Friday morning loomed upon us. Some had a science test waiting for them, the rest just chilled. Finished, we all gathered at Cape Town International airport, anxious to check-in. Problem with CO2 cartridges sorted after having to open a few boxes, we all sat down for some lunch. Mugg & Bean and Wimpy, doing us good, we still decided for a “sweet” pitstop.
Then it was the 20 minute wait to board the airplane that lay ahead. For some, it was their first flight, and for the old hats, there was an epic time lying ahead. On the plane, luggage loaded, we took off, leaving Cape Town soil. The 2 hour flight was filled with entertainment and jokes that kept the guys busy. Making new friends, and chatting up wardens, they had a fun time aboard Mango Flight JE704.
Upon arrival at Lanceria, nobody worried about their luggage: everyone was looking out for their bikes. They scattered and swirled around the airport, trying to located their bikes, and eventually an airport official showed us where we could get our bikes. After gathering bikes and luggage, we loaded everything onto the bus that would take us to Bekker Hoërskool, where we would be staying in the hostel for the weekend.
It was nearly nightfall when we finally arrived @ the school, after a half an hour ride on a road that looked like the N1, with bumps and circles with no exits… Right… Confusion at the school followed as no-one knew where to go. Further instruction where giving, and PV, Montana and PRG began their 2km trek to the hostel, where the bus unfortunately could not take them due to the sheer size of it. The guys quickly dumped their bags, and headed STRAIGHT to dinner. Currie and rice with a side salad: yummy. After that it was off to bed, though that did not happen.
Race day arrived and everyone woke up to the sound of an intercom: great, just what we needed: | Breakfast consisted of sausages, scrambled eggs, yoghurt and muesli. Though some of us ate oats instead of the meal provided, we were ready for the event that lay ahead: the final race in the Spur High Schools MTB League.
The day started with the sub-junior boys and girls, with Matthew Lombardi taking 1st place, and Ian Lategan finishing in 11th place. Next was the turn of the Youth men. It was a tough race, with Stephan Senekal finishing in first place, Dean Morgan taking 2nd and Jannes Buijs finishing in 6th position. Harrie Malan unfortunately DNF due to a puncture. Though in future, he will definitely be using more sealant =D
The Juniors ending the official racing of the day, with Edward Best finishing in 6th place, Bethel Muller 11th, Stian Venter 13th and Carel Coetzer ending in 20th position. Paul Roos walking away with the overall win in the league of 2011.
At 3 o’clock, the team split in 2 teams of 4, getting ready to participate in a fun team relay event. PRG A – Edward Best, Dean Morgan, Jannes Buijs and Stephan Senekal. PRG B – Harrie Malan, Stian Venter, Matthew Lombardi and Bethel Muller. Unfortunate event for the A team, as Dean Morgan’s chain snapped early during his power lap, and he had to scoot the bike for the remaining 3km. PRG A finishing somewhere just outside top 10 and PRG B finishing inside top 10. What a successful day for the PRG MTB Racing Team. Off to prize giving where the podium finishers received spur vouchers for their outstanding performance. Then it was off to bed: yeah right ;)
The following morning came and breakfast was the same. We got all our kit, and went down to the start of the second fun event: the inter-provincials race. Sadly one of our youth (that would be me) took a dive in the river next to the course nearing te end of the track. Stephan Senekal went on to get 2nd place. After that everyone settled down to a nice spur burger, chips and a cool drink hamper. The boys weren’t very keen for the packing of their bikes, but pushed through and got on the bus to be taken to Lanceria airport. Vide e‘Caffe served us well, and we checked in, and took off for Cape Town. After a hard weekends racing, Paul Roos Gymnasium’s MTB team, went home for some painful, silent recovery.
Well done to everyone who participated in this fantastic league, and thank you ALL for the support you have shown in the past year towards the riders!
