Lourensford belongs to my favorite races for many reasons. It’s set in beautiful valley. The route is always fun and challenging and little different each time. It’s great family outdoor event and well organized. This Spur Lurenford MTB Classic organized by Dirtopia and timed by Trailtag again didn’t disappoint.
The start of the race wasn’t on the main polo field this time but next to it which was fine as the views of the beautiful mountains were still magnificent. The morning was chilly but no rain and blue sky had attracted some experienced but lot of beginners and families.
After smooth registration and getting ready I did a quick warm up and headed for the start. Said hello to all my friends and off we headed for the 60km long challenging route.
The start is uphill for good hour mainly on gravel road. It spreads very quickly and soon I was going alone with Diana Carolin my friend breathing on my back. I managed to get to the top first but she is better downhiller and passed me quite quickly in the downhills. I was going behind her for a while and enjoyed the mudy and river crossings but after while i had to stopsad my back wheel was going flat. I got 2 gentlemens to help me bomb it and got going again but unfortunately lost Di out of sight. The route was quite technical up and down and we got quite wet from river crossings. I must say the water was not warm. Brrrrr. The reward were stunning views of the Helderberg mountains and fun single track down. I had to stop one more time at the bottom at about 30km to pump some more my back wheel. After more fun single track in forest we got to the second part of climbing and I tried to get back some of my lost time. Somewhere at 45km the route connects with the shorter 38km route. Which wasn’t ideal as it was still single track and the riders are bit slower( no offense) and one must wait for a good spot to pass them. I was quite sorry for some of them as they looked tired already and some struggled with the technical route.
At about 50km mark the route heads down back to the valley in a fast descent on gravel road. Some riders may thought that’s it but not yet. Some more single track and some new one really lots of fun switchbacks no rocky stuff but nice and smooth just the way I like it:)
I got to the finish few where smiling and happy Di was waiting. I congratulate her and others and we shared our experiences from the ride. It’s always fun to chat at the end and see everyone is happy and full of the happy hormones.
There were lot of water points. I must say I only stopped once quickly at the 45km mark to get water but there was also coke and energy drink. I had my own energy drink from start Hammer Perpetum this time and half Nakd energy bar and one energy Gu gel.
There were quite a lot of kids too as there was 5km route and beginner mtbikers who did the 15 or 27 km. Spur did their Burgers and also pancakes were sold and eaten.
We washed our bikes and did the “Portuguese shower” , changed, had recovery shake Manna Vanilla Espresso and waited for prize giving.
Our Itec Cycle Training got 3 podium finishes so we were happy. Diana Carolin first, me 2nd, Nicola Walker 3rd who has 9 month old baby! Very impressive! James Reid won the male overall and my friend Nico Pfitzemayer came 3rd.
After we headed off to nearby Mill House Kitchen for lunch with friends and had lots of laugh over a good meal.
Overall great organizing and great fun day out.
Thank you Dirtopia and Trailtag.