We were all together today, for the second time, for a paddle session with coach Russell Willis. And would you believe that, despite having my camera with me, I forgot to take a photo of the four of us together!
This was Christo's first session with Russell and his intro to this focus on efficiency of stroke. Within 30-minutes Christo was in the groove and paddling much more efficiently. He'll work on the things learned today, back home in Bloem and then do a follow-up session with Russell pre-rogaine in early November.
The next time we'll all be together will probably be the day before we leave for Abu Dhabi. Alex leaves next weekend to join Team Cyanosis in Portugal on their support crew. Francois, Christo and I will be together for the rogaine (Nathan is joining us to complete the second pair). And then the next three weeks are certain to gallop past before we depart.
All is well and things are starting to come together. For me, this wil become more real once our clothing and branding arrives and also when I receive our visas and flight confirmations from race organisation.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Goodies start to arrive & rogaining
Our first bits of gear arrived today. Well, Francois and Alex were the recipients of the goodies (trekking poles, climbing gear - RAM Mountaineering and Adventure Inc.) as Christo and I have equipment already.
We're eagerly waiting for our clothing to arrive, which should be in the next few days.
We're all together on Saturday for another session with Russell. And then the next time we get together will be for the CapeStorm Foot & MTB Rogaine on the weekend of 7 & 8 November.
Francois and I will do the foot rogaine together. As Alex will be in Portugal as support crew for Team Cyanosis, we've got Nathan as our 4th. He's a very competent orienteer and swift on foot and bike. Christo will be with Nathan for the foot rogaine. And then we mix it up the next day - Christo with me and Francois with Nathan. I'm so looking forward to it.
We're eagerly waiting for our clothing to arrive, which should be in the next few days.
We're all together on Saturday for another session with Russell. And then the next time we get together will be for the CapeStorm Foot & MTB Rogaine on the weekend of 7 & 8 November.
Francois and I will do the foot rogaine together. As Alex will be in Portugal as support crew for Team Cyanosis, we've got Nathan as our 4th. He's a very competent orienteer and swift on foot and bike. Christo will be with Nathan for the foot rogaine. And then we mix it up the next day - Christo with me and Francois with Nathan. I'm so looking forward to it.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Media Release: ADAC Prolongs The Pleasure
With an overall increase in distance to 428km, this year’s Challenge will be longer, tougher and even more exciting than ever.
Abu Dhabi City, with its skyline of tall, modern buildings interspersed with delicate minarets and elegant seafront promenades will repeat its role as urban showcase for the event by hosting the opening act of this six-day adventure epic.
On the 4th December this flourishing cosmopolitan metropolis, offering all the attractions associated with a vibrant capital, is the perfect venue for a triathlon-style opener that involves 34km of running, cycling, swimming and sea kayaking to Lulu Island. The pellucid waters of the Arabian Gulf, an essential in the race itinerary, invite the keen kayaker and are studded with pristine desert islands bearing ancient vestiges.
Later that same day, the teams begin a 110km sea-kayaking leg that will take them west around the coast and past the 27 square mile cultural and recreational haven of Saadiyat Island. A natural beauty spot, this international tourist destination will host 5-star resorts, immaculate sandy beaches, lagoons, a wildlife reserve and the only seaside golf course in the region. A vibrant cultural district, housing some of the Middle East’s most audacious architectural gems and extensive art collections, is also under construction.
An island bivouac is envisioned for the teams, in preparation for the following day’s racing on the water.
And for desert, the teams will travel to the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter), the world's largest expanse of unbroken sand with dunes so tall that they attract visitors from around the globe with only one objective in mind: get to the top. Here, only three hours from Abu Dhabi City, a 2-day struggle across 120km of dramatic and uncompromising desert will constitute one of the most challenging stages of the race, where the teams must manage water, effort and itinerary choices to best effect. As if that wasn’t enough, this is the home of the legendary “shouting sands” (Za’eeq al Raml), a phenomenon that local legends often describe as evil spirits trying to disorient travellers and draw them deeper into peril… but a trusty compass and reliable map should keep the racers safe from any interfering djinn.
On the 5th day, the teams take to the saddle to cover a punishing 95km biking stage. Split into 2 legs, the first 40km section, from the heart of the Liwa desert to Hamim, includes a cameo appearance for the luxury, five-star Qasr Al Sarab desert resort, due to opens its doors to guests this month. The race will “check in” at this unique, authentic Arabian retreat with a quick detour through the palm-shaded grounds. The 54 remaining kilometres will take the racers from Hamim along an itinerary close to the Oman border. From the finish line of this section teams will go to Al Aïn for a bivouac at the foot of Jebel Hafeet.
The city, otherwise known as the “Garden City of the Gulf”, thanks to strict planning rules, limiting the height of new buildings, has a feel of intimacy and an abundance of pleasant parks, age-old markets and cultural attractions, including the Al Aïn National Museum, which houses temporary and permanent collections illustrating the history of emirate.
After a night camping to the east of the Jebel Hafeet range, the teams will steel themselves for the final day’s racing that starts with night-orienteering section followed by a trek up the jagged slopes of the mountain range which, at 1,340m, dominates the surrounding area and is one of the UAE's highest peaks. A technically demanding rope works section will give the teams a stunning view across the fertile plains studded with date farms that reach the outskirts of Al Ain.
From the top the competitors will cycle 37km into the city centre of Al Ain. The final 4km will be on foot with the teams sprinting through the popular Public Gardens, where a large cosmopolitan crowd comes at weekends to picnic and play, to the finish line at the Jahili Fort, one of the country’s most important historical monuments and the largest castle in Al Ain.
In a race renowned for the quality of its course set in a country celebrated for its hospitality and cultural heritage, longer can only mean better.
Live race coverage and information at http://www.abudhabi-adventure.com/
Abu Dhabi City, with its skyline of tall, modern buildings interspersed with delicate minarets and elegant seafront promenades will repeat its role as urban showcase for the event by hosting the opening act of this six-day adventure epic.
On the 4th December this flourishing cosmopolitan metropolis, offering all the attractions associated with a vibrant capital, is the perfect venue for a triathlon-style opener that involves 34km of running, cycling, swimming and sea kayaking to Lulu Island. The pellucid waters of the Arabian Gulf, an essential in the race itinerary, invite the keen kayaker and are studded with pristine desert islands bearing ancient vestiges.
Later that same day, the teams begin a 110km sea-kayaking leg that will take them west around the coast and past the 27 square mile cultural and recreational haven of Saadiyat Island. A natural beauty spot, this international tourist destination will host 5-star resorts, immaculate sandy beaches, lagoons, a wildlife reserve and the only seaside golf course in the region. A vibrant cultural district, housing some of the Middle East’s most audacious architectural gems and extensive art collections, is also under construction.
An island bivouac is envisioned for the teams, in preparation for the following day’s racing on the water.
And for desert, the teams will travel to the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter), the world's largest expanse of unbroken sand with dunes so tall that they attract visitors from around the globe with only one objective in mind: get to the top. Here, only three hours from Abu Dhabi City, a 2-day struggle across 120km of dramatic and uncompromising desert will constitute one of the most challenging stages of the race, where the teams must manage water, effort and itinerary choices to best effect. As if that wasn’t enough, this is the home of the legendary “shouting sands” (Za’eeq al Raml), a phenomenon that local legends often describe as evil spirits trying to disorient travellers and draw them deeper into peril… but a trusty compass and reliable map should keep the racers safe from any interfering djinn.
On the 5th day, the teams take to the saddle to cover a punishing 95km biking stage. Split into 2 legs, the first 40km section, from the heart of the Liwa desert to Hamim, includes a cameo appearance for the luxury, five-star Qasr Al Sarab desert resort, due to opens its doors to guests this month. The race will “check in” at this unique, authentic Arabian retreat with a quick detour through the palm-shaded grounds. The 54 remaining kilometres will take the racers from Hamim along an itinerary close to the Oman border. From the finish line of this section teams will go to Al Aïn for a bivouac at the foot of Jebel Hafeet.
The city, otherwise known as the “Garden City of the Gulf”, thanks to strict planning rules, limiting the height of new buildings, has a feel of intimacy and an abundance of pleasant parks, age-old markets and cultural attractions, including the Al Aïn National Museum, which houses temporary and permanent collections illustrating the history of emirate.
After a night camping to the east of the Jebel Hafeet range, the teams will steel themselves for the final day’s racing that starts with night-orienteering section followed by a trek up the jagged slopes of the mountain range which, at 1,340m, dominates the surrounding area and is one of the UAE's highest peaks. A technically demanding rope works section will give the teams a stunning view across the fertile plains studded with date farms that reach the outskirts of Al Ain.
From the top the competitors will cycle 37km into the city centre of Al Ain. The final 4km will be on foot with the teams sprinting through the popular Public Gardens, where a large cosmopolitan crowd comes at weekends to picnic and play, to the finish line at the Jahili Fort, one of the country’s most important historical monuments and the largest castle in Al Ain.
In a race renowned for the quality of its course set in a country celebrated for its hospitality and cultural heritage, longer can only mean better.
Live race coverage and information at http://www.abudhabi-adventure.com/
Sunday, October 11, 2009
First paddle coaching session
Today we had our first paddle coaching session with Russell Willis. Last year Russell assisted our team in tweaking our technique specifically for hours and hours of paddling.
Unfortunately Christo couldn't join us so it was just me, Alex and Francois. Alex and I have been paddling together since the beginning of September so this session doubled up as the opportunity to get into the boat with Francois.
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Russell gave us all tips to improve the efficiency of our strokes - works like a bomb; the effects are felt immediately.
We'll have our next session in two weeks - all four together - and then another in early November.
Unfortunately Christo couldn't join us so it was just me, Alex and Francois. Alex and I have been paddling together since the beginning of September so this session doubled up as the opportunity to get into the boat with Francois.
Russell gave us all tips to improve the efficiency of our strokes - works like a bomb; the effects are felt immediately.
We'll have our next session in two weeks - all four together - and then another in early November.
Lisa and Francois play for tv
Lisa and Francois spent the last six days playing on the set of a new Gladiator-style tv programme, which will be shot in January 2010 and aired pre-FIFA2010.
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"We've been part of the Dream Team, which tests some of the games for the show," Lisa explains. "The producion team uses us as guinea pigs to test the lighting on set, the camera angles and also duration, difficulty and rules of the games." A test episode, which will never be aired, will be made from the week's action as a demo of the show.
"This programme will make for awesome viewing. The games are way more physically challenging than Gladiators," says Lisa. Lisa was a contender in the first South African Gladiator series in 1999 so her comparison reference is accurate. "It takes just over a minute to complete one of the big obstacle courses and when you're finished you can hardly talk from the effort. Upper body strength is a big element."
The show includes a soccer shooting component. "My team, which wasn't as fast as Francois' team, won 3-2 purely on our soccer goals. They were faster and had more scoring opportunities, but we scored the needed goals," she explains. This element will play a big role in the show - very hare-and-tortoise.
"It was also great to spend the week with Francois. We had super fun on set and got to know each other much better," Lisa adds.
"We've been part of the Dream Team, which tests some of the games for the show," Lisa explains. "The producion team uses us as guinea pigs to test the lighting on set, the camera angles and also duration, difficulty and rules of the games." A test episode, which will never be aired, will be made from the week's action as a demo of the show.
"This programme will make for awesome viewing. The games are way more physically challenging than Gladiators," says Lisa. Lisa was a contender in the first South African Gladiator series in 1999 so her comparison reference is accurate. "It takes just over a minute to complete one of the big obstacle courses and when you're finished you can hardly talk from the effort. Upper body strength is a big element."
The show includes a soccer shooting component. "My team, which wasn't as fast as Francois' team, won 3-2 purely on our soccer goals. They were faster and had more scoring opportunities, but we scored the needed goals," she explains. This element will play a big role in the show - very hare-and-tortoise.
"It was also great to spend the week with Francois. We had super fun on set and got to know each other much better," Lisa adds.
Alex Pope joins Cyanosis support crew for AR World Champs
Team Cyanosis is proud to announce that Alex Pope (21) will be joining the Team Cyanosis support crew when they race in the Portugal XPD - Adventure Racing World Champs in November.
Alex become involved in adventure racing a little over two years ago, building on his solid sports background in orienteering, where he has represented South Africa at the Junior World Champs. He has competed in numerous sprint and short distance adventure races during this time, showing excpetional promise.
In December, Alex makes the transfer to longer distances when he races with Team www.AR.co.za in the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge in December. This team, led by Lisa de Speville, is specially selected each year to give inexperienced South African adventure racers the opportunity to further broaden their horizons and act as a catalyst to their future AR ambitions.
Alex will undoubtedly prove to be a valuable part of Team Cyanosis at the World Champs. His enthusiasm for the sport, wonderful manner and his broad knowledge of bikes, running and navigation will provide great assistance to the team as they compete against the World's best. He will be joining Liz Mulder, Team Cyanosis' Support Crew Chief, to form a formidable duo at this assisted race, providing some of the best adventure racing support available in the world.
The support crew experience at the World Champs is undoubtedly going to be an eye-opening experience for Alex. The steep learning curve will however be invaluable as he himself prepares for the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge. Not only will he be able to observe in depth the workings and strategies of Team Cyanosis, but he will also be able to witness the racing pace, strategies and skills of the all of the world's best teams such as Team Nike (USA), Orion Health (New Zealand), Buff (Spain) and Quechua (France).
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"I'm really excited to be accompanying Cyanosis to Portugal," says Alex. "I get front row tickets to the 2009 AR World Champs and I get to be part of my favourite South Africa team's attempt to take on the World's best - first-hand experience of international adventure racing!". This will also be Alex's first visit to Portugal.
Team Cyanosis are looking forward to having Alex Pope on board and eagerly await the start of the Portugal XPD - Adventure Racing World Champs.
Alex become involved in adventure racing a little over two years ago, building on his solid sports background in orienteering, where he has represented South Africa at the Junior World Champs. He has competed in numerous sprint and short distance adventure races during this time, showing excpetional promise.
In December, Alex makes the transfer to longer distances when he races with Team www.AR.co.za in the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge in December. This team, led by Lisa de Speville, is specially selected each year to give inexperienced South African adventure racers the opportunity to further broaden their horizons and act as a catalyst to their future AR ambitions.
Alex will undoubtedly prove to be a valuable part of Team Cyanosis at the World Champs. His enthusiasm for the sport, wonderful manner and his broad knowledge of bikes, running and navigation will provide great assistance to the team as they compete against the World's best. He will be joining Liz Mulder, Team Cyanosis' Support Crew Chief, to form a formidable duo at this assisted race, providing some of the best adventure racing support available in the world.
The support crew experience at the World Champs is undoubtedly going to be an eye-opening experience for Alex. The steep learning curve will however be invaluable as he himself prepares for the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge. Not only will he be able to observe in depth the workings and strategies of Team Cyanosis, but he will also be able to witness the racing pace, strategies and skills of the all of the world's best teams such as Team Nike (USA), Orion Health (New Zealand), Buff (Spain) and Quechua (France).
Team Cyanosis are looking forward to having Alex Pope on board and eagerly await the start of the Portugal XPD - Adventure Racing World Champs.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Christo places 16th at 4Peaks
"Thule 4Peaks is certainly one of the most underrated and best oganised trailrunning events in the country," says Christo. The route includes very steep climbs, extremely technical running, breathtaking nature and friendly marshals - even at the highest checkpoint. which sits at over 2300m. Christo was also impressed with sponsor representation at the event; sponsor branding decorated the event area and added to the festive atmosphere.
"Some of the technical sections got the better of me and I could still feel a bit of The Otter in my legs (and feet). But, in the end, it was a truly rewarding experience and great weekend with friends," he adds. Christo finished in a time of 3h35 to place 16th overall.
"My thanks to Adrian Saffy and Mike de Haast, from Pure Adventures for a super event!"
* Photo from www.trailrunning.co.za
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