Edenvale resident conquers Roof of Africa

Edenvale resident and business owner Tom Classen took to the highlands and conquered the Roof of Africa on his bike.

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Classen (58) took first place in the iron class when he competed in the race known as the ‘mother of hard enduros’.

Despite tough terrain, wet weather and taking a wrong turn on turn on day two, Classen led his class from start to finish.

The race takes riders through the Maluti Mountains, while the iron class route includes low-land single-track sections and technically extreme sections.

Speaking about his victory, Classen said it felt awesome.

“It’s the most wonderful sensation. I trained hard for it and it paid off.”

In the months leading up to the race, Classen prepared himself both physically and mentally.

“We did the Westcliff Stairs every Saturday for six months and trained at a 4×4 club in Heidelberg.”

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Classen trains at Alleysway Gym and runs 7km home.

For the race, Classen lost 12kg. He explained that being fitter for the race meant he could enjoy the race more.

“With our sport, you have to be mentally focused. There is a lot of navigation involved and if you are tired you might misread or misjudge something on the track. The mountains can be quite treacherous; you have to pay attention.”

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Classen, who entered his first roof in 1992, said it was special for him to return to the event.

He said his interest in the sport was first ignited when he picked up an edition of Simon Fourie’s Bike SA and read an article about the race.

“I showed it to my wife Sonja and told her that it looked nice and I needed to do it once. Since then bikes have been my life.”

Since then, Classen has entered 15 Roof of Africa races and finished 11 times.

In 2004 Classen was awarded his national colours after he won his class at the Kenyan Enduro and two individual championships before that.

In 2006 and 2007 Classen also took to the international stage when he competed in the Dakar Rally.

“In those days we didn’t race through Saudi or South America, we raced through the Sahara.

“The desert is a lot more spiritual. It has the Bedouins, the camels and the remoteness. It’s a sensation that very few people will be able to experience or appreciate.”

After Dakar, Classen stepped away from competitive racing to race socially with friends.

Speaking about his Lesotho race, Classen said day two was one of the most challenging days.

“My GPS broke on the second day and I missed the turnoff between bronze and iron. I ended up doing most of the bronze loop on day two but my time was good enough to keep me in the lead.”

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Classen said the route he followed throughout the race comprised primarily of animal trails and shortcuts across the mountains.

Overall, Classen said the race was extremely enjoyable.

Explaining what he enjoys most about his sport, Classen said he enjoys sharing it and inspiring others to try it.

“There are too many dreamers and procrastinators. If I can motivate one person to enter a race or get on a bike, I will be happy.”

Encouraging others to participate in the sport, Classen advised those interested to speak to someone who may be able to provide advice and the right equipment.

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“Your first race doesn’t have to be the Dakar. It can be a local race, perhaps spectate a few races beforehand, meet a few people and if you have natural talent, you will be scooped up immediately,” said Classen.

Following his victory, he thanked Classen Plumbing and Fire, Petrone’s Pizza, George Ham, Alleysway Gym, Dr Chris Figure and Vigour, Russell Campbell Racing, Bedfordview and Edenvale News and Fahrenheit Restaurants for their support.

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