to us wanderers passing by. You find a place to put your feet up around the fire, stomach full and hot chocolate or beer in hand, listening to all the stories of the day. Wishing you had a photographic memory to store all the spectacular images that you passed that day. Your head hits the pillow just as the light goes out and you can’t help but wonder what tomorrow brings.

To the 2013 TransKaroo group, bring a camera, you’re in for a treat!

See you there…

Anticipation is mounting

The excitement is growing as the tour approaches. How are all your training programmes coming along? Not always easy when the temperature is so cold and its so dark in the early morning. Looking forward to meeting every one.

Month to go!

It's great, a full compliment of riders and what a fantastic tour party we seem to have. From RSA representatives, an Aussie NORBA rider just reaching his peak, to amazing folk who had the tour on their bucket list only a few months ago and have been sticking to a training programme religiously. The wonderful Karoo folk have been amazing in welcoming us before we've set foot on their turf and our long list of sponsors have made our soon to be contributions to Emmanuel look pretty healthy.

We are off on a training ride to Addo on Sunday if anyone in the PE area can make it. Contact me for more details. Best wishes!

Collaborative Team Blog the Trans Karoo 2013

This Blog will allow everyone on the trip to contribute their experiences, thoughts, ideas and suggestions.

How does it work?

Team blogs are quite useful when small groups of people wish to contribute to a single blog. Basically, one person (Billy Teeton) initially creates the blog, then adds other people to it as members.
The Administrator (Billy Teeton) can edit all posts add and remove team members (and grant admin access), and modify the blog's settings and template. Non-admins can only create and edit their own posts.

So lets get started. Anything on your mind you'd like to share? Get going! Here's my post to get the ball rolling!

The excitement is growing, the days are flying past and riders and crew are preparing hard for this year’s great event from Middleburg to Port Elizabeth. 500km in 5 days on mountain bikes following gravel roads and jeep tracks across the Great Karoo raising funds for the EMMANUEL CHILDREN’S HOME - Middleburg, Cape.


To wet your appertite, read our 2011 Blog.

Trans Karoo MTB Tour 2011

The second Trans Karoo Cycle Tour 2011 enjoyed twice the number of participants compared to 2009 (the tour is held every two years), with an enthusiastic 36 cyclists of all ages and various levels taking part in the 500km five-day expedition through the panoramic Karoo. Kicking off at 08h30 at Woodridge Preparatory (40km outside of Port Elizabeth towards Van Stadens), organisers and cyclists sloshed their way through puddles of mud while packing and loading bikes and gear. The rain and gloomy weather forecast (snow!) for the impending five days did little to deter anyone’s mood, and the spirit of the tour was animated from the get-go.

And so, in true form to the Woodridge outdoor adventure mantra, everyone adopted the perspective that “Mud washes off; Memories last a lifetime.” The tour, aside from its aim to challenge cyclists of all ages and levels of experience to dig deep both physically and mentally, served to celebrate Woodridge Preparatory’s 75th anniversary. It is also a fundraiser, this year hoping to raise a total of R10 000 to donate to the Isithembiso Children’s Home – a safe haven for orphaned babies in Walmer, Port Elizabeth. The first night was spent at the Lord’s family’s Guest Farm, Marien , just north of Hofmeyr, where the ‘younger-blooded’ crew set up camp inside the neighbouring shed for shelter from the cold night ahead. Everyone gathered around the fire pit for the evening with a few bevvies and hot water bottles to get the temps up during the evening’s briefing.  

The 2011 team was privileged to enjoy the experience of cyclists such as two-time Cape Epic winner (mixed category) Nico Fritzenmeir, Merrell cyclists Andrea Von Holt, Hilana Marais, Sanmarie Woeithe and Emil Houghard as well as South African track cyclist Brent Pfeiffer. This year’s tour attracted cyclists from around the country – Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and East London – as well as a few members from the Karoo itself, offering a rich knowledge base of alternative more demanding courses for the challenge-hungry. Thanks to Mike and Lesley Lord at Lords Guest Farm for their excellent hospitality on their beautiful farm.  Day 1: Hofmeyr to Rocklyn, 6 August 2011 The first cycle day – totalling 130km - kicked off to a tough start with an icy morning temperature of 6 degrees (the maximum that day being 8). The goose-bumps and blue knuckles were rewarded however, with majestic snow-covered mountain views. The start of the tour was not without its few hiccups. From the logistical side, the brakes on the minibus froze. From the cycling side, the group had to conquer the steep gradient of the Uienhoek Pass, although the feedback afterwards indicated that it was as rewarding as it was challenging.  Everyone was relieved to arrive at the first water stop at the top of the pass, although less comforting was the patches of snow on the ground. Thankfully, a road-side barn provided shelter and everyone clambered together to defrost before the second leg. The afternoon took a more leisurely turn, and while the snowy patches persisted for most of the afternoon, the ride through Golden Valley before Tarkastad with its golden grasslands illuminated in the late afternoon sun against a backdrop of blue and purple mountains, was simply breath-taking. The arrival at Rocklyn after the physically gruelling yet enriching 130km ride was a warm one (both in terms of hospitality and comfort!), and everyone was happy to curl up for the night next to the fire. Thanks must go to Dave Miller for opening his lovely, spacious home on Rocklyn to the group, as well to Liesa King for her superb catering for the first two days of the trip. Thanks also to Warren Horne for setting up piping hot mobile showers!

Day 2: Blanco to Skelmkloof in the Baviaans River Conservancy, August 2011 80km – Easy day! Humph!!! The lawn flanking the Rocklyn farmhouse on the second day of the tour was white with frost, and the tyres and seats of every bicycle were encrusted with icicles.  But, the weather was warm and sunny, as was everyone’s mood in anticipation for the cycle ahead. Before long everyone and everything had thawed out nicely and was ready to make the 80km journey towards Skelmkloof in the Baviaans River Conservancy.  The ride itself got off to a beautiful start winding through the picturesque Spring Valley along a flowing river amidst a riot of gorgeous winter colours, weaving through tunnels of bare spindly Poplar trees. It was an ethereal start to the day. Hilana Marais took a smaller group of six more experienced riders on a more technical route, but the rougher terrain proved all the more worthwhile as it took them  through breath-taking mountain scenery flanked by riverbeds. But the climb to the top of the Winterberg proved to be the test of the tour thus far. Skelmkloof farm had experienced the heaviest rains it’s had since 1974 which had left slushy, muddy ruts in its wake. For the bikes, the final 7km climb proved bumpy, but manageable, but for the vehicles, it proved slow and frustrating.  Thankfully, Warren Horne, owner of Advanced Irrigations, saved the day, pulling vehicle after vehicle out of the muddy mess. The arrival at Skelmkloof – the beautiful farm of Francois and Hilda Marais, with a unique indigenous garden – had everyone feeling right at home, and drivers and cyclists alike kicked off their mud-spattered clothes and shoes to bask in the late afternoon sun over cups of noodles.  Thanks must go the Marais family for giving up their farming time to assist with everything from fetching extra diesel to finding space for all of us to have a cosy sleep, to cooking a delicious home cooked meal till every belly was comfortably full. We cannot express enough gratitude to them for opening their home to us.

Day 3: Skelmkloof to Somerset East, 8 August 2011 Everyone bid a fond farewell to the Marais family at Skelmkloof Farm that morning to begin the 85km-ride towards Somerset East. It would prove to be another challenging day, with 1600-metres of climbing ahead.  The route involved crossing numerous bridges over the fast, freezing Baviaans River, as well as navigating the bikes along the treacherous rock precipices that border the Baviaans River Conservancy. Once again, the ladies were pillars of support at the strategically-placed water points, the first of which was at the De Klerksdal farm, armed with words of encouragement and energising jellies and sandwiches. The afternoon route took on a northern ascent of the Bosberg and with it, a challenging 16km climb. It also meant witnessing a dramatic change in the landscape as we moved away from the northern thorn-veld terrain towards the vast mountain grasslands characteristic of the southern area of the Karoo. The cyclists were rewarded with sweeping views - north to the Winterberg and south towards the Zuurberg, as well as the magnificent southern slops of the Bosberg, rich in thick indigenous forest After the morning’s uphill work, the group relished the exhilarating 20km ride downhill into Somerset East for a night in the Somerset East Family Church. Thanks to Suzette and Hennie Liebenberg from the Somerset East Family Church for opening your doors to us for the night and allowing us to make use of your excellent facilities.  

Day 4: Somerset East to Zuurberg, 9 August 2011 The morning of the 100km-ride to Zuurberg had a few surprises in store – firstly, it was cold… much colder than anticipated after two almost balmy winter days. Secondly, it involved a few push starts – one or two for a few sluggish morning riders, and another group effort to get the minibus on the move after digging its wheels in after a night out in the cold.  The first waterpoint at 48km, saw the farmer kindly inviting us in to use his barn, shelter from the cold and occasional drizzle. Thank you to the farmer at Beenleegte. But once on the road, everything ticked like clockwork. By the second water stop at Ann’s Villa – now a charming blacksmith’s museum – everyone was in the zone to gun the final leg. The final 27km climb from the north over the Zuurberg is a great climb. Winding its way up from dry semi desert Karoo to a scenery of big valleys, ridges that roll on for miles and the purple Heather beginning to show. The drizzle soon gave way to a lovely evening as the riders came in small groups winding their way up to the resort. The arrival at the Zuurberg Church Campsite, with a glorious view over undulating green hills towards Addo, was an undisputable highlight, and everyone settled into quaint wooden cottage-like rooms before heading over the road to the Zuurberg Hotel Pub –something of an institution in the area – for a few dinkies of port and sherry next to a roaring fire. Everyone then tucked into a delicious three-course meal, courtesy of the Zuurberg Hotel. The final evening of the tour closed with a fascinating presentation by professional triathlete Nico Fritzenmeir on his personal experience of nutritional requirements as an athlete. Two shirts were then auctioned, fetching a commendable RXXXX for the Isithembiso Children’s Home Thanks must go to Annekie from the Zuurberg Church Resort as well as Henri Allant and the staff at the Zuurberg Hotel for catering for our final meal.  

DAY 5: Zuurberg to Woodridge, 10 August 2011 The final 110km left everyone feeling tremendously proud and undoubtedly, exhilarated, signified by whooping punches in the air as they rode through the Woodridge Prep gates after a breezy ride past the Addo Elephant National Park past elephants, blesbok , kudu and zebra. We’ll be including testimonials of some of the riders and publishing a full list of all those we’d like to thank for their contributions and support of this, the 2nd Trans Karoo. We’ll also be updating you via this blog, on the money raised for the Woodridge Prep 75th / Isithembiso project.

Congratulations must go to Hilana Marais and Andrea Von Holt of the Merrill Team, for achieving a support 2nd in the Ladies Team event of the Trans Baviaans 2011. What a race it was!

Thanks also to mechanics Brent and Terry as well as sports therapists Hilana Marais and Tim Ellerbeck for keeping everyone in physical ship-shape throughout the tour.

Thanks to Alex Westcott for writing a superb account of the 2011 tour.