Teresa Coetzee is a lifestyle journalist for the Afrikaans newspaper Beeld and is currently taking part in the Old Mutual joBerg2c mountain bike race. She shares her experiences with us after the sixth day of the event.
Photo: Kelvin Trautman
By this time, we are already more or less used to the morning routine.
At 7am, when we get on our bikes, it’s freezing cold and then you feel as if you want to put on every garment in your bag. But usually, after an hour’s riding, you feel warm and then you want to take off clothing as quickly as possible.
Today’s stage is seen as one of the toughest of the Old Mutual joBerg2c, because of all the climbs that you have to master. However, perhaps due to the beautiful environment on this 91km stretch, I found it manageable.
We literally started in the mountains and finished in the mountains. The first 50km of the ride took us along the Lotheni district roads and those who have driven it will know that you are always surrounded by the most beautiful views.
Sometimes there is a green valley on your right, and then, around the umpteenth mountain, it greets you again on your left.
Fortunately, early on, a Good Samaritan with a bakkie took all of our excess clothes and we did not have to wait until the first waterpoint. After that, we entered the Valley of Death where we rode through massive pine plantations.
Although it was only just over 90km today, we worked hard for every kilometre that we conquered. The persistent climbs reminded me a bit of the Epic.
Many people do not like the district roads, but it was especially nice to ride alongside each other and be able to chat.
Never in my life will I forget the atmosphere at this event. By this time, those who have similar riding capabilities know each other well.
Guys asked me out of the blue whether my stomach was better (after Tuesday). For the record, my tummy has its ups and downs…
Where we ride, there is no competition among the riders; it’s clear that we’re simply here for the fun and experience. We even stop now and then to take pictures.
We laugh, chat and have an amazing time.
Click here to read Teresa’s blog after day five.
