TWO NEWBIES, ONE SANI2C ADVENTURE

TWO NEWBIES, ONE SANI2C ADVENTURE

TWO NEWBIES, ONE SANI2C ADVENTURE

As we were approaching December last year, we heard fellow LCC members talk about their epic battles with floating bridges and segments called ‘Wow’, ‘Umko Drop’, ‘Clint’s Climb’, ‘Haaibo’, ‘Work to be done’ and the infamous ‘Iconic’. Turns out training for Sani2c had started to get more focus.

We jumped on and added our names to the waiting list. Both of us having completed one-day races but never a stage race. The plan: ride with an experienced partner that can navigate the storm of a wild multi-day blood, sweat and tears adventure. When an entry opportunity finally came along, we were thrown together as two newbies clinging to their handlebars like shipwreck survivors on a floating log.

Training consisted of 4:30am morning rides through the suburbs. Chasing experienced Sani riders up hills in the dark as the sun came up later and later. Sometimes wondering whether our muscles would call a munity if we got onto the bike the next day. Longer distance rides were added on weekends with extra loops being done before and after club rides. 

We picked the brains and hung on every word coming over their lips of experienced riders to find some sage advice that will keep us out of trouble. Pearls of wisdom were shared: Hydrate, eat, refuel, rest, pace yourself.

Finally the day arrived to pack our bags and bikes to drive down to Himeville to start our three-day journey through the lovely KZN landscape. Under the watchful eyes of more experienced Sani riders from the club, we had prepared and packed everything.

Day 1: Don’t burn any matches

Don’t burn any matches was emphasised by everyone. We left Glencairn Farm took the climbs as they came, missed the croc at the floating bridge and flew through the forest singletrack shouting “Wheeeeee”. The water tables were well stocked and we were spoilt with potatoes, boerewors, energy drinks, doughnuts and a lot more. After the last water table, we hit the new final 20km section which felt like we never stopped climbing until we flew downhill the last few kilometres into Mackenzie Club. At Mackenzie Club we were able to drop the bikes with the mechanics, grab some food and find the chill zone. The organisation of these little rider villages is amazing. That evening we exchanged stories, had a delicious dinner together as a group and crashed hard into our sleeping bags once all was done.

Day 2: Don’t burn your matches too early

This day kicked off with us being warned not to get overexcited too early. So, we took the start easy and had our breath taken away, not from climbing, but from the view when we hit “Wow Corner”. Words (and cellphone cameras) cannot capture the majestic beauty looking down into the Umkomaas Valley from high above. From there we flew down the Umko Drop to the bottom of the valley only to cross the same river multiple times back and forth, using a variety of floating and wooden bridges. To get out of the valley we had to brave the infamous Iconic, a true test of grit, calf muscles and your granny gear (plus prayers to the Great Granny Gear). It was a relief to get to the well-stocked water table at the top of the climb. Here we regrouped and re-energised to take on the remainder of the day, including a few more hills to finish exhausted at Jolivet Farm. This was another well-run race village: tents in neat rows between the macadamia trees, hot showers and amazing steaks for dinner.

Day 3: Burn your matches (if you have any)

We left Jolivet Farm to race through sugar cane plantations and forests with a few more climbs (‘Clint’s Climb’ and ‘Work to be done’) just to show us that we are not quite done yet. From the Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve, you can catch your first glimpse of the sea. However, then you realise the trail builders somehow still work 60km of trails in between you and the refreshing dark blue water. From there, we then dropped down (with the odd climb worked in) through coastal bush, more sugar cane farms and a mountain bike park to finish over the final floating bridge through the lagoon at Scottburgh and a ride up the fairway on the Scottburgh Golf Club.

Overall, a phenomenal and true adventure as our first stage race and our first Sani2c. We are very thankful to the other club members that took us along on the journey through sharing their experiences and lessons learnt along the way. Now onto the next one.

Stefan Nordhoff (partnered with Clement le Court de Billot)

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Sani2C 2024 once again did not disappoint. The villages were well run with great catering and facilities. The routes took you through some spectacular terrain with fast singletrack; and the odd river bridge crossing. The Adventure event, which started on 24th April, was highlighted by great weather with mostly dry fast tracks.

Dale Dutton and Shane Kemp

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KAP Sani2c 2024. This was my first Sani2c and my first multi day event. What an amazing experience! Thanks to Jim (Ramage) for all the advice and spreadsheets that ensured I didn’t miss a thing! Conquering a big challenge opens up new horizons. I hope to do it again next year!

Stan Atkins (partnered with Jim Ramage)

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More than 20 LCC members participated in the 2024 KAP Sani2c, making it one of the most successful goal events for our club to date!