The Big Induna is a race which holds a lot of personal significance for me. It is staged in the Lowveld, a place I love to race, it is organised by friends - Jaco Lubbe and his team from Induna Adventures – and I have had some good results there before.
Last year the Big Induna was not held, but this year it was back and better than ever. A lot of people made the 4hour journey from Johannesburg to come and enjoy the warm Lowveld winter weather on an amazing mountain bike course.
Departing from Induna Adventures headquarters just outside of Hazyview, the route twists and turns following bush tunnels, farm roads through orchards, some river crossings, quad trails and a track along a canal. It all makes for fun riding and before you know it you are finished with the first 45km loop of the race. Riders then head out on a 38km loop all along the River with some big climbs thrown in for good measure. None of the climbs are really long or steady, but the frequency at which they litter the route really hurts the legs. Patches of forest single track make up for the pain before the final run in to the finish through some tree plantations and a very fast and flowing quad trail.
A surprisingly strong field started the race, but the 116km distance meant the first 45km loop was tackled at a conservative pace. Starting on our first of 2 laps of the 38km loop, the race really lit up. Max Knox (Ghost/Do It Now) attacked taking HB Kruger (ASG) and Lourens Luus (Cycle Junkies) who was only doing the 78km marathon, with him. They were soon despatched and Paul Cordes (MTN Qhubeka) and I caught up to them forming the chasing quartet. At about 70km into the race I punctured as we were negotiating some tight, technical singletrack. I tried to ‘bomb’ it with air hoping the sealant would plug the hole, but was eventually forced to stop for a second time and plug the hole, allowing the other 3 chasers to get away from me. For the rest of the race I rode on my own finishing in 4th place.
Up ahead Max stormed to a convincing win in what is for him a home town race seeing as he lives only 30km’s away in Sabie. The battle for 2nd position was hotly contested with HB Kruger just edging out Paul Cordes.
I was happy with my result considering my training has been very haphazard lately. I have been struggling with a knee injury since the Panorama Tour, but with the help of friends, family and a good physiotherapist and chiropractor all seems to be well again.
Final results:
1. Max Knox (Ghost/ Do It Now)
2. HB Kruger (ASG Sports)
3. Paul Cordes (MTN Qhubeka)
4. Melt Swanepoel (Specialized)
5. Charles Keey (MTN Qhubeka)
6. Jacques Janse van Rensburg (MTN Qhubeka)
Until next time, happy trails!
Melt
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Thank You Coca Cola
A Big Thanks to Coca Cola for their involvement in the 2011 First Ascent Big Induna mountainbike race. With their support the venue was created in a oasis with shading, refreshments and music. Enroute there was more than enough Coke and Powerade to hydrate the riders. Also thanks to the initiative of Belmira Chirwa – Coca Cola Special Events Team Leader Nelspruit, riders that lost their water bottles while cycling, could find a free filled up Powerade water bottle at the last water point.
http://indunaadventures.com/mountainbikerace/
http://indunaadventures.com/mountainbikerace/
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The first Ascent Big Induna MTB Classic 2011
What an exciting weekend of mountainbiking at the First Ascent Big Induna mountainbike race. Results are on http://indunaadventures.com/mountainbikerace/ Photo’s: http://www.actionphoto.net/
Expect a full write up soon...
Expect a full write up soon...
Friday, June 3, 2011
The first Ascent Big Induna MTB Classic Route Description
Valencia 10km
The hills around Hazyview are not flat. So do expect some climbing to warm-up the legs. The route will take you to a breathtaking waterfall, were you are welcome to take a breather. The water point will come just in time to replenish the lost energy while you gather your guts to tackle the last half. Be sure that the last 800m is a downhill that will make you smile all the way home.
First Ascent 40km
This route includes most of the amazing single tracks and scenery that has made the Big Induna everybody’s favourite race. Forget endless fire road and jeep track climbs where road bike endurance more than MTB skill prevail, the Induna MTB Challenge serves up an entirely different menu to get your teeth into! Characterized by hand cut trails snaking through indigenous forest, the course serves up a mind-blowing mix of short sharp climbs, rock shelves, rooty drops and fast bermed switchbacks, throw into this a few shallow water crossings and even some single tracks beaten flat by hippos and you will not regret taking up the challenge! There will be 4 water points on route, including the one at the finish line
First Ascent 75km
The first 40km are the same as the half marathon loop. This route includes the most amazing single tracks and scenery that has made the Big Induna everybody’s favourite race. Forget endless fire road and jeep track climbs where road bike endurance more than MTB skill prevail, the Induna MTB Challenge serves up an entirely different menu to get your teeth into! Characterized by hand cut trails snaking through indigenous forest, the course serves up a mind-blowing mix of short sharp climbs, rock shelves, rooty drops and fast bermed switchbacks, throw into this a few shallow water crossings and even some single tracks beaten flat by hippos and you will not regret taking up the challenge! THEN
The last 35km loop will keep you smiling all the way home. You’ll hop on the Matumi hiking trail next to the mac-mac river for the best single track ever. Then you’ll meander next to the river on jeep track till you get to Venus waterfall. This stretch includes the fast and flat 7km heaven. After Venus falls the mountain coats will have their say. The downhillers will then catch up on them as you cross the Sabie river swaying bridge. Now get ready for the notaries Victor single tracks/quad routes all along the Sabie River, WOW. The skillful will eat the track for breakfast and all the riders on it. The last 10km will include the viewpoint to the Cascades Waterfall and flowing quad tracks andulating up and down till you reach the message tables.. There will be 7 waterpoints on route, including the one at the finish line.
First Ascent 120km
You’ll follow the 75km and then double the last 35km loop. Yip it’s the only way to do those yummee Hiking routes, 7km fast and flat and the Victours playground again!! You will be tired.
Induna MTB 2011 Route write up
Valencia 10km
The hills around Hazyview are not flat. So do expect some climbing to warm-up the legs. The route will take you to a breathtaking waterfall, were you are welcome to take a breather. The water point will come just in time to replenish the lost energy while you gather your guts to tackle the last half. Be sure that the last 800m is a downhill that will make you smile all the way home.
First Ascent 40km
This route includes most of the amazing single tracks and scenery that has made the Big Induna everybody’s favourite race. Forget endless fire road and jeep track climbs where road bike endurance more than MTB skill prevail, the Induna MTB Challenge serves up an entirely different menu to get your teeth into! Characterized by hand cut trails snaking through indigenous forest, the course serves up a mind-blowing mix of short sharp climbs, rock shelves, rooty drops and fast bermed switchbacks, throw into this a few shallow water crossings and even some single tracks beaten flat by hippos and you will not regret taking up the challenge! There will be 4 water points on route, including the one at the finish line
First Ascent 75km
The first 40km are the same as the half marathon loop. This route includes the most amazing single tracks and scenery that has made the Big Induna everybody’s favourite race. Forget endless fire road and jeep track climbs where road bike endurance more than MTB skill prevail, the Induna MTB Challenge serves up an entirely different menu to get your teeth into! Characterized by hand cut trails snaking through indigenous forest, the course serves up a mind-blowing mix of short sharp climbs, rock shelves, rooty drops and fast bermed switchbacks, throw into this a few shallow water crossings and even some single tracks beaten flat by hippos and you will not regret taking up the challenge! THEN
The last 35km loop will keep you smiling all the way home. You’ll hop on the Matumi hiking trail next to the mac-mac river for the best single track ever. Then you’ll meander next to the river on jeep track till you get to Venus waterfall. This stretch includes the fast and flat 7km heaven. After Venus falls the mountain coats will have their say. The downhillers will then catch up on them as you cross the Sabie river swaying bridge. Now get ready for the notaries Victor single tracks/quad routes all along the Sabie River, WOW. The skillful will eat the track for breakfast and all the riders on it. The last 10km will include the viewpoint to the Cascades Waterfall and flowing quad tracks andulating up and down till you reach the message tables.. There will be 7 waterpoints on route, including the one at the finish line.
First Ascent 120km
You’ll follow the 75km and then double the last 35km loop. Yip it’s the only way to do those yummee Hiking routes, 7km fast and flat and the Victours playground again!! You will be tired.
The hills around Hazyview are not flat. So do expect some climbing to warm-up the legs. The route will take you to a breathtaking waterfall, were you are welcome to take a breather. The water point will come just in time to replenish the lost energy while you gather your guts to tackle the last half. Be sure that the last 800m is a downhill that will make you smile all the way home.
First Ascent 40km
This route includes most of the amazing single tracks and scenery that has made the Big Induna everybody’s favourite race. Forget endless fire road and jeep track climbs where road bike endurance more than MTB skill prevail, the Induna MTB Challenge serves up an entirely different menu to get your teeth into! Characterized by hand cut trails snaking through indigenous forest, the course serves up a mind-blowing mix of short sharp climbs, rock shelves, rooty drops and fast bermed switchbacks, throw into this a few shallow water crossings and even some single tracks beaten flat by hippos and you will not regret taking up the challenge! There will be 4 water points on route, including the one at the finish line
First Ascent 75km
The first 40km are the same as the half marathon loop. This route includes the most amazing single tracks and scenery that has made the Big Induna everybody’s favourite race. Forget endless fire road and jeep track climbs where road bike endurance more than MTB skill prevail, the Induna MTB Challenge serves up an entirely different menu to get your teeth into! Characterized by hand cut trails snaking through indigenous forest, the course serves up a mind-blowing mix of short sharp climbs, rock shelves, rooty drops and fast bermed switchbacks, throw into this a few shallow water crossings and even some single tracks beaten flat by hippos and you will not regret taking up the challenge! THEN
The last 35km loop will keep you smiling all the way home. You’ll hop on the Matumi hiking trail next to the mac-mac river for the best single track ever. Then you’ll meander next to the river on jeep track till you get to Venus waterfall. This stretch includes the fast and flat 7km heaven. After Venus falls the mountain coats will have their say. The downhillers will then catch up on them as you cross the Sabie river swaying bridge. Now get ready for the notaries Victor single tracks/quad routes all along the Sabie River, WOW. The skillful will eat the track for breakfast and all the riders on it. The last 10km will include the viewpoint to the Cascades Waterfall and flowing quad tracks andulating up and down till you reach the message tables.. There will be 7 waterpoints on route, including the one at the finish line.
First Ascent 120km
You’ll follow the 75km and then double the last 35km loop. Yip it’s the only way to do those yummee Hiking routes, 7km fast and flat and the Victours playground again!! You will be tired.
Induna MTB 2011 Route write up
Valencia 10km
The hills around Hazyview are not flat. So do expect some climbing to warm-up the legs. The route will take you to a breathtaking waterfall, were you are welcome to take a breather. The water point will come just in time to replenish the lost energy while you gather your guts to tackle the last half. Be sure that the last 800m is a downhill that will make you smile all the way home.
First Ascent 40km
This route includes most of the amazing single tracks and scenery that has made the Big Induna everybody’s favourite race. Forget endless fire road and jeep track climbs where road bike endurance more than MTB skill prevail, the Induna MTB Challenge serves up an entirely different menu to get your teeth into! Characterized by hand cut trails snaking through indigenous forest, the course serves up a mind-blowing mix of short sharp climbs, rock shelves, rooty drops and fast bermed switchbacks, throw into this a few shallow water crossings and even some single tracks beaten flat by hippos and you will not regret taking up the challenge! There will be 4 water points on route, including the one at the finish line
First Ascent 75km
The first 40km are the same as the half marathon loop. This route includes the most amazing single tracks and scenery that has made the Big Induna everybody’s favourite race. Forget endless fire road and jeep track climbs where road bike endurance more than MTB skill prevail, the Induna MTB Challenge serves up an entirely different menu to get your teeth into! Characterized by hand cut trails snaking through indigenous forest, the course serves up a mind-blowing mix of short sharp climbs, rock shelves, rooty drops and fast bermed switchbacks, throw into this a few shallow water crossings and even some single tracks beaten flat by hippos and you will not regret taking up the challenge! THEN
The last 35km loop will keep you smiling all the way home. You’ll hop on the Matumi hiking trail next to the mac-mac river for the best single track ever. Then you’ll meander next to the river on jeep track till you get to Venus waterfall. This stretch includes the fast and flat 7km heaven. After Venus falls the mountain coats will have their say. The downhillers will then catch up on them as you cross the Sabie river swaying bridge. Now get ready for the notaries Victor single tracks/quad routes all along the Sabie River, WOW. The skillful will eat the track for breakfast and all the riders on it. The last 10km will include the viewpoint to the Cascades Waterfall and flowing quad tracks andulating up and down till you reach the message tables.. There will be 7 waterpoints on route, including the one at the finish line.
First Ascent 120km
You’ll follow the 75km and then double the last 35km loop. Yip it’s the only way to do those yummee Hiking routes, 7km fast and flat and the Victours playground again!! You will be tired.
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