Amatola Mountain Bike Club

On Tuesday night we had a very productive Amatola mtb committee meeting.  Some exciting events coming.  As we have them finalised we will let you know.  One exciting event I have to tell you about is a stunning outride that will take place over the long weekend on Sunday 20th March @ 08h00. It will be based from MPEKWENI BEACH RESORT  30km Route & 42km Route and a  FIVE STAR LUNCH @ R100 per person from 12h30 onwards.  This OUTRIDE is open to ALL and has 2 distances of 30km and 42km.
 
We would like to welcome the following new members: Arthur van Coller, Bronwyn Kemp, Hendrik Odendaal, Jason Reed, Leon Kruger, Jeffrey Mauer
 and ALL the members that have renewed their 2011 Membership.
 
Good luck to all our members riding this weekend for the Daily Dispatch Races & The Cabbage Patch in Komgha..  Unless your career depends on your results remember to enjoy yourself, dont take chances, rather live to ride another day.
 
One week to the Argus as well.  Candy and I were discussing one race we both attended.  One riders fork snapped.  The sharp point went into his chin and the force ended up dislodging his eye socket.  Please remember to get your bike checked. 
 
I am going to be doing my 14th Argus and have learnt that preparation is everything.  I dont just mean getting fit.  Get your gear ready for the day.
In fact for this last week in terms of training Andrew Maclean always says when in doubt leave out.
 
Many a cyclist has woken up late and forgotten important items.
 
You should have a  Argus checklist that goes something like this:
         Two alarm clocks set at different times (every race we hear of people over sleeping).
         Car keys in a place you know.
         Car full of petrol (one Burger Sanlam my friend picked me up and we spent a tense 40 minutes finding a atm and a garage open).
         Shoes, helmet  packed in the car (one herald my friend left his shoes in the hotel).  I had both bikes with me while he rushed back.  Had to endure many comments like is this a new form of tandem with one engine?
         Timing chip placed on your bike. Huge disaster if you forget this.  No chip no time.
         Juice bottles in a prominent place.  I know it is not good to mix your steroids (ie Fit, cyctomax or whatever J) the night before, but in your haste this can and has been forgotten.  Measure out the correct amount of powder and put them in plastic bags.  Trim your gu sachets.  They have sharp edges and it is very unpleasant to cut the insides of your mouth).
         Money with you.  If, for example you forgot petrol or juice you can still buy some items.
         Dont try any new supplement or change an important part of your bike.  One Argus I tried a new drink.  Was throwing up so much at the end I heard one guy say Daardie f$%^  ou gaan verdrink.  Must say it did feel like it was coming out all ends. 
         Most important, pack your sense of humour.  We are doing this for fun (well most of us).   Spread humour and joy. 
If you want a good time at the Argus you must be in your chute 45 min early.  Otherwise you stuck at the back and can add 10 minutes to your time.  The middle does not keep up and you are suddenly two bunches down.
A fantastic place to park is by the aquarium.  There are toilets there for the nervous bladder, it is close to the end and the beginning and you dont have to spend hours in traffic after the race.
On the argus route, watch out for hospital bend.  That is why there is an ambulance parked there every year, as well as the photographers. Most horrific pics are from this place.  Many cyclists stay on the left, only to find that  it is a road that separates.  So the turn in and the bunch falls.  Stay on the right, I have survived many horrific prangs there.
 
Please let us know your stories from the race.  Even if you want your name removed.  We all live and learn from these shared experiences.
CAMERON MIDDLETON
CHAIRMAN Amatola Mountain Bike Club