MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – Four members of the Soutpansberg Cycling Club travelled to Ellisras on Saturday (25th) to take part in a race, which turned out to be a true test of endurance.

Fortunately, the Ellisras Cycling Club laid on plenty of waterpoints along the mountainous route and even had mobile bakkies handing out ice packs; otherwise some cyclists would have become seriously dehydrated because of the heat.

In the 100km race, Sarel Lubbe faired the best of the local riders, coming seventh in a time of three hours and forty minutes. Malcolm Tucker was twelfth in a time of three hours and 59 minutes, while Sean and Angela Brenner wisely decided to change their entry from the 100km ride to the 40km event, finishing eighteenth and nineteenth in two hours and 11 minutes.

On Sunday (26th) the club finally managed to hold a well-supported time trial on the Airforce Base Road after it was washed out twice before.

The weather held off for the start, although everyone got soaked along the way as a thunderstorm broke. No one complained, however, as it was a welcome change from the heat earlier in the morning.

The eight-member Tukuma development team joined in, competing in their first ever competition. Sarel Lubbe was the best once again, completing the 38km circuit in one hour and five minutes. Stiaan Burger was second in one hour and nine minutes, while Rick Coetzee finished third in one hour and 13 minutes.

The 20km time trial was won by Philip Tucker in 39 minutes, with Sean Brenner finishing second in 41 minutes. Frans and Mariet Gerber were third on their tandem in 42 minutes.

The next club event will be a 38km-paced handicap, also on the Airforce Base Road on Sunday, November 9. Cyclists will meet at the Adams Apple at 14:30 for a 15:00 start. Slower riders will start in groups up to 30 minutes before the fast scratch handicap riders. If the handicapping is correct, all riders should arrive at the finish at the same time. Everyone with a bike is welcome to join in.