Cradle Quest - September 2011

And there we were, 6 hours later, crossing the finish line on a day that was undoubtedly the toughest we had ever had on a bike. It was a day where not only our physical capability, but also our mental toughness were well and truly tested. Ernst and I knew beforehand that this was not going to be an ordinary race. We had heard that it was going to be very tough and also knew from our previous visit to Van Gaalens that there are some monster climbs in the area. Therefore, we expected the worst... and our expectations were spot on!

The gun sounded that morning just after 8 and from the get go the emphasis was on conserving energy and keeping a steady pace. We headed from Van Gaalens in a south-eastern direction towards some new trails that was incorporated specifically for the race. As we went over the first small climb we spotted the imposing figure of a Cape Vulture majestically soaring over our heads. The Magaliesberg, where Van Gaalens is situated, is home to a number of Cape Vulture colonies and also breeding and conservation programs.  This was a sight to behold and also my first vulture spotting on my mountain bike. Could this be a sign of things to come or was this the race organiser’s way of negating the need for a sweeping vehicle?

We soon made our way into a nature reserve where the real fun would start. Soon enough the sightings of the giraffe and zebra herds in the distance were voided by screaming legs and palpitating hearts as we headed onto the first climb. The pain only letting up long enough for us to enjoy the splendid descents that snaked its way down the ridge only to bring us to the foot of another monster climb. Where ever we were, when we looked up our eyes fell upon a string of riders making their way up these intimidating climbs. The thing we learned about the Van Gaalens trails on our previous visit was that it is not only the climbs that hurt but also the descents. After being treated to a magnificent view from the top of the mountain we had just ascended there was only one way we could go... down! And down we went, after a series of climbs taking us to the top there was one long descent taking us straight back down to the foot of the mountain. No winding singletrack, no gradual series of descents, just one long steep descent taking us right from the top straight to the bottom. Now, don’t let the numbness in your arms and shoulders halfway down this descent fool you... these descents are just reward for making it to the top of the climbs that are still ringing in your legs. By the time we hit the first water point at 27 km we had already climbed nearly 600 meters. A “fair” amount in anyone’s book.

A view from the top

From here on the route was a lot more forgiving on our now tired legs and, except for some sandy patches, gave us some breathing space for the next 20 km. Still, the excessive climbing of the first part of the race were becoming more and more evident and once the terrain started to kick up again we were entrenched in a mental battle to get through the day. By this time we had spent more than 4 hours in the saddle and we were struggling. A long cattle path once again lead us like lambs to the slaughter to the foot of the Magaliesberg, every pedal stroke bringing this towering mountain closer and closer. You keep hoping, wishing and praying that after every bend in the road the trail turns away from this mountain that has just become your biggest nemesis... but life just isn’t that peachy. The drag soon turned into a climb and the pride we had felt of riding each and every climb in the race so far quickly fainted as we dismounted our bikes to continue the dishonourable push to the top whilst the midday sun pelted us from above. Our mental battle continued to the top where a short breather was in order. We had reached the top of the last climb and also the 50 km mark in the race.

The final stretch saw us descend back to the valley floor through some winding, yet technical, singletrack that gave us the opportunity to recover and get some life back into our legs. We were soon back on the district road heading towards the last water point where we knew we’d be able to refuel and gulp down some Coke for a valuable sugar rush to carry us through the last river singletrack section. When we reached the water point we knew we had made it. All that was left was a 10 km stretch of some of the best singletrack that you’ll ever get to experience; cut on the bank of the Magaliesriver winding it’s way through the canopied wooded area and bamboo forests back to the Van Gaalens Cheese Farm. Absolutely sublime riding!

The bamboo tunnels

We eventually finished the 70km race with a time of 5 hours and 52 minutes. Officially the longest day I’ve spent on a bike ever. We were exhausted but very aware of the awesome experience we had just survived. From the beginning we knew that we were not riders at the sharp end of the field and that the main aim would be to finish. We did it and even though only 10% of the field finished behind us, a much greater number did not finish at all. You learn a great deal about yourself in the real tough times. We had never suffered like we did on that last drag... that turned into a climb... but we pushed through and made it to the end. This race also put things into perspective in terms of the upcoming sani2c, a 260km 3 day stage race from Underberg to Scottburgh, in May next year. Even though we felt really accomplished to have finished we now know that we’re not on par to comfortably finish a three day stage race of that calibre. Even though the focus at sani2c will also not be on time and position, we still need to be fit enough to comfortably finish all three days, whilst taking in as much of the experience as possible and not suffer our way through each day to the finish line.

The 2011 Cradle Quest therefore presented us with some great experience in terms of how to push through the really tough days and also opened our eyes to the amount of work we still have to put in. Yes, we know we’re not anywhere near where we should be yet, but the Cradle Quest was undoubtedly a step in the right direction.

Hou by die Blou,

DnA