Bluff cyclist ready to take on 14th AmaShova Classic
The fit 58-year-old has completed 13 full Amashova races.
WITH no other road cycling event held since 2019, Josick Watkins is eager to take on the Tsogo Sun AmaShova Durban Classic.
The fit 58-year-old has completed 13 full Amashova races but is officially registered as having done 10. She will be riding in her Merida Scultura road bike on Sunday, October 24.
She shared that this year’s edition will special because the route is different and will spice things up.
“I love a different challenge. I also really love the fact that we don’t have to go to the trouble of arranging for someone to take us to the start and collect us at the finish. I personally prefer races that begin and end in the same place.”
The Bluff resident shared that the last few months have been trying and affected her training for the upcoming race.
“We have ridden a bit here and there but no serious training has been done at all and that includes the diet part too. Up until I heard that the route had changed and the distance wasn’t as long, I was seriously not considering taking part this year.”
This year she will be doing her first Amashova in her green number, which is given to riders who have done 10 races and more.
“I have always found Amashova quite a tough race, but at the same time a lot of fun which is why I continue doing them. The vibe at the finish with all the different hospitality offerings and cyclists socialising adds a big plus to the race. The marshals, supporters, water tables, friends made along the road and the camaraderie of everyone takes the riding itself to a different level and again makes it a special race to enter.
“I normally ride with my husband which is great. He inspires me in so many ways and if it wasn’t for him, I probably wouldn’t be doing this amazing sport. And now that he has got me going, nothing is going to stop me,” she said.
She has enjoyed being active from a young. In high school, she played netball and did athletics. After school, she joined a gym and has done different types of exercises, like aerobics, spin classes, weight training and Zumba, step to name a few.
Josick started cycling in her late 30’s after being influenced by her husband. She admits that she only did it to cycle with him and wasn’t necessarily a passion or desire for her back then. “As I got fitter and more confident I really started enjoying the rides. Being outdoors early in the mornings and starting the day so healthily felt amazing,” she shared.
Late entries will be taken at Suncoast on Friday, October 22 from 12:0 to 18:00 and again on Saturday 23 October from 09:00 to 16:00 in Carpark 3 where there will be a drive-through number collection to minimise inter-personal contact between participants. Temperatures will be taken as cars approach the number pick up and participants will be required to submit a Covid-19 declaration.
