“Atta” has always been my go-to race in January to have a target over November – December to stay active and fit. It is one of the most extreme 1 day cycle races starting on Oudtshoorn, climbing over the Attakwas Kloof and finishing at the coast at Klein Bark Rivier. It is 125km and 3000m of climbing. This was my 8th Atta so duly get a black board and titled one of the elite “Ratels”.
Atta is always a challenge of fitness, mental strength, weather and friendships. Over the years have ridden as a team, solo in hot, cold and rainy conditions. The 2021 Atta in August (due to Covid) was memorable as 6 of my cycle group completed in 9 hours, 3 of them for the first time. 2022 Atta in Feb had temperatures over 43 deg C and only 3 of us finished in 11h20 and 4th 11h40, past the cut-off unfortunately. This year with temperatures in higher 30’s I rode a good 8h11 which I am pleased about.
- Interesting points from 2023 Atta.
- I had a very hard and emotional week up to Atta. I was able to overcome this and still ride one of the most extreme races. Overcoming adversity with mental strength is always interesting for me.
- The first time that I used my electrolytes – Skratch – in my bottle (can only fit one on my bike and have used Skratch since 2018) and water in new USWE back-pack. Needed extra water after experience on 2022 event and training for Portugal. This combination worked extremely well and water was particularly nice after eating so a good solution.
- I started off riding with M for first 3rd of the race and then ended up riding on my own. There were long sections where I didn’t see another rider for 20min. I found myself comfortable pacing myself for long stretches and hottest part of the ride.
- No bike technical which is amazing for the conditions. My Trek Fuel 9.8 has been a game-changer. Rode with 34 front and 10/52 rear Sram.
- Some close calls on the decent that had been washed away in the rains but lucky to survive in one piece.
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