Pennypinchers AR Team

The Real RETTO (Otter) Run-Natures to Storms River

2012-01-25T12:43:00.000+02:00

Out to pasture, Pennypinchers AR Squad Member, Chris "Che Che" Crewdson celebrated his 10th run of the Otter on Saturday being the Course Director, for the prestigious Otter African Trail Run organised by the elite Magnetic South crew.

Chris was joined by fellow Otter African Trail Run colleague, Petrus "Wingman" Maree who has been responsible for all the field marking and event crew operating on the event. Petrus celebrated his 5th Otter Safety Run. Plus 4 local members of the MCSA Mountain Rescue Crew joined the vital safety scout.

Chris is again splitting this year with 7 months involved in heading up and managing the logistics of the Tour De Tuli, which attracts mountain bikers from all over the globe who come to ride in exquisite natural wilderness areas in the Tuli Block of Botswana, Maramani Community of South Eastern Zimbabwe and finish in the Mapungubwe National Park in RSA. The tour raises funds for the Children In The Wilderness program set up and managed by the worlds largest safari operator - Wilderness Safaris. For the other 5 months he is back home in Knysna and works with the top class Magnetic South team on the Otter African Trail and Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge.

"It has been a major adjustment having to share my year between the lush incredible beauty of the Garden Route and the fast paced big smoke existence of Johannesburg. However getting out there even in the concrete jungle of Gauteng, you do find some gems and its these isolated spots that keep you mindful of just how incredibly fortunate we are to live here in the Southern Cape. I do miss being a regular member of this very passionate group of like minded folk and the Pennypinchers AR Team has given me some unbelievable memories over the years that I have had the pleasure of enjoying racing with it. Now it is time for younger blood to pick up from where I left off and take the team to places I can only dream to be ! "

"It is hard to let go and accept that circumstances require one to move into new directions however my goal is to keep flying the Pennypinchers AR Team brand high at the annual challenging Skyrun, which is all I can fit into a life of living between two centres."

Working on the Otter is an absolute HIGH and what an honour to be involved in this event. It is an exceptional trail and a run that must rank on your "bucket list". What makes the Otter that much more special is that the trail is open to runners ONLY once a year. Magnetic South as part of their safety management due diligence, have put together the most comprehensive management plan of any Trail Run in SA. Included is the sanction by SANParks to have a specific number of safety scouting runs on the trail with members of the MCSA Mountain Rescue Team who are called out when hikers get into emergency situations. Two members of the Pennypinchers AR Team, Lettuce & Jeaneatte form part of this highly dedicated Mountain Rescue unit and shared my 10th outing. How fitting could that have been !!!

A REMINDER that the Otter Trail is not allowed to be run unless your are a participant in the event or a sanctioned member of the safety team and all the necessary permissions have been given by SANParks, Magnetic South and MCSA Mountain Rescue.

Wishing the team and its many very supportive and loyal sponsors/supporters a year full of the GOOD STUFF.

Much appreciation to you all for making my time in the team an absolute adventure - see you at Skyrun !

Che Che

The year that was (2011) and the Year to be (2012)

2011-12-30T17:11:00.000+02:00

Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team 2011-2012

The year of 2011 and flashed past us and itis time to reflect on what the Team achieved and did not achieve in 2011 andwhat our aims and goals are for 2012

Click on this link to see some of the great pics and moments of 2011

https://picasaweb.google.com/114421207657151811852/2011SlideShow#

Thanks to Glen Murray,Kelvin Trautman,Jacques Marais,Dael Bunge,Nicola Gilleomee and all the rest who have taken pics while we were out having fun

January2011
10 Jan: The first Kurland Summer Trail Run:We had 130 runners with 3 different races. Pennypinchers branding at the start/finish .Nic Cuthbert 2^nd.CairnbrogieDairy supplier ice cold milk at the finish. Donate R1000.00 to Kids of Kurlandand R1000-00 to Mind the Gap Foundation.

15 January: Attakwas Extreme Mountain BikeRace 135km. Jeff and Jeannette andtJames take part despite 2 broken ribs. This is a good tough training ride to start theyear and keep the Team honest over Christmas.

February2011: Garth Pienke joins the Team for 2011Expedition Africa. Jeanette and James attend Wheel Chair race in George withSterreweg Kids. Garth finishes 3^rd in the Proscreen Series of trailruns in East London

March2011: Garmin War Trail: 265 km Staged AdventureRace in the Aliwal North / Lady Grey area. Jeff, James, Garth and ChrisCrewdson take part.

Jeanette wins the ladies race, James 9^th.Chris at 50 yrs old becomes the oldest finisher well up in the top half of thefield. The Team is actively involved in helping the BOBS FOR GOOD FOUNDATIONgive away 100 pairs of school shoes to a school in the Sterkspruit area afterthe 2^nd day of racing.

April2011

Good Friday 2011: The Cairnbrogie EasterTrail Run. We use the full Pennypinchers branding Trailer to brand the Barn.Nic Cuthbert 5^th . There are 250 runners and 24 disabled kids fromDie Sterreweg that take part. GU Brew out on the course. Nic Cuthbert 2^ndTortoise Tuff Goukamma Trail runs.

Donate R2500-00 to Die Sterreweg Charityfor disabled Kids

May2011

Expedition Africa. 500km expeditionAdventure Race. Starting and finishing in Onrus near Hermanus. The Teamfinishes 7^th out of the 27 teams that started. Only 11 teamscompleted the full race. Nic Cuthbert 3^rd Junior at PetroSA HalfMarathon

June2011

Recover and plan the next 6 months whileNic comes 2^nd Asics Extreme Mountain Run

July2011

Jeff takes part in the Knysna OysterFestival big 5 competition (taking part in 5 of the festival events in 8 days)places 12^th out of 140 entries .Nic comes 11^th in theFeatherbed Trail Run and 2^nd team in the Xterra. Garth finishes 4^thin the Katberg Sky trail 38km run.

James rides in the first Plettenberg BayMountain Bike Race. 75km. Comes in 22^nd. August 2011

Nic Cuthbert wins the 25km OuteniquaTraverse trail run (first junior and first overall

James and Jeanette run the Otter Trail Runas safety back up Mountain Search and Rescue.

September2011

Trans Baavians Mountian Bike Race . 235km non stop. Jeff rides with his sonBrandon and finishes well. James, Jeanette and Garth ride the race with out anysupport from seconds along the way and finish 3rd in their category (mixed 3s).

We receive our new branded kit from SecondSkins just in time for the Karoo to Coast. The design of the kit has reallyworked well in terms of our sponsors logos . The problem of often wearing racebibs or back packs has been well resolved with clear branding on the sleevesand on the front of our shorts as well as the sun visors. James, Jeff and Garthcombined the race with a trainingweekend including the Buffalo Bay Trail Run 12km (Nic 3^rd, Jeff,Garth, James 5, 6, 7, respectively) and some paddling on the Goukamma River.

October2011

Jeanette to Adventure Racing World Champswith Team Cyanosis. (a late replacement for Hanlie Booyens) they finish 8^thout of 89 teams

Eden Duo. The junior Team of NicholasCuthbert and Brandon Willcox win the race. James and late replacement forJeanette, Voitex Orzechoski finishes second. Garth and Jeff finish 8^thafter a tough day out.

November2011

Salomon Sky Run. 105km off road highaltitude non stop trail run. James and Garth finish 18^th, 19th in afield of 150 starters (only 89 finished).

December2011

Kurland Summer Trail. We attract 170Runners. GU and Pennypinchers brand the finish area. Nic finishes third overallin a strong field.

Donate R2000-00 to mind the Gap Foundation(Crags based charity).

TheBlog.

With the inclusion of Nicholas Cuthbert (heis 17 years old and knows the technical stuff) in to the Team we have been ableto up grade our blog and are now also on Twitter .The blog hits have increasedover the year with the first month of over 1000 hits being November 2011,October feel just short with 983 hits. Twitter allows us to do live posting tothe web from our phones while we are at a race. As you can see with some of thestats below the blog is receiving attention from all over the world as well.

The information below was printed on SundayDecember 18 2011.

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AudienceMore »

2012

With the whole Team being together over theweekend of the Kurland Trail Run we were able to work out our main objectivesfor 2012 and work out the best possible way of achieving these goals .

From an event point of view it was decidedthat we would all continue to compete in as many local races as we can in termsof trail running, mountain biking and canoeing as well as any multi sportevents that may occur. (Most of these dates and calendars are not finalized for2012 yet).

Chris Crewdson will be tackling the GarminWar Trail as the oldest competitor for the second year running. He has alsoindicated that he would like to be on the podium in the Masters category at theSalomon Sky Run at the end of the year.

Nic Cuthbert will focus on his trailrunning especially in the first part of the year (there is a whole list ofthese) where after he will be committedto his Matric exams.

The main focus of the Team for the first 6months of this year will be The Expedition Africa 500km Race to be held in May2012.James,Jeff,Garth and Jeanette have decided to 100 % commit themselves tothis race. The reasons are as follows

1) The race is now sanctioned bythe World Adventure Race Series and will attract quite a few overseas teams ,givingus the opportunity to compete against these teams.

2) The race will be held in theEastern Cape and is close to home as well as in Pennypinchers Country

3) It is the biggest race in thecountry and all the top South African Teams will be there

4) It is a true adventure race andthat is what we do

5) Being close to home we will beable to put together training sessions in the area and acclimatize to the harshconditions of the Eastern Cape.

6) We have got unfinished businessform last years race and feel we now have the Team and the time together toreally do well.

With this in mind we have plotted a routethat will include the Attakwas Mountain Bike Race (135km tough) and the GarminWar Trail as well as 2 training camps as build up events for the main 500kmmission in May.

The second six months of the year willinclude the Trans Baavians, The Eden Duo and the Salomon Sky Run as key events.

EventOrganizing

This extra arrow to our quiver is turningout to be really successful. This last year we hosted 3 trail runs with a totalof 570 runners taking part. The aim was to host a family fun filled day with achoice of routes for everyone to enjoy, young and old. We have been approachedto include our two runs in a book of the best trail runs in the country and wewill be hosting the journalists some time in the New Year to show off what wehave done and see if the runs are selected.

This year we will once again organize threeevents (with some more if the ideas we have turn out). Over Easter we will hostthe Cairnbrogie Easter Trail Run and expect huge growth from this. At the endof the year we will once again hold the Kurland Summer Trail Run and in betweenwe have some great ideas for either running, biking or adventure races. Thisthird event needs to be selected carefully in terms of the very busy sportingcalendar that is out there.

These events have three objectives

1) To create an awareness and promoteour sponsors using, branding ,media and a quality event

2) To raise some funds for a localcharity close to the event venue

3) To promote the PennypinchersAdventure Racing Team brand

4) To introduce and show case theworld of adventure type sports to the Garden Route which is already becoming knownas the Adventure Sport Capital of South Africa.

The Team would like to take this oppurtuinity to wish you all a Fit and Healthy 2012 and thank you all for your wonderfull support through out 2011.

The Kurland Summer Trail Run

2011-12-15T08:48:00.000+02:00

The Kurland Summer Trail Run Organized by the Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team 2011

Four days after the event and I can finally write my report on the Kurland Summer Trail Run. That is because this evening I finally got to run the whole route despite the cold and rainy weather. What an amazing run , I knew it was going to be good as we linked bits of jeep track with single track where we followed bush pig paths into the forests, joined old logging paths to new forestry roads and fire breaks. It was also tough the run started with a 4km uphill before turning into some single track through the forest and then it seemed to go up again for a bit through some fynbos and thick onder bos.At the end of a long downhill the fire break section took you upwards again and this time the reward was a great view across the Crags to Robberg. The downhill on the other side was no reward it was very steep. A short section along a district road at about the 10 km mark was a small relief from the knee jarring descent on the fire break. Off the road and after winding along next to the honey bush fields it was another treat of single track path through the forest. This section was a lot more technical than I thought it would be and you were constantly weaving in and out of the trees and monkey ropes. A quick section of farm road and then more paths to the finish but not without a splash through a muddy patch. 675 m of climbing and 16,75km of great trail running .The finish on the polo field was spectacular this evening even without all the banners and people as a rainbow filled the sky.

That is how I saw the 16km route, on the day there was however much more on offer. The Team had three objectives with the organizing of this event
First was to organize an event that would show case our sponsors and the Team.
Second to host an event that would involve the whole family and offer all participants a challenge at whatever level they choose.
Thirdly raise some money for a local charity close by to the venue, in this case The Mind the Gap Foundation.

The hard work started in November after the Sky Run with our weekends being spent cutting and scouting trails on the Kurland and Kleinberg properties in the Crags. Jeff is in his element doing this and once pointed in the right direction is unstoppable. Jeanette’s role here is the “bunny hugger” and she watches Jeff and his assistants like a hawk to make sure not even the smallest bush is hurt and at the same time wattle trees are demolished.

With the help of Google Earth all the dots were joined and with Chris being pulled back in to duty and Garth arriving from East London the Team started setting up the start finish area on Friday afternoon with a strong Easterly wind making sure that we would have to come back very early on Saturday morning to put up most of the branding. The full moon was high in the sky by the time we got back to the farm to eat and sort out the final bits and pieces. The moon was still up as we packed up and headed back to Kurland for the start of a fantastic day.

The Kurland Hotel staff were up early to and by 7:30 steaming cups of tea and coffee were on hand to greet the runners as they registered.

8:30 am and the first runners set off. The Kids Adventure Trail had Moms, Grans and toddlers heading under the start finish arch under the watchful eye of Garth and Jeannette. Their 1,5km route would take them into the forest, along a path through some ferns and then back across the fields crossing logs and fences along the way.

Next off was the 4km run. This route was designed specifically to take away the speedsters and young hooligans who had eaten all the kiddies Easter Eggs at our last race. The route here needed to be well marked and non technical but difficult enough to keep these speedsters busy for just under half an hour. The race started and it was clear that we had the right people in this race as everyone over the age of 10 was left at the start arch wondering what had bulleted past them. Our Adventure Racing team has very clear policy about not following people and also making sure we are always going in the right direction, this clearly was not the policy of young Deon Nagel who missed a turn on the route marked with a 2m square Pennypinchers banner and 2 arrows and then led the whole field on a unmarked round about route to the Pavilion (adding about 1,5km to the route).

The 6km route would have more climbing and a longer downhill through the forest and would be a good introduction to trail running for anyone wanting to venture off road for the first time. The route would finish along the same section as the 4 km route with nobody on the race missing the “Nagle “gate. With young Dylan Van Wyk blitzing this route in 28 min winning the race overall as well as being first junior home. Amy Williams from Knysna was second girl home.

The 16km route would follow the same first 2 km of the 6km and then the runners were split by a GU banner and sent further up the hill and into the new additions to our route. Melakhaya came through from Knysna with Jeff at 4:30 that morning helped us set up the start area and then promptly went out and demolished the field and completed the 16.5km in a very respectable 1hr08. Coming in, in second place was Knysna’s Mark Collins I a time of 1hr19 min with Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team junior Nic Cuthbert in a very respectable third place. Watching the DVD footage of the race I was amazed at how close the ladies race was out in the field with a group of them all together for a lot of the time. All of them saying how much fun it was but actually there quite a race was going on. It was Chloe Carmes who broke away to take first place from local Shelly De Villiers who looked like she paced herself well and had a good last quarter of the race. Third place was Crags local Charlotte Rodgers and in forth Oakhill Adventure Racer Mikhayla Olivier.

By the time all the athletes had completed their races the day had warmed up and they were treated to an ice cold supply of GU Brew at the finish line. Once fully rehydrated with carbs and electrolytes replaced most runners headed towards the Pavilion Restaurant and tucked into the Burgers,wors rolls and chips that were on offer as well as that well deserved beer.

With unbelievable support from local businesses prize winners received some great prizes and after some lucky draws all the runners were heading out patting themselves on their backs for competing in the 2nd Kurland Summer Trail Run.

Album 1 https://picasaweb.google.com/114421207657151811852/KurlandAlbum1?authkey=Gv1sRgCJjuk9HspuaTgwE#

Album 2 https://picasaweb.google.com/114421207657151811852/KurlandAlbum2?authkey=Gv1sRgCN2R943Nvve_mgE#

Album 3 https://picasaweb.google.com/114421207657151811852/KurlandAlbum3?authkey=Gv1sRgCNDFjITAr5moTw#

Album 4 https://picasaweb.google.com/114421207657151811852/KurlandAlbum4?authkey=Gv1sRgCIDN06fkqoa8Uw#

Album 5 https://picasaweb.google.com/114421207657151811852/Album5?authkey=Gv1sRgCPyN2LzzzLzZTA#

ARWC Nettski's Report

2011-12-08T12:05:00.001+02:00

Finally I got my act together to right a race report for the AR world Champs in Tasmania.

Firstly I just want to Thank all of you for the your support enthusiasm it was and still is amazing I still get asked about the race THANK YOU SO SO MUCH for showing such interested.

Its quite hard to right a race report for such a long race without writing a journal so I'm just going to take out one incident which will always stick in my mind, but before that I better write a bit about what Tasmania looks like. It is beautiful and wild the Forests are lush and green with ferns taller than Nicolas which says quite a lot and mosses covering every fallen tree so its rich in different greens but not thick as a jungle, more like our Garden Route forest with gum trees as thick as our yellow woods.

The coast is rough and wild like our own Robberg with very similar vegetation which scratches you to shredders ala fynbos!! The weather well that can get freezing which we experienced on the long hike wind, snow and rain all together but luckily for the rest of the race we had pretty good weather. Me! well considering my build up for this race 2 weeks of panic attack training and not such a good base due to wedding fever, one could say I was well rested and nicely fed (vino,vino and dinning out). I was thou pleasantly surprised that I survived, still could smile and could have carried on except for my swollen sore shines which where literally a pain.

At the end of the report which is beginning to look like a book I will write the distances we covered which Nicolas send to me since I had no idea and people kept on asking me. All I can say it looks damn long and impressive cant believe we did that. And since it looks so impressive I have to add that to the report also it makes me look very very hardcore.

Okay finally to the incident that will stick with me for ever:

It was on our last hike along the coast which we started just before night time, the sleep monster was attacking me big time and to me it felt like we where wondering around in circles around this headland. Every time Nic took a look at the map Netski dropped to the ground hoping for a quick zzzzzz time well it never lasted very long. We got to the check point which to me looked like a jetty at a lake since it was dark now. During this time the wind picked up considerably and it was pretty chilly needless to say it started to bucket down but lucky for us there was a public toilet right next to the jetty. Sadly to say this is where we settled for the chilly night and the worst was the wall didn't even reach all the way to the ground more like a prefab wall about a foot above the ground. Needless to say the rain was coming in so we ended up pushing our backpack against the wall and leaning against them to stop the rain and wind. John was hugging the toilet with his emergency blanket while I squashed between Nic and Nathan needless to say the sleep was not very good. Between the shivering and here and there a bit of shut eye, daylight came with the rain having stopped but the wind was still howling, it was freezing.

The boys decided to use their emergency blanket as a buffer between their cloths and skin, so there they where ripping the emergency blankets into strips and stuffing them into their pants. John looked the best since he was wearing compression socks and cycling tights. The silver emergency blanket was sticking out of the socks and out of his pants he either looked like a candy wrapped badly in foil or a robot I couldn't quite make up my mind. But the best was when the boys started to walk this funny zizzzhed zizzed noise was coming from the "aliens" even thou the situation was pretty grim I had to laugh and it still makes me laugh. But we made it to the end in a amazing 8th place with never having trained or raced together before, with 2 people who didn't have this race in their yearly goal John who got asked 6 weeks before and me 2 weeks considering how much all the other teams train for this I was very very chuffed.

For some on course pics go to
https://picasaweb.google.com/nchlsmldr/2011Tasmania?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Here is the course info:

9am start

1) 17km sea kayak - 2.5 hours, including transition

2) 20km trek through the Dial Mountain Range - 4.5 hours

3) 20km mtb to Gunns Plains Cave - 1 hour

4) 1 hour of caving.

5) 50km mtb to Leven Canyon - 4.5 hours (arrived at 10pm)

6) 60km of mountain trekking and kloofing down past Reynolds Falls and

the Vale River - 20 hours

7) 12km rafting on Lake Mackintosh in inflatable - 3 hours

8) 20km kayaking on Lake Mackintosh and Lake Rose - 5.5 hours

- We slept 2 hours in transition in Tullah until dawn

9) 105km mtb past Montezuma Falls to Stahan (Mid camp) - 10 hours

- We slept 3 to 4 hours in transition in Stahan, 6 hour stop. Left mid

camp at 21h45

10) 65km beach and fynbos hike to Granville Harbour - 19 hours

11) 150km mtb past Waratah to the Arthur River - 23 hours

- We slept 2 hours in tent alongside the road before the ferry crossing

12) 75km kayak & 12km trekking down Arthur River to Kununnah Bridge -

took us from 18h30 till 17h30 the next day with 11 hour darkzone

- We slept 7 hours during dark zone next to Arthur River. Got 45 mins

down river before darkzone. Actual kayaking time was 10 hours.

13) 70km mtb to the Rocky Cape - 5 hours

14) 25km coasteering to Boat Harbour - 10 hours in total from midnight

to 10am.

- We slept 2.5 hours in toilet near Jetty on the Rocky Cape

15) 35km mtb to the finish in Burnie - 2 hours.

- Finished just before midday.

Kurland Summer Trail Run organised by the Pennypinchers AR Team

2011-12-06T12:04:00.001+02:00

The routes are now finalized and I have to say they are all awesome from the Kiddies Adventure Trail up to the 16km Trail Run.

The 16km route is going to challenge the Garden Routes top trail runners while the more social runners will be treated to spectacular views over The Crags towards Robberg and single tracks through indigenous forests.

If you have kiddies and also want to run we have you will be able to do the 6km Trail Run after the Kids Adventure Trail (see starting times below)

IMPORTANT TIMES

1) Friday (9th Dec)12:00 NOON- online entries at trailrunning.co.za close

2) Saturday (10th Dec) 7:00AM Registration Opens

3) Saturday (10th Dec) 8:15 AM Registration Closes

4) Saturday (10th Dec) 8:25 AM Race Briefing for 4Km Race

5) Saturday (10th Dec) 8:30 AM START 4km Race

6) Saturday (10th Dec) 8:32 AM START Kids Adventure Trail

7) Saturday (10th Dec) 8:35 AM Briefing 16Km Trail Run

8) Saturday (10th Dec) 8:35 AM Start 16km Trail Run

9) Saturday (10th Dec) 9.00 Am Briefing 6km Trail Run

10)Saturday (10th Dec) 9:05 Am Start 6km Trail Run

Contact James on 082 9257885 for more information

The Salomon Sky Run Story

2011-11-17T12:06:00.011+02:00

The Lady Grey Country Club has two influxes of people during the year . One the Wartrail Multisporters in March and then the runners for Sky Run in November. We visit on both occasions but prefer the laid back and smaller filed of the Adventure Racing crowd in March.

Before we could even register we had to under a a quick medical check. Blood pressure,heart rate and wieght. Having spent the whole day in eating in the car and just arrived in to a hall full of people and the excitement of the race hardly made for great healthy results. In fact the fear of God was put in to Petrus with his blood pressure sky high ( by the time he reached Balloch the next day it was way down ).

As always a great pasta meal was provided and the race briefing revealed a huge part of the field were novices. (Adrian Saffy organiser and sweep was in for a long day). Our little group hit the sack and tried to sleep thrugh the noise of a local party and a new kid on the drag rtacing scene. 2:25 am came all to soon and the ritual forcing of a breakfast and some water began .

After a few words of wisdom and caution from the organiser,Adrian Saffy, the race was on. Unlike the casual jog of the Wartrail out of Lady Grey, the front Sky runners (racing snakes) took off like they were doing the 100m sprint!!!
After 40 min the headlights were already off and one knew at this stage it was going to be a hot day with the sweat dripping from ones body. After 1hr 40min myself (Garth), Lettuce, Jeff and Petrus had reached the Tower CP1. At this stage the field was staggered and groups already formed.
From the Tower, past CP2(Olympus) and on to CP3(Snowden) was all about getting into a steady rhythm and doing a little base work to open a gap and push.
With water been Scarce and a steady berg wind the natural river spring just after Snowden was a stop for all. Fuel up,and splash those faces before moving on again for the climb up to Avoca. All the way one needs to remember to turn those heads and take in those spectacular views we so often forget about when racing.
Once at Avoca (CP4) and a 5min stop to refuel again properly and appreciate the country side again we were off. Off to Skiddaw via the Dragons Back. By this stage the North wind was howling so crossing the Dragons Back was hair raising for some allowing us(Garth, Lettuce, Jeff and Petrus) to pass a large group taking a more conservative route and not going straight over the Dragons Back. (How could one not go over the Dragons Back. One of the main highlights of the race!!!).
Shortly after passing through Skiddaw(CP5) we lost Jeff to not feeling so well and decided to push on and wait at Balloch. All that was left before reaching Balloch was that horrid knee crunching, ankle twisting downhill that went on for ever before reaching the path in the valley below and meandering all the way in to the picturesque Ballock(CP6). Here we were met by our organised family and friends being our seconds.(What would we do without them) We were immediately given a kit check and herded in like cattle to the medics for a clearance to keep going. There after downing a red bull from the sponsors and plonking our backsides on chairs for a well deserved breather.

KIT CHECK AT BALLOCH AND THEN TO A MEDICAL WHERE LETTUCE HAD LOST 4,5KGS (There you have a new diet)

Lettuce was given strict instructions to drink rehydrate by the medics to carry on(He does sweat like a muel!!) and Jeff who came in 30min after us was failed and forced to rest until further inspections by the medics. After 8hrs sleep and 5 medical inspections, unfortunately Jeff was not permitted to carry on.

REFILL,REFUEL,REHYDRATE, RE GU AND GO

At about 4;50pm we decided it was time to get going as Balloch Wall ( a sheer 400m climb up and over a 3 meter wide saddle and down the other side) lay ahead of us and doing this section in the dark would not be pleasant. Balloch wall – Straight up and Straight down. Little off sides I thought, but a lot more humorous once down the otherside having passed a few competitors and a couple Emus ( yip thats what I said) From here on to Edgehill it was pretty straight forward following the gravel road.

From Edgehill to Bridal Way Path was where all the fun and games started again. Bridal Way Path was nothing compared to the approach to Bridal Way Path. This seemed to be forgotten about and I don’t know why. Good for us though because after grouping with a couple people at Edgehill, we seemed to make good work at dropping them on this climb. Then after coming out the top of the pass some bright spark said it was only 7km to the turn around. Not knowing this section of the route I soon realised that after 2hrs and not yet at the turn around the bright spark wasn’t to bright with there distances after all.

The Turn Around (CP8) was a life saver. We arrived at 00h00. Up until 23h00 there were berg winds blowing and heat was a issue. From 23h00 onwards the weather made a turn from Hot to Freezing. At the turn around the tea, coffee, rusks, sandwiches, soup, red bulls, blankets and willing people just wanting to help and make us comfortable was most welcomed. Leaving that warm loving environment was a tough one which had to be done quickly to avoid losing to much body heat and getting to comfy. At this point we seemed to bunny hop a few more contestants sleeping and recovering. The course had taken it’s toll on them.....!!

Here is what Sky Run novice Petrus Maree had to say about the last strech home" The night got freezing cold and when we reached the Turn at around 12 for a tea stop I had to put on all 4 layers and 2 buffs. Our pace from there was "hiking on steroids" and trying to keep the pace constant and focus on the GPS and path in front of you, ankles were fragile and I was tired. We could see Checkpoint 9 on top of the mountain, it was hard few km's to get there with lots of crazy climbing but that was the last checkpoint so I was super excited"

The final CP(Halstone) was the last climb of the day with shear 100m drop offs literally a meter from us. Climbing was one thing but descending it was another. We opted for the faster less safe shear downhill route. By this stage it was time to get this thing finished with as soon as possible.

Petrus again "The view of the Salomon blow up arch was PRICELESS! 25h19 mins I am stoked! Lettuce, Garth, Jeffrey, you guys rock, thanks for the experience and guiding, learning from the best! Will I do it again next year...hell yes!

We strolled into the finish just after 05h00 Sun morning to a surprising 18th, 19th and 20th .

HATS OFF BOYS.
HAPPY DIRTY AND TIRED THATS WHY WE DO IT

What an event!! Well done Pennypinchers!!

Thanks Adrian and Mike of Pure Adventures,

Big thanks to Matty,Tammy,Lynne and David for seconding,

the Bloem 4x4 club for being up on the mountain for us

and Jeffery for driving us back...

Eden Duo 2011 - A race report

2011-11-03T23:06:00.000+02:00

Leg 1- Paddle from Ebb and Flow to Wilderness Beach on the Touws River

The long wait between packing,briefing and the start was finally over and after a quick prayer by Jan Hennop (race director) we ran down to our K2 and hit the water for the first paddle. Voit and I were second behind the Merrel Relay Team and more than comfortable as we hit the beach and headed into the Kaaimans Kloof. Brandon and Nick didn't start well, with an embarassing capsize as they entered the river, they entered T1 with Jeff and Garth.

Leg 2 - Kloof from Wilderness to Saasveld

Garth enjoyed this leg the most and said if it was just for this leg alone it would have been worth the 600km from East London. Jeff and Garth came into the kloof not far behind the lead pack which consisited of Voit and Lettuce and the juniors and two Merrel relay teams. We swapped positions up the kloof until the juniors put the hammer down leaving a trail of blood on the rocks for the rest of us to follow where Brandon had fallen. Jeff also missed his footing in the kloof leaving him short of puff when they hit the bike.

Leg 3 - MTB from MNNU Saarsveld to Herold Wines
Coming out of the Kloof in first place, Brandon and I, made a hasty transition, which was hampered by forgetting the clip card as we were about to check out. Recovering from this embarrassment ungracefully, we sped out of the transition, at the same time as the first of the relay teams were arriving. For Brandon, having injured his knee upon the kloof leg, this was an opportunity to recover.
Wending our way through a small sampling of the single tracks around Saarsveld, we clipped CP1 and then emerged onto forestry roads, which led us to a hiking trail, which was in my opinion unrideable. As if just to disprove this point, Brandon cruised over most of the obstacles. At this point, the first relay team caught us, and as ours was not their race, we didn't try to stay with them. The route took us past an extra-ordinarily large amount of cyclists and a number of dog walkers. The dogs stared at us as we went past with beady eyes and were remarkably well behaved.
The hiking trail emerged onto the now defunct railway and the promise of terrain far more traversable. Picking up speed here, we were able to reach the devilish Montague Pass in good time. The pass's steep gradient presented Brandon and I with a challenge. I, mostly due to a lack of cycling experience and Brandon due to the racing bike he was using, which only had two blades on the front gearing system and thus presented no granny gears, meaning that he ground it out, till the top of the pass. The view, has to be mentioned, if only because it is compulsory on such a devastating climb; the view, was splendid and made more splendid by the fact that down below, many would have to ascend this @#%&!@#$ of a hill. In transition, we grabbed all the necessities, I took reams of cramp block and we went to confront the mystical ou tannie, the gate-keeper to The Outeniqua Mountains. Barely passing muster, with our minimalistic kit, we set out for the hike. Voit and I hit this leg feeling good and I thought that I would catch up on the bit of energy I had used in the last bit of running from the kloof to Saasveld. Instead my legs deserted me and must have spent the rest of the day in a cold pool in the kloof because from then on I struggled on the bike and on foot. Jeff picked up two punctures on the ride and was starting to have a testing day.

Ed: The boys headed on untouched ,mixing it up with the relay teams.

Leg 4 Hike Nick Fence Hopping on the way down to Saasveld photo J Marais

Leg 4 Herold to Saasveld hike/run 25km

This is the one leg that has been the same in all of the Eden Duo Races and it is really the start of the race proper. This is where fatigue kicks in and one starts feeling the pace from earlier in the day.The route follows an awesome path in a series of switch backs in a kloof deep in the shadows of Cradock Peak. on climbs nearly 300 vertical meters in a space of a kilometer to get out of the kloof to a sadle that gives one a spectacular view of George.The water at the bottom of the kloof is cold and the only guaranteed water untill you reach Saasveld. This leg went slowly for me as a battled the "cramp monster" but there was no letting up of Voits inthusiasim and before long we hit the transition for what should be an easy bike leg. Garth and Jeff hit the hike in good spirits but Jeff toiled a bit and Garth soon had his back pack and used his experience to get them through what was a tough leg.

Leg 5 Greonewiede to Hoogekraal Bike 35km

It was nearly "tea time " in the civilised world but not at the Eden Duo- a quick change of shoes and we were on our bikes. The juniors now had a big lead and were doing us proud. Voit and I were hanging onto second place . We both were really ready to get to the end of this leg to get in a canoe and give the legs a break. The ride was fine but we did get passed by two "cycling strong" teams. One got lost and the other we passed again with 2 minutes in our canoe (justice?).

Jeff 's woes continued as he decide to try and ride his 29er over two Boerbulls. He felt he had a good chance at 40km and hour but the dogs won and Jeff hit the tarmac hard.

Leg 6 Hoogekraal to Gerrikes Paddle 15km

A great leg for all the Pennys Teams despite the incoming tide. Voit and I arrived at the Sedgefield Caravan park all to soon and had to have a quick transition to make the most of the last hour and half of day light. Erez and Incha our trusty seconds were there as always along with a host of other locals including my partner from last year Rhona and her husband Jan, Mike from Knysna Pennys, Hien and Susie who seem to be everywhere. Thank you all for the support and words of encouragement. It defiantly got me on my feet and out of the transition .

Leg 6 - Beach Run (An ordeal)
Ed: Nic's account below shows what an ordeal a 21 km run on the beach at high tide can be. Jeff and Garth got there a bit latter but still had to slog it out. Voit and I pulled back nearly an hour on the juniors on this leg but it was too little too late.

This was in our minds the last barrier to succeeding. To us this was the deal breaker. We'd heard the same thing over the course of the race from our wonderful seconds; that the rest of the field reckoned that due to the blistering (literally for me) pace we'd set at the beginning of the race and our (as youths) developing endurance, we'd burn out in the later half of the race. Our doubters were more than half right...
Injuries sustained at the start of the race, had plagued Brandon and had worn him down, and it was with a supremely brave face that he began the stage. In a change from previous years, we were able to cross a significant stretch of the onerous beach before dark, which was fortunate, as the tide over the rocky sections of the beach was not working with us.Until about halfway, we were able to sustain an acceptable pace but coinciding with night, we slowed down to a shuffle. The malicious streetlamps in Wilderness, our destination, then turned on, as if to mark the occasion. To anyone not acquainted with these lights, know that the reason they are so curséd (with an extra éd) is because they are psychologically damaging. These lamps torment you with their nearness and then laugh when you realise that there is still many clicks to go till the end of the line. What made the run this year especially tense, was the lack of any lights behind us. We couldn't see any approaching teams, and so couldn't moderate our pace. Three-quarters of the way through, we lost much of our hope of a victory, after all we couldn't have had that much of a buffer from the last transition could we?
Shuffling onward, there was still no teams emerging from the dark behind us and so we allowed hope to rise again. Passing groups fishing, playing and walking was quite refreshing, as it indicated that we were nearing the end of our race. We got a massive wake-up call when lights suddenly came bobbing up behind us. Brandon steeled himself for one last effort and we rushed towards the Wilderness bridge and the start of the paddle, with another team hot on our heels. Hopping into our boats, we believed that it would require a supreme effort in the paddle to claim an overall win. It turned out to be the third relay team (but we surprisingly topped them on the paddle anyway), claiming first place

It was a great weekend for the Team to go and fill the top two places in an event that saw athletes come in from all round the country.

Our new kit worked really well in its first real endurance test. Voit and I wore our Second Skins running shorts and the short sleeve shirts from start to finish. The others chopped and changed a bit but what was great is that the branding stands out really well .

Eden Duo 2011

2011-10-24T14:26:00.005+02:00

With Jeannette heading for Tasmania on Thursday the rest of the Team will be heading through to Wilderness for the Eden Duo on Friday. Jeannette will be taking part in the Adventure Racing World Championships after a late injury to Hanilie Booyens of Team Cynosis.We will be following her with live tracking and I will be "tweeting" this site so keep it on you desk top next week.

We have got three teams taking part this weekend at the 150km Eden Duo. Nic Cuthbert and Brandon Willcocks will be entered in the senior mens divsion along with Garth and Jeff and Me and my new partner Voitec Orchecovski ( no speel check on that word). Voit is a seasoned paddler and has done the Duo twice before so is an able replacement for Jeannette .

Over the weekend Jeff Voit and I went through to George to check out the first two legs of the race . The Kloofing section up the Kaaimans River was really worthwhile as was riding the single track through Saasveld. That was untill I went head over heels on my bike doing a lot of damage to my ego and some to my body. The bike was fine by the way.

Netski steals the limelight.

2011-10-18T06:44:00.007+02:00

While our Juniors Nic and his Team from Oakhill were doing us proud in in the final raft building section of the AR Nationals at Baynesfield in Natal Jeannette was tying the another type knot and marrying Colin Wylie on a small holding just outside Plett.With the wedding held amoung the fynbos and the dress code casual it was a great day for the small group of friends and family that were there. The priest Pieter from Knysna who also happened to be a runner and cyclist got right into the spirit of the couple getting married and in his sermon proceded to compare marrage to the Comrades Marathon , with all the ups and downs that one can go through. It was not long before he started talking about the hard times that will confront you along the way and this is where you will need help and one of the best sources of help on the "big hills" is a GU ( this is with out any idea about our relationship with the products) . He proceeded to discuss the differnt flavours and making sure that you used the right ones at the right time etc. As everyone said afterwards "only at Netskis wedding"

Pieter fills us all in on the benefits of Espresso Love flavoured GU

As if this was not enough less than a week after she tied the knot she hit the jack pot. Nic Mulder from Team Cynosis one of South Africas top AR teams asked her to join his team to go to Tasmania to the AR World Championships . This late call was necesitated by a very unfortunate injury to Hanile Booyens who was due to go with Cynosis to the AR Worlds.

Adventure racing being a team sport as well as a very physical one often ends up offering people unexpected these type of oppurtuinities. With less than 2 weeks before Cynosis leaves for Tasmania I dont think they could have found a better replacement. Netski has raced over seas before and kicks into another gear the longer these races go on. We wish Netski,John Collins,Nic Mulder and Nathan Thompson all the best. Team Merrel Adventure Addicts will also be flying the SA flag high in Tasmania and are hoping for a really good finish.We will be posting news from Tasmania on our blog as the 700km race progresses.

As they say one door opens ,another closes and then another will open. This great oppurtuinity has left me (Lettuce) with out a partner for the Eden Duo, also in 2 weeks time. With time an issue as well as the poularity of the race a decsion need to be made quickly. Voitec Orzechovski lives in Plett and comes from a paddling back ground and has done two Duos so he has been roped in to do the race with me. We are definatley looking forward to the extra 5 km paddling leg that Jan Heenop has added to the race. Watch this space as we head out for our first training session together this evening.

South African Schools AR Championship

2011-10-10T22:49:00.001+02:00

This year Oakhill School packed off 4 teams to Baynesfield, KZN to tackle the 2011 South African School's AR Championships, hosted by Kloof High School. Our u/19 A team, consisted of Brandon Willcocks, Nicola Giliomee, Harry Maarsingh and myself (Nick Cuthbert).
Leaving on Tuesday evening, we set off on a testing 21 hour bus trip, which would see us arrive at race HQ at sundown the following day. Due to proper planning and the luxury of time, we had an entire night and day to shake off the travelling dust. This additional time would prove to play an important role in the race for we did a quick recce on our bikes on Thursday morning.

Thursday - 6 p.m, the race briefing started, in which race rules were explained to us and our support teams. The race would follow a point to point approach, with routes being proscribed several times through the course. This was a change to the last two SA champs, where the races more closely ascribed to the rogaine format. This allowed teams to determine where they were in the field, which likely increased the average speed and could possibly be a huge motivator to competitors. After rules were explained, support crews were sent to hang up in their storage lockers and racers were left alone with maps and equipment. In race instructions, there were only a few point with which one could choose your own route and this had pivitol results upon the race outcome. Finishing preparations, our team climbed into bed, ready for an early start.

4 a.m start Oakhill U19

Friday 4 a.m. The race started, with teams heading out into the dark upon bicycles. The first few kilometres are chaotic, with a fairly technical downhill and a river to cross, leading to backlog and a bit of bad-temperedness from the field. Congestion eased however when the route took us upon the broad provincial roads and we quickly claimed the lead, being caught by one of the Helpmekaar teams when there was some uncertainty regarding the turn-off onto the farm roads. We took off once more after getting onto a marked track, passing the single check point, PB1(Post Box) in the leg with Helpmekaar, with whom we came into transition first, finishing the approximately 25km leg one in perhaps a too blistering hour and a half.

Leg two was a trail run and in this leg, we had freedom of movement. Here Helpmekaar's route diverged from ours. We went off-road through a few rivers and streams, while the majority of the field continued along road, increasing their net distance. Both routes seemingly took equal amounts of time as we met with our new rivals at the catty shooting range, just moments behind them. We cleared this obstacle, thanks to some brilliant shooting by Mr. Maarsingh, once again seconds behind Helpmekaar. Passing CP 2, after some navigational confusion, our legs took us to a dam whereupon arrival, we built a raft with sticks and tractor inner tubes, and paddled out with Kloof and Helpmekaar on our tails, to collect a message from two points on the lake. Our design, which was simplistic to say the least, created some awkward sitting positions, which would have had even some of the bunnies back at the mansion raising their eyebrows. While the raft was sufficient to stay with Kloof, Helpmekaar's better design gave them a slight advantage. Nevertheless as inefficient as the craft was, it was heartbreaking to have to disassemble it, having suffered so much trauma upon its deck but it needed to be done, as we needed to carry on. Again taking a less conservative route through the fields, we managed to overtake both Kloof and Helpmekaar at CP3, a gear check. Here it was fortunate that Brandon had additional water, as due to an error, my bottles had not been filled. From here, our recce payed off, as with Helpmekaar following, we headed towards the township of Hopewell, instead of the unnecessarily longer trip along the dirt roads back. We managed to lose Helpmekaar in the twisty streets between the informal settlements and despite the onset of cramps from the pace we were setting, returned from Leg 2, some minutes ahead the rest of the field.


Return from the mountain

Leg 3, was the third and final leg; a MTB ride and despite a radically slowed paced from fatigue and cramping, we held off the other teams past the cliff like gradients which led to CP4. From here, due to the multitudes of obscure turn-offs and roads which did not appear on the map, we were lead upon a marked route, which to our frustration, did not have markings at a crucial turning point, thus wasting precious minutes and breaking the lead we held from Helpmekaar. With their help, we picked up the marking again and claimed the lead back, which was extended when the other school had technical difficulties with one of their dérailleur. We continued on the marked route until we had visited the two remaining post boxes and returned to the provincial road. From here, we travelled to a Heritage Site, where two of the team had to abseil down a short drop, while the other had to walk around. Harry and Brandon abseiled, whilst Nicola and I walked. Completing the task as the two other teams arrived, the Helpmekaar team had now some allies. We knew that we needed to hurry.
Lack of hydration however was becoming a problem, as was concentration. We arrived at CP6, the final checkpoint on route, without incident, save for a small detour to a lake.

The obstacle course

This was our race's break point. We made a risky decision, to cycle around the mountain back, instead of travelling back the way we came or climbing over the mountain. We were turned back by the marshalls a few kilometres in from our route choice and were compelled to climb the mountain, where two other teams (both Helpmekaar) were already much of the way up. It became necessary to carry our bikes along this path and everyone took strain, due to the heat and increasing gradient. We managed to claw back some time in reaching the top, where we could travel through rideable cane fields.

It wasn't enough unfortunately and we reached the race HQ in third place, completing an obstacle course, a quiz, a climbing wall and ladder building, in addition to the aforementioned legs, in a total time of 11h 32min, +-10 minutes behind the winning team.
Of the 11 or so teams who entered the u/19 division, only 4 teams completed the course in its entirety before the twelve hour cut-off.
The race was tough, hard and slightly disappointing but from it came several important lessons, as well a sense of achievement. Of the terrain, I can say that it had a magnificence in many ways.

Lessons:

Hydration has priority over transition speed

There are times to take risks and times to be conservative, it is important to identify which

Never lose a sense of where you are, even if following marked routes

Direction is important, we should practise and utilise compass skills more.

Making News this Week

2011-10-04T07:42:00.009+02:00

FROM THE NEWS DESK

It has been a fantastic two weeks for the Team. This run of good news began with the long awaited delivery of our new kit. After long hours at the drawing board and mails backwards and forwards between myself, Pennypinchers and Joe Nesbitt from Second Skins we came up with design for our new kit. It is not as easy as it seems especially trying to make sure that one can get some coverage even when given a ridiculous race bib to wear. Any way it all arrived and not only looks great but is technically very good too.
It was only a day before we got to put the gear to the test. With the Pennypinchers Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Race scheduled for the weekend Garth made the long trip from East London to take part with Jeff and me. To make the trip worthwhile we decided to throw in a couple more activities and we entered the Goukamma Trail Run on Saturday and took our canoes along so Garth and Jeff could spend some time in a boat before the Eden Duo later this month. Also running in the new kit would be Nic and Brandon our junior entry into the Eden Duo.

My day started badly with somee stomach issues but what a great sight it was see Nicholas heading of up the beach just behind trail running aces John Collins and Rhoan Kennedy. He hung on just off the pace behind these two speedsters. The rest of us followed in a red and black and white line down the beach. We lost sight of the lead trio as they headed into the dunes but Nic finished a very respectable third place and first junior ahead of Brandon.

Nic after his well deseved third place finish . Well Done

With the 16k through the dunes done and dusted we headed on to the beautiful Goukamma lagoon for an hour and half paddle with Jeff and Garth settling into the double quite quickly. After some moans and groans the got a good rhythm going and we headed past Kingfishers and a host of other water birds before coming back and heading into Knysna to pack our bikes and head over The Prince Albert Pass to Union dale for the mountain bike race on Sunday.

Not being registered cyclists and wanting to ride together Jeff, Garth and I lined up in the last batch and were the last people to leave Uniondale when the traditional shotgun blast started our batch. Jeff decided to time trial us through the batch and soon the “red train “and got through the bath as we hit the Ou Wapad which has been fixed and saw about half the people riding up and the other half pushing, although not that much quicker we managed to stay on our bikes and enjoy the technical downhill that followed. Soon after that one gets to the start of the pass and after a short climb a 14 km downhill really gets the adrenaline going (Garth was soon in his element). Unfortunately what goes down must go up and the long climb from De Vlugt saw the gradient and the temperature rise. By the time we reached Bufflesnek Garth and lots of others were feeling the effects of the heat with a bit of cramp. With a few Cramp Blocks and no sympathy from his Team Mates it was another downhill through the forest into Knysna. Pennypinchers Plett owner Sean Gannon finished his first Karoo to Coast despite breaking a spoke, no back brakes and “massive cramps” , “that was the toughest thing I have done” he said to me at the finish.

Happy campers after the Pennypinchers Karoo to Coast

A week later and Natures Valley came alive with the runners and event organizers for the third running of the Otter African Trail Run. The Team has a long standing relationship with the Otter with me taking on the Otter in 2004 illegally with John Collins and then doing many of the route scouts with Magnetic South. Last year saw Jeff and I both compete in the event and the year before Garth ran the Otter and took part in the Southern Storm. Netski has also run the Trail with scouting runs and the Mountain Rescue crew. This weekend Jeannette and I were going to be doing a mid field sweep for the Otter Ramble (the same course but with longer cut off times than the Race on Friday where Ryan Sands blitzed the 42 km in 4hrs 40 mins). Nic had also volunteered his services and joined SANPARKS and Mountain Rescue out on the route.

Sunday morning saw 189 bedraggled runners leaving a wet and rainy Storms River knowing that they had 42 kms of wet slippery paths to contend with. Almost everyone heeded Mark Collins’s advice and took the route slowly and cautiously.
Spending 8hrs 40 on the Trail was great and with very little Mountain Rescue tasks to do Netski and encouraged tired runners along dishing out the odd GU to blown runners and making sure they did not throw in the towel. The route was wet but spectacular with torrents of water everywhere and waterfalls falling off every cliff. Almost all the runners made it to the finish and only 30 odd runners were cut off along the way, a tribute to the organizers and the runners themselves.

This waterfall is normally smelly bit of stagnant water

The beach at Natures Valley always a welcome sight

After having our new Second Skins kit for two weeks now it has all been well tested. The shirts have been put through their paces on two trail runs a paddle and a mountain bike marathon with the whole Team absolutely thrilled. The Trail Running shorts have also been out there with Chris and I both running the Otter in them with no chaffing or creeping. Thanks Joe. What is also great about the newe kit is that the branding is really clear and identifiable.

With two great training weekends under the belt there are just 4 weeks till the Eden Duo and Nic and Brandon are off to Natal to defend their U18 National Adventure Racing title. Good luck boys .

Spring 2011

2011-09-07T07:51:00.003+02:00

The days are getting longer and the nights warmer. The team has survived the winter chill and now are gearing up for the next Adventure Racing challenge. The Merrel Eden Duo. With three teams entered we are all really excited. Jeff and Garth will be doing battle in the men's category while New Team member Nic Cuthbert and Jeff's son Brandon will be entered as juniors in the main race . Netski and I will be entered in the mixed category and trying to win back that title which Rhona and I lost last year.

With Chris plying his trade in Johannesburg for a large part of the year we have decided to add another member to our Team . This comes in the form of multi talented and all round nice guy Nic Cuthbert. Nic is at Oak Hill School in Knysna (where the Team has been involved with training the AR Teams for the past couple of years) . Nic is an awesome Trail Running talent but loves the multi sport aspect of AR. He also (like most youngsters today) is a bit of a computer wizard and will be helping us get a Face Book Page up and running as well as keeping the blog up to date.

Team Boss Sean Gannon was on the Breede this weekend with partner Phil Raymond. With the pair fuelled by GU for the first time this is what Phil had to say "Hi James, Thanks for the demo GU products you gave us to try on the Breede Canoe Marathon. Over my 50 Years I have done various endurance events (3-6 hours long)mainly as a "fish and chips " competitor,just wanting a finishers medal .
I have used numerous energy drinks and bars and convinced myself that they were doing something for me. I used the GU electrolyte Brew in my bottles for the first time this weekend
and found it refreshing and not nauseating and I didn't get any of those drops you get from taking sugar drinks. I also used the GU Energy Gels for the first time.This is awesome stuff I can honestly say that you feel it kicking in after 10 -15 minutes. You feel strong and mentally up and I didn't come crashing down like I have experienced with other Energy bars etc. I found it practical and easy to use and very palatable. I will definitely be using these products in the future. Phil"

See you all out there

Petrosa Diaz Half Marathon - Nick Cuthbert

2011-09-03T20:30:00.003+02:00

Saturday 3 September - The day was a potpourri of emotions for me, from the thrill of competition, to the despair in locking my father's keys in the car, to waiting anxiously for results, this day had it all.
It began, as races so often do, with a rudely early start. Snatching a bite for break fast, my father and I dashed off to make the 07h00 start in Mossel Bay. Just prior to registration, I saw a teacher I knew from Montessori Adventure Racing School (MARS). A veteran to the race, he offered me the following advice:

"Don't start the first half too fast. It's a there and back race and the second half can be demoralising."

In the chilly dawn, this was a fairly sobering statement which I mulled on for only a few seconds before getting caught in the excitement at registration. Marathon runners certainly enjoy being tagged and numbered and it took some minutes (with assistance) before I could confidently stride up to the jam packed start line on the main street; with the gargantuan sum of prize money at stake, there were many runners and most of them were not racing for the joy of it.

At promptly 7h00, the mad dash started, and I'm ashamed to say that I was blown along with it. I was not going my own pace, and I was to suffer for it later on. The route took us first through the town's shopping district, then looped back past the start line, continuing along the sea side for some time before heading into the less pleasant industrial area and the suburbs. Countries of the world broke the monotony at the water tables, where from spirited Scotland to sanguine Samoa competed for the reputation as the best service provider. It was a fast but flat race and my footsteps was synchronised with my heart rate, which rarely dropped below the 80% mark.
It was also a fairly lonely race, with the only real interaction with other runners coming in at about the 6km to go mark, when another junior came up from behind, as I'd stopped at a corner, unsure where to go. Those last 6km were brutal, as we diced one another. Finally at the finish line, however I managed at last to break free and cross the line before him. It was a matter of pride for me at this point, as I had no way of knowing my position in the race. I finished in a time of 1:27, thanks in a large part to GU.

Falling to the grass after downing a bottle of cooldrink, I stared up at the sky, until I noticed a stickiness upon my left leg. This is where the fun really commenced. My running style combined with the shoes I was wearing, had opened a small old wound upon my leg, which had as a result bled a lot. A Motion Pixel cameraman had evidently having noticed my situation, and drawn like a fly, smelt footage. So I was treated to an interview after which, the cameraman took some close-up shots of the gore. A few minutes after this, I made a trip to the first-aid van, where a couple of bored ambulance men wrapped the small wound in an enormously disproportionate bandage.
The wind outside the van was cold and having chilled after the run, I found my teeth literally chattering. I looked about for my father, but he was nowhere to be seen, so I took shelter in one of the tented around the finishing area at the campsite. During this time, I felt in a strange sense of Limbo- perhaps becuase of cryogenic temperatures and the lack of a jersey. Thankfully I found a school friend who was kindly willing to lend a phone and warm company until my dad could arrive. Thank you :)
Some minutes after this, after having pulled on a warm top and jeans, I managed to lock the keys inside the car, which neccessitated the call out of a locksmith. It was frightening how fast the smith could open a car door. I went to check my results, I was the third placed junior and thirty-sixth overall and by the time I walked (or rather limped) back to the vehicle, he had turned the drum and had the keys out.

My dad had to leave then and left me behind so that I could attend prize giving but he left the image burnt into my mind behind of scraping a pole as he drove off. So it was a day of disaster and clumsiness. The race was fun though. Thank you Pennypinchers Ar Team.

What I (re)learnt:

Pace yourself, even in a road race.

Carry your own fluids, I feel you have more control over intake and products (e.g. GU Brew electrolytre mixture rather than water, etc.)

Train Harder :)

The Trans Bavians Mountain Bike race 2011

2011-08-17T09:40:00.004+02:00

Trans Bavians 24hour 230km Non stop Mountain Bike Race (Willowmore to Jeffery’s Bay)

On Saturday morning standing at the start of this slightly crazy mountain bike race with 1250 fellow competitors in Willomore in the middle of the Karoo I was once again “Proudly South Africa” .As the last lines of our National Anthem were sung I got the usual goose bumps and lump in my throat. The Team (Jeanette, Garth and I ) were lined up at the start of a 230km non stop mountain Bike Race with a cut off time of 24 hours, 2800m of vertical climbing a route through The Groot Rivier Poort that no one I knew had ever been through, a large portion of the route would be ridden at night and to add to that the weather forecast showed a maximum tempreature for the day of 12 degrees and a chance of rain late that night (this was correct by the way ( Site nr.yo ).Why so Proudly South African you may ask? Well I ask you where in the world would you find people on a waiting list to do this event, where do you find 20 000 people enter a 89 km road run (The Comrades ), where do 38 000 ride 100km around a city and each one gets his/her own time (The Argus) or how about the Freedom Challenge (ride 2300 km across the back roads of South Africa on your own with no real back up) and the list goes on and on. We are a nation who on the sporting front have an undeniable spirit of taking on the “big’ events and rising up to the challenge.

Back to The Trans Bavians with Garth living at the bottom end of the Garden Route in East London we decided that Willowmore would be a good central place to meet for a race and some training time together. (Jeff put on his racing snake gear and rode with his son Brandon to a very respectable 34 place in the men’s race).

We arrived in Willowmore with the temperature at 3 degrees at about 8 in the morning. The sun was shining but it was cold. The registration was quick and easy and we collected our race numbers. It took a bit of explaining that we did not need our two resupply boxes that could be dropped along the route by the organizers and that our second did not need the maps to the two seconding points because he would not be going there, but we would take the T Shirt anyway. We had decided to carry all that we would need for the race from the start and see if we would get by on what was available out on the route.
After raiding the Merrel Adventure Addicts accommodation for some warmth and the toilet before the start we joined the bunch of crazy people at the start.

Jeannette said this “The 1st 100km where super fast it took us under 4 hrs and we are no cyclists, then it got a bit more interesting with a few hills thrown in but once we hit the 150 mark, OH BOY there it was the Mountain... A stunning technical down hill got us to the bottom of Groot River and then THE mountain started it was steep, nasty and endless” It was here that the profile started to take on the look of a stage of the Tour De France (a hundred kms of rolling hills, then a steep decent followed by 20kms of climbing, another steep decent and then a long steady climb of about 18 kms and then a short fast run in to the finish)
The downhill into Groot Rivier Poort was spectacular and on the limit of my riding ability at the speed we were doing. Garth is a down hill hooligan but had a couple of wake up calls along the way. The cold water of the river allowed us to fill our bottles and contemplate the climb ahead. The climb caused carnage among the field. Most riders ended up pushing at some stage. There were seconds in 4x4 vehicles who were stuck or who had broken down with water in the engine after the river crossing. We did not escape unscathed as Garth picked up some cramp after the river crossing. We did not make it over the summit before dark but the view as the moon rose was spectacular. At this stage we could look forward to a good road into Patensie where most teams would met their seconds and don warm clothes and have a warm meal. Frozen we dashed in Garth had 3 chip rolls , I had one but put chilli sauce on instead of tomato sauce but munched it anyway we had 50 odd kms to go and we weren’t hanging around. After a quick application of Blue Steel to the rather tender butts we were ready. Jeannette tapped her watch and chased us out of the huge vibey pack shed in about 7 minutes and we physched ourselves up for the “Never Ender”. This climb turned out to be tame compared to where we had come from with the gravel well packed and the moon showing the way. One more check point at Zuurbron and we headed to the coast with real momentum until some guy tried to over take me and went head first into the barbed wire fence next to the railway line, I slowed down a bit scared of suffering the same fate.

The finishing banners soon came into site ad with a purpose built ramp over the wall into Kabeljous resort we crossed the line. Medals in hand we headed straight to the Spur Tent to load up on a burger and chips before cycling down the road to Jeffery,s Bay to warm showers and bed.

Jeannette “It took us 12hrs and 44min on my watch and it was a great experience the 3 Pennypinchers worked superbly as a team and it was great fun just to be out there for that amount of time with your mates who see you in your worse state and who are still your mates afterwards. Thanks guys you rock!!”

The nitty gritty was
234,9 km, 2800m of climbing, minimum temp 5 ,average 11 degrees
Our time 12hr 42min , 86th overall (out of 400 teams), 5th mixed 3 Team

With this under the belt the Team is now looking forward to The Pennypinchers Karoo to Coast in September, The Hitec Otter Trail in October, The Eden Duo, in October and then the big one The Salomon Sky Run in the middle of November.

Thanks to Garths Father in law Dave who drove us up to the start and his wife Tammy who feed us enough great food to last us two Baavians trips.

With out the Gu s and Blue Steel we would still be out there so thank you guys for your on going support

TRANS BAVAINS MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE 2011

2011-08-11T16:14:00.003+02:00

The Trans Bavains MTB Race is happening this weekend from Willowmore in the Eastern Cape Karoo to the small coastal village of Jefferys Bay. The ride is 230km long which makes it the longest single stage mountain bike race in the world. Once again it is the South African sports men and women who are brave/crazy/fit enough to take on the challenge. The race is fully subscribed at 1200 riders and the waiting list is long. With the ride starting at 10am there is the additional challenge of the riders having to cycle in the dark even the "racing snakes" . The cut off time is a staggering 24 hours and some people dont make it.

With all four regular members taking part the Team is looking forward to being back together again. Jeff is wearing his cyclists hat and opted to race the the race with a group which includes his partner for next years Trans Andes Bike Race. James,Netski and Garth will be riding in the mixed threes category and hope to do well. Wiothin the spirit of Adventure racing the Team has made a decision to do the race with out making use of seconds or the organisers kit boxes that can be dropped alonmg the route. The thinking is that we are used to carrying what we need and that the time we loose by carrying a bit of extra wieght will be made up by the fact that we will keep moving constantly from check point to check point.

So watch this space and think of us as another cold front sweeps the Southern Cape and we ride in the expected maximum tempreature of 9 degrees on Saturday morning.

Outeniqua Traverse 6 August 2011

2011-08-09T20:45:00.003+02:00

A race report by Nick Cuthbert

Saturday the 6th August 2011. It's 7:30 AM, and as we coast to a stop outside the Garden Route Botanical Gardens, already have the brave (and arguably insane) men and woman, participating in the 38km Traverse, have departed a half of an hour ago. For this I salute them, for the morning is chilly, the terrain is tough, and the hour was early.

Walking into the Voortrekker hall across from the gardens, for registration, there is an almost reverential air inside; perhaps because of the weight of the building’s history, but most likely because of the slight apprehension radiating from each and every person in the saal, meditating on what they’d got themselves into. Greeting two of my friends and the Merell Adv. Addicts team, who were working at registration, I grabbed my race goodie bag and then rushed back to the car to get ready for the race.

It’s now 7:45 AM and things were more relaxed at the start line, until Graeme “Tweet” Bird began the race briefing. The convoluted course he described slipped quickly out of one’s mind. But it turns out that there is little to worry about for it is simply the opposite to last year’s route and is well marked. As the seconds tick away till the start, I smile, for the lure of proper mountains draws me like no other terrain does. Today was going to be muddy and tough. It had rained in the night and in the preceding days, and much of the first half of the race is all uphill.

8:00 AM and the race starts. Passing the watchful eye of a camera, we head out of the botanical gardens to wilder, less carefully cultivated pastures. Surprisingly, the pace starts off slowly as we weave on and off the railways tracks, through relatively flat but enjoyable trails. This suits me, as my game plan today, is to keep energy in reserve for the downhill after Tierkop, the turning point of the day. Several kms in, and the leaders had been reduced to three, Rian Van der Sandt, Maritz Van Rensburg and I. After a short downhill to a river crossing, very near the Garden Route Dam, Maritz and I, left Van der Sandt behind, to start the scenic but lung busting uphill to Tierkop.Travelling through a short indigenous forest section and then past fynbos fields, steadily gaining altitude van Rensburg and I, diced a bit, testing each other’s elastics. Running then power walking up the versant (a mountain slope, thank a thesaurus today) alternatively, we must have looked comical, pantomime pursuers. I finally got the jump on Van Rensburg when we entered a technical upward trail approximately a kilometre or so from Tierkop.

It’s now about 9:00 AM and descending a short Jeep track, I turn into a trail. It’s fast but technical and follows the mountain contours. It’s is also likely even more beautiful than what has gone before, however I’m in no state to appreciate it, as it’s treacherous and slippery and a misstep could result in a painful tumble. I also know that I have only a thin buffer between first and secondly place, so I attempt to ‘put the hammer down’. Despite my best efforts, I took a spill a way in this section and for a few painful moments, I am worried that I have strained a muscle but it loosens as I see surprisingly not Van Rensburg but Van der Sandt closing in. I reach the George Dam only moments before Rian and climb out of the gorge desperately, stopping to draw a few breaths as he emerges behind me. The route takes us up a slippery slope, as I tell myself to not let Rian pass. Taking on board nutrition, I make this a mantra. “Not this time”, becomes my metre. The last few longer races I did, after having been in the lead for much of the way, I had been overtaken, in the last few kilometres. I did not want this to happen again.

At around 10:00 AM, we crest the slope and George is in sight. The trail hereafter, is technical and slightly downhill, which allows me to take off with “Not this time” and strangely the tune “Puff the Magic Dragon” reverberating through my brain. I now have a little time to appreciate the view and how far I’ve come out the corner of my eye. The mud makes everything tricky however and I bail in a wooded section of the track, adding a few new grazes to the body. The end (distantly) can be seen.

On the final downhill, with perhaps two kilometers to go, I start cramping, and I grow afraid that my opportunity has ended, as I half hobble onward and I become sure that Rian or Maritz will catch me. Internally, I scream at my body, willing it to run and with a shambling movement, I pop out at the gardens, with the line in sight. I cross it, in a time of 2:29:26. Finishing second is Rian Van der Sandt, nursing quadruple as many injuries as I am and third is Maritz van Rensburg. The first lady was Barbara Hage, coming in at a time of 3:13:28. The winner of the 38km, looking understandably exhausted was Jacques Mouton, in a time of 4:18:56, Second overall and first female was Landie Fisser, in a time of 4:43:56. Well done everyone who finished this tricky and tough course. It definitely seemed tougher than last year.

In this race, I’ve learnt a few important lessons:

It is important to go into a race, especially one you’ve competed in before with a race plan.

Nutrition is important. Timing carb and water intake in an endurance race, is vital, for optimum performance.

Never say that you don’t cramp in a running race and take measures to avoid it in the first place/

Thank you Tatum, Graeme, Hano and the rest of the team for organising a great event. It was well marked, professional, fun and exhilarating. Thanks too go out to Nick and Laura who got up extra early to help with registration.

On a side note, I’d like to apologise to Tatum for being overly hyperactive/excited after the race finished. I’ve probably caused a leetle bit of problems with editing the video footage for the event.

;)

July 2011 and the rest of the year

2011-07-20T12:32:00.004+02:00

The Knysna Oyster Festival

Just over seven weeks passed very quickly after the joy of Expedition Africa 2011 and the Knysna Oyster festival was upon us. Jeff was the ambassador here and entered the Big 5 competition where he would take part in the Mountain Bike, Trail run, Xterra and the half Marathon as well as the Road Bike Race. This is a big ask doing 5 events in a week with only Monday ,Wednesday and Friday as recovery days by the end of the week all 100 odd participants were worn out as they lined up at the start of the Knysna Forest Half marathon.

Jeannette, Garth and I have entered the 235km Tran’s Baaviaans Mountain Bike Race in early August so we decided to do a bit more riding over the festival and entered the Mountain Bike race on the first weekend. The first 50 km of the ride were great. The last 25 km were a mud and sludge feast as we rode on well used wet logging roads. Gears, brakes and chains became clogged and a spirit of self preservation prevailed as one crawled to the finish line.

Mud and blood to the finish line at the Knysna Mountain Bike Ride. Jeff finished well up in the field while Jeannette and I turned some of the Plett Club 100 heads.

The Feather Bed Trail run on Tuesday saw Jeannette sweeping the course on all three races so she completed a good 45km of off road running training on the day. Jeff ran the night run in a reasonable time of 1hr 17 min.

Thursday is Xterra Day during the festival and Jeff lined up with Xterra world Champ Conrad Scholtz and local Mountain biking hero Kevin Evans. This was a two horse race which saw Scholtz run away from Evans on the second run. Jeff enjoyed the ride but took strain on the ride. Maybe his friendly extra 30km from the road ride were catching up on him.During the week we were also able to catch up with Rebbecca,Mark,Rohan and Leigh from GU . It was great to catch up and also chat about some new stuff that they have got. The greatest thing I saw was the new effervescent energy tablet that you just "pop" in to a bottle and it dissolves and gives you all you need to keep going. No more sticky powders at the water tables.Another point that was discussed was the "Kick Butt" product that is a sucky ball of protien and gruaine made to keep you awake and alert. We have put in a big order for Garth and Netski to keep the Sleep Monster away at Trans Baviaans.
The day of the now legendary Half Marathon saw Plettenberg Bay pinch a bit of the action and host a second mountain biking event. The Tour De Plett with a similar format to the Festival weekends riding saw Saturday host a great Mountain Bike ride from Wittedrift and then a road ride on Sunday. I did the 75 km Mountain Bike on the Saturday on a brand new route. It was awesome. I had a great ride and piped some of the riders who had beaten me in Knysna and came in 23rd overall. Jeff was busy at the Half Marathon and ran a good 1hr 37 to finish his Big Five week in 13th place overall.

What’s next???

The next five months have now unfolded and we have a plan again after putting everything into the 500km Race we are refreshed and re focused for the next leg of the year.

August. We will all be riding the Trans Baavians Mountain Bike Race. It is 235km non stop mountain bike race through Rhino and Buffalo country. With a very late start a lot of the route is ridden in the dark and we look forward to that.

September is the Pennypinchers Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Race and we will be well represented there. There is also the now well know Hitec Otter Trail Run and the team will all be involved there either running, or with sweeping the route or some safety aspect. Look out for something special in a report after that.

October sees the Eden Duo Adventure Race in George again and the Team has always done well there so the pressure to perform will be on the shoulders of the full team.

November will see the team head to the Witteberg Mountains again to complete the 105km long Sky Run. We are all really looking forward to this adventure at altitude. We all learnt a lot last year and hopefully we will fix what went wrong last year and all have great runs.

There are also a few short adventure races which are popping onto the calendar and we will be taking part in some of those that are closer to home.

And last but not least we will be organizing one if not two more trail runs just to fill up the calendar.

Expedition Africa 2011

2011-05-17T14:26:00.007+02:00

Photos of Expedition Africa

Saturday the 7th of May saw the team packing the trailer in the Crags as the rain bucketed down for the first time in months. We were all quietly praying that this weather would not follow us on our trip to Onrus on the Cape south coast where we were due to start the 500km African Expedition Adventure Race two days later. The rain cleared as we passed George and the mood lightened in the car as we talked about possible routes and tactics for the race.

Lucky Number 12?

Saturday afternoon and the Pennypinchers gazebo was up in the Onrus caravan Park and we had registered and had been given our race bibs. At 7 pm the Race HQ tent filled up with 88 racers and we were welcomed by race director Stephan Muller (an experienced AR racer himself). After a no nonsense briefing we were given our maps for the first 250km and the master maps were put out to plot ones route. We decided that food and then sleep were the most important thing to do and had an early supper and hit the sack. The maps would wait till the morning.

Sunday morning was clear and cold and after a coffee Garth and I set about plotting the route on the maps while Jeff and Netski made up the bike boxes and reinforced them with tons of packing tape (one big advantage of being sponsored by a hardware store!). By 1 pm we had done the maps and the bikes and cycling gear were handed into the organizers only to be seen again late on Monday afternoon. We filled the afternoon by packing the two resupply boxes with what we thought we would need from them at predetermined places out on the course. The box is yours to fill with what ever you please but it does take careful planning and Netski was on to this. At 4pm the boxes were handed in and we were left with only our backpacks and maps in the campsite to ponder the race.

Monday morning could not have come fast enough and forcing down coffee, Future Life and muffins we were taxied off to the Old Harbor in Hermanus for the start of the race. It was freezing cold but we all knew that would change once the Race started. As the sun came up we set of on a 14 km run leg around the waking village of Hermanus. An hour and half latter we reached Grotto Beach for the first paddle leg which would take us 20km to Stanford. We got on the water in 7th place with Castle Light and Bikes n Wines. Not long into the paddle the a head wind from hell picked up and it wasn’t long before 2 foot waves were pounding the plastic Fluid kayaks. We were actually punching waves as we slowly headed for the calmness of the Stanford River. The mouth is hidden buy reeds and I had marked where the channel was when we were still out on the lagoon. We pushed over a small bank and hit the calmness of the river in 3 rd place. As we paddled up stream we heard other teams bashing their way through the reeds and this gave us a boost. The transition at Stanford was quick and we filled water bottles and headed of for what would be a long tough hike of 36km. The first 13 kms were along hard district roads which was tough on the feet that had just spent 2 hours in the water but once we hit the coast and the amazing sight of Sophie’s cave in the sand stone we got into a good rhythm and headed for Gansbaai with Castle Light hot on our heels. With the last check point of the hike down near Die Kelders in Gansbaai we headed to the church hall in town to find our bike boxes and the ever friendly Ilala volunteers at T3.

The next leg would be a cycle leg of 140km criss crossing the area between Gansbaai and Bredarsdorp . We left town feeling good and rolling along some tar roads into the night. A couple of hours in Jeff realized he hadn’t filled his drinking bladder so we stopped when we heard some running water and filled that up. One never knows when you will get water again in a race so it’s best to be full whenever you can. Jabbawok caught up with us then and we cruised along at a pace that turned out to be just to fast for us at that stage and we let them go as Garth started to deal with some cramps. Latter on after a long climb we stopped to eat some proper food again before roller coasting past a junction and only realizing it 3 kms later. On the right road again we headed towards the coast and Die Dam and the lighthouse at Quino Point. Here encountered thick sand and caught up with Castle Light. Jeff’s tire came of the rim in one of the sandy sections and it would not seal again because of the sand so we put in a tube which leaked and then on the second tube we were under way again. Sunrise saw us arriving at a dairy farm and the next transition. Here we needed to pack and prepare for what would be the hardest and most crucial stage of the race.

Garth remembers it like this “Leaving transition from bike to hike, walking out of the dairy farm shed, stepping straight into a shallow pool of dung slush water dirtying the fresh socks that have been on for maybe 5 min, one knew this was just a small reminder of what lay ahead.
From there on we found a route through the fynbos leading to the trig beacon barely visible from where we were. Only to find the path come to an end. Only then taking note of the road book notes saying leggings would be advisable.
Once reaching the trig beacon we opted for the safer, but longer faster moving route around the canyon to point on game fence.
From then on we moved down and up again to the next trig beacon (one sometimes wonders what adventure racing would be like without trig beacons?)
From then on we made our way to the cell phone tower on the boundary of Salmons dam Nature Reserve. Making our way down the breath taking gorge with Lettuce lecturing us to watch our footing, only to find us having to almost scrape lettuce off the bottom of the gorge himself. Watch your footing Lettuce, focus!
Once out the bottom the “sleep monsters” were the hardest to fight off during the final km's. All was rewarded with a transition box full of food, pasta and malva pudding from Stephan and Heidi and a 5 hr compulsory stop. “

This leg had some tough navigation and especially so when my compass did a 180 degree switch under the cell phone and radio towers at the top of Salmons dam. Only when we moved away from the tower was I able to get my bearings again.

We left half way after the compulsory stop of 5 hours during which time we had slept for 3 hours, eaten and packed for an hour and then done the maps for the next 250km. The sleep and food had us feeling really fresh and ready for the next 105km on the bike. The road rolled through some farm lands where huge tractors were drilling wheat seed towards the mountains above Greyton. A risky 1km on the N2 saw us turn inland towards Greyton and the promise of a pie and cool drink picked up the Teams tempo. The church yard in Genadendale was the next check point. This amazing church and yard with surrounding buildings could have put you somewhere in Europe if one had not ridden through the typical poor village out front. The next transition saw us riding onto an apple farm where the harvest was in full swing. Tractors with trailer loads of fresh apples where roaring around the place.

After checking out of the transition barn we were once again confronted with a massive climb and this became the leg of “dams” The first checkpoint was at a dam on top the mountain which was well camouflaged with fyn bos but as usual was correctly marked on the map and had we been there in day light we would not have wasted the 15 minutes or so looking for it. The next dam was on an even higher mountain so up we went again. This time the mist came down and we micro navigated our way to the dam that was a bit further of the road than the map showed. Now we came to another piece in the map where there were no roads and Stephan (race director) had warned us not to miss the start of the rope work section on the down stream side of the check point. After trying to take a conservative line down the ridge we headed into the correct kloof came out at the start of the kloof/rope work section. Having just come down a kloof filled with loose boulders and so high drop offs this section seemed pretty mild. Once out of the kloof we headed for Teewaterskloof Dam and the transition for the paddle leg. The road through Villiersdorp saw Netski and Garth wrestling with the Sleep Monster and stumbling along tripping over cat’s eyes and even nothing on the road. There were lots of questions of “Are we there yet?” Once again we were just behind Castle Light and Uncharted. Both these teams headed out on the freezing mist filled dam for the 20km paddle leg. We decided to sleep for 2 hours and tackle it in the light. At first light the mist was still thick but we headed out on a bearing and hit the bridge over the dam spot on and soon had the check point and had over taken a frozen uncharted team. Off on another bearing and the sun began to burn the mist off. We were on a roll and with Garth and Jeannette singing nursery rhymes we headed back to the transition smug with the fact that an 80 km cycle and some orienteering would see us finish the race just after sunset on Thursday. Netski had this to say about the last day

“The amazing thing about adv racing over a longer distance is that the 4 days emerge into one day and the 3 nights into one night. So its very hard to remember exactly what happened each day but my duties for this race report is too write about the last day...which funny enough is just a fast blur because the Pennypinchers team cooked this leg. If the race would have been longer all I can say is Merrel would have had sore necks from looking back the whole time. We cooked the paddle on Thee waters dropping the other team "Uncharted" who climbed on before us. We did have an advantage of 2 hrs sleep next to a fire at the transition before the paddle. It was freezing and there was mist on the water so we decided to wait till day light and it was the right decision. Uncharted decided to go straight onto the water; they got lost in the dark and mist and had to spent theses two hours sleeping next to the dam, not so pleasant. So we passed them, dropped them, while getting the two check points on the paddle. After the paddle was our last cycle leg with an orienteering leg in-between on a Wine farm just before Hermanus. We cooked the cycle averaging 17.4 for 80Km cycle not to bad for an "old team" the orienteering we got the 3rd faster time for it. So looking at this we might have woken up a bit too late but luckily for the other teams we did cos boy oh boy once the Pennypinchers teams wakes up nothing can stop us even if we are "old ooms".

The ride was easy enough it wasn’t long before we turned in to the Hamilton Russell Wine Estate for the 7 km orienteering leg. We headed off with a plan in mind and due mainly to exhaustion we began to doubt it and it took some effort to keep everyone focused and moving forward to get the last leg done. With about the third fastest time for the orienteering the plan could not have been that bad and we hopped on our bikes and headed for the finish 7 kms away.

As usual with Adventure Racing most of the teams that finish before you come to welcome you
in at the finish no matter what time of day it is so we were welcomed by a big group of people and sat down in a chair with a cold beer and a pizza and covered with a blanket and allowed to savor the moment. 500 km under the belt it is hard to describe there is a huge sense of achievement as well as a hollow feeling when one tries to compare it with anything else you have done.

Pain is temporary as it says on our race bib!

To my Team well done I think we all did our best and what is great is that we all know that we can improve on this performance and that is great for us and scarey for the other teams out there. To our families and friends thanks for all the support it always makes it a lot easy being out there in the cold and dark knowing you have got people thinking about you.

To our sponsors Pennypinchers for making it happen, Gu for keeping us going for 80 something hours, Blue Steel for keeping most of the chaffe away and Earth Scout for the full range of the best gear and of course CXPress for keeping you in the loop THANK YOU.

Well done Team Pennypinchers!!!

2011-05-12T21:37:00.001+02:00

Team Pennypinchers has just finished the Expedition Africa in 7th position. Congratulations and well done on the hard earned achievement. The team was competing against a strong field of 22 teams. Local Boys (and a girl), Team Merell Adventure Addicts claimed a deserved first. Viva the Garden Route Grit. Hopefully a more detailed race report will follow when the team gets back and snaps out of zombie mode. Once again….
…. WELL DONE!

Expedition Africa 2011

2011-05-06T10:05:00.003+02:00

Were off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Team of Jeannette Walder,Jeff Willcocks,Garth Pienke and James Stewart are packed and ready for the Expedition Africa 2011.

What lies ahead is 500km of unmarked route with mountan biking,kayaking, trekking,swimming,kloofing absieling with very little if any sleep out in the area of Hermanus and the Overberg.

Sounds fun so follow us on http://www.kineticgear.co.za/tabid/15885/Default.aspx

The Pennypinchers Cairnbrogie Trail Run

2011-05-02T13:06:00.009+02:00

Photos from the Cairnnbrogie Trail Run

(courtesy of Glen Murray & Dael Bunge)

In December 2010 when we decided over a braai and maybe a glass or two of red wine to organize a couple of trail runs during the year I don’t think that we had even the slightest idea of the size of the challenge that we were under taking. January saw the Kurland Summer Run with 120 runners of all ages and abilities. Great. Lets do one at Easter time its holiday time in Plett and we can attract a similar crowd. We can have an Easter Egg hunt for the kids and a short and a long trail run. With Cairnbrogie farm owner Andrew Hill offering us a venue we got the ball rolling in January and let it roll gently not realizing the momentum it was gaining as Easter weekend bore down on us.

With a route in mind Jeff, Richard (Jeff’s right hand man) and I set about cutting single track and linking bits of the routes. Jeannette was put in charge of the Easter Hunt and found a great route though the forest past the dam and then back to the barn via the calf pens. It was only four days before the event that Jeannette and I managed to run the full 10 km route. We both blown a way and knew at that stage we were going to have a great event because the route was fantastic with a good mix of single track, jeep track and awesome views.
With online entries and email entries coming in steadily from March we were expecting about 175 runners across the board. Race day came and the Team got busy erecting a trailer load of Pennypinchers branding as well as the Gu banners and marking the last of the route. As the route was marked a troop of pestly baboons removed the wooden stakes. This troop then took up residence in the forest where we were to hide the Easter Eggs so we had to hold back on that plan until closer to the race start. On top of this we had a Tsunami of late entries. With that wave bearing down on us we had the an unbelievable Rescue Team step in and plug the holes left by Jeff and Chris who were busy marking the route for the third time. Mike and Gillian from Knysna and then Steve and Olga jumped into action and calmly handled the extra 160 odd late entries. The Tsiba College volunteers lead by Berna-Lee stepped in and got the extra cars parked in the fields handed out the extra entry forms and prepared for some of the on course marshalling. While this was going on the Plett Field Band played in with the backdrop of Pennypinchers banners and the huge white Cairnbrogie Barn creating a festive atmosphere for everyone.

With the rush of late entries the start was delayed by 15 minutes but everyone was relaxed and after a briefing the 10km run set off down the road onto a course that had only ever been run by 2 people. With quite a few trail running novices in the field and an unknown route the pace was still frenetic up front with a group of 5 or six runners including all the race favorites breaking away after the winding forest single track section. After about 6 kms the group was slowed a bit by the steep climb up from the coastal path but soon picked up the pace and spread out when they hit the gentle up hill back to the dairy. Mean while the back of the pack were enjoying the views of the ocean and also the surprise of cold water and Gu Brew at the half way mark. With many novices in the race not heading the recommendations of carrying water this was a welcome relief and provided valuable hydration to get them to the finish.

Next off was the 4km run which followed a route that more than half of it was paths cut by Jeff and Jeannette. The route followed a jeep track and then headed through the forest along narrow paths and winding single track. Here young and old enjoyed a snap shot of the joys of trail running.

The Easter Egg Hunt saw the most competitive starting line up with youngsters towing the line like a group of Kenyans at the start of an Olympic 300m Final. Jeannette started the race and was nearly swamped by the 76 kids who bolted of down the road in search of an early visit by the Easter Bunny. We had to use three valuable marshals in Ashley Willcocks, Lee-Anne, a friend from Knysna and Niels a visiting exchange student from Holland to guard the eggs from raiding baboons they still had a tough time preventing the eggs being taken by the front runners of the 4km race but in the end everyone came a way with something even if it was just a big fat grin.

The fourth group of “runners” lined up under the Pennypinchers Start/Finish Arch and what a special group this was. It was a group of the kids with special needs that are supported by the Sabrina Love Foundation and Die Sterreweg Day Care Centre. With a mixed bunch of kids some in wheelchairs others in purpose made buggies pushed by volunteers and parents while others walked along side this group headed out for a 250m loop along the road and then ducked into the area where the calves are kept and then having spent a bit of time with the calves they came back to the start /finish area crossing the line with the throngs of Easter Egg Hunters and received a Cookie from Nguni Restaurant and an ice cold milk from the hosting dairy Cairnbrogie.

A buzz of excitement shot through the air at the Start / Finnish area as news came through that the first runners in the 10km run were approaching the finish. Clearing the area of kids and parents it wasn’t long before Marcel Roos from Knysna stormed into the finish area. Crossing the line in just under 50 minutes he stumbled and rested his hands on his knees getting his breath back. Not far behind Victor Gugushe tiptoed into the finish followed by the Collins brothers John and Mark. Hot on their heels was the first junior Nick Cuthbert showing that he will soon be a real force to be reckoned with. In the ladies it was Barbara Hage from Wilderness who was to strong for local Kerry Ravenscroft with Christine Collins coming in third and doing the family double of two third places on the day.

In the 4km race the results were as follows:
Ladies:

Emma Dreyer (also first girl home)
Laurian Reed
Dawn Springer

Men :

Michael Peacock
Adam Dugmore (also first boy)
Craig Dugmore

We as a Team had achieved everything that we set out to do with the event:

The race had an awesome venue and route( thank you Andrew Hill,Julliette Lubbe,Chris von Christenson)
Every body had great fun on the day young and old fit and unfit. (thank you the Runners, the Tsiba volunteers, The Plett Field Band, Steve, Olga, Mike, Gillian, Ashley, Josh, Lee-Anne, Niels , Glen and Dael)
There was something different at the Finish for the runners and with ice cold milk from Cairnbrogie (Milk Independent) and Cookies from Nguni the race was quickly dubbed the “Milk and Cookies Race.”(thanks also to Andre from Flashbacks for sorting the refreshments )(also for prizes Vantell Bricks, Advanced Massage Therapy, At the Woods Guest House,Kitchen Cafe, Face Adrenalin
We made a difference in a few peoples lives and we will be donating R2500-00 to Die Sterreweg Day Care Centre as well as giving some of these special kids a small outing on the day. We also have hopefully blooded some new “trail runners”
We were able to show case our sponsors on the day Pennypinchers, Earth Scout, Gu and Blue Steel Sports

And most importantly we had a BLAST.
THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING PART OF THE 2011 CAIRNBROGIE EASTER TAIL RUN.

Here is what some of the runners had to say afterwards

Dear James and the Pennypinchers AR TEAM

Thank you so much for the great event you organised at the start of this Easter holiday.

Events like this, and people like you guys , make a difference to the world we live in, by inspiring people and making things happen.

Really, thanks guys!
(Tessa )

Hi JamesMy apologies for only getting back to you know, It was a pleasure we all enjoyed it and could not stop talking about the smiles on the children`s faces especially the kids of the Sterreweg. We also had a lovely time.What a way to spend a GOOD FRIDAY!Please do not hesitate to ask us for assistance in the near future.Kind regardsBerna-lee (Tsiba volunteers)
Thanks James.

Photos are lovely

(Lolita )
I have to tell you James , these pic’s , this event , absolute magic. That one of Jeanette leading the kids is a classic.
Well done to you and your team. Really brilliant.

Regards

Sean

Hi thanks for a super event. The set up was awesome,the route perfect!!!!. Super organization ! Well done
Belen
Absolutley awesome Team
Mark

Hi Dael and James! Well done on a fantastic event!!It was amazing-such fun!!!.Bex is super exhausted but talkin bout it non-stop + Torks and I are determined to do the proper run next year!!Well done you did Plett proud Xxxm

Pennypinchers Cainbrogie Trail Run - Update

2011-04-19T14:43:00.001+02:00

With 4 days to go before this trail run entries are coming in thick and fast. The afternoon of races offers runners of all ages and abilities the option of enjoying a great afternoon on the Cairnbrogie Farm just outside Plettenberg Bay. The race is hosted by the Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team who live and train in the Garden Route and have decided to organize some trail runs to show case some of the Garden Routes great potential for becoming the nature Sports capital of South Africa.

Speed, Talent and Technique; The favourites for the Cainbrogie Race

With the Garden Routes top trail runners entered the racing up front will be fast and furious. Robberg Run record holder Victor Gugushe will be coming up against the Collins brothers from Knysna both great runners . Mark has more technical skill and John more pace . This run will suit them both but Victor is the complete package. Junior Nick Cuthbert has shown that he is a rising star and would be worth watching as well.There may also be some surprise packagers from out of town with a large number of entries coming from Cape Town. For the average runner the route will be challenging but do able and with the shorter run offering a great trail run introduction and then of course an Easter Egg hunt to keep the little ones involved.

Cairnbrogie Farm owner Andrew Hill walked a short section of the single track and described it as "awesome". Jeannette Walder from the Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team ran the full 10km route yesterday and said " the route has got it all from technical single track,unbelievable views and some fast jeep track sections to make up time lost thru enjoying the view."

The route is very dry so all runners are asked to carry some hydration for the 10km race and a bottle of water would not go amiss on the short run either.

Cairnbrogie farm is situated Just outside of Plettenberg Bay. Follow the signs to the Airport and then by pass the airport and hit a dirt road . About three km after the start of the dirt look for the Pennypinchers banners and turn left.
For the GPS 34 04 21 S and 23 16 50 E.

For entries hit

trailrunning.co.za

See you there
James
0829257885

Tsitsikamma Mountain Bike Race and a training weekend for the Team.

2011-04-14T08:23:00.004+02:00

Saturday the 9th of April saw the Team get together from a training weekend and to sort out checklists and kit for the up coming 500 km Expedition Africa Race. Garth had made the 5 hour haul from Port Elizabeth so the plan for the weekend was to pack in as much activity as we could and spend time together as a team. In hindsight we certainly crammed it in and had a great weekend. Saturday morning arrived with an awesome sun rise; the writing was on the wall the day was going to be a hot one. After registering we joined about 120 riders at the start for the 70km Mountain Bike race held just the other side of Storms River. Jeff had a glint in his eye and when the race started he put his head down and tucked in behind the front bunch and pretty much stayed there finishing in 16th place overall. Jeannette always the racer also put her head down and ended up finishing 5th lady over all in a strong field. Garth and I rode together at a good steady pace with Garth steaming past me on all the down hills ( after my second major wipe of the year the confidence is down a bit) but I soon hauled him in on the up hills.Jeff always looking for up and coming athletes

On one of the down hills we went past Nick Cuthbert fixing his tire but he had it all sorted and soon came flying past us. Finishing in the middle of the field Garth and I arrived to find Jeff had the Pennypinchers gazebo up and the cooler boxes in the shade.

The shade of the gazebo drew a great bunch of people for a cooldrink and a chat

We joined a host of friends and Pennypinchers Plett boss man Sean Gannon (a good ride in the 40km race) for a cool drink in the shade. Prizing giving took a while but with Jeannette on the podium in the sub veterans the wait was essential.

Garth and Netski discuss the pending hike

With the last prizes out we packed up camp and jumped in the car and drove back towards Plett to just past the tollgate where much to the amazement of Ivan who was following us to drive my car home we pulled over and hauled out our full AR backpacks and headed in to the forest. The plan here was to do a run/hike/paddle back to the Keurbooms River. The first nine kms of the run were through the forest and fynbos of the Tsitsikamma trail which took us down to Natures Valley. After crossing the open river mouth we hiked across the beach and rocks towards Salt River. Another river to cross and then a long up hill slog to Forest Hall in the heat of the day was certainly testing in the heat of the day.

Crossing the Groot Rivier

A while latter we were back on the coast and the incoming tide forced us to follow the fisherman’s “high tide” paths slowing things down a bit. Arriving hot, dirty and thirsty at Keurbooms strand it was a unanimous decision to send Jeff in his tights to buy us cool drinks from a very full Enricos restaurant. The tide was now high and the beach from Enricos to the Keurbooms River was a real slog but we managed to keep smiling and push on as the sun set. It was after dark when we reached our plastic “barges” and hidden paddles for the 30 minute paddle back to the Angling Club. A quick phone call to Colin (Netski's best half) and Dael (my best half) to come and collect us and get dinner on the go saw us on the glassy water of the lagoon heading for home. With the boats set aside till Sunday morning we headed back to Royston Farms for a hot shower and well deserved dinner. My alarm buzzed way to early on Sunday morning to get me going to get the farm organized before a “planned” Eskom power outage could disrupt the rest of the weekend plans. With that sorted and a cup of coffee and a Hot Cross Bun we headed out on our still very dirty bikes with Garth doing some navigation. The plan to ride back to our boats and do a 2 hour paddling session and get home for a bang up farm breakfast. Garth got us back to the boats and we headed out for a very productive 2 hour paddle in the plastic bath tubs we will be paddling in May. After some fun in the surf we headed home for that breakfast. With good food in our bellies we discussed the upcoming race. We needed to sort out kit, branding, food, supplements, transport, bike spares, first aid etc, etc. With most of this done we called it quits and everyone headed home. The weekend was great for the Team but as usual it is those behind the scenes that make it happen so a special thanks to Dael for the bottomless food and drinks , Colin for the usual logistic support and of course Ivan for dropping us on the side of the road in the middle of no where. Sean, Rob and Owen from our Monday riding group it was great to have you guys around on Saturday as well and thanks for all the offers of help during the planning of the weekend.

New look Blog and news from the Team

2011-04-06T07:47:00.004+02:00

Nick Cuthhbert who joined the Team as a second to the Garmin Wartrail a couple of weeks ago offered to use his computer skills to up grade our Blog site. It is work in progress but he has changed a few things that look great and we will continue to build and upgrade with his help. Training is going well for the Team and information is now starting to come through about the 500km African Expedtion race to be held in May. The break down of the race looks like this there will be 323 km of cycling,127 km of run/hiking and 50 km of paddling. This race is a true expedition race where we will be carrying heavey packs and navigating from check point to check 24 hours a day untill we reach the end. There is one 5 hour compulsory rest stop in the middle of the race where we will restock and get given the maps and race instructions for the next half of the race. Check out the website for more and to see who else is racing. http://www.kineticgear.co.za/tabid/15885/Default.aspx This weekend Garth will be making the haul down from East London to join the Garden Routers for a training weekend. We will start the weekend with the 70km Tsisitikamma Mountain Bike Challenge on Saturday morning. After that we are going to do a long hike along the coastline and through the forests here on the Garden Route and we will finish up after dark with a paddle on the Keurbooms River. Sunday morning will kick off with a short ride and then paddle out the Keurbooms Mouth and acorss Plettenberg Bay and finsih with a run around Robberg. We will be doing all of this except the bike race with the full gear required for the Expedition Race The weekend will give us time to work on our Team dynamic as well as test some new gear and make sure our race nutrition is on track.

The Garmin Wartrail 2011

2011-03-25T08:08:00.000+02:00

Jeff, Lettuce, Netski, Garth and Chris (in front ) at the start of War Trail 2011

When D4 Productions owner, cameraman, producer, editor and all round athlete Andrew King asked me during a TV interview why I do the War Trail I didn’t have to think to long to come up with an answer. Returning for my third War Trail and hopefully not my last was an easy decision to make despite the fantastically full sports calendar that confronts multisport people in this country. Chris saw it this way "This time last year an unexpected personal curved ball prevented me from being able to participate in that years Wartrail Challenge. Nothing was going to prevent this from happening again in 2011, especially as I had identified it as being the way I wanted to celebrate my 50 years young on this planet of ours."

The three day stage race consisting of a 65 km wilderness mountain trail run/hike , a 135 km mountain bike ride and a 65km paddle down the Orange river means that there is no where to hide behind a weak discipline and each athlete needs to be trained well for all three days. Throw in some high altitude, unpredictable weather, remoteness and a bunch of great organizers, marshalls and competitors and the match is made.

So this is what ladies winner and Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Teams lady member had top say “You know it is so hard to write about the Wartrail without writing a 5 page report. It is such an amazing race that NO report could do justice to it except that one has to go and races it yourself and experience " it". It's the "it" part which is so hard to explain, how can one make a 65 km trail run in remote mountains, a 135 km mnt bike and a 65 km paddle sound appealing to 'Joe the soap' it more sounds like madness but jet every year we return to put ourselves thru what looks like on paper HELL. It's the remoteness of the hike, the mountains, rivers, the climbs on the bike, the Marshals, the camping, the food, the competitors, the organizers and lastly Saffy who make it what it is. You don't ever get one of the organizers sweeping every day, sorting out admin due to flooding rivers still in his kit while the rest off us have been fed and dozing in our beds and yet he has a big fat grin on his face and time for everybody. It is just simply one of the things one has to do in ones life and that's it.
Thank you to all of you making it what it is and to our sponsors Pennypinchers, GU, Earth Scout and Blue Steel Sports” Netski

Chris "Friday 18 March our trusty VW Transporter was packed in the early hours of the morning and it was not long that I was joining my special team mates from the Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team en route to Lady Grey to make amends for last years absence.
"Better still Gisele, my gorgeous other half was part of the seconding team and for a first time Dael, Lettuces’ gorgeous other half was also part of the crew. This was a first and the omens were good that my 50 th was going to be legendary ! Lettuce in his wisdom had also included an up and coming young Trail Runner – Nick Cuthbert, from Oakhill School here in Knysna to assist Gisele & Dael with what would become some seriously challenging seconding duties. For Nick this would be a chance to mix it up with many of the Multi Sport celebs, who up till now he could only draw on from his regular “Go Multi “ Magazine.

Our camp was quickly set up (thanks to the loan of pop up tents from Magnetic South). A hearty meal at the Lady Grey country club got us to the race briefing which scared the day lights out of our seconds with horror stories of roads being washed away and muddy wallows along the way to Balloch.

We woke up at 3:00am for coffee and Future Life which since the Otter trail and Southern Storm last year has become a firm favorite of the teams. The full moon shone brightly over head as we stood around under the Garmin banner waiting for our names to be called at the roll call. Our bags filled with Gu Brew and pockets bulging with Gu Chomps and Gels. The race started and after 750 m we crossed a stream which with the rain had risen about 75 cm so it was wet shoes for the day. Netski took off marking the other girls ,Tatum from Merrell and Kirsty Scott. Garth and I stayed in voice contact as we started the 10km climb to the first check point high above Lady Grey. Passing the checkpoint in the dark we started the long traverse along the ridge line. Jeannette pushed hard and came in as the first lady after taking a shorter quicker route to the finish than the nippy Kirsty who was following the GPS track. Jeff once again took it apon himself to help out a lady who had sprained her ankle and helped her off the mountain. This spirit is what makes the War Trail a special event with all the athletes having top look after each other due to the remote location.

Chris had an epic day put and said this about the last two legs to Balloch "approaching Cp4 Avoca my knees went into another realm and the discomfort was unnerving. All I could do was to manage my pace as carefully as possible as I had to finish this monster – self preservation now becoming the priority. Along the Dragons Back I was now on my own and in many ways it was a soul enriching moment as I would not have anyone around to assist – I had to make it happen solo. My descent into Balloch being the most pathetic thing you could have witnessed ….going backwards was the only way out …..being about to turn 50 was making its mark !

The over night spot of the Balloch Caves saw The Team resting weary legs and sharing the stories of the day and re fueling on great food provided by the organizers.

Day 2 is a 135km cycle over three big climbs including Lundeains Nek. The weather was once again kind and it was cool with some clouds to keep the sun at bay. Many athletes were already talking about the paddle on the flooded Orange River that was still to come. This distraction did not make what is a very tough cycle go away and it was only late in the day that the last riders trickled in to Madlokwane on the cliffs above the Orange River.

Chris was cheered on by locals on the side of the road chanting Go Madala Go, he had this to say "The dreaded knees had returned to haunt me yet again and my pace again being slowed down to a snails pace. This leg turned out to be on of the hardest challenges I have had to endure for a very long time – I was paying the price for the lack of preparation and only had myself to blame.
An “angel” in the form of fellow Garden Route participant Nikki Smit was what eventually got me through the day and we both rode from Sterkspruit to Mdlovakana together and offering to tow me up the inclines towards Herschel was the turning point for me – THANK YOU Nikki, your tlc made sure I was not still out there now licking my wounds."

A real treat was at hand for Jeff, Jeanette, Nic (seconder) and I who had finished the cycle and were asked to go and hand out new school shoes at the local school. Bob Skinstads foundation had raised funds for the shoes and we were privileged to be allowed to go and individual hand over 100 pairs of brand new school shoes to the kids in this remote rural area on the banks of the Orange River. What a great experience it was to see these kids light up with the new shoes that we personally fitted on each little foot.

Jeff,Nic,Hano,Netski and Lettuce hand out shoes for the Bobs 4 Good Foundation

Back to the race, Jeannette was now firmly in the lead of the ladies race while the guys were all happy with consistent days and looking forward to the paddle.
The Orange River was swollen like a python that had eaten a herd of sheep. The river whirled and swirled and boiled as it forced its way down the valley towards Aliwal North. This sight split the emotions of the now very weary athletes. The paddlers of who there were a few were excited and couldn’t wait to get on the water. The organizers were told by them that the other legs were not changed because there was too much water so the paddle must go on. As usual race director Adrian Saffy came up with a solution which was safe and allowed every one to complete his event. Proficient paddlers would paddle the final 65 km leg to Aliwal North. Non paddlers would be given the option to start just over half way and paddle the last 30km to the finish. Jeff was our non paddler and we packed him of to the half way mark. A nervous Garth bravely decided that he would join the paddlers and risk is brand new boat and paddle the full leg. Chris, Jeannette and I were nervous but ready for the paddle. Jeanette needed to paddle easily and just stay in her boat to win the race having created a good lead on the first two days. I was hoping for a good paddle to make up some time on my fellow competitors.

A very swollen Orange river flowing at over 1000 cumecs

(the Fish River marathon runs at 26cumecs)

Aliwal North arrived very quickly and despite a couple of swims from some team members who shall remain nameless it was not long before we were all sitting in the shade at the Riverside Lodge cheering in the rest of the field. Our seconds had a slap up breakfast at the lodge (the first bit of luxury for them in three days) and then took it apon themselves along with Bev Coetzee from Storms River to help with the time keeping as the organizers were all busy insuring that the paddlers were safe on the river.

When all was said and done it was once again the Garden Route that came out tops with 2 of the top men and the top lady coming from The Nature Sports Capital of South Africa. Graham Bird (Knysna) from Team Merrell won the men’s race in a record time followed by Hano Smit (Karatara) and Jeanette Walder (Plett) won the ladies from the very talented Jean Hackland from Team Jeep. Chris Crewdson one of the founder members of this team completed the event a couple of days before his 50th birthday. Chris had a couple of long days out there but really showed that this is a sport where the mind must be stronger than the body to succeed. Well done Che Che.

The whole Team including three weary seconds who on some days one felt had a harder job than the racers tackling washed away roads and packing up wet tents. Thanks Guys you were awesome.
Chris has a final word" Morale of the story make sure your preparation is done in line with what challenge lies ahead. Now that my support base along the way classifies me as “Madala” well this only reinforces the fact that your body will reach a certain point where the mind can no longer make up for what it lacks physically.

I still could not have asked for a more incredible adventure to celebrate my 50 th and thank you to all my team mates, super seconds, fellow participants, Pure Adventures organisers and staff, for yet another most memorable Garmin Wartrail. To Garth who now carries my PpART cap and top – may it bring you many brilliant memories too – ENJOY being a part of this special team.

Che Che signing out ! "

With all four members of the Team that will be taking part in the 500km Expedition Africa Race in May easily completing the War Trail I think that this team is ready for our next challenge.
Bring it on!!!!!!

Wartrail press release C Crewdson

2011-03-15T11:22:00.000+02:00

One of the awesome downhills on the War Trail

Pennypinchers AR Team gets behind Sterreweg

Having very successfully organised its own Trail Run in January this year at Kurland Polo, the Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team has also taken the step to raise further funds for the Sterreweg School when it introduces its second event to the Plett sports scene over Easter.
The team has been involved with the wonderful work of Sterreweg when James “Lettuce” Stewart raised funds in 2010 taking on the Otter – African Trail Run presented by Hi-Tec. The team is extremely fortunate to have the ability to enjoy all that the Garden Route can offer when it comes to getting “out-there” and it is only fitting that those less fortunate and do not have the freedom to hike, run or paddle in this adventure play ground, are the ones to benefit.

The team has set itself a challenging first 6 months for 2011, by organising and participating in a varied mix of races. As this goes to print the team will have returned from the gruelling Garmin Wartrail. Set in the Witteberg Mountains on the Orange River, neighbouring Lesotho, the Wartrail involves a 65 km mountain run - much at altitudes above 2700m, this is followed up with a 135 km MTB leg and finally finishes with a 65 km paddle on the Orange River to end in Aliwal North.

The Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team is also blooding in new talent with founder member Chris Crewdson committed to a number of business projects that will preclude him from joining the team after the Wartrail. “ The team has managed to achieve a perfect balance and being able to tap into the strength and international experience of Jeanette Walder, who is the female member of the team - I am extremely excited to see the squad take itself to the next level with the rock solid base that James “Lettuce” Stewart and Jeff Wilcocks have continually proven over the years – this is a team to watch, especially come May when they take on the African Expedition 500km Adventure Race near Hermanus.” Commented Crewdson.

Get behind the team as they get behind supporting the Sterreweg School. For more information see http://pennypinchersarteam.blogspot.com/

George Wheelchair Race and Cell C Tour of South Africa

2011-02-24T16:39:00.000+02:00

Saturday the 19th of Feb saw Netski up to a bright and early start to head through to George for the annual running of the George Wheel Chair Race.This is the biggest wheel chair race in the country but we were there to support the kids from Die Sterreweg in Plett who were taking part in the 5km Fun Push . It was amazing to see 800 people lots of them children all in wheelchairs gathered at the start line . The excitement for them was awesome and there were smiles all round.While the racing snakes (including Ernst van Dyk a wheel chair racing legend) raced the marathon of 42 km in just over an hour the Fun Push got under way. All the participants were treated to a meal by the organizers afterwards and it was an awe inspiring day to be part of.We then headed into the forests above Saasveld for a 14 km trail run which needed no motivating at all . We hardly spoke during the run having once again been reminded about how lucky we are to be able to do what we do and love in the great outdoors.

Thursday the 24th of Feb saw the Cell C Tour of South Africa passing along the Garden Route. Sean Gannon of Pennypinchers Plett made sure that the Tour received a first class welcome into Plett . With all his staff waving flags from all over the world and a quick hand painted sign by Henry the Paint specialist in the shop wishing local Hero Kevin Evans GOOD LUCK. The Tour passed by in a blurr with bikes ,team cars, police motor bikes,press vehicles and helicopters there was a real carnival atmosphere on the road side. We hope the Tour will go from strength to strength and look forward to welcoming them to Plett again next year with more in put from the locals.

WHATS UP IN 2011 ?

2011-02-14T08:29:00.000+02:00

The Team has every right to be excited about 2011. The year has started on such a positive note and things are looking good down the line. The 12th of January saw the Team host an amazing trail run at The Kurland Polo Pavilion. 120 Runners pitched to enjoy the Tsitsikamma Foothills and surrounding country side. With the success of this race we have organized a second trail run to be held over the Easter Weekend at Cairnbrogie Farm. Here runners will be treated to the other garden Route gem and that is its coastline.
We are really privileged to once again have Pennypinchers as our main sponsor for the year. The contributions from the Plettenberg Bay and Knysna branches have enabled us to once again get out and compete in the great outdoors. With GU as our main nutrition and supplement supplier we could not be better fueled for our training and racing. Earth Scout in Knysna will once again be our official gear supplier, they carry all the top brands in outdoor sports wear and allow us to choose the best of the best from shoes to back packs. I really think that Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team kitted by Earth Scout and fueled by GU has a great ring to it. We will also be building a charity/community angle into our team with us creating awareness and raising funds for Die Sterreweg Day Care centre in Plett. Click on the link to find out more . http://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/james-stewart
Apart from being involved in various mountain biking, running and canoeing events on the Garden Route the Team is in the middle of putting in some really good training for the two major adventure racing events in the first part of the year.
The Garmin War Trail takes place over three days in March with a total distance of 265 kms covered on foot, mountain bike and canoe. This will see the Team members competing as individuals against the best multi sport racers in the country.
With Chris Crewdson one of the founder members of the Team having to pull out of the 500km Expedition Africa Race we have found a more than capable replacement in Garth Pienke from East London. He comes with great experience and is a good all round athlete and will bring the average age of the Team down a bit as well. This race takes place in May and involves running, riding and paddling and navigating your way for 500km through the wilderness areas between Hermanus and Swellendam (I think ).The race venue is only made public closer to the time to prevent people from scouting around the route.
With all of the racing and The Cairnbrogie Easter Trail Run to organize as well the Team is looking forward to a really busy first half of 2011.

Thanks to all of you for your on going support.

Attakwas Mountain Bike Race 2011 Jan 15

2011-02-04T14:42:00.000+02:00

So I did the good old Attakwas again with that I mean the 130km one for the 3rd time and I love it. It is such a stunning mtb race thru the Attakwas kloof over the mountains thru streams, watering points with ice cold watermelon and juice, what is there not to love!!! Okay well the last section is the one which is debatable the steep, long hard district road climbs where thousands of ants scuttle around on the hot road. This year it felt that they where scuttling uphill much faster then me, Christmas was good to me and in that way I don't mean with presents. But granny over here didn't do to badly I came 2nd in the ... ... category (didn't want to give the age away but suppose I should or one thinks I entered the kiddies race) the sub vet category! Overall I got no clue but time wise I did 7.36hrs and pretty happy with that with the training I managed this Christmas. The good old bike did well and the packet of GU Chomps was devoured with glee. Thank you to Pennypinchers for all the support and making it possible to do these fun, hard races and to GU for making it possible to finish them. Over and out Netski

Kurland Summer trail Run 12th Jan 2011

2011-01-15T11:27:00.000+02:00

Kurland Summer Trail Run hosted by Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team 12th Jan 2011

At gathering around a fire ( a braai) in early December while the Team was discussing the plans for 2011 I suggested it might be fun to organise a trail run and I have got just the spot to do it if we can get the permissions from the land owners. Peter and Zander Behr were only to happy if not a bit bemused to allow us to do a run across two of the most beautiful pieces of land in the Crags.

With the mix of the current team we were able to pull off an amazing event.Jeff and his son Brandon were seen shirts off sweating clearing the route. Netski sorted out the kiddies race and Chris arrived back from holiday the day before the event and put his expert skills of route marking and sweeping into place on the day. Race day arrived and we all pulled in our wives and partners to help with marshaling and entries. The day turned out to be a huge family affair with Jeff's Welsh in laws adding an international flavour to our team.

Chris,Netski and lettuce take in the flood of late entries.

The inaugural Kurland Summer Trail run which was organized by the Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team was held on the grounds of the Kurland Hotel and the neighboring Kleinberg Estate on a hot Wednesday afternoon. The race was organized with two with two aims in mind firstly to have a trail run in the Plettenberg Bay area over the holiday period and secondly to raise awareness and some funds for two local charities, The Kids of Kurland and Mind the Gap charities which do a huge amount of good work in the local Kurland Village.
There were three different events on hand a 1,5km Adventure trail for kids, a 4km trail run for novices and the not so fit and the then the main event a 12 km trail run. The routes were clearly marked for all three races with the kids following a meilie meal trail through the forest and across paddocks back to the start where they all received a certificate and a gift. The 4 km route followed the 12 km route up a gentle hill through the forest before turning down hill and back to the start past galloping polo ponies and the green manicured polo fields.

The 12 km runners head into the mountains

The 12 km route continued up hill to the 3,5k mark and then the forest opened up into a spectacular fynbos filled valley. A long gentle downhill bought the runner s to the water point on the course , a clear cold mountain stream where many lay in the water to cool off and the racing snakes scooped a couple of mouth full’s of water and sped off only to be greeted by a steep firebreak that got every one walking. The views from the top of the firebreak stretched as far as Robberg and the sea and were well worth the effort. From here the course speeded up with and undulating section of roads and jeep tracks to the finish.

Guy Dempster downs a bottle of Independent Milk at the finish of his 4km Run

A total of 120 athletes took part in the races and the winners in each category were rewarded with prizes from many local sponsors including Ocean Blue, Plett Puzzle Park, Advanced Massage Therapy, Knysna Cycle works, 34 Degrees South, Spur Plett ,Independent Milk and Pennypinchers.Photos from Glen Murray addeda great touch to the event.

Winner of the men’s 12 km race was local running club athlete Chris De Villiers described the route as tough but awesome. His winning time of 60min and 55 secs was a couple of minutes ahead of Knysna junior Nic Cuthbert and Martin Fraser Mackenzie. The ladies race was won by Georges Chantal Nienaber with Kerry Roos and local Kerry Ravenscroft in second and third respectively.
Peter Behr of Kurland hotel was one of the Novice runners in the 12 km run and despite being absolutely “buggered’ he really enjoyed the run and was going to definitely train for the next one.

The Kurland Mielie Meal Kids race saw 24 children ranging from age 1 half to 14yrs old participate. The trail consisted of following mielie meal arrows which took the children thru forest jeep track, single track, fern forests, puddles and grassy meadows. The race/walk was about 1 half km starting and finishing at the same place as the 12 and 4 km race. The mom's and dad's who where not racing in the trail run come along or provided support at the finish line for the little ones. Jeff from the Pennypinchers AR Team had to run fast in front trying to keep ahead of the eager children while the rest of the mielie meal hunters stayed at the back with other Pennypinchers AR Team member Jeannette to explore the forest. Each child received a certificate congratulating them on completing the trail with prizes for each one of them. The children's entry fee went towards helping the unprivileged children in Kurland. It was a fun filled afternoon with lots of smiles and dirty feet to show. Thank you to all of the children who came along.

With the explosion of trail running in the rest of the country the Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team has committed to organizing more amazing runs in the Garden Route especially in the Plett area. They are part of the mission to help make Plettenberg Bay the Nature Sports Capital of Africa. Look out for the Easter Trail Run to be hosted by the Team over the Easter weekend at another amazing venue in the Plett area.

Kurland Summer Trail Run

2010-12-23T07:43:00.000+02:00

Everthing is in place for the Kurland Summer Trail Run to be held on January 12th. The route will be appreciated by all trail runners from beginner to experienced trail gurus. Entries can now also be found on trailrunning.co.za

Dont forget there is something for everyone, a 12 km,4km and even a fun kiddies event.

Contact James on 082 9257885 or email jlettuce@xnets.co.za

The Knysna Ghost Adventure Race December 16

2010-12-23T07:42:00.000+02:00

Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team member Jeannette spent her public holiday running around Knysna in the rain with about 30 other crazy people. The weather was actually perfect for the Knysna Ghost which was a small adventure race covering a distance of 50km with 5 transitions which kept the seconds on there toes. It all started with a 5km run at Crabs Creek along the phantom pass rd to a local farm along the Knysna River where we climbed in for a paddle back to Crabs Creek. Onto the mnt bike traversing across the mnt to Buffalo Hills River Deck to clip our second check point, along the road to our next transition at Buffalo Backpackers where the run started. Awesome single track thru the coastal vegetation which then took us the beach all the way to Brenton on Sea where we got back onto our bikes across the railway line just past the St James headland and back into our canoe's to paddle across to Crabs Creek. We had to collect six check points along the way. It was a real good fun event, well organized Thanks to Pax and Louise and all the helper. But big thanks to my super second Colin who made it to every spot in time and collected all his checks points as well which the seconds had to collect as well making it interesting for them to.
Results Jeannette Walder 1st lady and 3rd overall in the solo.

From the local press

LOCALS CLEAN-UP at inaugural Knysna GHOST!!

Two of the Garden Route’s top athletes – Marcel Roos and Jeanette Walder stunned the crowds at the first ever Knysna GHOST Adventure Route held in Knysna last Thursday 16th Dec.

Despite the shocking cold wet and windy weather conditions, hard core athletes turned out in their droves. Solo and team participants set out at pace from the start at Crabs Creek for a 5km dirt road run. At transition 1, the solo competitors rushed for their boats, whilst the team participants switched racing vests for the second leg of the race, a 7km paddle down the Salt River. Transition 2 saw the mountain bikes racing off through some magnificent pine forests, negotiating some tricky sandy terrain, to end up at The River Deck and Buffalo Bay, where a 7km trail and beach run was next on the cards. At Nauticus, Brenton on Sea, competitors again reached for their bikes to negotiate the railway line over the lagoon and back to the Point to grab their boats for the final leg home and back to the finish at Crabs Creek. Race marshals had barely finished eating their delicious breakfasts, when the winning competitors came into sight over the very choppy lagoon!

Local “Younguns” - and team of 3 Bradley Nelson, Grant Ayton and Rory Sandberg won overall with a winning time of 3h13minutes. Hot on their heels, and only 3 minutes behind them, was local “Toppies” team, Jan and Rhoda Zonnestien, and MTB champ, Paul Mickelwood. The first Solo man was local hero and tri-athlete Marcel Roos who completed the 50km route in 3 h 23 mins. He was followed by Danie Leonard from Blanco who came in 9 minutes later. In third place overall, and comfortably winning the ladies solo category was renowned adventure racer, Jeanette Walder who completed the course in 3hrs 39 minutes. Kate Southey took second place in the ladies solo category. The winner of the teen category was Team Merrell consisting of Wouter Bezuidenhout, Benjamin Gilomee and Michaela Beers. In second place in the teen team category, was Oak Hill team Amy Williams, Jonty Andrews and Anola Walk.

Said race organiser Pax Mosterd of Garden Route Events and sponsor Ultimate Cycling, “I am overwhelmed by the performance of the pro athletes on this course who have set some mean times to beat next year. It was equally awesome to see the less competitive entrants having such a blast. See you again next year”.

Kurland Summer Trail Run by Lettuce

2010-12-16T10:05:00.000+02:00

Summer Trail Run
12 JANUARY 2011, 4:30PM

The Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team has decided to put on a trail run over the Xmas holidays to make sure that people don’t eat too much Christmas pudding and those that do will have an opportunity to work it off before the end of the holidays.A portion of your entry fee will be going towards two local charities here in the Crags Mind the Gap and Kids of Kurland.

Living in The Crags I had a pretty good idea of a route and with permission from Peter and Zander Behr the team headed into the hills above the Kurland Estate to scout a route that would suit our needs. The area is so beautiful and cut out for trail running that we had to restrain our selves from running all day and just work on a route that would be suitable for everyone.

The route that we have chosen is roughly 12 km long with 375m of climbing. The run starts with a gradual climb into the back of the Kleinberg. This climb is rewarded with a view over the Crags towards Robberg and an easy 3 km down hill to a cold mountain stream where the runners can sip the pristine waters as refreshment. After the stream the runners will leave the jeep track and head over the Kleinberg on a fire break choosing their own route down the other side. From here the route speeds up for those that still have some energy and follows some winding roads past natural forest, honeybush tea plantation and horse paddocks. The Pavilion comes into sight but there is still some work to do as the runners follow some single track back to the finish line.

If that sounds to tough there is a 4km fun run that will given novices a small taste of running through the forest and around the well groomed Kurland grounds. Our preprimary school teacher Jeannette will be putting together a mini trail run for the kids between the ages of 5 and 10 years old with the moms or dads able to go along for some fun.

The restaurant and bar will be open at the Pavilion with some light meals and ice cold refreshments for runners and spectators.

The late afternoon start (Registration from 3:00pm start at 4:30pm) should provide for a cool run with a great opportunity for sundowners at the spectacular Pavilion.

Send me an email to recieve an entry jlettuce@xnets.co.za

The 12km Kurland Summer Trail Run is restricted to 100 runners only so please print a copy of the entry form and indemnity and fax it with proof of payment to 0866192563.

SALOMON SKYRUN 2010 by Lettuce and Netski

2010-11-23T15:14:00.000+02:00

SALOMON SKYRUN IN ASSOCIATION WITH THULE

What could be more appetizing for the Pennypinchers AR Team in the middle of November to round off the year than a road trip into the “Wartrail “ district and the challenge of a 100 km trail run at altitude with loads of technical sections and the most amazing views and vibe.

With the faithful Combi packed with a couple of tents and some running kit Jeff, Jeannette,Chris and James headed for the hills (mountains) with Jeanette’s better half Colin along as “super “second. Lady Grey plays host o the start of the race and the Wartrail Country club hosts the finish. For those that don’t know where Lady Grey is, it lies in a valley near Lesotho on the Eastern Cape / Free State border.

4:00 am 105km to go

Adrian Saffy the event organizer had this to say about his event.

“What an experience this years Salomon Sky run turned out to be organizing as well as for the athletes.WE made South Africa's toughest non stop mountain run even tougher by adding on an extra 10kms, including a serious technical ascent to be tackled at night, after 90 grueling kilometers.We were astounded by this years entries into Sky run. Before we knew it we had over 170 runners (almost three times our usual field). Only 40 of the entries received had any Sky Running experience, the rest were Sky Running virgins. We were in for one hell of a ride but gratefully we had the backing of our sponsors, marshals and landowners and were ready to take on the challenge.The weekend saw streams of athletes roll into Lady Grey with second hand information about what this event holds in store for them. Sitting in the Lady Grey Mountain View Country Inn and listening to some of these Sky run 1st timers planning and strategizing reminded me of my first time and brought back those memories of the fear and anticipation of taking on an unknown adventure. Those feelings we thrive and live for.The Salomon Sky run is not a race it is a journey and there is no guarantee that no matter how much you train and prepare, that you will finish the full route. With so many novices taking part this year our stress levels were higher than usual. What would the weekend hold?”Adrian

We had decided before the start that the four of us would stick together for this race although the Sky Run is very much an individual race. This would give Chris and Jeff time to race with Jeannette before next years African Expedition Race in May. This may sound like an easy thing to do but it does in fact make it more difficult as we would find out as time progressed on the mountain. Jeanette had this to say about her second Sky run (what she forgot to say is that in her previous report on the Sky run 2009 she said that one does need to train specifically for the run). This is what she had to say and it would appear that all the aches and pains have gone because this report is all about food!!!

“So there I'm walking down the Pick n Pay isle wondering aimlessly what I am going to feel like eating on this 100km Sky Run. I thought I'll attack it like one of the adventure races. With that in my mind the yoghurt coated peanuts ended up 1st in my basket brining back fond memories of the Bull 2008 and any fond memories of any adventure race means something!!! Jelly babies have been replaced by the far better yummy Gu Chomps so no need for those buggers, salt and vinegar chips always a good idea and since summer is just around the corner the Chocó bars have been replaced by the healthier version of health oat bars. The sarmis where going to be a salami, mayo, and cheese gherkin version how delicious does that sound. Well all I can say the 1st 60km only saw me able to face and digest my GU’s thankfully they made it into the backpack. Yoghurt peanuts nope and chips never made it into the backpack. So my 1st 60km consisted of 2 GU’s and 4 chomps. The yummy sarmi which was made by our super duper second was hardly eaten because I felt too guilty to bring it back. So sitting at our 1st and only transition I was a bit stuck of what to pack food wise. Well all my cappuccino flavored GU’s made it into my side pocket since we will be going thru the night, a packet of Gu Chomps and 2 sarmi’s. The health oat bars never even saw the light of the day. I ate everything in sight and ran out of food!!! Okay the last 40km did take a bit longer then we thought we played around the wrong mountain for 4 hrs during the night and decided a little snooze in the old pump house was in order so hence the running out of food. So the moral of the story is one never knows what is going to happen, what you feel like eating and that is the beauty of these races and that's why we keep on coming back. “Jeannette

Here is how the day went from under my cap.

At 4: ooam Jean-Michael (the founder of the Sky Run) blew a sheep’s horn and the race started with a fast jog down the streets of Lady Grey. After about 4 mins the road ends and the hiking trail up to CP 1 starts. From here for the next 10 km is up hill and technical single track. One needs to keep moving here but not be a sheep and follow because there are some better choices of paths. On the climb up every one is short of breath and if you are looking for excuse one could say that the altitude is hurting you. I think it is just the cold are and one is going slightly too hard in the excitement of the race start. After CP 1 you start your relationship with the barbed wire fence that runs along the crest of the Witteberg Mountains all the way to Skidauw just before the 60 km stop at Balloch.

As the sun comes up the fence line runs due east and you are blinded by the sun but follow it towards CP 2 at Snowdon. Here the fence guides you and you don’t need to leave its side that often. After Cp 2 you under go a trial separation as you follow a quad bike track for a good few kilometers and one can actually run a bit here which is a welcome changes from the tufts of grass and slopes of the previous couple of hours. The fence is never far away and one touches base every now and again just to make sure that no one is straying to far from the beaten track (no real track). At CP 3 we stumble across young David De Haast who was cooking in 12th place but had over done and was waiting for a ride down with the amazing marshals from the Bloem 4X4 club. Just after CP 3 and about 30 km into the race the route crosses a stream for the first time and we re fill our bottles before returning to the ever faith full fence line. Not long after that I make the call to climb to a saddle, leaving the fence to contour around a peak. This was slower and a group caught us from behind. Not long after we re-joined the fence line Chris started to slow down. No problem to adventure racers Jeff and I took his pack, split the contents between us and gave him his juice and food back as we reached Avoca Peak and CP 4.

Chris leads the way early on

From Avoca to Skidaw the fence runs along the Dragons Back and one has to cross over and under the fence a good many times testing you sense of humor to the limit.

One of the other competitors on the Dragons Back

With the flags at Skidau in sight we made short work of this stretch and headed away from our fence and down a steep drop to the welcoming Balloch River. The last few kilometers flew past and we arrived in Balloch 10 minutes ahead of schedule at ten to four. We agreed on a half hour stop to re fuel and rest our feet after 60 kms of rough walking and running. Jeff presented his feet to me just before I tucked into one of Colin’s sarmis and all I saw was massive blisters. I got to work with Friars Balsam and tape and stuck them back together again. A good job done we loaded up and headed out full of confidence that we had 40kms to go and the Sky run was in the bag.

Balloch wall awaited a steep very steep grassy mountain side that rises up in front of you like a fortress. At the saddle at the top the Sky run took its first prisoner and Jeff lost all his food that he had eaten at Balloch and a whole lot more. Not a pretty site. Chris the added to the carnage at the top with a runny tummy. It was with a almost delirious Jeff hanging onto the bungy and a slightly thinner Chris that we arrived at Edgehill for CP 7. Jeff just wanted to sleep and I had to drag him off the marshal’s mattress and onto some horse blankets. An hour and half latter Jeff was still broken and unable to keep anything down. With heavy hearts we left him to get a lift back to the finish which was tempting close about 5 km away (we still had thirty some thing on the race route). With Jeff leaving I lost interest in trying to navigate with the map and asked Chris to pick up the GPS track and we would follow that for a bit. A fatal mistake to get out of your map. We slogged up the wrong mountain trying to find a route that the Basutos couldn’t find so how could we. Sanity prevailed at 1:30am and we headed for a pump house to try and have a nap. Chris put his head down and was out (I think they taught him that in the military in Zim) Netski and tossed and turned under space blankets willing the sun to come up. The minute I could see the horizon outside we headed out and the route unfolded in front of us plain as day. I kicked myself for the next three hours as we easily summated the Bridal Path and hit the well worn path towards CP 8 and the turn around of the second part of the race.

The sun came up and we shared a small sachet of Island Tribe between us to try and keep out Mr. Spikes and stripped down to our race vests as the temperature rose. Food and water were starting to become an issue and I called a stop for everyone to take stock of what food and water we had left. Once again we relied heavily on the Gus, Gu Chomps and GU Brew to eeck out what nutrition we had with us. It definitely has the most bang for its weight.
Once we all new where we stood we headed off towards the finish. As with all adventure type races there is always a sting in the tail and as much as you try to will the sting away Halstone Peak was visible for about an hour before we got to the last steep climb to the last CP of the race. The views from the top were spectacular as were the views from the exposed cliff that we dragged our selves up. From there it was all downhill to the finish. The down hill was crazy steep. You really wanted to just sit on your butt and slide all the way down but 28 hours of hiking normally results in a bit of chafe and so it is not the recommended method.

All Down Hill to the Finish

A quick dip the river 50 meters from the finish injected a final spurt of energy to get us to the finish line in 33 hours. What an EPIC!!!!!!!

105 km and the Sky Run in the Bag ( one of my hardest earnt T-shirts)

Merrell Eden Duo 2010

2010-11-05T10:34:00.000+02:00

With the Hitec Otter and Southern Storm under the belt we had a super strong and psyched up Team ready to take on the Merrell Eden Duo. Things sometimes happen that are completely out of your control and in the in the lead up to this race two of our stalwart team members lost their Mothers in two separate but totally unexpected incidents. Our condolences go out to Jeannette and Chris and we know that the time we all spend together over the next few months on “our Playground” will help to lessen the load of your loses. This left Rhona and I as the only full Pennypinchers pair for the Duo but with some juggling and emailing Jeff hooked up with fellow Southern Storm competitor from George Tony Conlon. Tony had a great Otter run and is an experienced Tri Athlete and Iron Man finisher. This would be his first venture in to the abyss of Adventure Racing.

The Eden Duo is a great race for anyone who wants to start adventure racing and with various distances and even a relay format there is definitely something for everyone. Jeff and Tony would be entered into the Vets section of the Classic section and Rhona and I would try and defend our Mixed Pairs title. The mixed category turned out to be where the racing was going to be with John Collins and Hanile Booyens racing together and the Merrell Adventure Addicts Don Simms and Tatum Prins. We would have our work cut out if we wanted to be any where near the podium , there were also another 27 Teams racing in the Classic race over 150 km.

The race starts with a short run across the Wilderness beach to the old Choo choo Train tunnel. As usual there was a lot of banter and we settled in the front bunch. Just before the path up to the railway line the pace picked up and the bunch split, I asked Rhona to hang in and hook in to the smaller faster pack. This was a good decision as there was a narrow section where we had to slide down 10 meters of ropes on the other side of the tunnel and a bottle neck was sure to form after we went thru. The upstream kloofing was beautiful and after just under 2 hours we popped out of the river onto the Saasveld campus for the first transition onto our bikes.Here we saw team mates Jeff and Tony changing and getting ready for a leg that they would enjoy both being good riders.

Feeling good coming into TA 1

The thirty odd kms of single track and then the climb up Montague Pass seemed to go well and we both arrived at Herold Wines feeling great. After a quick transition and a kit check we set of just behind Tatum and Donavon. (I am not sure who was more surprised them or us). The 25 km hike/run over the mountains back to Saasveld is spectacular. The mist came in and we went into a quiet zone and rAn down the mountain back to the Kaaimans River and up to Groenewiede.
Our seconding crew of Dael, Erez and Teva were waiting with bikes and cold juice for the 35km bike leg to Hoogekraal weir for the paddle across Swartvlei. The ride was tough for me after the pounding and fast run over the mountains and I was only to happy to be in the boat for the hour paddle across Swartvlei.I spared a tought all be it just a small ONE Jeff and Tony neither of them great paddlers at this stage.

Sedgefield Caravan park in sight (maybe some work on our timing required)

This was really were the make and break point of the race came we were faced with a 21km run along the beach from Sedgefield to Wilderness. Rhona's husband Jan and his partner top Knysna cyclist Paul Miklewood had caught up with us in the transition and were desperate to hang on to our shirt tails for the beach run. Rhona would have none of it and slowly increased the pace as we rounded Gerrikes Point. At this stage we had moved into third place in the mixed but also in the whole race as well. Our goal was now to hold onto the third place overall and make sure no men’s teams over took us on this second to last leg. The tide was pushing in but for the most part we had hard sand and were able to run the whole way except we I pleaded for a walk to try and eat some food.
The mist along the coast was great because it hid the long flat stretches of beach that often make a beach run physiologically difficult and before long we arrived at the Touws river Mouth where we had started the race about 13 hours earlier. We had beaten the threatening tide and now my thoughts did go out to the teams who still had to do the hike with the pushing tide. It did push them closer to the dead whale that we did not even see on the beach and they had a fun scramble over some rocks with the help of a ropes crew.
It was still light when we jumped into our canoe for the last short paddle up to the finish. At this stage the adrenaline was pumping and the goose bumps were up. I knew that no one could catch us now unless one of us fell of the perch (and even then!!!).
13 hours and 42 minutes of hard racing saw us finish third over all in an amazing race. Rhona was as tough as nails, super organized and a great racing partner. Our seconds Dael, Erez and Teva were fantastic. This is the first race I have done where I had ice cold juice on every leg and sat under the opposition’s gazebo as if it was our own due to the negotiating power of Erez. Thanks Guys.
From our sponsor’s side huge thanks as always to Pennypinchers in Plett Sean I think we did you proud this weekend. On the nutrition side I had very little “normal food” to eat as we seemed to be racing out of my comfort zone all the time. I ate tons of Gus and drank the GU Brew the whole race although I did go to water and GU for the last leg. The Helle Hansen tops were all used with the new “HH Warm” with the merino wool was perfect for the kloofing leg and the HH cool short sleeve worked for the rest of the day. The Blue Steel anti chaffe was great and allowed me to do the whole race in running shorts instead of changing into cycling shorts for the ride legs. My BIGGEST mistake on this race was I forgot my Rocket Compression sock and tights. I now fully realize the benefits of these. My calves took huge strain during the run legs where e I know if I had had my SOX I would have been a lot better of. The stiffness I had on Sunday morning was with out a doubt made a lot worse by me not having my tights to sleep in after the race. BIG LESSON LEARNT!!!!!!!!!.

In the final mix of results it was John and Hanile first, then Tats and Donovan in second and Rhona and I third. Jeff and Tony gutted it out over the final few kms and finished 14th overall. Special mention needs to be made of the up and coming boys from Oak Hill High School in Knysna where Jeff and I have been putting in some hours with the kids. Brandon Wilcox and Harry Marshing aged 16 and 17 finished in 9th place overall. Well done boys.

Otter Trail,Southern Storm and Fish River Canoe Marathon

2010-10-06T08:01:00.000+02:00

The last week of September and the first week of October has seen the Team fully involved and out there.

I opened the week of activities with the running of the Hitec Otter Trail Run on the 25th. On the Friday before the run you do a 4.7km time trial from Natures Valley along the beach and over the hill to Salt river and then back along the coast. Home town advantage played into my hands and with out to much effort I got a good time despite feeling like I had a ton of bricks in my chest and my heart was racing way above the norm. At this stage I thought the Otter was going to be a hike for me as there was no way I would risk running with my heart racing like that. Home to bed and a huge dose of of Vitamin C and some pasta. My alarm goes at 4:30 and my resting heart rate is back down what a relief. After the normal Oats and coffee its into the car with the two chopper pilots who are staying with me. Both are nervous as hell with Allen having trained for the race in a security village in Nigeria on a 1,7km lap with three flights of stairs up and down in the middle of the lap. (both finished the race happy).

The race started at just after 6 am with the weather cloudy and cool which was how it stayed for the rest of the day. Once I had passed the first hut I got into my own zone and concentrated on walking hard up the hills and running when ever it was flat and downhill. My frozen water bottles and Camelback were giving me a nice cold mix of Gu Brew and iced water and three Gu s latter we reached the Gu Munchie point (after about 22km) where I refueled with Gu chomps and a banana. The second half of the race is a lot harder in that it becomes hotter and dryer and I started to catch up with some of the people who had shot past me earlier in the day. After Bloukrans River there are just two climbs and some flat sections before you get to Natures Valley where the floating bridge and the finish line awaits. With a last burst of energy I made it across the bridge to the finish and felt great . I had achieved what I had set out to do that is to finish the Otter Trail in under 8 hours ( my time 6 hrs 49min) and also I managed to raise R13 520-00 for Die Sterreweg Day Care Centre in Plettenberg Bay. Finishing this race is tough and everyone who finishes deserves a huge pat on the back.

The last challenge of the day

Two Days latter the Southern Storm kicked of with the Otter Run and was followed by 4 more days of running and cycling around The Crags and Plettenberg Bay. Jeff had entered at the last minute and Rhona was there to defend her Veteran ladies title. Rhona had a storming Otter and laid down the gauntlet to her competition by running the trail in 6hrs and 5 mins. This lead was followed up with four days of great runs and steady biking to easily win the title again and in fact saw her snapping at the heels of the top Ladies as well.

Rhona on Robberg on the final day

Jeff who is well know for not reading emails and getting race information arrived at the race not really sure what it was all about but after a great Otter Run his legs let him know he was in a multi day duathalon and was there to do well. There was a week of sms reporting on his progress and with me trying to give him splits and race info from the farm he was soon being ragged about his manager . It seemd to have worked because when the dust settled Jeff was the 4th male Veteran and he missed thrid by only 7 minutes which is not a lot after 6 days of racing. There will always be the what ifs when the margin is small but there is always next year.Jeff hits his stride up Whiskey Creek on day 4

I have kept some of the sms that were flying between Jeff and myself during the Storm and they actually make some sort of a race report.

Day 2 after the Otter "me sore , me raw, me broken, me love it"

Day 3 ( a bike out of Natures and a short hard run around Forest Hall) " Lekker bike ride from Natures around the mountains where i earned my first brownie points for pulling the girls around and finishing just behind the heavies.Our new home Forest Hall is full of people who look like they are walking on fire , cant understand why until I try to stand up . The Otter has made its mark"

Day 4 (kloofing and a ride) "cool day. started with a swim across the Keurbooms river and up past James's pump then an awesome run trough the bush to the transition.A nice bike back to Forest Hall. Rode alone but today my best friends were Gu , Blue Steel and my Helley Hansen cool top."

Day 5 (a long bike day with two short runs) " my best day yet. Great ride took strain on the runs"

Day 6 (short bike, half Robberg Run , Trail run through Plett) "Was just to short to make a difference to the overall standings .Good fun riding the "lettuce Loop' and then onto Robberg where we were done out of doing the full run but just as well because there was still a short run in town to follow. I was in my full Penny's kit looking like a school boy waiting for the bus, happy as can be proud and cheffed with myself for getting this far. The run through town had it all a waterfall,beach and HILLS but also spectators and a band.. We felt like world champs coming down the main road into town. The day finished with a great prize giving dinner. A great event."

Also out there behind the scenes were Jeannette and Chris keeping the whole event going they had this to say about the event.

Chris "Brutal six day challenge involving harsh trails runs and heart stopping mountain biking pushing every physical and mental boundary in the process" he just organised it so you can imagine how tough it was.

Jeanette as the sweeper who spent more time on the course than any athlete "To sweep was awesome , to have raced it must have been out of this world.Hard but not so hard you hated it every day but hard in a way that challenged each individual athlete in a most stunning and beautiful area."

To cap off the week Pennypinchers Plettenberg Bay owner Sean Gannon had an amazing trip to the Fish River Canoe Marathon with local partner John Elliot. The results show that they had an epic first taking a swim at Soutpans rapid and doing some damage to the new well branded Pennypinchers Adventure racing team boat. With determination and some inguinity they managed to nurse the boat to the overnight camp and do the necessary reapirs to make sure they would be on the start line the next morning. With the boat repaiured and the crew properly bruised the two finished the race in 672 position . There is big talk of a PpART K3 racing next year.

The Pennypinchers Karoo to Coast Mtn Bike Race

2010-09-21T12:35:00.001+02:00

"I'm paying a bit for doing the Karoo to coast without to much training never think that this race is easy even if it is mostly on a stunning district road and supposedly down hill!!! Having entered late saw me start right in the back. I never knew that this race was so big I expected 400 cyclists compared to what I think was 2000 or so. The nice thing was that it was so well organized that you never felt crowded. It did bottle neck the 1st 15km along the jeep track this part took me 1:30hr due to mainly pushing the bike but everybody was in good spirits and was having fun. Once we hit the district road everybody dispersed amazingly and one had the downhills mostly to oneself making it fun to be able to speed down them at your own pace. It took me 5hrs and 8min and was good fun it's a stunning race for anybody who does not like to technical mnt biking but loves being out there. The views and the pass are amazing. Thank you to Pennypinchers for a super well organized race." Jeannette

Jeff also took part and finished just over an hour ahead of Netski and surprised some of the Knysna cycling fraternity by sneaking up from behind after starting in the last batch as well.

The lesson here is that one needs to become a licenced rider if you want to do well in these bike races other wise you do get stuck near the back of the field.

Action Stations

2010-09-16T15:03:00.000+02:00

The next two weeks are going to choka bloc full for all the Team members. This weekend is the Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike race of 105 km with Jeff and Jeanette taking part. The route which sounds like it should be down hill is not at all and there are some really tough climbs but both are hoping to do well in this event with Pennypinchers as the title sponsor for the first time this year.

The Otter Trail Run takes place next Saturday (25th) where I will be slogging it out . I will be buoyed by the fact that I have through generous donations from freinds,family and associates been able to raise over R6500-00 fro Die Stereweg day Care centre in Plett.The money is still trickling in and if you want to see who has supported me with this drive or pop in a couple of rands please go to http://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/james-stewart .

On Sunday the 26th Jeff and Rhona will be starting the Southern Storm a six day long stage duathlon race around the Crags and Plettenberg Bay. Watch this space for updates during the week.
Chris will be working 24/7 during this time as part of the organization which is run by Magnetic South and I am sure will be fitter and more tired by the end of it than his team mates who have taken part

A little pay back

2010-09-07T16:16:00.000+02:00

THE OTTER TRAIL RUN 2010 AND DIE STERREWEG DAY CARE CENTRE

The 25th of September 2010 will see the second running of the Hitec Otter Trail Run. After only one edition of the run the race has already climbed to the top of the list of runs to do and entries were sold out within days of opening. The 42 km run takes place along the Otter trail which is normally a 5 day hiking trail and is regarded by hikers as ‘very beautiful but strenuous. The tree in natures valley where hikers who have completed the trail traditionally hang up their boots is full of worn out hiking shoes and boots that bears testimony to the toughness of the trail.
My affair with the Otter trail began in 2004 when adventure racing legend John Collins conned me into trying to run the Otter in a day with his girlfriend of the time. No one else had tried this before. He would also do the run but would run on his own. I had run one half marathon in my life at that stage and was not quite sure what to expect. Off we went blind leading the blind as John disappeared over the rocks (a familiar sight to a lot of people). By half way I was cramping and starving and by the time we reached Bloukrans we decided to call it quits. The surf was rolling into the mouth and we were both exhausted.
John finished the first unofficial Otter run and I did not.

This plaque is hidden on the trail somewhere

This haunted me until 2009 when with the permission of San Parks we were allowed to officially prove that the Otter could be run in a day. This time a lot fitter and more experienced along with my Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team we completed the run in a shade over 8 hours.

The start of the first official "Otter " recce

In August 2010 I was offered an entry to do the Hitec Otter Trail Run I kicked myself for even hesitating 5 minutes before accepting the offer. So why try and run the Otter Trail in a day when it can be enjoyed over a 5 day period for a fraction of the price and a fraction of the pain. My answer is simple and as cliche as it sounds it is because we can. Last year I gave a couple of people advice on their training and race strategies and they all finished the Otter .This year will be the same except I will be out there running too, not wondering how my chargers are doing and will they make it.

Jeannette was out with the Magnetic South Team to check out the route and also to bring back information to me about the route!!! This is what she had to say
"How lucky was I to be part of the scout team to check out the otter trail run for the big otter run that magnetic south is organizing in September. we started at 6am on Saturday with the same conditions that the Otter runners would be facing tide and time of the day only thing was that we had to start with our head torches. All I can say it is tough and you will be sore even if you are super fit but what an experience fynbos in full bloom it is the best trail run out there. it took martin and I 6:30 (of moving time IE not including quite a few breaks) we didn't go out to break any records just to run and check it out but even with our conservative pace it was still nothing to laugh at. I'm glad today that I wore my Rocket Compression Tights for the whole run cos I'm able to walk like a normal persons on Sunday which I'm sure I would have not been able to if I hadn't wore them. The Otter run is a truly beautiful, inspiring run it makes you work hard but at the end of it one finishes with a smile to have accomplished it and witness such stunning views makes every pain worth it. Enjoy it" Netski.

"What is going to be special for me this year is that I have decided to try and raise some money and awareness for an amazing day care centre in Plettenberg Bay called Die Sterreweg. This Centre cares for 24 disabled children who have basically be discarded by all but a few in medical and social circles. These kids can’t do what we do and for them taking a few steps or learning a new song is far more of a challenge than for me to go and run 42km and climb 2, 2 vertical kilometers in one day.
My challenge is to go out and do the Otter Trail and beat my time of 8 hours and at the same time create awareness about a small group of kids who also do things because they can even if they are only a few steps or a new song. I will be taking about 55 000 steps on the 25th September 2010. In my mind I want to take each step for those kids at Die Sterreweg. With this in mind why don’t you join me and donate money in increments of 55 to this really amazing place. "James

Click on this link and do the deed
http://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/james-stewart

Or check out this little havens web site on

http://www.sterreweg.com/

Swazi Extreme 2010. Team Aieesh.com does it again

2010-08-17T10:52:00.000+02:00

When it became clear that the PpART was not going to make the “Big Trek” to Swaziland for the final running of the Swazi X I popped off an email to Shane Raw founder, captain and manager of the Swazi based Aeeish.com Team to see if they had any late withdrawals like they had last year when I joined the team three days before the event. As bad luck would have it Shane had just broken his arm (“he fell off a ladder”) and the team was a member short. After some emailing and slow communication Shane picked up the pieces and got the team organized. The Team for 2010 would be Hillary Pritchford (paddler and more recently trail runner), Deon Bruss (retired paddler, farmer and adventurer), Gordon Johnstone (clothing manufacturer, mountain biker and paddler) and James Stewart (farmer, adventurer and super-sub).
After a lot of logistical nightmares the four Team members arrived at the start venue Nisela Lodge just south of Big Bend in Swaziland. Here we met up with the other new member of the Team Jaco Strydom our last minute second from Pretoria (and what a second we uncovered here, his contact details will remain the property of the Team for now.)This is what he had to say on his blog Seconding for the team was just about as hard as doing the race. They arrive by canoe and 5 minutes later they are fed, rehydrated, refilled, changed into cyclists, and on their way. Then we pack the boats and the camp and charge to be at the next transition point before them, get their running gear ready, food and water ready... and so on through the day (and sometimes into the night).Along to help Shane with his broken arm and Jaco with his broken foot was Shane son Braden (what a bundle of energy he was).As usual the evening before the race got gobbled up repacking vehicles and sorting out the maps for the next day. I think we were definitely the last team to hit the sack on Friday night.

It was all too soon when the alarms and Jaco kicked us out of bed to get us up to the start by 5:45 am. The race briefing was quick and after a count down the race started well for everyone except us. Hilary and shot back to the car to get a chest strap for Deon’s pack. There was a mad dash of towards CP1 at the end of the old airfield a couple of kms away. With a confident bearing on the map we went straight there and had already over taken some of the teams who had bolted away. The next couple of checkpoints guided us through some bushveld and across some sugar cane fields. After running with Team Thule (which included Knysna local Kate Southey "This years race was much like the experience you have as a child when you have your first 'gobstopper' - there's no easy way to the end, you just keep going until it's done. The Swazi was one monster gobstopper that took teams through 3 days of non-stop racing, up and over the Lubombo mountains by foot, back over by bicycle and almost into Mozambique by canoe") for a bit we parted company with them as they started doing the Pro Course while we headed into Transition One with a couple of teams ahead of us. The next cycling leg took us through more cane fields and cattle farms to the start of the paddle leg on an irrigation canal. With warnings about low bridges and “flumes “we set of to catch up with the other teams that were ahead of us. With some quick portaging and good paddling (to be expected from this team) we took out first at the end of the paddle leg and were heading for home. An Op point that was opposite a disused road that was shown as a proper road caused us a bit of a delay but we got it in a few minutes and then with compass in hand took the tiger line thru the bush to the finish . The cattle paths were not to overgrown and the gamble paid off and we arrived 25 minutes ahead of the “Silent Assassins”. Day one was in the bag but where were the curved balls from Darren we asked as we relaxed in the camp????

A quick portage around on of the low level bridges helped us into the lead

During the evening the Pro teams came and went from the camp. Most of them already with the hollow eyed stare that one gets after a long day on the trail. We were fed and watered by our trusty seconds and hit the sack early excited about the fact that tomorrow had a 17 km river paddle through the Usutu Gorge.

Braden gets ready for the paddle on day two at our well organised camp

Day two started with a quick bike leg down to the river where our K2 s were waiting. There was an unsupported transition from the paddle to a long 20 km hike so we needed two carry quite a bit of water for the paddle and hike legs. Our boats were loaded and we headed down to the river about 10 minutes a drift of the Silent Assassins and a couple of the faster biking teams. Within 5 minutes we came across all the teams that were e in front of us at a weir. We portaged over the weir quickly put in and paddled through the rapids at the bottom of the weir. Here we paddled with Kobus and Donovan and Carter from Team Jabawock for a bit. Hilary and Deon’s paddling experience now came to the surface and their lines around the sand banks and through the small rapids were sublime. It was not long before we were soaking up the isolation of the Gorge and extending our lead.” The second day started easily enough with Jamo and Deon slowing us down telling Hilda and I not to rush. The second leg was a paddling section on the Usutu which was spectacular’’ Gordon.

After about two hours I pulled out the map and suggested that we should start looking for the banner and the marshals for the take out. A dead crocodile caught our attention and a bit further down stream we asked a local if he had seen anyone with a bakkie and trailer. No was the answer. The transition on the map was marked as couple of hundred meters from the Mozambique border so I suggested we carry on to the border just in case the map was incorrect. There is no fence, rope, pile of stones or landmines that demarcate this border we found out a couple of kms down stream. “ I think Jamo had a wicked little plan up his sleeve and sent us on a sightseeing mission into Mozambique, this wasn’t the end of the world until we had to paddle 4km back upstream. Then it did become a problem. Besides the fact that we had to paddle against a very strong current we were egged along by a wild looking local with long dreadlocks and a stick who was chasing us, all I could hear was panicky gasps from Hilda who feared for our lives. As it turned out he was a just a friendly fellow trying to tell us where we had to get out!” Gordon
Swaziland is certainly one of the most beautiful places I have been and km seem to tick by without us even noticing – the paddle was stunning – a bit too stunning as we decided to add a few extra km onto it – Mozambique is wonderful as well, first time I have paddled across the border and it wasn’t even that hard J anyway back to the race – being about 25min ahead of the rest of the field – our little excursion set us back an hour. We hiked hard! We each had our ups and downs but the team pulled together fantastically the focus was truly there!
We turned and slogged our way back against the current which had bought us so swiftly into Mozambique. Over an hour latter we arrived at the transition to see the banner in the tree where we had stopped and Hugh Raw there to check us in and load our boats. With clean socks and a roll from our packs we headed up hill out of the valley about an hour behind the Silent Assassins and Swazi Moto who despite paddling sit on top fluids had also beaten us to the take out. The hike went well with us taking every opportunity to use the cattle tracks to short cut the road and get to the transition. The last bike was short and fast and we managed to over take Swazi Moto who had punctured and had forgotten about a check point on the way. The day ended with us only 23 minutes behind the Assassins. We would go into the final day with everything to play for.

Shoes drying after the hike out of the Usuthu Gorge

Day Three arrived and we were given our maps just after first light. This meant a lot of work to do before we set out on what would be the toughest and longest day. We were glad it was going to be long this would give us more time to reel in the race leaders and then hammer home the advantage. The day would only have two legs a short hike which would include an abseil and a pothole jump and then a long bike leg. The hike went well and soon we were at the abseil in second place.

We abseiled down a small portion of this massive Gorge

We had lost the early race leaders after we decided to contour around a valley instead of going thru it just after the start. After a bit of adrenalin we set of to the transition through the bush taking some not so well worn paths and picking up a couple of scratches along the way. The transition went way too quickly and I left not having eaten or drunken much having been focused on the next 5 pages of maps that would take us to the finish.

Shane makes one of his awesome "one armed rolls"

We turned of a farm road onto a rocky path that was fun to ride but soon became un-ridable even for our motor bike gurus Deon and Gordon. AS the saying goes what goes down has to go back up and we confronted a steep eroded path up the other side of the gorge where it was impossible to ride and the bikes were shouldered and we headed up wards. By now the Swazi sun was beating down and the temperature was rising but we were in the “virtual” lead and knew that it would be hotter in the valley when the others came thru latter. The never ending rolling hills finally got us onto a piece of tar road with the option of taking a slightly longer route thru the town of Steki and a garage with cold drinks and chips. Hilary and I were both feeling the heat and my quads had cramped into nice little balls. A liter of Sprite (for me) and Coke for the others and a couple of packets of salt and vinegar chips saw us on the road and dodging the Sunday afternoon taxis before we turned of the tar and back into the bush . This last 30 km were fantastic. We were in a long valley whose over all gradients was down hill with a couple of short climbs in between. As always the African sun which had risen so slowly in the morning before baking us dropped like a stone behind the mountains and had us rummaging around for our head lights. With the darkness came a couple more punctures and some silly mistakes in repairing them and once again we were under pressure to get to the finish.” we got onto the bikes thinking how hard could the following 70km be? Well it was tough and I think we all had our own personal moments of ‘hell’ during the course of the day. 4 punctures later and rushing to cover as much distance as we could while we still had light the sun went down and the stars came out and we still weren’t home. A bit of creative navigating by Deon and Jamo lead us up and down the course and a little over two hours later we were done after finally finding the last elusive point”. Gordon With only our head lights a couple of tumbles were inevitable but we were on the home straight and not even a chance encounter with a hippo was going to stop us (we never saw one but they were defiantly there). A short detour to the last check point of the race saw us ride onto the cricket field at Simunye Country Club to be met by our seconds and race organizers and start our stop watches for what would be a long 25 minutes to make sure we had sealed our victory. Half an hour passed with no other teams coming on t the field and the win was ours.

Gordon’s last chirp” Let’s just say things were a little bit more rushed than in previous years. I would have to put this down to the fact that my fellow team members were very thirsty individuals and worked on the very solid theory that the sooner we finished each day the sooner we could have a few beers. I was all in for that and had no complaints!

“I had big intentions to do some training or at least harden my butt and do a few rides before race day, as we all know how the second day on a sore butt is not nice. I will confirm that 2 pairs of cycling pants feels like an XL poo in your pants but it helps a little for a sore chaffed butt. I went into Swazi a little under trained and very conscious of the fact. I was relying on Gordon I don't run (I gallop), Hillary being a little slower on the hills because I knew she was wicked on the downs. I knew if I threw some random strategic doubt towards the direction we were going James might not falter but the others would slow down and check the map and I could rest. Well that all went out the window as we started, the team was so composed and solid and we went along at a steady controlled pace, the whole way” Deon

So Aieesh! Were victorious overall for the third year running and what a race it was, pity we cant race it again. Thanks to Darren, Anita and his team for making it happen.

“A big thanks to our super seconds – Shane (broken arm) Jaco (Broken ankle) little Braden (Adventure racer in training) and Tammy (the unseen Chef!) without these guys we wouldn’t have made it to the finish!” Hilary

To the whole team, Hilary,James, Gordon, Shane, Jaco, Braden and Tam.You guys are the best and thanks for racing with me and getting us to the end first.

Over and out ,I have finger cramp” Deon

All smiles at the finish line. We clean up quite well See below

From Left to right Shane Raw ,James Stewart,Gordon Johnstone,Jaco Strydom,Deon Bruss,Hilary Pritchford and in Front Bryden Raw

“

The Ups and Downs of Adventure Racing

2010-08-04T07:30:00.000+02:00

What a start to to the week with both Jeannette and I being exposed to the realities of AR before we even got to the race in this case the 10th and final edition of the Swazi Extreme or the Swazi X.

Jeannette was phoned by her team mates on Sunday night to say that they will not be going to The Swazi X because Clint has not fully recovered from a mugging incident and they cant find a suitable replacement. This was a huge disappointment to her and this just goes to show the value of having a squad and looking after it.

My team Team Aishee.com called me in as a late replacement when its founder member Shane Raw broke his arm a couple of weeks ago.We are still facing the up hill struggle of finding another second to join us on the trip to Swaziland.

On the positive side I will be on my way this afternoon and there is no turning us around to defend our title in the final edition of the Swazi X. Jeannette and Jeff will be in action over the weekend doing the Om Die Berg Trail run in George. A tough 40 km of trail running faces them as they go up Tierkop and over Cradock Peak. We look forward to some good results and pictures from them.

Below is a picture of the victorious Team Aishee.com in 2009

"BIG FIVE" in Knysna

2010-07-20T08:06:00.000+02:00

The “BIG FIVE” at the Knysna Oyster Festival 2010

This competition was introduced by Knysna Tourism this year and had the local multi sports brigade drooling. The thought of having 5 high class races in 8 days was mouth watering stuff but how many would rise to the challenge. From the PpART side Jeff and I were in and signed up with Jeff opting to do the Mountain Bike (85km) , Road Bike (100km), Featherbed Trail Run (15km), Xterra Full and the Forest Full Marathon (42.2km). I opted to do the same except swap the Road bike for the 18km Knysna Lagoon Canoe race.

July 3rd 2010 Jeff starts the Mountain Bike race in a batch 10 minutes ahead of me. I am relieved as Jeff has a history of breaking people he rides with. After 18km we reached the King of The Mountain spot and there was Jeff who said he was waiting for me (lies, he had broken his friend who was riding with him and he was resting). We rode the next 20 kms together with Leon taking big strain and after the fantastic single track of Petrus se Brand I left the two to finish at their own pace. Jeff was now in “good Samaritan “ mode, helping anyone blond and with a problem .The second half of the route was a great mixture of short climbs and some fast descents and then a fast forestry road section in to the finish. What a great route and highly recommended.

July 6th Jeannette, Jeffery and James all board the ferry to the start of the Featherbed Trail Run. Rhona ran earlier in the day. We decided to do the night run which we hoped might slow down some of the racing snakes not used to racing at night. The weather was icy and our excitement increased when one of the motors on the ferry broke a mounting and the” chirps about the swimming leg of the race was just about under way” were bandied about on the boat. This incident was well handled by the crew and we landed safely on the jetty of he Featherbed nature reserve. The run starts with a gut wrenching climb to the top of the western Head and then follows an 8 km section of single track winding down above Lake Brenton and spitting you out at the railway bridge for another 3 km of tough running next to the railway line to the finish. The finish venue was the Cruise Café with great food drink and an awesome vibe to end of a great run.
Jeannette shares the podium with two other AR girls Susan Sloane and Jeannie Bomford

July 7th a day off to try and recover as quickly as possible before the Xterra on Thursday. It was now that I was feeling the benefits of my Rocket Compression socks and tights. I had done the run in my socks and then slept in the tights after the bike and run and my legs really felt in good shape. The rest of me was battling with a sore throat and tiredness taking their toll after only two events but with a full work schedule rest was not an option. Jeff was in the same boat.

July 8th. The Xterra held at Pezula with the start finish area on the soccer field kindly vacated by the French after their early World Cup exit. The race a 3km run followed by a 25km mountain bike and then a 7km run would be a little short for the type of training we have been doing but good fun at least. Jeffery, Jeannette and lined up along side Rhona who was doing the relay in the mixed category. We all paid the price for starting too near the back and got caught behind the slower traffic up the first hill. The rest seem to wiz past and two and a bit hours latter we were all finished ,with Rhona and her partner winning the mixed relay , Jeff coming third in his age group . Broken after Xterra

July 10th the start of the Tri Nations Rugby and also the Knysna Forest Marathon. Jeff and I lined up for the full 42,2km while Rhona was at the start of the 21,1km that started an hour latter. What a great run the route follows dirt roads through indigenous and commercial forestry and the fact that we only ran 7km on tar makes this the marathon to do if you are an adventure racer or trail runner and cant stand thumping along the tar. Jeff finished easily under the four hour mark to finish his Big 5.I had a great run and bumped into Mark Loftus an old AR buddy and we ran the last 3 kms together. It was back home and into the Rockets and onto the couch for some recovery and Tour De France for the rest of the day.

July 11th this should have been a doddle for me to finish my Big 5 but the weather had other ideas. Sunday morning was cold, very cold and windy and raining. Out came the Helly Hansen Warm and a short sleeve underneath and off we went to Knysna to see how many people would brave this weather in order to paddle after a big night with the Pallertones . I was impressed to see that paddlers are still pretty hard core and there were about 70 people that turned up to do the race. The wind, rain and cold made for a challenging paddle but after just under two hours I was standing in the Knysna Yacht Club, dry and warm and happy to have completed the Big 5.

For the technos here are some facts:
Total racing time 14:09hrs
Total energy 14360 kcal
Total distance 188.2km
Ascending 3984 meters

What a great week it was 5 events in 8 days . All in all it was a lot harder than I thought it would be and a good rest has been the order of the day. I am sure the organisers have got a lot to think about in terms of the competition and all the different categories they opened themselves up to in terms of the BIG 5 event. The fact that so few paddlers entered may pull the event away from being a true multi sport event but then there are not that many multi sporters out there which is what makes us a great breed in the fact that we are prepared to go out and compete in sports that we may not be good at but we give them a go and enjoy doing it. So here's to next years BIG 5 still being a true blue multi sport competition and a few more paddlers doing a bit of running or riding and even more so the odd cyclist getting in a boat this summer

Your Guide to the Knysna Oyster Festival by The Team

2010-06-29T08:27:00.000+02:00

Each year in July thousands of people flock to Knysna for the annual Oyster Festival. Apart from the numerous cultural and culinary side shows the eight day long festival offers a multitude of sporting events aimed at pro and social sports people alike.For The Team this two weeks offers up a challenge of going out of ones comfort zone and doing as many events as possible. We will have team members in all of the seven sports events on offer at the festival with Jeff and James competing in the Big Five Contest where they have choosen five events over the eight day festival.

I asked each member to write a short article on their favourite event during the Festival and how they would be tackling it. Please note the opinions expressed below are those of the individual not the Team.

See you all there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Bike Rides

Riding your bike in and around Knysna ,be it on road or on the dirt normally is a pleasure, wide open spaces, fairly decent road users and you might bump into the odd local on route and then if you lucky you’ll see the odd celebrity like Kevin Evans Yolandy Speedy Matyus Bekus and of coarse the likes of us Pennypinchers Adventure Racers that are always out there soaking up the waters, trails and forests .But beware the Oyster bike rides are upon us and its all going to change. Where we normally need a map ,Gu, a wipe of Blue Steel ,a Helly Hansen top and a smudge of Island Tribe to feel prepared it all changes this weekend. You need to have so much more to fit in ,to start with you will have to shave from your toes to your side burns ,wear at least one piece of sponsored clothing to feel allowed into the town .

So let this be a guide for you multi sport and adventure racers out there:
1) To start don't ever loose your identity there's only a few of us but we are well respected. The fact that they don't acknowledge you is a road bike thing.
2) Don't get caught wearing your Rocket Compression kit although you will need them if you doing the Big Five events, you don't want people to know your secret to recovery, it must be hidden by your jeans and a Helly.
3) Don’t ever wear pink its unsafe
4) Arrive early on Friday to register traffic is going to be hell. Oh and did you know registration has moved to where the mountain bike race always starts and finishes for that matter. The other field has been upgraded for the soccer although they have already left its not being used (hey we should start a bike polo game there), ok don't try to drive to the registration or the start of the two bike rides park at the first parking you find or at the old registration field and walk or drive in it will be quicker.
5) The mountain bike route has not changed much starts with those two same dam hills but you don't cross the N2 and have that dreaded last climb there will be others but not as bad and remember the last 5/6 km are down hill .
6) The road bike has also gone back to the original route out and back to Hoekville. I will miss going past our favorite Pennys hardware store and enjoying their friendly watering table but maybe we will see more Pennys guys on route with us ,so check out the route as you drive in from Cape Town.
7) Make sure you bring enough Gu for during and recovery ,use your Rocket compression gear during and for recovery and don’t be shy to use your Blue Steel you don't want to walk like a cowboy after a day in the mud it will be a long week. Make sure you have good warm kit like a Helly Hansen with this you wont cook latter in the day ether.
8) Please keep a eye out for us Pennypinchers racers we will greet you with a smile and if we not on a hill maybe even catch up ,any thing you've forgotten you can try Earth Scout at our Waterfront or the two bike shops now both on Waterfront Drive ,one just a stone throw from the start line .

We all looking forward to seeing you out there I’ll be doing all six events so I’m sure we will bump into each other somewhere.

Jeffrey

The Featherbed Trail Run

This will be the 3rd year that this magnificent trail run will be held in the very exclusive Featherbed Nature Reserve. What a privilege to be able to take part in such a unique environment. There will be a short and slightly longer trail run this year with 3 options of a morning, afternoon and night start. One starts with an uphill just to spread out the field so that the stronger runners can be separated from the slower ones. When you start with this uphill, to me it normally feels as if I have never run in my life. When one gets to the steps at the most beautiful part of the Eastern Head, it feels the same and one is forced to walk up some of those steps. Use the excuse to enjoy the scenery or take a picture if you don’t go for a win, to get your breath back. The distance of both trails runs sound short, but be careful there are no water points will be provided. You have to look after yourself. Although the route back over the old railway bridge looks easy and straight forward, don’t lose concentration because a misstep could cost you dearly. Enjoy your race – it is obvious how popular this trail run is because in no time all six events were fully entered.

Rhona

Xterra

The perfect scenario for Xterra training in my books would be nice, short but hard sessions of running with some hill training because I know that Knysna has some sweet little hills in it. The transition from the bike to the run is also something that one should practice " cos those legs aren’t going to work to well. So let me go back to the real world yes running I've done but I think my 38km of trail running plodding along enjoying the view hardly sounds like the fast intense training that I know I should have done. But hey at least there where some hills which fair enough I walked but better then nothing and the good news was that I was wearing my rocket socks (to amusement of the rest of the runners calling me a hockey player) so my legs where pretty much ready for Xterra training the next day.
Now to my cycling!! Well who could refuse a 55km moonlight cycle which took us three and half hours so time on the bike is there, hills where also included, transition from the bike to run!! Does getting of and pushing the bike count?? The good news is that I know my nutrition and race food I have figured out and trained with, a few GU gels yummy (my favorite being vanilla) and water. So all and all my Xterra training might not be the most scientific and correct way but it was the most fun way and that's what counts having fun, being out there with same crazy minded people. And by the way winning is not everything ya right!! See you at Xterra.

Netski

The Knysna Forest Marathon

Believe it or not this is possibly one of the most popular runs in the country in terms of novices wanting to get into half (21 km) and ultimately full (42 km) marathons !

The sight that greets every participant in the early hours of the morning as they clamber from their cars is this long line of minibus taxis and busses consuming throngs of enthusiastic and in some cases still very hung over Bruce Fordyce wannabees and if you are lucky even an Elvis here and there waiting for their ride into the chilly and enduring Knysna Forests !
This in itself is all part of the experience as you thunder along with all your fellow competitors with the "beat" turned up to full volume and your 4 am breakfast about to return to the outside world the way it came in.

On arrival at the start line (21 km you run south and the 42 you head north) its all about self preservation and the earliest, fastest and fittest get to huddle around the fires those not so fortunate shiver away while they await the starters gun. So be prepared to have the right kit and this is where you cannot go wrong layering yourself with some fine Helly Hansen gear. For the Pennypinchers Adventuring Racing Big Five athletes - their tried and tested training routine of mixing up short hard intervals with long endurance runs the legs will be ready come marathon day. Add in some hefty hill climbs in the training otherwise you are in for a big shock come event day - there are some serious ups and downs (sometimes these downs can be even harder on a poorly tuned bod).

Being a Road Marathon, water points are organised all along the route but better to carry your GU and have a hydration belt to feed on the supplements that best suit you .......otherwise its a choice of sachets of water ( blamed for many a gippo gut ) or cups of coke ( great for a sugar high and then an equally fast low ). GU have hit the market not only with their ever popular Energy Gels, but you can now feast on their jelly baby equivalent - The Chomp and a fine choice of flavours for your juice concentrate !

Running can demand a lot out of your feet and as adventures racers have found out over and over - it is so important to give them every bit of tlc to get the job done and be ready for more. Blue Steel anti chafe spread between the toes and in the crotch will give you such a smooth glide you will never go without it again.

Winter conditions may not call for heaps of sunscreen but Island Tribe Lip Balm will protect your lips from succumbing to cracks and cold sores.

The full marathon has a tendency to irritate any lurking ITB injuries and make the last downhill through Simola a very painful experience. Rocket Compression garments have come out with a nifty range that includes a whole host of options. My personal favourites being the full length tights that make you look like you are about to take on the Bolshoi Ballet but in terms of performance during and after your run make every disparaging comment "water of a ducks back" - these really work and have a pair to sleep in that night post the run and you will feel amazing the next day, and the next, and the next ...........

Always good to run with someone who is pretty much your same pace, helps to chat away as well and numb the passing kms .......best is to set your sights on someone up front who is setting a pace slightly faster and like a "pac man" start hunting them down .......helps even more if it is a very shapely pair of legs you are chasing (will leave it up to you whether it be a he or a she ????).
Keep the heart rate down as it is so easy to blow too early trying to sprint out of the starting blocks with all the other grey hounds, 42 kms is a long way and slowly slowly its amazing how many of those supposed grey hounds you pass along the way.

The best of all is that the full marathon includes good stretches of the original Knysna Forests and not the plantations mostly found on the half. Running in real ancient forest is an absolute buzz and really helps to re -energise you, so look around and enjoy the passing show, more often than not a Knysna Loerie will tease you as it glides in and out of the canopy, showing off its splendour.

Either way running the Knysna Forest marathons is a great deal of sheer enjoyment as it includes all the "gees" of your serious athletes right through to those who are out for a fat jol and whatever your fancy you are guaranteed to enjoy the vibe !

Look out for the Pennypinchers Duo all dressed so and hey who knows you might be Adventuring Racing next !

Chris (Che Che)

The Enricos Lagoon Challenge

This is the final event of the Knysna Oyster Festival and of the Big 5 Challenge. The canoe race is open to all types of paddle craft and is always great fun despite the sore legs and often sore heads that follow the Forest Marathon. The course makes the most of the Knysna lagoon and takes you through the Waterfront as well as the Thesen Island canals. There is a short portage on each of the two laps which is great to get out and stretch the legs.There is a shorter 6km race for the youngsters and the not so fit but the long race is 18km. There are always a couple of racing snakes in the field so if paddling is your game you will need to look out for that wave at the start and try and hang on as the bunches formed. If like me you have done the Big 5 then I suggest find a good wave and hang in there until the end ( there are always more doubles than singles ).Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at the Knysna Yatch Club afterwards and pat your self on the back for a good fun and healthy week in Knysna.

James

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cold weather and magic trail runs by Lettuce and Netski

2010-06-22T10:56:00.001+02:00

Cold and wet but still out there!!!!

Last week must have been the coldest conditions that we have trained in ever. The mercury was not above 5 degrees on any of the early morning or evening training sessions and with heavey rain and snow on the mountains around the Garden Route most people retreated indoors to a glass of red wine and a fire. Youth day saw Chris,Netski and I head into the Harkerville Forest for a run in our newest Helle Hansen kit. Chris wore his new HH Warm ,I was in a HH Hybrid and Jeannette in a HH Longsleeved Cool with a windbreaker on top. Despite the horific cold and wet we all finished the run feeling that we had got our temperatures right with out having to don layer apon layer of gear a tribute to the Helle Hansen gear.The picture above was taken after a two and half hour run through the forest.

On Sunday Chris ,Jeannette and Jeff joined the Plett section of the Mountain Rescue unit to run the first two days of the Titsitikamma Trail with a bit tagged on the end to help with transport logistics. This what Jeannette had to say:

What a stunning way to spend a winter morning a 38km trail run thru the most beautiful wilderness area and right on our door step. Some of the Pennypinchers Team members where lucky and privileged enough to get invited by Drew to do this run. Special permits where need and due to Drew and me being involved in the Mountain Rescue we where allowed to go and scout a certain trail which one finds winding it's way thru our mountains, natural forest, fern covered streams, snow capped peaks and stunning valley's. We started nice and early Me and 5 Fathers ( Drew, Lee, Andrew, Jeff and Chris) who said this must be one of the best ways to spend fathers day!!! Let me just say that theses dad's made me suffer, it took us 5hrs with quite a few exclaiming wow, amazing, stunning picture taking stops thank god for those!!. But wait it did not stop there, Melanie ,Andrews wife so kindly drove to meet us at the finish to drop of our bikes so we could cycle back to the start thru the old Bloukraans pass a nice and easy 23km cycle back. I don't think to many dad's could compare their fathers day morning to this one. Thank you guys for dragging me with you to Drew for organizing it and to Nature for providing us with such stunning places. Netski

Time flies when youre having Fun

2010-06-14T11:36:00.000+02:00

With two weekends having slid past without any racing what has the Team been up to you may ask?

The first weekend in June saw Jeff,Netski and James do an awesome mountain bike ride through the back of the Knysna Forest out to the historic Millwood Goldfields. Having recently re read Circles in the Forest, this route put the final pieces of the rough sketch map in the book into place. We crossed the Knysna river way up stream where it would have been crossed in those pioneering days having ridden through on of the last remaining stands of virgin forests in the Garden Route. What a favour Mr De Vaaselot did to us all by regulating the "hout kappers" of the time despite the huge financial hardships they then had to endure. One gets the feeling riding through these areas that the elephants or the spirits of the many elephants that were slaughtered here are always nearby.

During last week I had the huge challenge of taking 60 boys and girls (aged between 11 and 13) from Glennwood Primary School in George for a day of their school camp and introducing them to orienteering at the Ingwe Forest Camp in the Crags. What a day!!!!!! I returned home with ears ringing but with the satisfaction that five of the six groups of kids found all 20 CPs from the map I had made for them and the final group missed two in the confusion of the thunder storm that struck in the early afternoon.

This weekend Jeff headed off for a 120km bike ride with all the cycling heads of state in Knysna . Chris was busy scouting out routes for the up and coming Southern Storm to be run on the Garden Route in September. For those of you that are interested he has found some amazing new routes and the race should be spectacular. I was involved with the SA Marathon canoeing Champs held on The Keurbooms River in a marshaling capacity but sneaked in two great runs and a ride between showing the canoeing who's who where to go.

There are two weeks to go before the Knysna Oyster festival and by next week we will have confirmed all the teams entries into the different events . We will be represented at each and every event except the Oyster eating competition which is not good for ones cholesterol!!!!

CLUE TO WHERE ARE THE PENNYPINCHERS AR TEAM THIS WEEK.

The picture below is the old bridge crossing the river at the bottom of a famous pass.

Stanley's Light Mountain Run 29/05/2010 by Che Che Crewdson

2010-06-02T12:08:00.000+02:00

Stanley's Light Mountain Trail Run - when you first read this you would beforgiven for thinking that the Run had been sponsored by some privatebrewery!However it has an even more interesting story which we are going to sharewith you as having now been there, done it and got the t-shirt - muchrespect is due to the man who now at 67 years old has done this route over300 times in his life while residing in the Klien Karoo hamlet of Ladismith.

Chris and Rhona along with other Knysna locals Jan Zonnestien ,Christine and John Collins travelled into the Klien Karoo on a very windy and wet Friday and the question on everyone's minds - what was it going to be like come race day ?

Running in MOUNTAINS when the weather closes in can be a very scary andunwelcome experience especially if you are not well equipped.For the Pennypinchers athletes we knew we were ready for any eventualitybeing kitted out with our Helly Hansen technical wear and armed to the teethwith our GU Brew, Chomps and Gels we had an answer for the cold and also forthe energy we would require in the process of covering 2000 m in altitude over the 24 kms we would traverse in some pretty hardcore and spectacularenvironments.

After a very sobering pre-race briefing from event organizer Ugene Nel ofQuantum Adventures on the dangers of not having the right equipment on handwhile in the mountains. (Three Trail Runners had recently died in Europewhen conditions had changed so unexpectedly) The runners prepared for the trek into the mountains.

Having been sent off by the 67 year old Stanley into a very chilly but clearmorning what was going to greet this band of intrepid competitors?The first 4 kms was on farm roads and once off it was hiking track going oneway - UP, UP, UP and more UP until we could hear the "waterwheel ofStanley's Light" turning away in its pristine mountain gorge. Ice coveredmuch of the route in the upper reaches and from the town resembled snow........it was cold but no time to worry about this or even pause to enjoythe view.....we had come to race and with conditions underfoot veryslippery in places with some major drops also lurking in the shadows it washead down and concentration ALL THE WAY.The knee wrenching tight downhill switchbacks soon took their toll and for thosewho had taken their Rockets Compression Garments. This was one sure way tonegate many of the problems other athletes were experiencing with cramp, blown quads or stiffness. The final 6 km was a rollercoaster ride with moretight switchbacks that created the ongoing illusion that as close as youcould see the finish line it was going to take a lot longer to get there asthe course meandered like some electrocuted snake all the way to the last100 meters.

Excellent performances from Rhona Zonnestien in the ladies (4th) and Chris achieving a Top 10 in the mens ensured that the PennypinchersAdventure Racing Team had continued to make their mark and most importantly give its team members the chance to test and pass on the benefits to others taking part in the many merits of the products worn and used by the team.To Helly Hansen, GU, Rockets, Earth Scout, Blue Steel, and IslandTribe THANK YOU for partnering us on yet another highly successfuladventure.See the following link for the full story on Stanley’s Light (well worth theread).

Use this link - www.quantumadventures.co.za/page-content.php?pageid=59

for the story about the light

What a Great Week for the Team

2010-05-25T12:47:00.000+02:00

This week has been great for the Pennypinchers AR Team for various reasons. Firstly we have renewed our sponsorship relationship with Helly Hansen for this year. What this means is that we have been supplied with racing and training tops by the world leader in technical clothing for hot or cold weather. We now have only the best in this department. One cannot underestimate the importance of staying warm when it is cold,cool when it is hot and dry when it is wet. This balance can be the difference between winning a race and losing,finishing or retiring or even life and death in an emergency.

The second big plus came along with the sponsorship of race nutrition from GU. GU is what Hoover is to vac um cleaners in the energy gel market. GU now also has a full range of race nutrition options and we now have access top another brand leader in these products. We have the GU gels , the Electrolyte Replacement drinks and also the Energy Chomps to make sure we stay fully fueled during races and training.

With the news of these great deals putting wind in our sails Jeannette and myself headed down to Theewaterskloof Dam for the Quantum Adventures Tri Challenge. The race would start with a 10 km paddle on the huge dam ,then a 24km mountain bike leg through the apple orchards and on to the mountain behind Villiersdorp and finish with an 8km trail run again through the orchards and along the dam.

About 180 competitors took part in the race which had different categories allowing pairs and relay options as well as the solo entrants. We lined up for the start of the paddle looking around for the competition and also for strong paddlers who we could work with on the paddle leg. paddling would be our strongest leg so we knew we needed to have a good lead going into the next two legs. The paddle went well and we were the second boat off the water and with a quick transition were on to our bikes and heading along the edge of the dam. My legs were dead for the first twenty minutes of the bike due to a lack of brick session training . With some fun river crossings and sandy and muddy sections we finished the bike leg in 1hr 05. Another super quick transition saw us onto the final trail run. Jelly once again over took the legs for a bit as we wound our way through the apple trees and then along the waters edge back to the finish. With that leg taking about 36 minutes we were first in the Mixed Pairs category and second in the overall standings as well only 10 minutes behind solo winner Rory Cole from Cape Town.Our total time was 2hrs 34 min.

Well done to Jeannette who showed her huge racing experience and put her head down and went like the clappers for two and half hours in a race that was most probably 200km to short and three times to fast for the training we have been doing.

Mid May Weekend Fun and CX Press clues

2010-05-17T11:34:00.000+02:00

With the year scooting past this weekend saw the Team spread out from Cape Town to The Crags.

Check out the new stadium WOZA 2010

Chris headed down to take up a prize of some luxury accommodation that he had one and got himself onto Table Mountain to do some training in between smoke salmon breakfasts and high teas.As always he was branded to the hilt.

Don't look down Che che

Jeff shed the Polly Shorts and lumo green running vest of the Knysna Marathon Club and headed thru to George to take part in the SA Cross Country Mountain Bike Champs. He pulled of a third place in his age group so found himself on the podium for a bronze medal.

Jeannette and I spent Saturday doing Mountain rescue Training with the SA Air force helicopters in the mountains behind The Crags. It gives one a great view of the mountains and some of the potential training runs and rides that we can do in the future. Sunday morning saw us doing a great multi sport session. We started with a hard surf ski paddle which a pod of dolphins cruised in to make sure the pace was right.We then rode up to the edge of the Knysna Forest and put in a quick run on Robberg. This in preparation for the Theewaterskloof Tri Challenge this coming weekend.

The Google feature in this weeks edition of the CX Press is the biggest man made body of water in the Plettenberg Bay area and would look completely different if you flew over the dam today.

Homtini Mountain Bike Race and a Run at Goukamma

2010-05-04T15:27:00.000+02:00

With Tuesday the 27th of April being Freedom Day Netski took the opportunity to head out to the historic Goldfields area of Knysna and took part in the Homtini Mountain Bike Race a long standing favourite among local bikers. Jeff Wilcock was alos there along with a host of other multisporters making the most of the public holiday.

Netski wrote

"What a stunning cycle Homtini was it had everything district road, stunning forestry paths thru the natural forest and some nice and fast downhill single track and instead of being a 65km we scored an extra 5km as well making it a 70km mnt bike race thru the natural wonders of Knysna which to me is the forest. Being a holiday the race was well attended and the girl’s field was super competitive with two of the strongest mnt bike girls having come up for the weekend from the cape Hanniel Booyens and Tatum. Needless to say I was left in the dust but I’ve got an good excuses my good old back decided to cease up from 15km mark onwards so I would like to blame that for my 4th position!!!!!!…..I must say I did wish I wasn’t in so much pain because it is a stunning route and well worth it even with the two hills in-between without them we wouldn’t have such great downhill’s. That’s all for now over and out"

Saturday morning saw the old Team Knysna (the roots of PpART) join up for a run through the Goukamma Nature Reserve from Buffalo Bay to Groenvlei. Jeannette came along as did one of the party goers from a local 40th that I had mentioned the run to the night before.Chris as usual had a trick up his sleeve and added a stunning 5 km loop onto the run which meant I would definitely be scratching for water with my small bottle and one Gel. The run took us through Milkwood forests and over sand dunes and along the beach to Lake Pleasant where we were m by Gizzelle Crewdson and giving a well deserved lift to the Farmers Market for a great brekkie.
It was great to spend time with Hanno Smit and Christine and shoot the breeze while running thru another of the Garden Routes gems.

Choices Were Made

2010-04-26T15:14:00.000+02:00

Having to work on Freedom Day meant that my choice for sport for the long weekend was going to be limited to the events on Saturday. Being into multi sport meant that I could make my choice first thing on Saturday morning between the George Marathons, and the off road events at Chandelier in Oudtshoorn. Before the sun rose on Saturday morning I made up my mind to do the 21 km trail run in the Chandeleir Game Reserve. I needed however to juggle some logistics in order to get my better half Dael out of bed and to the start of the mountain bike at Chandelier as well as pick up one of the guys who works for me and get him to the start of the Outeniqua half marathon in George.

Chandeleir is a great place for a trail run and mountain bike event and the harsh rocky Karoo terrain seemed a bit tamer in the early morning coolness that greeted us. The run started at a relatively tame pace and there was a group of 5 of us that headed up the first climb together. Trail runner supreme Cas Van Aaarden then had enough of the small talk and headed of into the distance and stayed there. Tatum Prins and I chatted a bit longer until the hill took its toll even on her endless babble of words. The route comprised of technical jeep track that just prevented you from looking up at the scenery run finished just before the heat of the day kicked in I came in in 5th place in a time of 1hr42 with the winners in on 1hr25 so all in all a good day in the Karoo.

The real story for me of the weekend unravelled itself when we got back to Wilderness and the finish of the Marathon and Half Marathon to pick up Slegazi and Besch from the Crags. These two had put in really great performances with Slegazi coming off a knee injury and running a 1hr30 half marathon and Besch coming 7th in the Marathon with a time of 2hr 47.That is all great but consider this: Besch left home at 2:ooam to hitch a lift to the start in George a distance of 140km. He only got a lift at 5:oo am. got to the start with 15 minutes to spare.What did he have for breakfast he shrugged his shoulders when I asked this question. Slegazi got a lift with me at 5:30am but also ran on an empty stomach (I gave him a bar and a Gu to run with).

The picture below is outside the Wimpy in Sedgefield where we stopped and bought the guys a Burger,chips and Coke ( The Cokes at the finish were R8-00 and to expensive for the guys!!!)

Aren't we spoiled for choice????

Spoilt for Choice by Lettuce

2010-04-20T10:57:00.000+02:00

I received an email this week with a list of things we might complain about but in actual fact we should be grateful for. These two were particularly relevant to us .......

"FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD."

"FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE."

With these two things in mind it brings to the fact that we here on the Garden Route are spoilt for choice

1) Training venues : We have highlighted these in the CX Press with our "Where are they?" competition and this weeks shows another "gem" of a trail run . See the pics below

2)Training partners.The Garden Route has become know as the capital of Adventure Racers in the country and there is a group that has raced all over the world and now live on the Garden Route.

3) A variety of sports on the go at any time. Take for example this weekend 23 April . If you are not going to do the Iron Man in PE then you will have to choose between the following:

Mountain Bike Races at Chandelier Game Farm near Oudtshoorn from 10 to 55 km in length

Two Trail runs at Chandelier a 10 and 21 km

The Outeniqua Marathon and Half marathon which runs through the George forests and historic "Seven Passes " road.

And then the Homtini Mountain Bike race to finish off the weekend

And if none of that bites you can head of to one of the many hikes and mountain bike routes or lagoons and have some fun with friends and family.

Have a GREAT WEEKEND and make the most of where we live.

Tsitsikamma mountain Bike Race (By Netski and Lettuce)

2010-04-12T14:38:00.000+02:00

What fun to finally be able to cycle in some mud again a very rare pleasure in this part of the woods? I'm sure the holiday makers who came to enjoy the Tsitsikamma mnt bike race thought otherwise but the locals surely must have loved it. The race consisted of 3 different distances 25km, 40km and a 70km. I was very ambitions and decided to tackle the 70km and to defend my title from last year. Well lets just say that my legs and lower back finally gave in probably thinking that I'm going to punish them again by doing another Epic, so from the 30km mark they let me know that there was no way they where prepared to do a 8 day race again. The route consisted of mainly dirt roads meandering thru pine forest a bit of indigenous, nice muddy farm roads as well as a lovely section along the rugged coast line. Needless to say I was not able to defend the title and came in second but to my defense only 5 min behind the leading lady. It was good fun and a well organized race with lots of great people. Thank you to Pennypinchers for their kind sponsorship. See all next year. Netski

From the guys side the pace was so fast at the start that Kevin Evans disappeared of the radar in the first bit of single track and he stayed ahead to win the 70km race in a time of 2 hours and 30min. I stuck to my guns of trying to ride as hard as I could until I blew and then carry on to the finish. This plan was derailed quite a few times by bike “admin” ,firstly a seat post that kept sliding down and then the normal stuff that goes with riding in mud and cow sh***t. In the end I had a good ride and really enjoyed the route with a good mix of roads, paths and jeep track and just enough down hill to let you forget about the 995 meters of climbing.

This event will put Storms River on the map and deserves all the support that it gets from the local community. The other two girls in the car with us Nicol (Netski’s sister ) was the third lady in the 25km race and Dael my better half was fourth ( I did suggest she should have gone harder in the end sprint).Well done!!!

The Pennypinchers Easter Surfski Race 2010 by James Stewart

2010-04-05T11:57:00.000+02:00

Above Some of the waves at Robberg Point

Sunday the 4th of April ,Plettenberg Bay, slightly overcast with a flat oily looking sea is what greeted Sean Gannon (owner Pennys Plett ) at Central Beach. We had entered the doubles race after being involved with the running of the singles race on Saturday. It looked like it was going to be a bit of a flat slog around the Robberg Point and to the Island on the Wild side of Robberg of about 20km.

After a quick TV interview in which I did say that we would have to see what the Wild Side offered we set off across the Bay riding some slip and saving some energy (Just as well ).

After about 25 minutes we got to the Point of Robberg and were Greeted by some rather large swells . The adrenaline kicked in and we spent the next half an hour beating some big well and huge chop bouncing of the rocks.

We turned and now had the wind which had picked up from behind as well as the big swell to push us home. We picked up some awesome runs and one cannot describe the feeling of surfing down the face of a 3 m ocean swell knowing that if you tip out there is deep water below you and it has some of those big fish lurking.The exhilaration lasted for about 20 minutes before we tucked back into the Bay and ground our way to the finish.

The weekend was a great success and with the top surf ski paddlers in the country taking part we just need to convince the locals and others to come and experience the thrill of some deep ocean paddling around Robberg Point

Below Locals Sean Gannon,Dave Visser,Andrew Beverage and James Stewart

The Absa Cape Epic 2010 by Jeannette Walder

2010-04-05T11:53:00.000+02:00

How can one beat 8 days of awesome mnt biking, single track to die for, hardcore jeep track climbs, fast district roads and technical down hills that even the main boys where walking. I was lucky enough to be invited by Nikki booyens another crazy adv racing chick from red ants who got an entry 6 weeks before epic and a most awesome generous sponsor from Linden cycles in jhb.
The 1st stage was a whopping 117km with 2190m of climbing and the famous railway line section. It was awesome standing in the starting chute with 1200 other excited and nervous cyclist wondering what is ahead of us. The Linden ladies teams’ tactic was to ease into the race find our legs and try our best on 6 weeks of training but deep down inside both of us wanted to compete and make the top 5. It took us 7hr37 10th in the ladies and 277 overall, not exactly the racing snakes we hoped to be.
Stage 2 was both of our favourite 90km with 70km just single track with only 1625m of climbing, all I can say to that is AWESOME we styled that one 8th in ladies and 234 overall clearly the men where a bit scared of the single track.

The 3rd stage was hard it was hot and a big climb 2280m over 115km, somehow we managed to claim that one even thou it felt we where going slow we came in 7th ladies and 226 overall with this result we though maybe our adv racing is coming in handy while we get stronger the other girls where going to start fading.
Stage 4 was only 86km with 1640m of climbing from Ceres to Worcester our new race village. Our thought of getting stronger backed fired and we come in 9th Ladies and 248th.
Stage 5 the time trail was good fun especially going down the starting ramp, the only team mountain bike stage race time trial ramp in the world!!!. It was hard with 860m of climbing in only 27km but the single track down hills where technical and I’m proud to say the only time my foot touched the ground was going up a steep climb where my pedal hit a rock and I uncleated. 308 overall and again 8th ladies we where pretty chuffed with that result not being racing snakes but rather diesel engine.
Stage 6 was the route to our next race village in oak valley, which included a stunning section of single track at the end of an exhausting 123km with 2240m stage.
Stage 7 being at oakvally had amazing single track and being one of the shorter stages only 99km with 2160km as well as being the 2nd last stage we hung in for dear life 9th in ladies and 292 overall and as one can see the lack of training was starting to show and our secret hopes of top 5 dwindled very quickly when we realised the epic is a epic and even thou we would never ever give up it was hard and the other girls where just stronger but we justified it that they had probably a year to prepare for this race.
The last stage was beautiful with a hard but stunning climb, walking the old wagon trail and only being 65km saw us come in 8th in the ladies and 254 overall.

The support and spectators along the whole route where amazing always smiling and encouraging. The race village was 5 star hot showers your own tent food that any restaurant would be jealous of and the epic crew always smiling and always helpful. It’s a race I would do again and again it’s a team effort, which makes it even more special.
I want to thank Nikki for choosing me to race with her. I couldn’t have wished for a better partner To Linden Cycles for making it possible to race by helping us with a very generous sponsor. My sister who without any questions and jealousy supported me financially as well as giving us free massages every day. To my school Greenwood who without their support I would have not been able to do it. To my Ma who stands beside me thru all my crazy ideas. My boytije Colin who shouted for me, encouraged me, and made me feel like I won the Epic trophy. To Rocket Compression Garments thanks for the Compression Tights which I slept in every night to help ease away the aches and pains, I sure they made a difference ,I was to scared to leave them off just in case I felt worse in the morning! To Rudolf from Mule Bar who helped me sort out my bike during epic. From Plettenberg Bay Wayne at Off The Hook for the donation of a dinner to raffle off to raise some funds and the Bike Shop guys (Leon, Tim, Grant and the Rasta man) thanks a ton.

The Garmin Wartrail 2010

2010-03-29T10:13:00.000+02:00

Photo courtesy Kelvin Trautman.com

THE GARMIN WARTRAIL 2010

After doing the War Trail inn 2008 and despite having an epic time I swore that I would be back. 2009 saw work commitments taking their toll and I missed the opportunity of doing my second War Trail. 2010 dawned and the Garmin War Trail was put on my calendar in permanent ink. I invited all the Pennypinchers AR Team to join me and with Jeff side stepping the event to do Two Oceans (don’t ask) and Jeannette getting an entry o do the Cape Epic it was left to Chris Crewdson and I to fly the flag.

Chris had to bale at the last minute due to family commitments. Oscar Butler a product of the Montessorri Adventure Racing School (MARS) was roped in to being my second for the weekend. With the bakkie packed with space to spare we hit the road from The Crags to Lady Grey at 7:30 am Friday. An easy drive saw the two of us arrive relaxed and in daylight at Lady Grey. This colonial town is surrounded by mountains and is definitely out of a different era.

With the usual excellent dinner and brief briefing by Adrian Saffy (race organizer) under the belt I packed my bag and was in bed by nine thirty, while the D4 Production Crew busied themselves preparing their kit for the next day. They actually have quite a bit to sort out and I was quite smug at the fact that my bag was packed, juice mixed and I was half asleep.

Day 1
3:15am and Oscars alarm goes off. I had the usual Oats and coffee to start the engine and then picked up my bag which suddenly felt quite light considering last time I was on the mountain I was out there for 20 odd hours. I was going to try and travel lighter and faster and being an individual race if you hit the wall you don’t have team mates to feel responsible to for your stupidity. Four am and the ram’s horn blasts for the start and as usual the pace is quick so that the racing snakes can hit the path first. The rest hang on .The first check point is a group of radio masts and we arrived there in a big group just before sunrise and headed off across the open saddle to the start of the old border fence as the sun began to rise. The orange glow signaled that the day would be warm with not a cloud in the sky.
Cp 2 had water for us so I quickly refilled all my bottles and set of to try and catch the McCain’s duo of Graham Bird and Tatum Prins who had been at the Cp but bolted out of there. I settled into my own pace along a track where you can actually run. Here some runners came past but I reeled them in once it got technical again. I caught up with the “chips” team and we got into a nice comfy pace which we held till we reached Balloch.
The cold stream water after Cp 3 was great and we topped right up to last for the next 4 hours or so. At Avoca peak (CP 4) we were greeted by some of the most enthusiastic marshals ever and were offered tea and a Liquorices All Sort. After that comes the highlight of the hike the walk along the Dragons back a 1 meter wide ridge that drops of to the valleys on both side. The sense of raw exposure here is huge. At an average altitude of 2700m you are close to the gods and with the wind picking up and thunder and lightening threatening we headed across quickly. Soon after that the heavens opened and the hail belted down for about half an hour or so. The small hailstones stinging as they made contact with sun burnt necks.

The banner on Skidauw for CP 5 can be seen from a long way off but one must not be fooled into thinking that the day is done. The toughest part of the race follows with the ridiculously steep decent into the Balloch River valley. The grassy slope covers steps and narrow rivulets that will swallow up an unsuspecting hiker. Once down the steep slope the path follows the river to the huge cave at Balloch where hot showers and a cup of tea were well earned. I now experimented for the first time with My Rocket Compression Tights and slipped them on under a pair of longs and hoped that they would work some magic overnight. I had run in the Compression socks and feel that my calves never hit that burning feeling and they were not tight at all at the end of the hike. An awesome dinner of pootjie and samp with salad and koeksisters for dessert ended a fine day in the mountains.

A dark day on the bike

Day 2
The bike leg starts at 7:30 sharp and after about 5kms of flat the first climb starts and takes you out of the Balloch valley. I think the Compression Tights helped because I had very little stiffness in my calves, quads or hammies . My ankles were still tight but that can be expected. The weather was perfect and at 8 degrees the climb wasn’t to warm. The first real climb of the day is up Lundeans neck and after sorting out some problems with my seat I saw both the front groups disappear over the top. GI King from D4 switched on the helmet cam and I started of down the other side trying to catch up some lost time. Not being the down hill hooligan I watched as others flew down the 7 kilometer down hill at speeds of 70-kmph.After 50k s you get to see your second at the first checkpoint of the day. I took on two new bottles and headed off not fully aware that the toughest and longest climb of the day was just around the corner. The mercury was rising as fast as the slope in front of me but I had reeled in a couple people who had gone out a bit hard. Cp2 was a quick bottle change and I asked Oscar to go to Kentucky for some junk food for lunch after the ride in Sterkspruit which was on the route about 20km away. As I rode through Sterkspruit about 45 min latter I saw my bakkie outside Kentucky (Good man I thought to myself). The next 5 kms to the check point are up hill and the noise of each car coming past made me turn expecting to see Oscar roaring past. I arrived at the CP before Oscar (oops). I saw a tap on the side of the road and asked the taxi driver who was washing his taxi with the water if you could drink it he said yes and gave me a demonstration so I filled up my bottles and asked the marshals to send Oscar on to the last seconding point in Herschel. This leg was described by Roy Southey as purgatory. It is a hot lonely hilly part of the route. I knew it was coming and mentally toughened up for this leg as I had lost focus a bit in the previous leg. Soon I was tackling the nasty little climb into Herschel for a last bottle and gel and the short hop down to the Orange River and the end of the road community of Mdlokwane. After a bucket bath and great food the whole camp site was quiet by 9:00pm. We were then treated to a wind and rain storm that tested everyone’s tents and kept those who weren’t too tired awake.

Day 3
Daybreak saw the bedraggled field move down to the rather low, sluggish Orange River with the prospect of a long hard paddle. The shout of GO caught some people facing upstream but there was not the normal sprint to get the race going as after 2 days everyone was happy just to get going and slog through the day. My old paddling partner Hanno Smit headed up the front bunch with me glued to his slipstream. The Gorge provided one nice set of standing waves which turned into a gala latter on in the day. After that the river flattened out and meandered over mud banks from side to side. After about an hour and a half the bunch was down to four and we covered the first thirty kms in just on 2 hours. At this stage I was running low on gas and decided to try and hang on for another hour and then slog thru to the finish on my own. The McCain trio was super kind and looked after me until about 4 kms to go where I told them to leave me to suffer alone. I was completely broken and could not keep up anymore. The bridge over the Orange was a wonderful sight and that injected a little more energy to get me across the finish line.

The blisters tell the tale of a long paddle

The event was a clean sweep for the McCain team but it was great to spend time on the route and in the campsites with this outfit. Thanks guys and Hobbit. With Andre Gie from Knysna winning the mens and Hobit Prins the girls it was a clean sweep for the McCain outfit I finished 11th 15min outside the top 10. I did improve my time on the hike by 7 hours and 2,5 hours on the bike so all in all I had a great race and cant wait till next year where I will try and hold my focus during the bike leg because this is where I let things slip a bit .

Who is at the Cape Argus Cycle Tour

2010-03-09T15:14:00.000+02:00

This weekend sees the Cape Argus Cycle Tour and Jeff Willcocks will be there to show the "roadies" that it is possible to ride a sub three hour time on a mountain bike with off road tyres as well. Also taking part is Sean Gannon who is the owner of Pennypinchers Plettenberg Bay. With out him we would not have a team so from the Team we wish Sean a Safe and Enjoyable ride and we look forward to hearing all about it when you get back.

I had to add the map because we do have to navigate in our game.

TRAVEL SAFELY ,GOOD LUCK AND MOST ALL ENJOY.

Exciting new sponsor on board and a new angle for the competition

2010-03-04T12:44:00.000+02:00

This week has seen the Team acquire a new gear sponsor in the form of Rocket Compression Garments. These are a great range of products that help with recovery during and after an event.Click on the logo and read all about it on their website.

Jeff had a cracker at the Cango Marathon and ran 3hr31min for the 42.2km race he did complain of some stiffness afterwards but this will be remedied with the new Rocket Sox. Chris and I had a great session of running, riding and canoeing on Saturday near and on the Keurbooms river as a short warm up for the Garmin Wartrail. Jeannette is still fitting in some runs despite being focused on the Epic which is round the corner in fact Dr Evil has left Plett to mark the route today.

The pictures below are some visuals of the Google image in the Where are the Pennypinchers AR Team . What a beautiful place we live in

Whats the Team been up to????

2010-02-19T11:48:00.000+02:00

With the long weekend in March being D-Day for three of the team training is picking up and becoming more focused. Jeanette is putting in some big miles on the bike getting ready for the Epic while James and Chris are doing the "Jack of all Trades" bit in preparation for the Garmin Wartrail. Chris and I watched the sun rise from a surfski in the middle of The Bay in Plett on Sunday while putting a 2 and bit hour slog on a flat sea. Jeanette teamed up with Squirt Lube man De Wet for 80km in the forest on the bike. Jeff is returning to his routes and doing a lot of running in preparation for the Comrades and Cango Marathons. He will also be at the Xterra this weekend practising his doggy paddle before blitzing the bike and run legs.I have been using a pair Rocket Compression Socks for recovery after running and riding . They work!!!!!!!.They are not something to wear with slops to the shops after a run but with your feet up at home they do work despite heavey fines from the fashion police.

Here is the Pennypinchers Team in the 2008 War Trail climbing the old border fence for the 39th time. We will be wearing cycling gloves and taking the fences individually this time and not with a group in an effort to speed things up.

Have a great weekend and good luck to all those going to Xterra
James

This weeks clues to where are the PpART

2010-02-11T15:43:00.000+02:00

This week found Chris and I doing a bit of K2 training on the lagoon. This lagoon is big enough to accomodate Navy ships and is the home of a succulent mollusc as well as a horse that is un-rideable.

Here are some other forms of boats that sometimes get thrust apon us at Adventure Races.

Good luck with the competion.

Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team 2010

2010-02-10T16:12:00.000+02:00

2010 looks to be a very full sporting year for all South Africans but for us we will be staying away from the big cities and full stadiums and ploughing our trade in the beautiful wilderness areas of the country. The core of the Team from 2008 and 2009 is the same with the guys showing great commitment to the events over the past two years. The exciting prospect for us is that we have now got commitments from two of the Garden Routes top multi sports women. Jeanette Walder has raced with the top teams in the country and is also a top canoeist. Rhona Zonnestien is the ladies winner of the Southern Storm in the veterans section and will be out showing everyone a clean pair of heals on the trails of the Garden Route.

With the new structure of the Team we believe that with the valuable experience gained over the last two years we are ready to put the Team on the map as one of the top teams in the country. We have got the ability to achieve great results in the various events planned for the year.

Jeannette has secured and entry to the Cape Epic Mountain Bike Race and will be teamed up with experienced Nicky Wolf from Joburg to do the eight day race.

The same weekend will see the guys taking on the Garmin Wartrail near Lady Grey. This three day multisport race involves a 65 km high altitude mountain run, 135 mountain bike race along the Lesotho border and then 65 km of canoeing on the Orange River.

The Swazi Extreme Adventure Race in April will hopefully see James and Jeannette taking part as members of other teams due to the long distance needed to travel from the Garden Route.

Jeff will be taking part in the local Mountain bike Cross country series in an effort to win his age group. (He is currently lying a very close second)

July sees the Oyster Festival in Knysna with a host of events. Rhona is the current vets’ lady champ of the Featherbed Trail run and will be defending her crown. Jeff is the “mad man” who competed in all the events last year except the canoe race which he has committed to do this year. Jeanette ran the full marathon last year and will be competing in most events this year.The “Nite Races “ are right up our alley with navigation and darkness our allies so we will be hoping for full participation there.

The Hessequa 250km Adventure Race is scheduled for August and we are going all out to improve on our third place last year. The Trans Baavians bike race also happens in August and we will be there to with Jeff and Jeanette possibly having a go at winning the mixed pairs.

Rhona will be defending her Otter and Southern Storm titles in September and James and Jeanette may run the Otter Trail Run if they can get entries.
The year will once again be rounded of by the Eden Duo where we would like to have winners in at least two categories (the mixed and the juniors under Chris Crewdson)

Most of these events will have TV coverage and with contenders in different categories we will be trying to get some exposure. The “Where are the Pennypinchers Adventure Racing Team” competition is growing and has had positive feedback from the public and will continue this year. Chris has developed a great relationship with the local press and keeps the article flowing. The local radio station is unexplored and very new but I think we can come up with some ideas to get on that as well.

The blog has become a great tool and will hopefully be linked to the Adventure Racing website this year an possibly in time the Pennypinchers website to.