Mambas make their mark at MTB derby
The road guys went out and did 80kms of training.
IT was the perfect weekend for casual riding, going on some training rides and racing, and the weather was good to Amanzimtoti Cycling Club.
There was no wind or rain and the temperature remained warm.
On Saturday, the mountain bikers went out for some hill training on the dirt roads in Illovo.
Good high intensity interval training (HIIT) was done and some people were reminded of just how many hills there are here at home. The road guys went out and did 80kms of training. They left Engen in Rockview Road, headed south down to Umgababa, turned and did the Bluff route and back home. The road seems to be a bit rough after Umgababa, so alternate road routes are being looked at for distance riding.
On Sunday, a large group of mountain bikers met at Rocky Bay for a fun ride. The track was fantastic, as there had been a small amount of rain there and the dust was nicely settled. The track is in amazing condition at the moment. Chocolate milk and muffins were enjoyed afterwards in the car park. Another group went out to ride on the Durban promenade. It now goes right to the Umgeni Bird Park, and has a bit of single track along the river to ride. You can do about 27kms on the promenade now. Another promenade breakfast ride will be on the cards soon.
The Compendium MTB Derby was held up at Shongweni on Sunday. The weather was wonderful, the parking was a pleasure and the event was extremely well organised. The only thing one could maybe moan about was the dust and the never-ending climbing. This year was 43km, which had a great mix of single track, downhill (albeit very little) and technical. There was a reasonable Mamba turn-out, with Ron and Sue modelling the new shirts. Cindy Theunissen continues to be a regular on the podium. She managed a very impressive 2hr13 and came 3rd in her age category. It runs in the blood as both her children came first in their age category for the 25km race.
Sue Martin was very shocked when her name was called out for coming third in her age category but no more shocked than Ron Waldburger whose ROAG number was pulled out of the hat to win the bike that was up for grabs.
Toti Cycling Club has a social every month at Lords and Legends where a guest speaker will give a talk. These are also nice to meet fellow cyclists and find out what is happening in the cycling community.
There is a single track that runs around Lords and Legends that has been cut and is maintained by the club. This is open to any cyclists. The road riders ride from Engen garage in Rockview Road from Tuesday to Friday mornings from 5am. There are also mountain bike rides and road rides held every weekend.
The club holds its annual race, the Toti 69er on 13 July. This is one of few road races still held in KZN and is very highly rated. Find more details on the Toti Cycle Club website.
The club has two Facebook groups, Mambas MTBiking and Toti roadies, where information gets posted.
If anyone is interested in joining this club, either go onto the website or call Caryn on 082-357-5287 for details.
Get some dirt on your face, it is fun.
