Well it has certainly been the season to be merry! :(  I had a terrible Sabie - managed to complete one day of Sabie before being hit by a nasty chest cold and flu. Which spelt a quick end to my Sabie ride - much to my disappointment. Luckily my partner was able to continue and although not having the greatest ride experienced the very best that Sabie had to offer. I chose to head back to JHB for family reasons.

The decision to pull out was one of the most difficult things to do - not only was I letting my partner down but psychologically, was the first time I have quit a race and it really did not feel good. But on reflection was certainly the best thing to do. My average heart rate on day one was about 96%! and although it is generally a tough day - that was just was too high! For the next 5 days I stayed off the bike and just took it easy - took in lots of fluids and although feeling grot for another two days and feeling 100% now. If I had continued for sake of the 'team' - then I think I may have done some serious long term damage and probably had to spend much more time off the bike. With Epic it is all about facing on the end prize.

Other than that the festive season has taken its toll on my training routine in a big way. Other than two rides up in the Waterberg I have not done anything - so it all begins tomorrow. We have upped our max training week for Epic at 20hrs which will mean some pretty big weeks coming up - but we are really on the home straight now - and everything is focused on the end prize. I am going to be a lot stricter on my training, diet and alcohol consumption. I am going to be working on my training schedule etc. tonight so will post it all in the morning.

Last night I returned from family Christmas up in Zimbabwe - although very sad what is going on up there - there is something amazing about the people up there, who still manage to life relatively 'normal' lives. One of my family members is a very keen mtb and talks of some of the rides they have on their doorsteps - one can only be jealous. It is something I am very keen to organise up there as soon as things start to sort themselves out - a touring trip by bikes around the country - cause there are still few places as beautiful in the world.


As I write this now I am really excited at the prospect of the Epic - I know it is going to be a tough undertaking - but I look forward to the challenge. Along with the challenge of the Epic will be the balance of the family - I need to sit them down and explain to them the commitment that I will be doing over the next three months.

Shew - three months - that is certainly not a lot!