NOVEMBER 2011

NORM HUDLIN MOUNTAIN BIKE AND TRAIL RUNNING




THOMAS; CHARLES; JOHN AND BRIAN AT THE UNIVERSITY RESERVE TAKE A BREAK ON THE CYCLE






JUST BEFORE THE BIG BANK HEIST




CONCOSKRAAL STATION


RON AND BEN ALWAYS STRONGER THAN I AM SO I HAVE TO BATTLE TO STAY WITH THEM.


NOVEMBER 2011
OUDTSHOORN / SWARTBERG PASS TRAIL RUN
DRYLAND TRAVERSE
RON, BEN AND PETER CYCLE AT KINKELBOS STASIE
NIPPERS WITH KINGSBEACH
DIANNE LAMB COMES TO VISIT
CYCLE THE UNIVERSITY RESERVE
MICHAEL GOES TO CAPE TOWN FOR THE THIRD OPERATION IN A YEAR
HUNTING CHAMELEONS
MORNING RUNS ON THE BEACH FRONT ON SATURDAYS
NORM HUDLIN MTB AND TRAIL RUNNING TRACK


November 2011
The month started for me with a two day business trip to EL. Then on Thursday Morning I leave for Oudtshoorn where John and I are taking part in a four day event. Also on the run are Almarie and Robyn; Paul Johnson and Garreth Jacobson. This was a stunning event starting with the prologue at the Cango Caves on Thursday evening. Then Friday morning was a run up in the Swarteberg Mountains behind our camp; a real tough day of climbing, cold, Descending and rocky pathways.

Then the third day was on the Swartberg pass itself. Here we were bussed up the pass. Up to the top and over on to the other side where we were offloaded at the old Toll. Down for four kays and then into the mountain pathway where we doubled back to climb to the top of the pass before the long downhill and finally back to the camp site at De Hoek. The last day was Sunday and we started off at the Kobus Rauberheimer Dam and jogged our way back to the camp -- again over the Cango Caves hill. It was an epic event for us and something to remember. We made a lot of friends and had loads of fun.

Back to reality of work: Michael goes off to Cape Town for more tests and an operation. Barbara spent the weekend being spoilt by Nicky and Cathy. Ally had a bit of a bad week; probably working too hard at study and sport. I had a trip to Graaff Reinet and then on Saturday morning I did my first run since the Dryland Traverse. I was still hurting; but had a steady run with Graham, Erna, Ben and Andre. We just did the 10kay route.

Sunday morning started off with a MTB ride at Kinklebos stasie. Ron, Ben and I loaded Gerald's trailer and drove out to the turn off. We started at around 6am and road in an Easterly direction. We passed a number of farms. I looked out for the farm belonging to Graham Moolman but could not find it. The old rail line is now totally out of use and overgrown. Ben and Ron are a little stronger than I am and I had to sweat to stay with them. We passed the turn off to the Steyn's farm and just a little further on we came across the T Junction for Springmount farms. Here there is an old disused house and the rail siding for ConcosKraal station. This morning was perfect for cycling. It was slightly cooler with a drizzle at times. I enjoyed the sensation of the cold and wet on my arms and face. We rode at a steady pace which I was able to maintain for most of the ride. I find this MTB riding incredibly relaxing and being out in the fields is good for my soul. Hopefully we will be able to continue doing these rides over the weekends ahead.



COWS ON THE FIELD


CONCOSKRAAL STATION
RON EXPLAINED THAT CONCOS WAS A XHOSA CHIEF WHO HAD A SONGOMA (SPIRITUAL ADVISER) WHO COULD FIND WATER IN THE DUNES. IT WAS ONLY AS A RESULT OF THIS ABILITY THAT ALLOWED CHIEF CONCOS TO MOVE ACROSS THE FISH RIVER AND DOWN TO THE ALGOA BAY AREA.

The strange thing is that Concoskraal is also known as Congos kraal. On the main road the sign shows the way to Congoskraal station. I am also able to find a book written around 1848 by Daniel Kidder called the Young Basuto boy or Congos kraal: This book tells the story of an orphaned Basuto boy who moves to Port Elizabeth to find work but encounters a missionary and is converted to Christianity. The book describes South Africa at the time as a place populated by a great number of heather nations and tribes. Tribes called Caffres found in the Congos Kraal area. The young Basuto Boy comes from this tribe. His father was a king or chief and was killed by a marauding tribe pludering and killing. The boy was taken captive and sold to the Boors and then to an Englishman.

I also find that in August 2009 there was a Parliamentary Question regarding the claim of the CongosKraal community as to the state of the claim of this community to Land Restitution. The answers given were that the original claimant was Mr Arthur Nosilela and he had died and the Land Claims dept was having difficulty in finding a representative for this community as they were wide spread.



SPRINGMOUNT TRAILS; THIS IS WHERE WE HAD RUN A TRAIL RUN ORGANISED BY DALLAS AND JANE BARNARDO.


RAIL LINE TO THE NEAREST TREE; THIS DISUSED LINE RUNS ALONGSIDE THIS FARM ROAD.




RON AND BEN AT THE OLD HOUSE SPRINGMOUNT TRAIL T JUNCTION



RON AND BEN ALWAYS STRONGER THAN I AM SO I HAVE TO BATTLE TO STAY WITH THEM.

After our trail ride we headed home into the pouring rain. It had rained on the way there and then as we returned to PE. But the whole time we were on the bikes the weather had been great. This morning we had a combined Nippers training session with Kings Beach. It worked out great and the Nippers had a bit of competition as well as fun.

I collected Dianne Lamb and she updated us on her family: Sharon living in Durban where Dianne lives in a separate part of the house. Graham has married and lives in Johannesburg. He has two children from two previous marriages. Ian and his wife live in PE and have a child who is presently at VP in Grade 9.



MICHAEL WITH NICKY JUST BEFORE HE GOES IN FOR THE BIGGEST OPERATION



MICHAEL IS UPBEAT AND GIVES A THUMBS UP


BROTHER AND SISTER SUPPORT




Monday; Barbara flies to Cape Town.
Tuesday 15th. Michael has his operation in Cape Town. He has to be at the Hospital at 6am and is scheduled for surgery at 9am.

I am not sure that I deserve such amazing friends. It appears that Michael is a well liked man by everyone that he meets. I have received so many well wishes from so many people. MPRG (Kobus), for the second time, dropped off a hamper, We were spoilt with a lasagne for our supper on Monday evening. What an awesome and caring thing to do for us. I received calls and a number of SMS'. My mother has been generous with financial assistance.

People who know Michael from his work have phoned or asked about Michael and want to be kept informed. Even our American family offered assistance. Michael received a gift to assist him with his Christmas gifts for the children. I cannot remember everything but the support and love that has come our way has been quite overwhelming.

Barbara takes the children to the Christmas shop.


CHRISTMAS SHOP


CAT PUZZLE THAT BARBARA AND JESSICA COMPLETED

Barbara and Jessica have been working on this puzzle. It has been a real labour of love as the pieces all looked the same to me. I have no idea how they put the whole thing together.

Steve visited this evening. He gave a report back on the progress that he has made with the salvage business. He has worked on and is getting the old bakkie in to ship shape condition. He and Wynand have a good working relationship and things seem to be moving forward. Steve keeps a strict financial record of incomes and expenses.

Barbara has been doing quite a bit of baking recently. Fortunately she had the trio to assist with the cutting of biscuits and the cleaning of bowls.


DANIEL HELPS WITH THE DISHES AFTER THE CAKE BAKE


BAKERS TRIO


I have Michael's children and Ally at home. They all seem to get on with their lives and sort themselves out. All I have to do is provide meals and transport.



JESSICA AND DANIEL


JESSICA SHOWS OFF HER CERTIFICATE FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENGLISH


JESSICA RECEIVES HER AWARD


HAPPY CLARENDON CHILDREN


WEDNESDAY
Barbara returns from Cape Town. Again we are provided with a supper.

Friday afternoon Daniel has a Cowboy theme party. He spends the whole weekend in his cowboy outfit that Barbara buys for him. He is absolutely in his element although a little shy when we go to the shops and he totes his six shooters.


MEXICAN VERSION OF COWBOY DANIEL


COWBOY DANIEL



COWBOYS EAT WARMED UP BEANS



Saturday 21st November; We meet for the morning run. Graham, Annie, Andre, Jacqui, Adrienne, Susan. It is a windy morning. We have an easy run. I am still not 100% recovered from the long trail run and also have not been able to run in the week due to being on my own or due to travel.

This evening we do something that we have never done before:
We count Chameleons. Barbara receives an email to say that a group of people will be driving out to the Ladies Slipper to count Chameleons. We have no clue what this is about but we decide to go along. Ally has a date with her friends and goes to Movies. Barbara and I dress warmly, buy some cold drinks and bundle the children into the Qashqai. Jessica, Joshua and Daniel all have torches and a warm jacket. They wear their wellington boots.

We meet in Cape Road near to the Macro Shopping center. We find a little group of people who look like Chameleon Counters standing together. And then we follow the leader out along the Old Cape Road. Past St Albans and on to Rocklands. Then a left turn towards the N2. And we find a dirt road that leads to the Longmore Forest. We turn right into this road and shortly afterwards up a steep tar road. Mark is the leader and he has a key to the gate. This road is for maintenance of the radio towers on the top of the ladies slipper mountain. Through the gate. Now I remember a story that Fred once told me of how he had cycled from his house to here and up to the top. The road is all tar but very steep. A tough MTB ride.

It is windy and misty and finally we reach the top of this mountain. We look back to a magnificent, almost eiery looking sunset to the west. The mist is swirling around us. It is not yet completely dark and we are given instructions as to how to search for the Chameleons. They are endemic to this mountain and in particular this section of the mountain. They are Smiths Dwarf Chameleons and reflect torch light in the dark. We are told how to search for them and with our torches we start to Bundu Bash. The children are having a wonderful time. So are Barbara and I. We do not find any Chameleons but walking around on this mountain in the dark, cold wind and mist; by torchlight, is such an adventure that we are in heaven.

Then we hear a cry. One of the group of around 15 hunters finds the first Chameleon. It is right next to the road and on an Erica bush. We all gather round to see and sure enough it does glow by torch light. It seems to turn white at night. And has distinctive Gills. Shortly after this a second one is found and then a Special kind of Geko is also discovered on the top of an Erica. Everyone is delighted and excited. We unfortunately cannot stay as we have to collect Ally and friends from the Movies. So we pack up and head home.

But what an adventure we had. It was a first time in many ways and I, for one, cannot wait for the next Chameleon hunt where I will be better prepared.

Sunday morning:
Up early and John and I drive down to the University Campus. Here we meet up with Charles and Thomas for a bike ride. Brian Saunders has explained to me how to reach the back gate to the nature reserve and we are keen to explore. Fortunately Brian gives up his group ride and joins us. We park near to the security gate and cycle to meet up with Brian.


BRIAN SHOWED US THE BEST WAY TO CARRY THE BIKE OVER A STILE IS HOLDING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BIKE NEXT TO THE FRONT CLUSTER AND HEFT IT OVER ONE HANDED LIKE THIS



THOMAS CARRIES THE BIKE OVER THE STILE


JOHN CARRYING HIS BIKE OVER THE STILE


At the entrance to the reserve Brian shows us how to carry a MTB over the Stile. Once you have tried it once it is really not as difficult as it looks. We ride for a short while and then Brian gives us a layout of the reserve and the route we will be taking. It is clear that he knows the various routes backwards and plans to take us on a moderate ride this morning. It is a first for the rest of us.

We ride to the perimeter of the reserve. Thomas has driven the outer route on a 4 X 4. This is a real adventure for me. I love being out here and exploring. As we ride along next to the fence we spot a small herd of Springbok. They are nervous and Pronk away from us as we approach. The going is not easy and I become stuck in soft sand a number of times. Then going up a gravel road section I am the first to take a fall.


CHARLES CARRYING THE BIKE OVER THE STILE


We ride at a relaxed pace. Brian always leading. He is clearly the fittest and strongest on the MTB. As we ride Brian gives us tips regarding the route as well as maintenance of the bikes. John is riding his B-in-L Kevin's bike. Thomas has fitted Knobblies from his daughters bike. Charles and I have bikes that are a little fancier. Charles recently purchased his bike and I purchased mine a little over a year ago. It is only recently that we have all gotten into the way of this Sunday ride and we are all just so Stoked.


JOHN PUSHES IN SOFT SAND


CHARLES; JOHN; BRIAN; PETER AT THE BEACON LOOKOUT POINT.


Brian takes us to the Beacon look out point. It is clear that there was a time when these dunes and bushes were the meeting place for braaiing and drinking as there is a lot of debris around. We spot a dog. Brian phones the Ranger. There is little or nothing that the Ranger can do to keep dogs out. The electric fence has many areas where the dogs can climb under. On top of the platform we can see all around the reserve and towards the ocean and the city. It gives us a good perspective of where we are.


BRIAN LEADS THE WAY


Back on the bikes we continue along the perimeter. Charles has a bit of a slow puncture but the Slime Green and a quick pump seem to sort it out. We come to the area where the Marine Drive passes the reserve east boundary. This morning there is a Road Bike race on the go. We watch the front riders as they Zoom past us. It is fascinating to see the speed that they can ride. They have the East wind slightly in their favour and make the most of this.


CHARLES PAP WIEL


BRIAN GIVES CHARLES A HAND TO PUMP THE TYRE


We turn into the reserve. This helps us avoid some of the really soft sandy sections. But still we find ourselves having to stop and push from time to time as we reach the soft beach sand. Especially the up hills get to me. But even the flats and down hills find me battling to stay on board the bike. I am sure that with time I may learn the technique. Even Brian takes a fall on a sandy section. He tells us of a time when someone slipped next to the fence and received a nasty shock from the electric fence.

We are fortunate enough to ride close to a small herd of Zebra. We can really feel priveleged to be able to be on Bikes and enjoying nature so close to home and in this relaxed environment.

Brian shows us an old Khoisan Midden. Here you are able to see the left over discarded shells and other items that the Khoisan or Strandlopers would have left. Brian explains that if you dig down into the Midden you will find a variety of Shells and other objects that are evidence of the Strandlopers having lived here.

We finally exit the reserve. Again we carry the bikes over the stile as Brian has shown us to do. It has not been hard nor long but a huge adventure and lots of fun.





NIPPERS ON SUMMIES BEACH


NIPPERS JOSHUA AT FLAGS



NIPPERS DANIEL HAS FUN



SPRINGBOK RUGBY PLAYER


After the Bike ride I have Nippers training at Summerstrand and then later this afternoon pack up and drive through to Komga where I sleep the night before heading into the Transkei the following morning.


MICHAEL IS BACK FROM CAPE TOWN


JOSHUA AND JESSICA BUILD THE CHRISTMAS TREE


COWBOY DANIEL BUILDS THE TREE


Before leaving for work I am able to take the children for a bike ride. They have bikes with no brakes and battle on the downhills. But fearless and we charge through the Suburb together. I take them through Mill Park and around Grey. That is enough and they are exhausted.


JOSHUA DANIEL AND JESSICA GO FOR A LONG CYCLE WITH GRANDAD

Monday I spend the day working in Mthatha. Unfortunately it is a tough day and Julia and I have to work until late when we leave for Bizana. It is windy, raining and misty. We stay over in Port Edward. It was over three hours on the road driving in the rain and mist. I had to have all my wits about me and concentrate carefully so am exhausted.


Tuesday: Spend the day working in Bizana and then drive to Lusikisiki where I spend the night. Wednesday morning drive back to Flagstaff and then end the day off back in Lusiki. Leavev Lusikisiki at 6pm and finally arrive back in Mthatha at around 8pm where I stay at the Savoy hotel. Here I meet up with two ex employees of Morkels. Both Themba Notyeke (now a politician in the Steynsburg area) and Sitembele ( now with Engen) were trainee managers with Morkels. I enjoy being recognised by these two men and hearing a short synopsis of their lives after they left the Company.

Friday 25th
Finally home after a long week in the Transkei. Michael and Lene leave Cape Town. Michael is still very weak from the Operation and Lene is driving. They arrive safely in PE late on Friday afternoon. Michael is still very weak and cannot move around much.

Saturday morning. Up early and out for the morning run with Graham, Adrienne, Susan, Maryna (who has just returned from her Spanish walk of three weeks), Pat, Gerald, Elmarie, Andre. We also pass John and Andrew who are training for the Marathon next weekend.

It is one of the most beautiful mornings we have had in a long time. Gentle West wind. Clear and sparkling sea. Sunrise on the East coast line. We have an easy run. Graham goes ahead to start off but this is because he is warmed up. We then run together to second ave when he peels off to go home. Andre, Maryna and I go around the Admiralty Way and end up having a stunning swim. This is what living in PE is all about. I feel such a sense of priveledge to be able to enjoy the morning like this.

I have to buy the Daewoo Licence and visit the bank for Wildcliff and then collect Visa forms for Barbara's trip to Canada next year. Then the morning at the office. This afternoon I try to catch up on a bit of relaxation. I also clean the MTB for tomorrow morning ride.

Michael is not well.He is battling with pain and is weak. No energy to even walk around. I receive a continuous flow of support and love for Michael's health.

Sunday 27th morning;
John and I were supposed to be in Plett with the Nippers Carnival. But with only a few Summerstrand Nippers attending we decided to give it a miss.

We arranged a Cycle: we would meet at 05.30 and drive to Kragga Kamma where we had been told about a cycle track called Norm Hudlin. This is a place where local MTB's can get off road and enjoy a safe cycling environment. We loaded the bikes on Johns car and Andre followed us. As we drove along the Kragga Kamma Road we came across some Crusaders Runners who were taking part in the Helpers Run for the Marathon that John and Andrew would be running next weekend.


NORM HUDLIN MOUNTIAN BIKE AND TRAIL RUNNING

We missed the signboard and made a U turn at the Lake Farm Turn off. Andre had seen the sign and we followed him. I waited for Thomas and once we had found the house we were soon on our way. We did not know the set up and thought we would pay after we completed our ride.


JOHN; PETER AND THOMAS. ONE OF MANY STOPS WE HAD.


ANDRE; JOHN AND THOMAS AT A DRINKS BREAK

There was a board explaining the route but we had no idea what it was all about so thought that we would wing it. We did a loop and found ourselves at a sign saying "Finnish" which I decided was either Scandanavian or the signwriter had an itch. There is a sign saying 30kay and we were keen to do this. So we did an about turn and found an alternative route. This took us around a couple of twisty turns, slippery and muddy sections and over a stile which the others could ride but I had to push after I nearly fell over.



THOMAS WAS REALLY IN HIS ELEMENT ON THIS RIDE


SO HERE I AM TRYING TO TAKE A PIC OF ANDRE BUT END UP TAKING A PIC OF THE TRAIL?!?


We had ourselves a couple of stops. Just enjoying the outing and being in the fields. It is mainly single track. No vehicle could ride this pathway. There are tight switchbacks and one or two steep and sharp sections which I also had to get off and push much to my disgust when I see the rest of the group managing easily.


ANDRE FROM THE REAR.


We arrived at the N2. Here we turned left and had to plough our way through some real muddy sections. I am sure that everyone at some stage had to push. John forged ahead and had to wait for us as we puffed and panted our way along. I could feel that I was working hard as the sweat poured over my face. We saw a couple of other cyclists and they went past us. Now we were kind of getting confused as to where we were. Due to my own reputation of taking people on the wrong route I think that the group was looking to me to blame for being off course.


WE WENT AROUND THIS POOL TWICE. UNFORTUNATELY I WAS NOT ABLE TO CYCLE AROUND THIS TRICKY LITTLE SECTION.

We found ourselves doing a second loop of the same section. Past the pool. Along the slippery section and back to the N2. This time we turned right and started to make our way back under the power lines. Then we came across the ramp stile again. I was leading and thought that this time I would make it. I gave myself a running start but as I reached the top I kind of Chickened Out and stopped -- only to fall off with the bike on top of me. Damages: only my dignity. The rest of the group seemed to cope fine and were soon all over the stile.


AS SOON AS WE BECAME TIRED WE WOULD TAKE A SHORT BREAK. THIS IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MTB AND ROAD BIKING.


THOMAS; ANDRE AND JOHN ENJOY THE REST

By now we were over two hours into the cycle and were trying to make our way back. A couple of cyclists come past us in the other direction. We made the Power lines our land mark but we are not 100% sure that we are heading back to the start. We can see the Eucalyptus Trees that line Kragga Kamma Road. We do a coupld more switchbacks and then have a bit of a stop to discuss where the finish is. John presses on and soon we see the Finnish Sign again. We cycle the last section and back to the Coffee Shop where a couple of chaps are sitting.

We enter our names into the register and pay our Ten Rands each. We have a short coffee break with these other men. It turns out that the Owner of the track is Lex Holmes who gives us the back ground of this track. He had a road cycling accident and decided to create a place for himself to be able to train.
This developed and eventually is now what it is today. He has around 700 cyclists visiting the track every month.

For us this had been a wonderful little adventure. We had no idea what we were letting ourselves in for but this had been a stunning morning. The weather had played its part being cool and overcast. It has been raining quite a bit recently so the track was muddy and slippery in places. We will be back!

After the cycle I loaded the Nippers trailer and drove down to Summerstrand. It had started to rain hard and only a handful of Nippers turned up -- with the rain falling we decided to cancel Nippers training for the day. Ally was doing duty at the club. We off loaded the Trailer and called it a day.