I took a much needed break for 6 days after the Epic and went on a holiday with Craig, mum and dad, it was nice to be away from the bike and work to recharge the batteries. When we came back it was time for mum and dad to go back to Sweden and I was back at work for a few days of guiding. After that I got sick… I got well again just in time for the Marathon series race in Tulbagh this weekend. We had ridden a few days in this area at the Epic so the routes were familiar and that always helps a bit.
Since it is only one hour away from home we drove there in the morning and we could really feel that autumn is on its way, it was only 7,5 degrees when we arrived at Saronsberg wine estate! It was a good field of girls on the start line. The race always starts a bit different when we girls start on our own instead of together with the guys, the speed picks up more gradually. After about 10km it was me, Ariane, Theresa and Robyn together and we had left the rest behind. Ariane got away on a downhill singletrack but the rest of us quickly caught her on the gravel road and the 4 of us stayed together until about 35 kilometers. Robyn punctured at the same time as I had to let go of the first 2, I just could not keep the pace up any longer. I could see Ariane and Theresa now and then for another 20 km but could just not get any closer. When Robyn passed me I just did not have anything to respond with and ended up 4th in the race.
Craig did very well and came 14th in the Ultra Marathon, racing with the pro men!
After the prize giving we had to hurry home to Everhard and Anines wedding, it was a beautiful wedding in Stellenbosch!!
In 2 weeks it is time for the next adventure, the Joburg2c, the 9 day stage race that I did last year. It will be lots of fun to be back there again and to race with Craig this time!
