The Cyclone jacket’s main function is as a wind-breaker and water resistant “rain” jacket.  Although not as thermal as the Vortex, the Cyclone is ideal for South African climate as a rainy day garment over your cycling jersey with arm warmers.

The coolest feature on this garment, apart from the spunky new pink color, is the very quick and easy removal of the sleeves, turning the Cyclone jacket into a slick vest!  With only the two shorter zips (starting from just under the front of the arm) they are easy to un-zip.  The back part of the sleeves are connected to the main garment by 3 very dinky little MAGNETS!  Jip, magnets!  This makes disconnecting and reconnecting the sleeves very quick and easy.  It took me just 30 seconds to remove the sleeves!

A very well thought-out “invention” by First Ascent!

Other features are the rear zips on each side for a little air flow when the pace gets high!  Not many rain jackets have an external rear pocket – well the Cyclone does.  Obviously it’s a good idea to put your phone in a Ziploc packet, but now, instead of having to stop to dig underneath a layer or two, you can keep the phone nearer to quick access.

There is also a secret pocket with an internal earphone “hole” on the front side of the jacket.  In today’s day and age, this is a must, however, from a safety point of view – don’t play your music too loud! 

Think about this:  you can have beautiful, sexy and strong legs and good strong arms – BUT if you don’t have a strong enough core to support and “hold” these two functions together then you aint got no power!

One of my very few regrets in life as a pro athlete (many years ago), was that I did not spend the effort on core strengthening.  I have been doing Pilates now, for over 4 years, and I’m totally convinced that I am more efficient now than I ever have been as far as core functioning goes.

Here are my observations:

o        I got fitter and stronger on the bike much quicker than in the past

o        I can climb standing now for km after km – I never used to be able to stand and climb

o        If I become fatigued (in my legs) I connect my core muscles even more and I have a renewed ability – especially on the climbs

o        Climbing has improved since having a strong core

o        General fatigue is reduced as effort is more evenly spread over a range of muscles

o        Recovery from pregnancy was swift

o        I do not suffer from back pain

o        I get fewer headaches

o        My left/right strength differences have reduced drastically

o        I can go to my Pilates class grumpy, after a long day, and come home after just 1 hr with a smile on my face!!

o        It takes only 2 hours a week!

Convinced??????

Find a Pilates studio near you and invest in your well-being before it’s too late!  If you don’t want to go to Pilates classes forever, then spend 3 months with a private or small studio and learn the proper technique – you could easily do it at home!  Remember:  technique is everything!

As mentioned, first Ascent sponsored our lucky draw which was held on Saturday straight after our ride!  Click here to check out Terms and Conditions for First Ascent Lucky Draws

Lucky draw winners were:  Charl du Plessis, Brad Weiss, Gavin Reynolds, Janet Lightley and the biggest winner of the day was Philip Collier, who not only is a new-comer to mountain biking, but bravely managed Friday and Saturday’s training rides.  Philip took home the very cool L’Alp d’Huez jacket!

The daily stats were as follows (not bad for the middle of winter!):

Friday, 15 July 2009

Stellenbosch area

32 km

2h45 riding time

815 m total ascent

Saturday, 16 July 2009

Oak Valley, Lebanon, Thandi

78 km

5h56 riding time

1350 m total ascent

(It was 1 degree Celsius when we set out!!)

Sunday, 17 July 2009

Elgin Country Club, MTO forests, Groenlandberg

50 km

4h32 riding time

1365 m total ascent

(Thought we were in heaven on top of Groenlandberg – never seen such a beautiful sight!)

Well done and THANK you to all who attended – especially the new-comers to mountain biking.  We hope to see you all again soon!

Thanks to Louise for driving back-up for us on Saturday and thanks to Spook for being a great teacher!!

Most of us don’t do “cold” very well and if you’re anything like me, you just won’t go riding in cold or wet weather!

Well, look no further:  First Ascent’s Vortex Softshell

This was at the start of Saturday, 16 July 2009 training ride – at 1 degree – and I’m still smiling!!)

I have tested this jacket on numerous occasions during this winter.  What do I look for in a good thermal jacket?

o        Total freedom of movement – no restriction, whatsoever!

o        Long arms so when you reach for the handlebars, the sleeves don’t land up half-way up your arm.  There is even a little loop to stick your thumb through so the jacket stays over your gloves

o        Long enough to stay well over your back with a “sticky” strip to ensure it does not slip up as you ride and move on the bike

o        Bit of packing space – a large one-zip pocket with a very easy to grab zipper (even with winter gloves on I can still find the little “thingy” to quickly zip open and closed

o        Ah, and the warmth!  With absolutely no wind squeezing through my Vortex Softshell - I stayed warm!  Now I don’t mind going riding in the cold

o        I did not over-heat – if I did get remotely warm I just unzipped the zipper to let in a little air and it helped balance the body temperature

o        I wore only a sleeveless, body-hugging base layer under my Vortex and it was just perfect!

o        In an icy wind – no chill came in

o        In light rain – no wet penetrated to my skin

o        In heavy rain – wet did eventually penetrate to my skin, but the wind-resistant fabric ensured that my body temperature did not change (no garment can be totally water resistant – we would over-heat totally!).  I rode all the way from Jonkershoek (after a 2 hr mtb ride) to my home in Somerset West in total comfort (We did mention to First Ascent that it would be nice to have a garment suck as this in a more visible colour)

o        During one of our recent training camps we started out with the temperature at 1 deg!  I wore a base layer, Sprint cycling jersey, sleeves and my Vortex.  Even though my legs got quite cold, my arms, torso and neck were fine!

Our next product review will be on the First Ascent Ladies Quik-Wic Long Johns and thermal long sleeve – sorry, no pics on this as it could be x-rated!!

Have fun out there – until next time – Ciao!!

We rode up along the river in Still Bay, where the roads are quite brake-bumpy (stutter bumps).  I tested my tyre pressure (Hutchinson Python XC Light Compound 26×2.00 tubeless) which was 1.9 bar both front and rear.  I really like the slightly square profile of the tyre – this meant fast cornering without washing out.  The softer compound was also very nice for me – probably won’t last as long (tyres) before wearing out, but they stick like crazy in the corners!

The river road consists of about 14 short, but very steep hills.  The exercise was to not use the momentum to get up the other side, ride very slowly into the uphill then burst into a sprint up and over the top.  Riding with the Fox (F Series) front shock and Scott Nude/DT Swiss rear shock totally locked out the lightness of the frame and componentry (full XTR with some funky trick bits) was amazing!  The carbon fiber frame was so incredibly nimble up the hills!

On our easy days, we rode out towards Jongensfontein on a flatter route.  The half lock-out of the rear shock and being able to set the front shock on a lesser setting made a fabulously comfortable ride along the bumpy sections – not even realizing we were on a dirt road.  I truly believe that in an event like the ABSA Cape Epic, a dual suspension is a MUST!  The fatigue factor is virtually non-existent!

I’ve found that it’s easier to do a technical climb with the rear shock half locked-out.  There’s more traction on the rear wheel and you don’t get bumped out of the saddle!

PEACE SISTER!!  I’ve made peace with my Selle Italia Gel Flow women’s saddle!!  What a relief!

What a bike!!

It’s been pimped good and proper – I now have the privilege of riding a super-light (green) racing machine.  It spent a day (or two) in Willie’s workshop where it (must find a name . . . ) was personally worked on by Willie.  I’ve never really been one to worry about the weight of a bolt, but now see where the extra effort pays off!  With a set of racing wheels on, my green racing machine comes in at 9.3 kg – oh, and for those who didn’t know, the Scott Spark is a dual-suspension!

I rode my SCOTT on our First Ascent Boot Camp – it was AMAZING!!

Did I mention it’s quite a light bike…

• Hanlie Booyens (Chief Whip/team captain)
• Janneke Leask
• Pia (from Sweden)
• Louise Ferreira (Ironman athlete)
• Mari Rabie (ala Beijing Triathlete)
• Amanda van Wyk (incredible power-woman)
• Maritza Terblanche (from Knysna)
• and me

Our back-up crew Ancia van der Mescht and Annelle Rabie were tops and had us cracking in each feed-station, never missing a beat!

Some missing team mates for this year’s event included Jane Seggie (out recovering from knee surgery), Cathy Carstens (riding for mixed team), Michelle Lombardi (back issues) and a couple of other girls from last year’s successful win. 

The team was a mere 8 riders.  We were extremely fortunate to have with us a couple of new riders, but not knowing their capability over this distance we decided just to ride steady.  If anyone was tiring, they were to communicate and sit out a few pulls at the front.  We had no idea of who our competition was until we lined up on the start line.  We saw not just one MTN team, but TWO MTN teams!!  Not knowing who the riders were we knew we’d have to keep the pressure on from the start.

Just as we turned left at Barrydale, we caught and passed one of the MTN teams.  On the flat road towards Montague, we caught and passed the other MTN team – they had already suffered 4 punctures!

We knew that we were just ahead of these teams but only by 2 and 4 minutes respectively.  Our Team Captain just kept cracking the whip and we duly responded – never missing a beat, no issues, no mechanicals, just plain sailing.  We worked wonderfully together – like a well-oiled machine!

From my side, I’d like to say thanks to our team for brilliant riding – it was a true pleasure riding with you all!

All expenses covered – I just had to get on the aeroplane!  Anderson Transport kindly agreed to “fast freight” our bikes up to the Eastern Cape on one of their trucks – how bizarre:  flagging down a huge yellow and red truck in the middle of the dorp, climbing up to un-tie our bikes.

Oh, goodness – the accommodation was amazing at Woodall.  Upon arrival we were treated by Mondi to a leisurely lunch – all I wanted to do was to hang out in my beautiful room and relax.

But nope!  We headed off for a game drive organized by Andrew on Eardley Rudman’s farm!  Although we didn’t see any lions and tigers, we saw lots of other wildlife!  Just as the sun was going down, we raced back to a wonderful dinner and some really good (Cape) red wine!

Up early the next morning, with no clue of what awaited us!  The course was 85 km long and it was a very fast start.  Part of my plan for this race was to make the start as hard as I could and see how long I could last – part of the training!

What a fantastic course and really tough too!  Quite a bit of climbing and very technical in places.  Once we’d reached the half-way mark – for every uphill there’s a downhill!  Sheesh! – what a downhill – some of the toughest switch-backs I’ve ever had to negotiate!!

Water stations were well positioned, with 1 station every 8 – 10 km!

Luckily for me, I landed up with another rider with 25 km to go, who turned out to be a real angel – with some cramps starting to threaten, we headed home in around 4h35 min!  Must have been one of the hardest 4 ½ hrs in a really long time!

A wonderful event, well organized, amazing route – I highly recommend this race!  Look forward to going back in 2009!!

Hanlie and I competed in the 2007 Sabie Experience – I was looking quite forward to the trip, but didn’t have a clue what I was in for! Hanlie was race-ready and I guess, as hard as I’ve been training, I am still quite “behind” with my form! Hanlie, literally dragged me up those dratted Sabie mountains (as beautiful as they are!) Oh, man, did I suffer – HUGE reconsiderations about 2008 ABSA Cape Epic.

DAY 1 : 80 km

Beautiful weather! Fast start, perhaps a little too fast. Really found race pace difficult. Hanlie is a brilliant climber – and even though I was slower than she was, I felt I climbed as best as I could (for my fitness level). I opted for 1.75 Michelin skinny mud tires and it really hurt! Felt pretty shattered at the end – time: 4h46 (26 min off leaders) 4 th place

DAY 2 : 85 km

The scariest stage I’ve had to ride in a very long time! 40 km of climbing (boy, was it steep and technical!!). Weather was good – not too hot (thankfully!) Hanlie was in 7 th heaven – I struggled from word GO! Stunning route – yes, did get a slight chance to cast an eye down to take in the spectacular view! I was so exhausted from the previous day’s shaking around – today I rode with some borrowed Intense (yummy!) 2.1’s – what a pleasure! Again, Hanlie could easily have stayed with the leaders – I was the one holding her back – but thankfully the stage ended in a time of 5h19 (34 mins off leaders) slipping back to 5 th place

DAY 3 : 65 km

Never seen so much rain in all my life! It poured so hard. The organizers were considering not having the stage, but later decided to start, but later. In a confusing moment, we got news that the stage would start at 8am, but the organizers let the race go at 7.30am!! Not good! The whole Team Jeep started late. This was perhaps a blessing in disguise and I was so mad, that I rode my bike hard. It felt good to ride with that emotion – took away the wet, cold feet, all the mud and the climbs were a breeze (compared to the previous few days!) We powered our way to half-way point, only to be advised that the stage had been cancelled due to dangerous conditions (Mac-Mac Falls had flooded part of the route – it was not a pretty site!) What a pity – we surely could have made up some lost time! Results were nul and void for this stage – in favour of some, not in favour of others!

DAY 4 : 23 km team time trial

Whew, what an experience! The whole tour I did not hold on to Hanlie’s jersey once – today, getting up those short sharp climbs, I didn’t hesitate! We had a cracker stage and felt like I’d almost found my legs! We galloped to the finish in a 2 nd place in a time of 1h09 and it felt good to be up there again! We were about 30 seconds of first place!

This was a great training race and can now really feel the benefit from the “training”!

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Team Jeep for allowing me the opportunity of riding as a guest rider on their team with Hanlie as my team mate – the experience was unforgettable! Sara and Amy-Jane – you two rock!! ( www.teamjeep.co.za )

ABSA CAPE EPIC TRAINING CAMP 30/11 – 2/12/2007

Leon, Peter, Estelle, Michelle van R, Michelle Lombardi, William Keith, Joe, Pallie and Louise attended the first Daisyway ABSA Cape Epic Training Camp. The routes were chosen by William, who took some time out the “office” to ensure we got the time in the saddle.

Day 1:

Eden, Coetzenburg, Jonkershoek – 4 hours

Brilliant weather – quite hot. We seemed to climb for just about 4 hours!

Day 2:

Elgin Country Club, Nuweberg, Groenlandberg, Paul Cluver Estate – 6 hours

Wow! What a ride! Long, beautiful and loads of fun! An enormous climb up to Groenlandberg – testing the tenacity needed for long stages! Well done to all who completed that ride!

Day 3:

Lebanon – 3 hours

Taking on the beautiful wooded forests of Lebanon

Thanks again to William Keith of William’s Bike Shop – we really need to do that again!!

SPECIALIZED D4W WOMEN’S MTB SKILLS WORKSHOP – ELGIN COUNTRY CLUB 9/12/2007

The last of the Specialized D4W Women’s Workshops took place at Elgin Country Club on 9 December 2007.

Dan Hugo – Specialized sponsored athlete – was present to do the final lucky draw that saw Sanri Louw win the grand prize valued at R22 000-00 (Specialized bicycle, helmet, shoes and gloves)!

Thanks to Dan, and well done to Sanri!!

 Go to Gallery to see more photos of this event

We will be setting dates for the next series of workshops, clinics and training camps – keep an eye on the website early next year when we disclose our plans for 2008 and 2009!