Sani2C May 2026

I was asked by Lisa if I wanted to ride Sani2Cwith her as her partner couldn’t ride. This being her first Sani2C. I would add my experience – my 7th Sani2C – the last one in 2016 – 10 years ago – how time has flown. I also looked at this as an opportunity to have a comfortable ride to test my knees 7/9 months since my knee replacement.

Lisa’s training was interrupted through a fall and shoulder injury, but she felt ready to experience and take on her first Sani. We flew up on Wednesday 6 May and transferred to the beautiful camp near Himeville. Cold weather with the wind coming off the snow-covered Lesotho mountains but no rain. Race briefing, bike preparation and all systems go.

Day 1: After a chilly start a beautiful ride with the first section along dirt roads avoiding farms due to Foot&Mouth disease. A beautiful view back to the escarpment and fun over floating bridge. A nice steady first day out.

Day 2: Again, a chilly start but heading off to the amazing trails down to the Tugela river. The trails were amazing and we had a stunning ride down. Teamed up with Vera and Nicole as we were riding a similar pace. Had a good stop at the Tugela waterpoint before starting our climbing journey out. On the river trails Lisa’s derailleur gave up the ghost and nothing worked. After numerous attempts to get it to work Lisa rode on single speed until a road unction and water point. It was also starting to get really hot. Lisa made the call to stop and I rode on doing the famous Iconic climb – rode 80% and decided to protect my knees from the really steep stuff. Was fun. A fast ride to the overnight stop.

Day 3: I was riding solo and decided to ride with Vera and Nicola. We had an amazing morning ride riding consistently and strongly through riverine forest and sugarcane fields until the bridge and finish in Scottburgh. Great and fun day out.

It was 10 years since my last Sani2C. It was great to be back riding these beautiful trails, many new and improved. So lucky with the weather. Also very blessed to be riding with new knees, 7 & 9 months, without any problems.