There’s a time and a place for serious endurance events that test every limit of our abilities, and our community has several top class athletes in various fields. But oh my hat, what fun to just go out and race around in the outdoors with a map and your mates! Or your mom. Or the whole family.
On Sunday 12 September, 56 people ranging from 6 to 62 years finished a 25km race navigating themselves to checkpoints while running, mountain biking and paddling. And the biggest complaint was sore face muscles from smiling so much.
Underberg resident Graham ‘Tweet’ Bird is well known for his paddling prowess as well as success in the sport of Adventure Racing where his exceptional navigation skills have led his squad to many podiums. As captain of the Merrell team he ensured they were, for many years, ranked among the top 10 teams of the world. He also organises adventure races that have athletes competing non-stop and unsupported for four days in wilderness areas; truly extreme endurance events and aptly named Vasbyt Expedition Race.
“But to be inspired to even try something like that, one needs the confidence to know that it is doable.” He said. “We designed this Vasbyt ‘Bitesize’ series as an introduction to what the sport involves. Not only for beginners; experienced folk can use it as training and hone their skills, whether that be in navigation, teamwork or transitions, there’s always room for improvement that is only gained through practise.” The fastest team finished in 2h11 and the last one finished in just over 4 hours. “I so thoroughly enjoyed watching the kids – ten were younger than 10 years old – racing with their parents, and also the adults, laughing at themselves and loving it so much.”
The course started and finished at The Olde Duck on Drakensberg Garden road and encompassed some of the Sani Spoors trails, an exploration of Elgin farm and the Pinelands plantation.
“I’ve organised various events all over the country and getting permissions for land use is always the biggest obstacle. Our local community of farmers and landowners are so generous and willing to offer the use of their properties. We live in a most spectacular region and it’s inspiring to share this with like minded outdoor adventurers. Especially the city folk who travel for this.” x
Thanks to Ian Bonsma – for the use of his land and enjoying himself so much while getting lost on his own farm. He raced with daughter Bron who finished at the Olde Duck and spent the rest of the afternoon managing the milkshake and burger orders while still in her cycling clothes. Thanks also to the Sani Spoors team, Nobby Horner and Gordon Mackensie for permissions, Freedom Nkosi, Sfundo Maphanga, Thabani Makhetha and Sfiso Dlamini – all Sani to Sea finishers from the Underberg Development Cyclists team – who volunteered to help at the transition and Khotso Lodge for the use of Bertha the Truck to transport all the boats and Adrian Thomas for driving and helping as well as all though who lent us boats and lifejackets. Truly a village affair.
The next 25km race will be on Sunday 14 November. Details will be posted on vasbyter.co.za and VasbytER on FB and Insta.