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I
decided to go to Forest to Falls at the last minute. I
checked the weather forecast on Monday evening and on
the strength of that made some quick arrangements to
stay in Sabie and go to the race. The forecast looked
good, with some rain in the beginning of the week and
then clear days from Thursday and a sunny day for race
day.
I
am really tired of the muddy riding conditions and was
looking forward to a good race, unaffected by
conditions. Boy! Was I ever wrong. On checking in at
the Sabie accommodation I had a chat to the lady
there, she mentioned that they were no longer
measuring the rain in the area in millimetres, but in
inches and she said that many inches had fallen
earlier in the week. I was still hopeful as I was sure
the sun would dry up the tracks. Rule 1 of this
years’ Mazda series; Sun does not shine in forests.
The
race got off to a slightly late start with four
wheeler trouble but luckily the evil Mazda blimp
didn’t try to kill any of the top riders like at the
previous 2 Mazda series races. I noticed Kevin Evans
slipping into the front of the start chute with the
new carbon fibre Raleigh that he and Mannie will be
riding at the Epic.
There were many envious stares and many
volunteers to hold it for him, while he got rid of the
water bottle he was drinking from. I was too far away
to get a good look, but the reactions of the others
said it all, looks like a sweet machine.
The
race briefing confirmed my worst fears; it was going
to be muddy! This was my first trip to Forest to Falls
but I had heard the legend of the black marsh
somewhere in the middle of the race, this we were
told, was left out this year, as it was not at all
possible to get through. We were warned of slippery
conditions at the 15km mark just before the waterfall.
I never pay much attention to these warnings as I am
an ace bike handler!
The
race rolls out on tar roads through Graskop with a
nasty little climb, just before the dirt to get the
legs warmed up. Once on the dirt the race seemed very
similar to Haenertsburg, plenty of forest riding. You
are never allowed to settle into a rhythm with plenty
of ups and downs. It wasn’t long until we hit the
first mud bog, even though none of them were very
long, it was enough to seriously slow your momentum,
and sap energy for the little ups. It was also enough
to really mess up the old drive train.
There
was one really bad bog just before the river crossing
and I decided to try to clean my bike in the river.
This proved very difficult, as a combination of pine
needles and mud had seriously messed things up. I
reached the 12km mark where there had been warnings of
slippery pine needles and this was an awesome stretch
of singletrack, some of which I had to walk. But the
rest was really good riding, my unwavering skills
seeing me through. Then on the next warning spot at
15km. I could hear the waterfall that they spoke of
and a single track dropped into a jeep track and down
to the waterfall. Luckily I am so skilled and
whoooooooooaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!! Next thing I am skidding
for about 10 meters, bike optional! Never mind that my
arrogance lead me to fall seriously hard but 2 other
guys behind me also bit the mud, and to them I
apologise profusely!!
The
waterfall at the bottom my own fall was really
something to see. I stopped briefly to regain
composure and soldiered on.
The
race is a figure 8 type design and after 35km you
return back to Graskop and the lucky 35km riders
finish and we go on. The climbs on the second loop are
longer with a very long one to start out with, even
though it is not very steep, the conditions were very
slippery which makes it a tough climb. But don’t be
too worried about all the climbing as there are also
some spectacular down hills. This is not really a race
I would like to do on a hard tail. My Raleigh RDS 9.0
really smoothed out the many grassy jeep tracks. It is
always difficult to ride over grass, but the full
susser really keeps things manageable.
This
route is really awesome. It has some of the best views
of the races I have done and is incredibly well
marked. Once again I would love to do it in the dry,
but hey! This is mountain biking. My bike handled the
mud very well again, and that is all you can hope for.
As
for the winners, I have no information about the
ladies, but in the men’s race Kevin Evans (Raleigh)
took it from Shan Wilson (Fiat – Trek) in a sprint
finish. I think it is really great that the races are
so closely contested. The competition is so close and
this makes for great spectator value.
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