Camaraderie brings happy smiles to faces

“The Economy Run offers people an affordable option to not just ride long distances on good roads and explore wonderful scenery but also satisfy that competitive edge even if it is only to beat their previous best of years before. In reality, the fuel consumption figures achieved by the top riders in this event, is not achievable as the norm in day-to-day riding of any bike?

Clive Strugnell, at 67 and well known in motor racing circles, is a veteran in motorsport. He is also only rider who has competed in every single Economy Run since its inception and he agrees with the aforementioned statement. “This is such a wonderful and fun event. It is more of regulatory event where the rules dictate fuel consumption. The fuel index of those finishing in the midfield is probably much more realistic and achievable for the average rider. It is interesting though to see what a bike with a standard set-up can achieve,” he says.

The oldest competitor this year was Bruce Joelston (78) and this is what he had to say: “I have been competing in the Economy Run for the past 12+ years with regular finishes in the top three. This was quite a “fast” event in that one sometimes had to make up time before the next control point thus the competitive edge and kindness towards your fellow competitors, is quite important. The wonderful camaraderie and friendships are what makes this event even more spectacular. I am already preparing one of my bikes for the 2016 event – won’t miss it for the world.” Sounds like a “until death do us part” commitment?

Well-known Lowveld bike personality, RFS marshal and technical controller, Rupert Culwick had this to say: “Improved weather conditions this year certainly made for a more pleasant RFS. “We had one minor accident and one competitor who actually – and it is quite funny – forgot his route box on day one forcing him to shadow other competitors until someone could bring him the route box. Team Bavaria’s consistent investment and participation in this event is setting the benchmark for others.”

So what is the RFS Economy Run all about? Fuel use obviously: The one that uses the least fuel wins! Timing: You have to clock in at a given time at the end of a stage – late arrival will earn you 500ml fuel penalty per one minute of lateness. Navigation: A route schedule that is operated by a scroller is supplied; take a wrong turn and all goes seriously pear shape. Calculating: The rider is constantly calculating speed and arrival times so at to not incur penalties. A bike that uses little fuel: hard tyres – three bar, new air filter, good quality oil and a non-o-ring chain, and remember “even if the bikes are the same model does not means they will deliver the same fuel use figures, some are just better than others,” says Thomas.

Aerodynamics: Riders crouch as low as possible over the tank in order minimise wind resistance. Weight: The lighter riders including the girls seem to be the winners as it is in most motorcycle sports. Cool head: Only riding a perfect event with no mistakes, will return the silverware.
So that’s what it takes to win, but not all 65 riders that entered were that serious. Most enter because the event is a load of fun with a lot of riders returning year on year to see if the can better their own personal best.

RFS Holdings, a retirement fund solutions company also the hosted a function on the Thursday evening, where, after fuelling and scrutineering the bikes are impounded in the “Park Ferme” at their premises in Pretoria. Friday saw an early start at 7:30 with a 650km route via Tzaneen to the Numbi Hotel in Hazyview awaiting the anxious riders.  The first two stages started relatively calmly with no big traffic problems and good riding conditions returning good results, with all riders smiling apart from one or two who made a navigation error.

After the refuel at the end of Stage 2 at Letsitele the event organiser François Jordaan threw a cat among the pigeons during stage three with a higher average speed on the route that included the mountain passes surrounding the Blyde River Canyon. Friday afternoon’s bumper to bumper traffic saw a lot of worried riders trying to navigate the melee that is Hazyview on a late Friday afternoon, with a few participants earning a penalty for lateness.
Friday evening, the first day, saw most riders off early to bed in preparation for 294km day two that would include Sudwala Caves, Long Tom Pass and the famous “22”.

After breakfast and refuelling on the Saturday riders headed out on to Stage 4 which saw a few riders making navigation errors in Nelspruit.
With Stage 5 that included Long Tom Pass twice, many riders were worried about the dangers that lurked on the scenic pass.
“Remember to get the best fuel consumption you want to use your brakes as little as possible.”

The riders returned to Hazyview via Kiepersol with varying degrees of confidence as to the fuel use figures achieved, with competitors keenly comparing the amount of fuel that it took to fill the bikes for the last time. Prize-giving is a gala event with a table full of silverware on offer for the most determined riders and prize money thanks to a generous sponsor.

Winner and with a new record to boot, Shado Alston had this to say: “A new record of 2,7 litres/100km on a Honda 750, after not succeeding last year – the secret – 950km of sheer determination, concentration and pain.  Local participants Thomas and Jacqui Böhm finished third in Class G and seventh in Class F respectively.

Visit www.econorun.co.za to see the full results list.

Photos: Michele Jordaan