WD-40 MTB CLASSIC SERIES # 2

BABBA'S LODGE . GAUTENG

SUN 30.10.2011

Bronwyn Kemsley & Shiona Kemsley.

The social side of mountain biking is as important as riding.

Race Report

written by Amy McDougall (Team Crank Brothers)

I woke up to the sound of a light drizzle; I thought ‘please, please can it not rain today’. My bike had just survived its first big stage race, the Cape Pioneer, and mud has a knack of destroying bicycle parts from brakes to drive trains, chains and cassettes. Luckily the rain subsided and it turned out to be one of the best days I have had at Babba’s: not too hot, not cold, no rain and barely a puddle of mud in sight. Because of the rain during the past couple of days, the course was nice and compact, which made for a really fast race.

There was a small field in the 70km, probably due to the threat of rain, but nevertheless there are always the die-hard mountain bikers who will pitch no matter what, including the likes of Xander Botha on his titanium Cotic, Marthinus Johannes Greyling and Richard Burnham.

It was an exciting race on the men’s side with Xander beating MJ in a sprint finish. Their times were a blistering 2:06:35 and 2:06:37 respectfully. My win was not so exciting; there was only one other lady racing (come on ladies, what gives???).

The race was still very enjoyable for me because of the fast, compact course and the fact that I beat my personal best by 9 mins, coming 8th overall, which means only one thing: I am getting stronger!

The combination of perfect weather, good company, naturally (mountain bikers are the best kind of people), and a well organised event made for a very enjoyable day for all.

André and Anna Marie de Beer always manage to create a relaxed vibe with good food and cold beer.

Next Babba’s is on the 6th of November; hope to see more of you there!

Until then, later!
x!

Amy McDougall, winner of the 70km

mtb race (women), with the new kit of

her sponsor, Crank Brothers.

Franco Sport, Babba's Lodge & Ocean Basket,

all brand names associated with

quality sporting events.

Eben Loubscher & Andre Moolman

relaxing after the race.

What better than to have a friend assist you

with some technical problems!

Amy McDougall

Anoet du Plessis

Christo Lourens (1st overall in the 35km),

proudly displaying the kit of his

new sponsor, Zedemtb.

Luis Lopez & Deidre Pelser, just enjoying the great outdoors,

at Babba's Lodge on the weekend!

Big Brother is always watching . . .

Hennie Marx on his 35km outing.

Richard Levick, on route,

and finishing his 35km in 1:33:34.

Stating the obvious: If the chain is in your hands & not on your bike, you're having a not so good day, technically . . . Shawn van der Merwe.

Herman Thom.

Good components are not essential,

but it has its advantages.

Ruvan Prinsloo, lubing his chain with WD-40.

Christiaan de Beer, 2nd in 35km,

& 1st in his category, Youth Men.

Tyrone Kourie, leading a couple

of riders in the 70km,

and finishing 13th overall.

Renette Joubert, 1st woman home

in the 12km mtb race.