The Stanford MTB Classic race takes place near Stanford which is the next town after Hermanus. The race has some lovely trails in the surrounding area. I entered the race a while back having enjoyed riding it over the last two years. I also rode some of the trails in December. After last weekends Imbuku ride I wasn’t sure if this ride was still on the agenda!
After the Imbuku last Saturday, I was properly sore with all the falls and climbing in one day. I said to myself “no ways was I riding Stanford next weekend”. I took my pain and anti-inflamatory meds to deal with the pain. Came Sunday, I woke up to a beautiful morning feeling so good thinking that I should be out riding. Thankfully sanity prevailed but I couldn’t believe how much better I was feeling. A gentle pilates on Monday, a short ride Tuesday morning and I was still feeling good. But Tuesday evening and Wednesday was hell. I felt so stiff and sore. A massage appointment on Thursday worked wonders. From the treatment realising that the main cause of my discomfort was a lower back spasm and not my legs at all. Anyway, a very chilled Thursday and Friday not sure how I was going to feel for the race.
I stayed in Hermanus so on race day it was a quick breakfast and drive to the race start. Coffee for sure, a slight delay and off at 6:45 not knowing how I was going to feel. It started fast but I soon settled into a good rhythm on the trails. It was slightly overcast so good for riding. Very humid so fluid intake was critical. I felt better as the race went along. The race is much more forgiving than last week with chances of recovery between climbs. Water stops were quick. The last section is particularly narly with lots of loose stones and switch backs. Here I overtook a strong Afrikaans rider on the last climb. When I saw him back at the finish he said “Hey Oom, jy kan daai fiets trap!”. I laughed. So a nice ride out that went surprisingly well with a time of 4h41 for 78.6 km and 1786m climbing. 13th position mens and 1st grand Master. It was fun.
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