We completed the 123km from Reitz to Sterkfontein Dam in 6h01 and individually used up a total of 4500 kilo calories. The day started off on the chilly side at around 5 degrees but warmed up to be a perfect day for mountain biking.
Both Stephen and I managed to improve on our starting position of about 8 teams from the back on day 1 and 2 to around the 20th team from the back. Unfortunately all the hard work of getting to the starting line a little earlier was in vain as I had to stop 100m from the start and do a quick repair job on my skew handlebars. At least I now had an explanation as to why I had developed such an incredible pain in my neck on the previous days ride. I apologise to the entire medical crew, all the support vehicles, roaming mechanics and medical personnel who had to wait for me to complete the repair job before being able to continue. Thank you for your patience.
The day was very long and our strategy of trying not to exceed 80% of our maximum heart rate for sustained periods seemed to pay off towards the end of the days stage. Once again Stephen finished off very strongly. I found myself having to rein him in on numerous occasions over the last few km’s.
We finished the day in 54th place with our overall position over the 3 days standing at 50.
Tomorrows ride is about 124km from Sterkfontein to Winterton. It is supposed to be our toughest day. So with tired legs and painful butts it's off to bed to hopefully repair ourselves for another fantastic day in the saddle.
7am Start from Reitz showground race village. 123km to go!
Making our way up through the middle of the field
Sterkfontein dam in the distant ditance. A very welcome sight!!
BTW we beat the guys ahead of us
Sterkfontein Dam wall.
The largest earth dam wall in the world. Damn wall seemed to never end.
soooo close
Hariston Prep hosted us at the very cosy Sterkfontein Race village.
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