Good day mud mates just to let you know that we had our first … Yep first race on our new track at Douglas Mitchell Sports Club.
Bundu Bashers proudly hosted the Momentum Life KZN Cup that was extremely well attended by both local and “foreign “cyclists. We are proud to say that the Bundu’s achieved 14 podium finishes … Yeah Bundu’s rule.
Brandon ( Bring it on ) Venter gained an excellent 2nd in the Sub Junior Section whilst Joshua ( The Steam Train) Kuhn fought back from 11th Position to come achieve 3rd in the same category – Sic Bro. Dieter ( The Rocket ) Blom finished in a very respectable 6th and “ Chug – a – long” Ryan Stack snatched 15th Spot in his very first race. Megan (Pink Lady) Smith finished a very credible 4th in the Sub Junior girls section.
The Youth section was totally dominated from start to finish by home grown Evan (Smiler) Van Der Spuy what an incredible ride - you earned the right to be the Bundu “Rock Hopper “of the day congrats on your 1st Place. Our technical “ Guru “ Warwick ( Hold your Line ) Kuhn unfortunately had to retire due to a broken chain – that sucks bro - Haley ( The Bell of the Ball) Smith showed her class through the bends and Heather’s hook to finish a searing 1st in the Youth Girls and…. Looking as fresh as well… a “daisy bell” Haley you rock…Newcomer to the scene Nicola (Can I do it?) Freitas finished a well earned 2nd behind Haley well done and keep on keeping on you are showing great potential.
Rudi (The Hound Dog) Kuhn had to pull out of the junior section with mechanical problems but was right up there solidly contending hotly for a podium spot... Eish it happens.
The Under 23’s definitely had a race on their hands with our boys chasing a flying Brendon Davids. Tyron “ The Birdman “ Bird spent most of his time riding the Nuform Bridge and DM fields on his back wheel … Why ?... because he can dummy. Well done on coming in 2nd. But for me the chase of the day came in from Darryn (Perky) Purtell who had bike problems on at least two of his laps. Darryn chased down at least three competitors to finish 3rd in the under 23’s – Perky we need to change your name to Vasbyt.
The real race of the day was between Eszter Cluer and Candace (The Terrier) Neethling – If there was ever a “Dog Fight” in Mountain Biking this was it – neither competitor gave way to the other. The lead changed hands a number of times with Candy eventually coming in 40seconds behind Eszter to finish second – INTENSE Well done Candy. Candace is also racing above her age group so double wow. Michelle (Sunshine) Batten chatted her way around the course and still managed to finish 4th – who said ladies can’t multi task. Carl (Juggernaut) Calverley did Bundu Bashers proud by having the fastest time of the day … even though he used his face to break his fall a number of times … Fairy wheels next Carl but man what a ride. Jono (Eye of The Tiger) Downham did Bundu Bashers proud by finishing a determined third well ridden John. Nick (Mongoose) Porteous finished 4th in the category and rounded off a good Bundu Basher contingent.
The flag was flown high by Graham (It’s getting tougher) Berry who finished a competitive 4th in the veteran category against some really top riders – Tom (The Joker) Blom showed all of us up by a) Confusing the heck out of the start judge as well as the competitors at the start line by shouting false stating orders and b) By really Bund Bashing (Literally) around the course to finish 6th overall in the veteran category.
Sub Vets were well supported by the Gog o girls (Bev Smith, Tracy Van Der Spuy and Linda Kuhn) man they are vocal but... yeah what the heck we all need this encouragement on the track. I am sure that Brian (Lance Armstrong) Lindecke appreciated his support on a really well ridden race – Hey Brian you have come a long way in a very short time. Tony (Where’s Big Red) Forbes missed his Sani Partner who I believe ditched him at the last moment to let him ride the KZN cup… well not quite on his own... he had the Go Go girls to cheer him on.
The “ Scrap” of the day came from our usually very quiet and reserved Karen ( The Hovercraft) Preston … man did she have a bee in her bonnet about this Maverick Chick that was in front of her … they were neck and neck all the way around the track for like just over an hour. Karen despite having some bike problems was just pipped at the post for a good second place in the Masters Ladies, but…. Check out the next race the Maverick Chick is going down. Siebert (The Sleuth) Wiid coasted … I mean it C.O.A.S.T.E.D into 1st place in the Grand Masters Men good ride my man.
Burry does it in Europe Charles Does it in South Africa ---- Charles ( The Epic ) Stander decided he was going to give “ Lap Racing 101 “ lessons to all who dared challenge him in the Masters Men Category … and this he did by claiming 1st in the category. Nicky (Aghmed) Smith leant quickly, had a really magic ride, and came in a fantastic 2nd amidst great competition. Johan (Potty’s se foon) Potgieter powered on to finish 5th – Lekker Ne.
The Nipper category was keenly contested by most probably the youngest rider of the day Tayne (I’m not 4 I’m 5) Rudling who got ditched by his Mom on the track – boy did she get it when he found her (Joking) Well done Tayne on your first brave ride. Brandon (The Machine) Blom completed the Blom family affair by riding all three rounds of this very tough course – We actually need to nick name him the” silent assassin” – He has really hidden talent that seems to come out on race day. Cody ( Burry Stander ) Sullivan – AKA the “ Pocket Rocket “ had a determined ride for a 6 year old and finished all three of his rounds .. You are a legend boy.
Accolades of the day definitely are owed to Nicky Smith the course designer and Kurt Kuhn who spent endless , weeks , days and hours providing our club with a track to be proud of – without you two doing what you did we would not have had this race --- We salute you. Thanks again to all the Bundu Bashers who helped on the day – It is at time like this when one is proud to be a member of such a spirited club … whew.
There will be the usual out ride on Thursday at 16h30 from Dura-Cycles and again on Saturday at 06h30 – All are welcome, there will definitely be a group to suit your riding ability.
Lastly on behalf of all Bundu Bashers we wish AJ Harris a speedy recovery and know that you are in our prayers and thoughts always – Your morning spot at BP is waiting and we know that you will soon be back – Michelle hang in.
Till next time … see you in the dirt…..SMILING
Mark
