So now we found another passion we can share - - the love for X-Trail Racing.. Gielie on his Mountain Bike and me in my running shoes..
Most of the local events offer both disciplines, so while I sweat and suffer, I know my better half is doing the same...
CYCLETEC SPRING RACE
 |
| Starting Line up at the Cycletec Spring Race |
2 Weeks ago we tested the Mountains of Avis AGAIN, this time I managed to eliminate the uphill walking mostly and completed this rough terrain of 8,5km in 1hour.
Gielie tackled his 1st race of very technical 44km!!
While waiting for Gielie to finish his race I met up with Africas best Mountain Biker Manie Hymans...
I have known Manie for many years; we have traveled together to Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games representing Namibia
 |
| Manie Hymans |
Manie finished his race in 2 hours, while the “normals” only arrived 2 hours after him..!!
Made me wonder if the cyclists spotted kudus in the mountains which Manie did not see and decided on some game viewing instead of racing.. Ha Ha
I was very relieved to spot Gielie approaching the finishing line after 4 hours – with a cracked rib and lots of bloody scratch marks..
He ended 2nd in his Class! (PROUDNESS)
He ended 2nd in his Class! (PROUDNESS)
THE ROCK - SPITZKOPPE
 |
| Spitzkoppe |
Last weekend we participated at THE ROCK – a community race with 450 Athletes -- racing around the Spitzkoppe; a place were Crystals
 |
| Our camp site.. |
 |
| Golden Sun Downers |
We camped on Friday night in our "2-second pop up tent" – and ate spaghetti bolognaise - kama carbo-loading ;-)
 |
| Nervous Before the Race |
My run felt great, the surroundings were magical, running while the sun came up, around the Mountain; beautiful landscapes to awe at…
I finished 10,55km in 1 hour with more energy to spend, but followed the advice of my coaches (got plenty of them!!) and stopped – I can definitely say my fitness has improved and my goal of 21km is in sight… YAY
 |
| Gielie approaching the Finishing Line after 4 hours of cycling |
Gielie entered the 70km off-road (alot thick sand he had to push through) and finished under 4 hours.
Tender and Eina!!
Tender and Eina!!
He has now decided to take my approach to races and conquer the shorter distances until his fitness has improved to tackle the bigger ones.
YOU ALWAYS NEED TO HAVE SOME FUEL LEFT IN YOUR TANK TO APPRECIATE THE PARTY AFTERWARDS!!
 |
| The event was organized superbly and even had Donkey Rides on Offer! |
 |
| The Supporting Crowd - Community Children |
 |
| A good luck chrystal we received from the Sponsors! |
We are planning to head back to the Rock next year – ready for the 21km and the 70km and we will definitely stay a day or two longer to explore the area in the hope of finding some sparkling stones..
