Thursday, June 12, 2008

12 June 2008 - Preperation


What is this all about?

Fiona, Mark and I are doing the Ride to Rhodes. It is the first 6 days (600km) of the Freedom Challenge which is is 2300km race from Petermaritsburg to Cape Town. Our 6 days covers some of the most beautiful sceenery in the Natal midlands and Transkei.

Its now 4 days before the start and there is frantic packing, list checking and buying of last minute supplies. What will we need, how cold will it really be, can I fit everything into the allotted space. Its difficult to know what clothing to take for the cold: 2 pairs of gloves (Sealskinz), Sealskinz socks, as well as another 5 pairs, Cape Storm base layers (tops and pants), outer layer jacket, 3 pairs of cycling shorts, leggings, raincoat (top and pants), windjammer sleeveless, Cape Storm windproof top, beanie, Buff, 2 pairs of cycling shoes... and thats just clothing for the ride.


The bike has been ckecked and re-checked, a map board made, lights fitted. A toolbox with bike spares hhas been packed, although a lot of the spares havent arrived yet. We ordered them from Chain Reaction in the UK and ther was a mixup with the order. We hope they arrive tomorrow. I have a sprare chain, rear casette, SRAM X0 rear reralier, hanger, cables, brake pads, spokes, chain links, plus all the tooks for my bike.

My intention is to publish a Blog per day during the event, as an online record of this event. I hope it will convey some of the views, excitement and experiences we undergo.

4 comments:

Pembo said...

Good luck Doug.
I'll be sure to follow your progress with interest.
I'm sure that if I were still there today, you would have convinced me to take up the challenge. And you know how I love a great challenge?
2300km in 6 days? That's some distance to cover mate!
Cheers Mark

Nikolaas Wiechers said...

I'm sure that your going to have an awesome time. I'll be keeping a close on eye on your blog.

Nat_the_brat said...

Helloo rider ....

We will be rooting for you and thinking about you doing this mad thing that you doing and know that you will finish and have lots of fun ... All the best of luck ... take care and be safe

Nats and my better half ...

Tanya said...

Hey, all the best...have a great ride...

I just ordered a new rear wheel from Chain Reaction...but mine didn't have that far to go...thank heavens.

Love to A and the kids,
X