About Me
- Ashleigh Moffatt
- It all happened to me when I jumped on the seat and became one with my bike. Nothing else around you matters at that time as you are in a world of your own. I share a passion for cycling and encourage you to join me on my journey in 2012, riding in colours of BMC. its going to be a very exciting year!!
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Monday, 31 December 2012
Training Camp in Somerset West (Western Cape)...
From
the 18th to the 21st of December we (Velo Life/ BMC-SA)
had a training camp in Somerset west (Western Cape). This training camp played a vital role in our
base phase training, as we covered some serious mileage. As well as to see
where we are in physical fitness going into the new season and what still needs
to be covered in order to perform to our best ability in the coming year!
I
was very excited to go on the training camp and be around teammates (new and
old). I love riding with people and often talk throughout the entire ride, even
my teammates call me their little mp3 player that never turns off until the end
of the ride. So as you can imagine now, that I was extremely excited and happy
to be riding with some many riders!!!
and Johann Wykerd (taking the photo)
So....
18th First
day: 3:30hrs, 75km
We
went off on a nice chilled spin getting everyone into the swing of things and
to get to know each other. As well as taking it easy due to the next day we had
the four passes on our agenda. The road riding in the Cape
is so easy with the big shoulders making it easy to talk to each other as you
can ride 2 and sometimes 3 abreast. We ended up doing a really great ride as
well as stopping in Stellenbosch for something to eat and drink which was awesome!
Was a great way to start of the training camp!!!
Having a nice chilled ride
Spent the afternoon at the beach!
19th Second
day: 6hrs, 132km
Today
was quite a ride, we did the 4 passes: Sir Lowery’s Pass, Viljoens
Pass, Franschhoek Pass
and Helshoogte. These are some serious hills if you don’t them!
I
truly enjoyed today’s ride it was a challenge to each one of us. The first pass
(Sir Lowery’s Pass) was a bit hairy, as the wind was pumping hectically!! At
one moment Nicole and I got blown completely off the road and off our bikes, it
was quite scary. Once we got to the top it was a great feeling that we had conquered
the wind and the first pass was done, 3 more to go. It was stunning to look
from the top of Sir Lowery’s and see where we came from, so far down. Then it
was off to the next pass: Viljoens
Pass.
At the top of Sir Lowery's Pass
Viljoens Pass wasn’t as bad as Sir
Lowery’s as we had no wind and there were minimal amount of cars on the road,
which was great! While one is out riding on a ride like this you noticed the
amazing land we live in and how fortunate we are to have such wonderful places
to ride, where there has been no destruction to the area and one just admires
the beauty. I was truly enjoying this ride a lot and it was perfect weather as
we were in cloud cover for majority of the way.
Next
pass was the Franschhoek
Pass! Before we got to the
pass we had the most stunning roads as you made your way around the Theewaterskloof dam. The roads were almost
completely flat the whole way to the bottom of Franschhoek Pass,
it was amazing and hardly had any cars. We even interrupted a movie scene being
made haha. So we had a quick break at the bottom of the pass where we ate our
sandwiches or bars and chatted a little bit, giving our bottoms a quick break
from the saddles and then we were off up the pass.
The sun decided to come out
and was now shinning making it quite hot as we made our way up the climb. It
was a good climb as it wasn’t very steep but gradually inclined and it was a
real nice road with stunning scenery all around us! Once we were at the top it
was fantastic! To think this was our 3rd pass already! The view was incredible
and it literally took your breath away. Then it was time to go down the pass!!!
Now this was FUN as we had the whole road to ourselves as the movie shoot
stopped the cars on the pass, allowing us to enjoy the downhill the whole way
into Franschhoek town. I was enjoying myself soooo much grinning from ear to
ear as the speed picked up, until I saw the baboon on the other side of the
road then I calmed down a bit hahaha.
Coming up Franschhoek Pass
At the top of Franschhoek Pass, magnificent view!!!
We
then made our way through Franschhoek town towards the last big climb of day
Helshoogte. Now the sun was truly showing its strength and we had to stop
quickly to get some coke and water, getting the legs ready for what waited us
ahead. We got to the top of Helshoogte pretty easily as we were chatting up the
hill, keeping the spirits up as we got over top of the last big climb. I
couldn’t believe we had just completed 4 passes!!! It was an amazing feeling,
especially as we descended into Stellenbosch. Where we stopped and had
something to eat before we made our way back to Somerset.
It
was all smiles at the end of the ride as we arrived back at the house, even if
the legs were feeling fragile. But to know that we have just completed that
challenged was terrific!!! A great self
accomplishment and to do it with great people was the cherry on top of the
cake!
20th Third
day: 3hrs, 72km
Now
today was quite a hectic day!!!
It
was a truly stunning morning in Somerset
and we decided today we were going to go ride on the coastal road towards
Hermanus. I was pretty keen as it is a beautiful road to ride on! We started
off smoothly through town towards the Strand but as we turn on the road towards
Gordon Bay the wind hit us!!! WOW!!! And it was
sooo strong, we all tried to hide behind Johann, but it felt like the wind came
from every direction and you couldn’t hide away! Once we got into Gordon Bay
and then start heading towards Hermanus the wind seemed to die down but just a
little but was still challenging. When you went past the gabs/gullies in the
mountains you were hit by this unexpected gash of wind and were blown into the
middle of the road! It was quite insane!!!
What was on the other side of the little wall!
So after a lot of fighting against
the wind we decided to make our way back home. The ride back kept ones hairs
standing up as the wall on the left side of you was only a meter high, making
it very easy for the wind to blow you down into the sea! And so you ended up
riding in the middle of the left lane so when the wind does blow you, you have
a bit of clearance! We all made it back alright to the Strand
where we stopped for a cup of coffee, as we got blown with stand left, right
and center as we tried to enjoy our drinks/coffee. Hahahaha J it was quite a day out
there today!!! But we all had fun and that’s what counted and at least we know
now how to face wind and will take on the challenge!
21st Fourth
Day!!!: 3:15hrs, 76km
Last
day for training camp!
Today
we went for our last spin around the Cape, we
went towards Stellenbosch and then turned towards Malmesbury. The roads were
soooooo nice; they were smooth with big shoulders and very little cars! Weather
was perfect too!!! We had a very nice ride as we took the last spin together, chatting
and smiling as a terrific time with wonderful people was coming to an end! We
stopped in Stellenbosch for last cup of coffee with each other before we headed
home.
Last cup of coffee on the training camp!!
On our way home, last ride of the training camp!
Training
camp was awesome!!!! It was a fantastic time spent with amazing and wonderful
people, where we shared great moments!!!
We were able to expand the boundaries of our riding as for me personally
that’s the most riding I have ever done in 4 days! We really did have great times!!! Thank you
to everyone that made it so special and incredible.
I
am truly looking forward to 2013, knowing it will be a great year!!!!
A
big thank you goes to all of you guys out there, all my supporters, friends and
family for a fantastic 2012 and for all the support you guys have giving me
throughout the year! It would have been very very hard if it wasn’t for all
your support! THANK YOU!!!
Until
next time I hope that everyone enjoys there last few moments of 2012 and that
we are all looking forward to 2013 and what opportunities it will bring!!
xxx
What I have been up to lately....
For the last month I have been in Somerset West (Western
Cape), having an absolute blast!
It is so beautiful here and the riding is
terrific both on the road and on the mtb. Plus there’s no rain here hahaha,
just wind which is alright it will make me stronger :)
I’ve also been working in the Velo life shop in
Somerset West which I am enjoying very much and learning a lot. We have been
extremely busy re-vamping the shop as it has only been recently changed to Velo
Life; we have been painting, moving/adding placements and cupboards and
shifting the bikes around the floor. It has truly turned into a very good
looking shop!!
Helping with the painting ;-) haha
Annemie doing some good paint work!
Always great to have a buddy at work!!
When you interact and have a look at the other side (the work
side) of riding a bike it’s very interesting, as you learning what’s going
behind the scenes and you understand more as to how much time is spent on
helping customers and making sure they leave with a smile on their faces. As
well as seeing the time and effort that has been put into the bikes from the
mechanic’s to make sure they’ve done the best they can do. So it has been really
great working at the shop! Thank you to the team from the Velo-Life shop in
Somerset for allowing an extra person into your work place was fantastic
meeting and getting to know you all!!
Philip Viljoen
Annemie Kruger
Daniel Wagner
Al Harris
As for the riding side here in the Cape
WOW!!!!!!
I am enjoying the riding here so much I’ve often
said to people back in KZN that I’m not coming home haha I think it was also
due to not having rain every day. One has the best of both worlds here with
fantastic road riding and amazing MTB trails, really has been an amazing
experience staying here.
The road riding is great with nice big (wide)
shoulders for the riders to ride in. As well as the roads are in good quality
and smooth making it an enjoyable ride, except for when the wind decides to
blow! One can choose between going on a flat ride or hilly ride or both, giving
one the opportunity to choose from a wide range of routes. I’m not a huge
roadie but thoroughly enjoyed road riding here in the Cape, especially having
Annemie Kruger (who’s a big road rider and will be in the Velo Life team for
2013) to ride with, showing me the wonderful side of road riding . It is
sooo beautiful where ever you ride enjoying the scenery around you.
Stunning view while out riding!
Annemie Kruger and I
As for the MTB riding!! It’s just magnificent!!!
Really enjoyed the MTB riding of the Cape! Spent most of my days exploring the
wonderful mountains of Lourensford Farm in Somerset West. Sho one climbs a lot
in the area but the single track is soooo worth it!! Had an absolute blast
riding in the Lourensford even with the bunda bashing, wind blowing me nearly
off the dam wall, crashing head first into ruts and messing around in single
track. What an experience riding in such beauty, through the vineyard and apple
farms was truly great!!
Phlippie enjoying everyone moment on the bike!
Another great part I got the opportunity to explore
with my stunning BMC Fourstroke was the trails in Jonkershoek (Stellenbosch). I
was in my element as I got to mess around in Jonkers, enjoying every bit of the
ride even if the temperature was far higher than the likening. Therefore
resulting in us stopping halfway and have a great refreshing swim. The single track was fantastic had an
absolute ball, even with few moments where my heart skipped a beat or two haha.
Dan amazed by the view!
Annemie and I cooling off in Jonkershoek!
I have had the most amazing time in the Cape;
forming new friendship bonds, meeting all sorts of people, working, being able
to ride in such beautiful places and just plain enjoying the Cape!
Thank you to everyone that made this opportunity
happen, it was wonderful!!!!
From the 17th to the 21st
Dec we had a training camp with BMC-SA / Velo Life crew, which was awesome!!!
Will let you know more about it in the next post!!!
xxx
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Double Century Road Race!!!
This past weekend I took part in the Double Century Road Race, which was in the Western Cape/ Swellendam. I was anxious, nervous and excited to participate in the race. First of all it was going to be my second road race and was going to be the longest distance I would cycle on a bicycle. So I was excited to race and it was a huge achievement to do it and finish it!
The team I rode for was the Time Freight Burgwheelers club, there were 12 of us riders which consisted of 2 ladies and the rest were men. We had a very nice team and we were all pretty fit making sure we were ready for the challenge that lay ahead of us!
We were all buzzing with excitement on the morning of the race. As we lined up to the start line a few nerves started to show and everyone was keen to get going.
The first half of the race (first ±100km) was very windy and the weather wasn’t great, being cold and rainy. We took the first 100km quite chilled getting the feeling of what the legs and body was doing and to conserve some energy for the next half of the race. As a team we gelled well, we sang and chirped one another, making it enjoyable for everyone and making sure all the spirits were still high! The wind was horrible though, I was getting blown all over the place. At one moment I would be riding behind someone and next I know I’m blown into the right hand side of the road, it was hectic!!!!
Then at about 116km we had a compulsory stop. This is where one will ‘fuel up’ on energy resources; eating sandwiches, getting new juice bottles, collecting more bars and gels for the remaining kilometres. After the stop you also get your support vehicle behind your team, due to so many teams and riders in the beginning of the race, support vehicles only follow after the stop. So after we had all got our energy levels up we were off towards the end.
On the second half we had quite a strong tail wind at some spots along the route, so we went flying clicking down the kilometres fast as we got closer to the end. I must say in the second half at about 140-145km I seemed to have lots a bit of energy and could feel the legs were tender, the wind was defiantly taking its toll on me. But then I managed to find my legs again at about 40km left to go and I decided to give it my all. We went through the second half of the race a lot faster than the first half; we took about 4hrs to complete the first 100km and about 3:15hrs the next 100km.
What a great feeling it was when we went up the last kick of the race and saw the finish line. It was amazing to think we had all just completed 200km!!!, we did it in about 7:15hrs!! What an achievement!!! Was fantastic to complete the Double Century and with the whole team together (all 12 riders). I couldn’t believe I had ridden a race consisting of 200km plus, it was a huge step up to me in knowing what I can actually do and achieve it!
I really enjoyed completing and racing the DC, even if it did take its toll on me haha
Thank you to everyone for their support, especially those in our support vehicle; Justin Henderson and Charles Edwards you guys were great! A big thank you goes to my team and being able achieve such an accomplishment, was awesome! Thanx guys
Until next time,
xxx
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Amashova Durban Classic (107km Raod Race)
The Amashova Durban Classic (road race) was my first road
race ever. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect for the race. Due to not having
done a road race before, I rode in the buddie batch with Johann Wykerd, Bianca
Haw and Willie Pelser, this batch started right near the back and we only went
off at 7:08am. We rode in this batch so that we could learn all the road
tactics from the back and what road racing was all about!
There were so many cyclists on the route I couldn’t believe
it! We must have past at least 2000 riders (may be exaggerating) by the time we
pasted Fox Hill. You had to use so much concentration when riding road bikes due
to it being so fast, little reactions or movements could end up with big
consequences. As well as with one riding so close behind another rider in their
stream line, you had to be alert all the time.
Once we were about half way I had an idea about how we were
meant to be riding and what to do! Example Bianca and I sitting behind men
(Johann Wykerd who did a lot of work) and going super fast along the road, it’s
amazing when you are in that stream line how much your speed picks up! I will
admit that there are some scary moments where ones hair stands up, especially
sitting so close to someone’s back wheel going downhill at such speeds.
About the last 15-10km towards the end, I felt a surge of
energy and picked up the pace, attacking when someone pasted me and so that I
was able to hook onto their back wheel. We were flying as we got into the last
few kilometres, passing so many people at the end. It felt great when we
crossed that finish line of my first road race, great sense of achievement!
I really enjoyed the race and will be doing a few more road
races in the future! It was great knowing how well we did, that we managed to
cross that finish line under 3 hours and we passed people that started
30-45mintues ahead of us. Thank you to all for the support!!! Thank you to
Johann for taking me on my first road race was a good experience!!! I must
admit though I will be sticking mountain biking haha J J J
Until next time have a wonderful day!!
xxx
The Isuzu 3 Towers
This last week we made the journey to Mpumalanga where I was
going to be taking part in my first stage race, I had mixture of emotions
including excitement, a bit of nervous and I was anxious to try out this new
experience and see what it was all about. I teamed up with my wonderful coach
Johann Wykerd.
But first we had to make a stop along the way. We stopped at
White River as Candice Neethling was doing a talk about her year so far. This
was very interesting and exciting!
Then we were off to Mankele our 3 Towers destination!
I was super excited as we set up our campsite, with Johann
Wykerd bringing a huge tent and making it our own ‘villa’, it was great as it
was very hot!!!!! And so we could all chill by the tent. I couldn’t believe the vibe at the place, it
was so chilled and you with people (strangers and friends) during the whole
time, all getting along laughing and smiling. I was really enjoying myself,
couldn’t wait for the racing to start!
Stage 1:
(76km,
1800m of climbing)
I was a bit nervous and excited as we got ready and stood on
the start line for the first day of 3 Towers.
As we started we hit a hectic climb, right in the beginning
of race!!! Testing everyone’s legs and to make sure we were ready for what was
coming up. It was quite a lot of climbing (I’m being modest), we spent the
first 2 hours climbing. Johann and I worked really well as a team, as I set the
pace on the up hills and he set the pace on the downhills. The first tower of
today’s stage felt like it took a long time to reach but when we reached it we
knew we were almost done! There was some really great single track towards the
finish, we had worked hard today and I was happy when we crossed that finish
line. We came second mixed team with Candice Neethling and Justin Porteous
claiming the win.
We had a good day out there today on the first stage and I
felt good, so was happy to go and looked forward to the next day.
Stage 2:
(75km, 1750m
of climbing)
On today’s stage there was quite a bit of single track in the
beginning and that gave us the advantage from third and fourth mixed teams
racing. After a while we hit another huge climb (not uncommon around this area)
we spent an hour climbing this hill! About ¾ up this hill I had no more legs, I
was taking strain and therefore we had the third mixed team catching us and
passing us unfortunately. Johann was doing a great job pushing me up the hills
and trying to keep me positive as we got closer to the end.
So today wasn’t my day at all, but this is the experience of
stage racing. I was happy to go chill at the pool and recover. I decided that
tomorrow we would fight again, as well as the last day was the type of racing
both Johann and I enjoyed with a shorter distance and it being more technical
then any of the other stages.
We ended up coming fourth on the day and third overall, with
Candice and Justin still remaining in the lead.
Stage 3:
(50km,
1200m of climbing)
I was excited to start today’s stage, not only was it shorter
but I was ready to give it my all and fight back for our second place overall.
We started on the 10% tar climb that went into dirt after
awhile (this was the climb in the SA XCO Champs course). For some reason I felt
like I had brand new fresh legs and I went for it with Johann sticking on my
back wheel. I felt great and I was in an amazing positive mind set, which makes
all the difference. We were flying up this hill and ended up passing Justin,
which gave me even more energy to keep going. We got to the top of the climb
still feeling hundreds and I could see Candice in the distance. After a short
while we caught Candice I couldn’t believe it we were pumping it today! We were
then leading as Candice had to hold back for Justin but they were soon backing
with us and it was a constant battle between the two BMC teams. We got closer
and closer to the end, pushing it a bit more every time. We entered the last
15-10km which was majority single track (AWESOME STUFF!!!!), we were all
chasing each other like mad people. There was a bit of jeep track and that’s
when Johann went in front and I hooked onto his back wheel as we entered the
last bit of single track, it was a mad dash through the last few kilometres. We
got onto the last bit of straight road towards the finish line where Johann
just took off on a mission and I just had to hold on for life, this is where I
squeezed every little last bit out of me and we managed to cross the line first
mixed team home!!!!!!!!!!
It was such a great feeling to finish off 3 Towers which such
magnificent stage like that one!! I was overjoyed, a big well done to Candice
and Justin for a fantastic race. It was
a great event and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Thank you to my terrific partner
Johann for his hard work and an amazing experience at my first stage race!
Thank you to everyone for all the support was great!
Final Results:
1. Candice
Neethling and Justin Porteous (BMC)
2. Ashleigh
Moffatt and Johann Wykerd (BMC-SA)
3. Claudia
Slattery and John-Michael Du Preez (Linden Cycles)
Until next time have a fantastic day!
Xxx
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