Róan and I met in January 2017, this was followed by a non valentines day drink, which just happened to be on Valentine’s day and we’ve been Totally Stoked ever since. Our first race as a mixed team was the Great Zuurberg Trek in May 2017, where we were dubbed the honeymoon couple by Raasbekkie. We rode well together as a team, finishing stage 1 3rd in category. Stage 2 was our first proper tester as a team after I fell I’ll on Friday night, but decided to start stage 2. We finished over 6 hours later. One of my toughest days on the bike. Róan was a true gentleman, patient and reassuring.
We’ve since returned, finishing the Great Zuurberg Trek and have gone on to finish Cape Pioneer, Tankwa Trek and Wines2Whales. Riding in a mixed team requires the right mix of communication, respect and patience. Róan being the stronger partner in our team, I have had to learn to communicate well about the pace and how I am feeling on the bike and I must say I am very fortunate to have found a great partner on and off the bike in Róan, as he is supportive and patient.
We love riding and racing together.
After having completed a few stage races together, I ask Róan if he would ride Epic with me. Of course he said yes 😍
I entered the Cape Epic lotto and was fortunate enough to win an entry.
Training and planning were in full swing and going well. We managed to secure some incredible sponsors, but not a title sponsor. End of December we had to make a decision to sell the entry.
For two days I was heartbroken. I was so disappointed. We had trained hard, flights and accommodation were booked and we were going to be riding with a great group of mates. It would also be Róan and my first Cape Epic together as Team Totally Stoked.
We were devastated.
Our entry was advertised and snapped up on the Monday. On Thursday a friend sent me a WhatsApp, with a screen shot of the #assosmakeitepic competition. OMW this was our chance. I had prayed about an opportunity like this.
Róan and I got to work immediately, posting IG stories and we had such fun doing it. The competition closed and the announcement was to be made on the Thursday morning. We had been confident at first, but now we were nervous.
Just before 15:00, I received a DM. As I clicked on it, I saw a message, both Róan and I had been included. It went along the lines of could we please have your full names and email address…..I was shaking and completely freaking out, sitting in my car on a clients driveway. Hands shaking, I managed to message back, “Hi, does this mean we’ve won?”.
When the reply came back, “yes” I burst into tears. Immediately called Róan, half crying, half hyperventilating…..I couldn’t believe it.
I knew I could call my dad (hes the best at keeping secrets👌) and tell him the news. We had had a chat earlier that week about our decision to sell our entry and had both cried about it.
“Dad, we won!!!” Needless to say we were both in tears. I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone else until Assos of Switzerland had made the official announcement.
I had a sport massage booked, walked in with tears streaming down my cheeks. Anzel asked if I was ok. I assured her it was happy tears, but couldn’t tell her more. 45mins into my massage, the announcement was made. I burst into tears and told Anzel what had happened.
So we are back in 2020 Epic and we are beyond excited, rather nervous and super grateful to Assos of Switzerland for this incredible opportunity.
Our training for Epic never stopped. We had hoped something would work out and that we would infact be on the start line on 15 March … and now we will be.
My experience as a women, listen to your body and find an awesome coach(Jaco Ferreira 👌)You need to know when you need to push through and when you need to rest.
Also find yourself a good dietitian, who can help you with nutrition. For years I have struggled with my weight and always being hungry. Since meeting Sarlene Zwarts 3 years ago, my body composition has improved, I’m no longer starving all the time and I feel great on the bike.
Mountain biking makes me alive and I love the healthy lifestyle it allows. Being able to experience our beautiful country on a mountain bike is a unique experience. It truly is breathtaking and the memories made will last a lifetime.
I love that I have a sport I can share and enjoy with my family. I have a 20 year old son, Alain and a 17 year old daughter, Jade, who both ride and race. Being able to team up with them for their 1st stage races, Berg & Bush, was so special.
We often (well before Epic training started) do a Sunday coffee ride to Spout, in Hazelwood….they have a fabulous selection of freshly baked goodies and their coffee is amazing 👌
We are super excited about 2020 Epic. It is going to be the race of the decade. I am looking for to the experience with Róan and the memories we will make and share years down the line.
We are extremely grateful to our sponsors who have made this dream a reality for us. Thank you so support and this incredible opportunity.
Assos of Switzerland
Kiloton Hydraulic Pneumatics Tools Abrasives
Bouttimeza
Snyman de Jager Attorneys
Jamal Sahib
Racefood
PowerBar SA
Lynwood Cyclery
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