TOUR 'D ADDO -- CYCLING WITH THE HARDCORE T.I.T.S. (TIME IN THE SADDLE) 2016
AT BLUEWATER BAY THERE WAS ALSO A FISHING COMPETITION GOING ON. SO THE CAR PARK WAS FULL WITH BIKES; BOATS AND RODS
As soon as Kevin told me about the 2016 event I signed up and have been looking forward to this outing.
I had my bike serviced in the week before the Tour. This proved to be a wise move as the Gears all clicked into place; no mechanical problems (Apart from my seat slipping down) and no flat tyres.
Neil comments on the radio:
Finally the second annual Tour d Addo Mountain bike race takes place this weekend from Port Elizabeth to Addo and Back. Organised by the Hardcore Time in the Saddle cycle group the 58 strong tour includes an illustrious celebrity that includes Algoa FM's own Charton Tobias. I will be there as well and hopefully I can return Charlie safely to the Studio in time for the DMB on Monday Morning. Be safe everyone on the weekend no matter that pursuit and we will chat again on Monday.
We leave from Bluewater Bay Lifesaving Club at 8am on Saturday morning. There are about 60 of us including supporters driving vehicles and carrying trailers. I meet up with Fred who is going to start later with Steve who is still in Cape Town (they left from Redhouse at 2pm and took just under 4 hours).
BARBARA DROPS ME OFF. IT IS A LITTLE CHILLY SO I WEAR THIS JACKET BUT SOON HAVE TO TAKE IT OFF AS I WARM UP.
KEVIN GIVES THE GROUP SOME FINAL INSTRUCTIONS.
Kevin gives some last minute instructions and details of the ride. And Gavin (Course Leader) sets off. Gavin knows the area well and has cycled this part of Port Elizabeth since he was a boy. We start off under the Settlers Bridge, Through Amsterdam Hoek and then take the bush pathways to Redhouse. Through Redhouse and then back to pathways on the way past Sumcay and towards the back area of Despatch. We ride past the Perseverance Rail Siding. In this area I feel that the bush and undergrowth should be clean and untouched as it appears to me to be completely remote. But there is so much litter and garbage bags strewn around that it appears that people must go out of their way to dump here.
There are so many various tracks and paths that it is easy to become disorientated. But Gavin and others who know these routes lead us out so that we eventually come to the Old Despatch Road where we ride on the tar road for a few hundred meters before turning right and up a dirt road called Prayer Mountain.
I WAS INTERESTED TO SEE THIS SIGN. I HAD WONDERED WHERE THE NAME CAME FROM WHEN WE WERE TOLD ABOUT PRAYER MOUNTAIN.
HALF WAY UP PRAYER MOUNTAIN. MANY OF US HAD NO IDEA OF WHAT WAS STILL TO BE CLIMBED. I, FOR ONE, THOUGHT THE MOUNTAIN WAS OVER AT THE FEEDING STATION.
I THINK THAT I INTERRUPTED PIETER IN PRAYER.
Here the back up vehicles start to feed us. They have all kinds of stuff such as Muffins, Biltong Sticks, Bananas, Sweets and cold drinks. Cyclo Pro have provided a back up vehicle for the first day and he seems to be busy all the time. Out on the bike for the first time is Charlton Tobias; Radio personality and his co worker Neil Bissiker who is on his second TDA.
Charlton has a couple of falls and has his arm bandaged up (Later he is in such pain he thinks that this could be a fracture.). Half way up Prayer Mountain a couple of Flat Tyres are repaired and this takes a bit of time. Finally we press on and up the mountain. From there we cycle through a series of bush pathways, Cross the road from Coega to Uitenhage and continue until we reach a dirt road. Here we turn right and the group becomes wide spread. Finally after a stop or two we reach the R75 (Uitenhage to Graaff Reinet road). Here we turn right again until, at the bottom of the hill we take the Kirkwood Addo Road. First we are treated to more eats including boiled Potato which is just what I need.
A TIRED, BUT WILLING CHARTON (AFTER THE FOURTH FALL)
The next 20km consists of three Long Uphills and Sharp, scary downhills. I grind my way up each hill. Always thinking that it should be the top of the hill but turns out that there is more hill ahead. I feel blessed to have support from chaps like Leugh, Paul, Mike, Mary Anne, Koos, Kevin, Neil, Bid D, Selwyn, Wayne, Robin, Rob and others. These people are so patient and supportive even though I am kind of holding up the tail end. We see Ian cycling back towards us. He had to attend an Addo Rangers meeting this morning and was only able to ride back to us. He stayed for the evening social and drove home the following morning.
CHARLTON RECEIVES PLENTY OF SUPPORT ON THE RIDE.
Eventually, After not dying on any of those really scary down hills (Dusty, loose stones, bumpy rocks and no control); we reach the final few kays to Avoca. I have to dig deep, even though it is a short end bit, as my legs are aching.
And at last, we cycle into Avoca. The same place where we stayed last year. Last year it was about 60km cycle. This year we have been on the bikes for 6 - 7 hours including stops and have completed 70km.
WITH SUPPORT FROM THE GROUP; I AM AMAZED THAT I FINISHED THE EVENT ON THE BIKE.
KEVIN AND THE SUPPORT TEAM HAVE THIS ARRAY OF GOODY BAGS WITH A T SHIRT FOR EACH OF US.
Kevin has set up an amazing reception for us. Everyone is given a T Shirt and Goody bag full up energy drinks and stuff. We are allocated rooms and handed keys. Someone gives me a beer (I later learn that this was a private stock of Rob) and this helps to revive me. We push our bikes down the hill to our rooms and find that we are in a bungalow with a set of stairs. We have to carry the bikes up the stairs and they are stored in the rooms at night for safety.
I am sharing with Rowland, Errol Wasserfal and Fred. Fred will only arrive at about 6. Meanwhile I shower and lay down on the bed. I try to read but by page two I am asleep. After a nap of about an hour I am set for the evening. Walk up to the restaurant area where the group is sitting around on the grass and socialising. There is also a Rugby game on the go -- Springboks at Wembley Stadium playing a Barbarians Team. I don't watch the game as I am simply enjoying the group chirps and a couple of beers. Feeling so chilled but I realise that around me the cyclists are getting edgy for something to eat.
PETER AND FRED -- SHARING A BED (F0RTUNATELY THE STAFF SEPARATED THE BEDS FOR US)
Fred arrives and goes off for a shower and to settle into the bungalow. Supper time. But before that there is a time for Awards (down downs and a few prizes are handed out). Kevin takes this outing to the top level. People all around are given some kind of recognition for their efforts both as cyclists and as organisers.
THE GROUP AT AVOCA -- 58 CYCLISTS WITH ABOUT 10 BACK UP PEOPLE.
The supper is amazing -- I am not sure of the kind of meats served but I think it is probably Lamb and Beef. Both cooked just right. Plus some really good potato chips, Vegetable mix and bread loaf. Followed by a kind of Malva pudding..... after this our group is ready for bed. The four of us make our way back to the Bungalow and are soon asleep.
SUNDAY MORNING AT 9AM.... WE ARE ALL READY AND KEEN TO GET GOING.
Sunday morning.
It appears that even the later night partiers are all up early. I hear chatter and laughter by 5.30am. Our group is no different. We are basically ready by 6.30am for a 7.30am breakfast.
I have a second sleep for about 30 minutes before making our way up to the breakfast area. Here we have a couple of cups of coffee, cereal, fruit and yogurt before being served bacon and eggs on toast.
A breakfast made to suit a busy day ahead.
BREAKFAST ON SUNDAY MORNING
I had been really tired when we arrived at the Avoca estate at 3pm on Saturday afternoon. But after the shower and a short nap I was ready for anything. Now this would not have been the case with an equivalent running event. I cramped up in the night -- a nasty cramp but after I had it under control was able to go back to sleep. This morning I am able to walk with no problems with legs or knee pain. Again I think to myself -- this would not be the case the day following a major run event. I feel for Charlton who has a sore fore arm and is unable to continue cycling. Well at least he had a taste of the sport on Saturday.
THE POOL OUTSIDE THE RESTAURANT AREA. NOBODY SWAM!
SUNDAY MORNING IN SLOW MOTION. I REALLY HAD NO IDEA HOW FAST I COULD RIDE A BIKE!The cycle today starts after Kevin gives us instructions and rules of the road. The route is designed and led by Ollie (owner of Avoca). He takes us out to the Kirkwood / Addo tar road which we cross and immediately are cycling up the steep hill we descended yesterday. At the top of the hill we turn left and continue along this road until the left turn. Lee stays with me at the end of each section. We cross another tar road and continue all the way to the main PE - Addo village road.... We ride along this section of tar road for a short while until we are in Addo Village. We again stop. I climb into the car and load my bike on the trailer. I have been falling more and more behind the group and am not comfortable with that despite the support from Lee.
IT HAD BEEN JUST BEFORE ADDO VILLAGE THAT I HAD DECIDED TO TAKE A BREAK AND RIDE IN THE CAR WITH CINDY AND SHERYL.
The group continues along the road until the left turn towards Barclay Bridge. Errol joins me in the car and we stay in the car all the way across Barclay Bridge and up the hill called Dog Farm Mountain. This is a really long pull and tough terrain.
NEIL IS FAMOUS -- WITH A WIDE SPECTRUM OF AUDIENCES.
At the top of the hill there is again a stop to refuel hungry cyclists. Errol and I join the group again. From the top of the hill it is mainly downhill with a few ups thrown in. We are now cycling into the West Wind and the road is mainly uneven with rocks, stones, potholes and corrugations. Not an easy cycle. This continues for a long while until finally we see the group waiting for us at Coega Interchange. Once everyone is regrouped we cycle over the bridge and down to the same route as we had finished last year.
There is a bit of a hill and then we have a long pull next to the rail line. I am cycling with Ryno and Joey at this time. We kind of team up to grind up this long pull until we finally see the substation where the group is again waiting just before the Motherwell road. I am starting to tire as are many others in the group. But the end seems close now. With just less than 30 minutes of cycling left. As soon as we reach the beachfront we are faced again with the West Wind. It is not long but just enough to make us work over this last bit.
Back at BWB we immediately start to pack up for home. Most of us are so keen to get home to a shower and something to eat. I greet those who are still there and thank everyone for their support and encouragement on the road.
The What Up Group comments and pics fly back and forth for the next few hours. I go to church with a feeling of Praise to God for all that he does in our lives. Well done to Kevin; Cindy; Brendan; Rozanne; Cheryl and Wayne; Mary Anne and Koos; Ian and Marjorie and everyone who helped putting this weekend together.
Monday morning I am up early and drive to Cape Town. On the way I hear Neil giving a bit of information about the Tour. The good thing about this is that I was able to listen to these familiar voices all the way from PE to Albertinia Non Stop! Whereas from there I was not able to pick up any Western Cape station consistently. Neil had also updated us on the Cricket Score at the WACA (Western Australia Cricket Association) Grounds. And I had to wait for the Afternoon news in Cape Town before I heard that the last two wickets had fallen and we had won the match by 177 runs.
Neil Comments as follows:
We each received a T shirt which reads TITS which means Hardcore Time in the Saddle (Just in case you wondered). It was on the Tour D Addo which we worked a little bit harder than you did in the weekend (this refers to Daron who had spent the weekend playing golf)
Daron: But you obviously did not try to hard because Charlton has come here wearing a Brace (Charlie had fallen and fractured his forearm); and you (Neil) are Fine!
Neil:
Technically he had a bit of a Mishap but hopefully that arm is okay Charlie? I did say hopefully I would bring him back in one piece but I have brought him back in about three.
Charlton: But when we started you said Brace yourself!
Daron: So Charlton -- Explain what happened.
Charlton:
Well I was about to turn and the handles were a bit loose and I just fell. That was fall number one. And then three more .. I fell four times altogether -- Four times! Hard Falls!
Daron;
Have you thought about putting training wheels?
Charlton;
I actually put them on last night so Yeah!
Neil; So next ride you will be okay?
Daron: But I imagine a successful event?
Neil: Yes. 58 Mountain Bike riders to Addo and Back over the weekend. Great fun.
Daron:
Great. Nice to have events like that in Algoa Country. Long may they continue.
I think that all the riders were really proud of Neil -- He said the TITS word on Radio. Brave!
EXCITED AND READY TO ROLL
PERSEVERANCE AREA -- A BIT OF TRAIL AND SOFT SAND
THE GROUP IS ONLY STARTING TO WARM UP
THE FIRST STOP AND FIRST TIME TO REGROUP. A FLAT TYRE GETS FIXED
AN OPEN PATCH FROM WHERE WE HAVE A GRANDSTAND ABILITY TO WATCH CHARLTON SLIPPING AND SLIDING
SET AND READY TO GO AGAIN
HALF WAY UP PRAYER MOUNTAIN WE HAVE A FEEDING BREAK
PIETER RELAXING WHILE WE WAIT TO START THE SECOND HALF OF THE MOUNTAIN
SOME SERIOUS DISCUSSIONS TAKING PLACE
SOME SERIOUS DISCUSSIONS TAKE PLACE ON THE RIDE
KOOS SET TO GO
I HAD SAID A PRAYER THE PREVIOUS EVENING BUT THIS WAS A REMINDER OF HOW IMPORTANT PRAYER IS ON A DAY LIKE TODAY
WAITING AT THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN. A COUPLE OF PUNCTURES GETTING FIXED
ONE BY ONE WE MAKE IT TO THE TOP
ENJOYING THE VIEWS ACROSS THE BAY
HARD WORK GETTING TO THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN
A LAYER OF ALOE AND VIEWS BELOW
PERSEVERANCE SINGLE TRACK
THERE IS CHARLIE PRETENDING TO ENJOY HIMSELF -- MADE IT TO THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN
KEVIN SUPPORTING EVERYONE AS THEY CLIMB
KEVIN -- ALWAYS SUPPORTIVE
WE REACH A ROAD AND HAVE A LONG CYCLE ALONG THIS DIRT ROAD.
ADJUSTING AND FIXING READY TO GO AGAIN
FINALLY WE REACH AVOCA WHERE THERE IS THIS ARRAY OF GOODIES
FORTUNATELY I AM OFFERED A BEER ( I LATER FOUND OUT THAT THEY BEERS WERE ROB'S PRIVATE STASH AND I HAD NO RIGHT TO DRINK. BUT IT WAS TOO LATE BY THEN AS THE BEER WAS LONG GONE)
RELAXING AFTER A HARD DAY OF CYCLING
CARL -- APPEARS TO BE LOOKING FOR A BEER?
SO HAPPY TO BE HERE. AMAZINGLY THE BEER AND A FEW MINUTES OF REST AND I WAS NO LONGER IN A BAD MOOD. IAN HAD A MEETING IN THE MORNING AND HAD TO CYCLE FROM HERE TO MEET US ON THE ROAD
KEYS AND T SHIRTS AND A GOODY BAG THAT IS HEAVIER THAN OUR TOG BAGS
NOT SURE IF WAYNE IS CRYING?
POOL PARTY ANYONE?
IRON LADIES. WITH COACH LEUGH
NEIL; PIETER; CHARLIE AND PAL -- ROOM MATES
SET AND READY TO GO
A FEW CLOSING WORDS FROM KEVIN
ADDO VILLAGE -- REMEMBER LAST YEAR WHEN IT WAS RAINING AND WE BOUGHT COFFEE -- THE WORST POSSIBLE COFFEE EVER!
WE ALL EAT AT EVERY POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY
IAN CHECKING OUT THE GROUP
KEVIN SHOWS US THESE AMAZING T SHIRTS.
ERROL AND I HAVE KNOW EACH OTHER FOR MANY RUNNING YEARS.
PIETER LOOKED SO SMART WITH THE FANCY HELMET
NEIL GIVES SOME ENCOURAGEMENT TO ERROL
START OF DAY TWO
MAGGIE; PIETER AND NEIL SHARE A JOKE
HARDCORE TITS .... TOP OF PRAYER MOUNTAIN ENJOYING THE VIEWS.
SOMETHING THAT KEVIN SAID MUST HAVE AMUSED THE GROUP
IT IS BECAUSE OF THIS MAN'S PASSION FOR THE MTB; AND HIS TEAM OF TITS THAT THE TOUR TOOK PLACE
DONT BE REDICULOUS. I DID NOT FALL! I AM JUST RESTING WHILE WAITING FOR THE GROUP.
THEY WILL BE COMING ROUND THE MOUNTAIN WHEN THEY COME
SINGING YAI YAI YIPPEE YIPPEE YAI
FRIENDS LOVING BEING OUT ON THE BIKE TRAIL
AND MORE PICS SELECTED FROM FACEBOOK
Pieter Lessingh and Robin Stock captured the moments
PIETER AND KOOS HAVING FUN ON THE RIDE
AFTER THE DOG FARM HILL WE RIDE DOWN TOWARDS WHERE THE WINDFARM IS TO OUR RIGHT AND THE GIRAFFE FARM TO OUR LEFT
HO HO HO AND A BOTTLE OF RUM
SERIOUS STUFF PIETER
CHIEF TIT -- KEVIN. ALWAYS TAKING CARE OF THE REST OF THE TITS.
I THINK THAT THIS WAS RIDING TOWARDS PRAYER MOUNTAIN (PAST DESPATCH)
SATURDAY EVENING AT AVOCA. KEVIN HANDING OUT FINES AND AWARDS. TITS T SHIRTS WITH THE SPONSOR LIST ON THE BACK.
ERROL HAD A GREAT TIME ON THE TDA
BREAKFAST BEFORE A 75KM RIDE BACK TO PE ON SOME REALLY TOUGH ROADS
A PENSIVE CINDY..... THANKS FOR ALL YOUR WORK THAT WENT INTO MAKING THIS WEEKEND A SUCCESS
PIETER HAPPY TO HAVE CROSSED BARCLAY BRIDGE. I WONDER IF HE REALISED JUST HOW LONG AND TOUGH DOG FARM HILL WAS GOING TO BE?
NEIL AND CHARLTON. HAVING THESE TWO ON THE TOUR GIVES IT A SPECIAL FEEL WAS THEY PROMOTE IT ON THE RADIO
DO WE REALLY HAVE TO CYCLE ALL THE WAY UP THAT HILL?
EARLY ON AS WE HEAD PAST MOTHERWELL. CONGESTION WITH A STEEP DOWN AHEAD.
PERSEVERANCE / REDHOUSE AREA.
PRIZE GIVING AND AWARDS --- TV IN THE BACKGROUND AS SPRINGBOKS STRUGGLE AGAINST THE BARBARIANS. FINAL SCORE IS A DRAW AT 31/31
NOT SURE WHICH OF THE MANY STEEP HILLS THIS ONE WAS?
STARTED OFF WITH THE JACKET. DID NOT LAST LONG AS I WAS DRENCHED INSIDE IT.
BY REDHOUSE WE HAD A COUPLE OF PUNCTURES THAT NEEDED FIXING. THANKS TO CYCLOPRO.
MY SUPPORT GROUP TOWARDS THE END OF THE FIRST DAY -- MARY ANNE AND KOOS.... THANKS CHAPS.
WAYNE HAS A NON STOP SMILE AND GOOD HUMOUR. I HAD TO PUSH UP THIS FIRST SECTION OF PRAYER MOUNTAIN
BIG D -- BIG MAN; BIG VOICE; AND A BIG HEART FOR THE CYCLE.
SPECTACULAR VIEWS --- I WAS NOT ALWAYS ABLE TO ENJOY THEM BUT THEY ARE THERE.
SATURDAY EVENING CHATTING AROUND THE POOL
LONG HILLS WERE TO BE EXPECTED ON THIS TOUR
TOP OF DOG FARM MOUNTAIN WHERE I REJOINED THE GROUP FOR THE LAST 20 KAYS
LOTS TO TALK ABOUT IN THE GROUPS
I HAVEN'T COUNTED BUT WE THINK THAT THERE WERE 58 CYCLISTS
A BEAUTIFUL SETTING FOR THE EVENING
SUNDAY MORNING INSTRUCTION TIME
WITH THE ADVERTISING ON THE BACK OF T SHIRTS
LINING UP FOR THE PHOTO
SCENERY AND VIEWS WERE TO BE APPRECIATED
AT THE START GOING TOWARDS REDHOUSE
ANOTHER HILL TO CLIMB
POOL SETTING
TALK; TALK; TALK
THEN ON MONDAY MORNING I DRIVE TO CAPE TOWN. HERE WITH MIA ON MY WAY TO PICK UP CLIENTS FOR A GARDEN ROUTE TOUR.
