DO IT NOW Magazine #39

ADVENTURE | SPORT | LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

VOL 6•7 2014 #39

THE BIG 5 CHALLENGE

BC BIKE RACE THE ULTIMATE SINGLE-TRACK EXPERIENCE

TOP 10 RULES FOR

OPTIMUM FITNESS GOING WILD IN

BOTSWANA PLUS

10 GREAT HIKING DESTINATIONS COMPETITION P. 5 FACEBOOK & TWITTER WWW.DOITNOW.CO.ZA

On the Cover - Wooden bridges aren’t something to fear or hesitate on.

Photo - Todd Weselake.

DO IT NOW Team CEO / FOUNDER Francois Flamengo

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

MANAGING DIRECTOR Elri Flamengo | elri@doitnow.co.za CREATIVE DIRECTOR Peet Nieuwenhuizen | peet@doitnow.co.za SALES DIRECTOR Morné Labuschagne | sales@doitnow.co.za | +27 (0)71 292 9953 COPY EDITOR & GENERAL MANAGER Tracy Knox | tracy@doitnow.co.za | competitions@doitnow.co.za

Alan Hobson Nature

Greg Gearing Motorbiking

Adri & Xen Ludick Travel

Duane Stacey Travel

Hannele Steyn MTB / Nutrition

Tori Leckie Multi Sports

Eunice Visagie Multi Sports

Sam Bradley Travel

Ico Schutte Multi Sports

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While every effort is made by the DIN Team to ensure that the content of the DO IT NOW website and magazine is accurate, DO IT NOW Magazine (PTY) Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any errors that may appear, or for any consequence of utilising the information contained herein. Statements by contributors and media submissions are not always representative of DO IT NOW Magazine (PTY) Ltd opinion. Copyright 2009 DO IT NOW Magazine (Pty) Ltd. No part of this website and magazine may be reproduced in any form or stored on a retrieval system without the prior permission of DO IT NOW Magazine (PTY) Ltd. DO IT NOW Magazine (PTY) Ltd supports and encourages responsible practices with regards to all Adventure, Sport and Lifestyle activities. We also believe in the conservation and protection of our environment.

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CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2014 S

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dinFO Here are some great activities and events to look out for in September.

Lifestyle // Cirque Éloize, Montecasino, Johannesburg (GP): 19 Aug-7 Sept Trail Running // Merrell Spring Night Run Series, Groot Constantia (CT): 3, 10 & 17 Sept Trail Running // Namaqualand Flower Run, Gifberg Holiday Farm (NC): 6 Sept Motoring // Rock, Rock Raceway, Brakpan (GP): 6 Sept Multi Sports // Warrior # 6, Redstone Country Estate, Hartbeespoort Dam (GP): 6-7 Sept Multi Sport // SA Open Racketlon Championship, UCT, Cape Town (CT): 14 Sept Water Sports // Takes One To Know One Series, Victoria Bay (SC): 20 Sept Running // Cape Town Marathon, Cape Town Stadium, Green Point (WC): 20-21 Sept MTB // Lesotho Sky, Lesotho: 21-26 Sept Trail Running // Otter African Trail Run, Tsitsikamma National Park (WC): 21-24 Sept MTB // Resolution Health Ride the Rhino, Langebaan Country Estate (WC): 26-28 Sept Entertainment // Tribe One Music Festival, Cullinan (GP): 26-28 Sept Festival // Festival of Beer, Pirates Rugby Club, Johannesburg (GP): 26-28 Sept Triathlon // Enduroman South Africa Ultra Cross Triathlon, Franschhoek (WC): 27 Sept Motoring // SupaDrift #7, Mmbatho Stadium, Mafikeng: 27 Sept Obstacle // Impi Challenge, Van Gaalens, Hartbeespoort Dam (GP): 27 Sept

FIND OUT MORE For a more comprehensive list of events and activities taking place for the remainder of 2014, refer to the Calendar on www.doitnow. co.za/events

www.doitnow.co.za • 3

Index

Vol 6•7 2014 #39 | www.doitnow.co.za

// Team & Contributors: p. 2 DO IT NOW Magazine’s team and regular contributors. // Calendar: p. 3 Calendar featuring adventure, sport and lifestyle events. // Enter & Win: p. 5 Enter our website competition and stand to win great prizes.

Articles CLIMBING 7

The magic of the Alps

RUNNING 17 31 39

When nature calls - Grootvadersbosch Trail Challenge Challenge yourself and expand your limits Do you dare do Dodo?

BICYCLING 49 65

BC Bike Race, the ultimate single-track experience 7 continents adventure

MULTI SPORTS 71

The Big 5 Challenge

BALL SPORTS 81

Busting the myths of Sevens rugby

OBSTACLE SPORTS 87

Jumping Jacks in the city of Durbs

31 39

TRAVEL

97 Après-ski fun, local style 109 Going wild in Botswana 115 nXamaseri's embrace

NATURE

123 A primitive wilderness experience 137 10 great hiking destinations

HEALTH FITNESS

157 165 171 175

67

Top 10 rules for optimum fitness Feel great What makes a winner Using essential oils to recover and heal sports injuries

ENTERTAINMENT

183 187 193 199 208 211

KEY:

Pinotage, a home-grown hero Athletes and their coffee France in Franschhoek A walk down Disney lane Get creative - Food to inspire and delight Entertainment review

ADVENTURE

SPORT

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LIFESTYLE

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Intoducing the BDV Jacket

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CLIMBING

Words: Fiona McIntosh | Photos: Shaen Adey

Chamonix Mont Blanc has been the centre of alpine adventure since 8 August 1786 when local mountain guide

and crystal collector Jacques Balmat and Doctor Michel Paccard made the first recorded ascent of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps. Host to the first Winter Olympics in 1924, the alpine village, aka the extreme capital of the world, is still at the sharp end of snow and mountain sports.

The

magic the Alps

of

Fiona McIntosh joined fellow addicts for the Chamonix Mountain Festival 2014.

Julia and Ilze on the Aiguille d'Entreves.

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The snow was bucketing down as we strapped on our crampons and roped up. Francois Lombard, our guide, was soon out of sight, 'lost' in the white-out. We plodded behind him in single file, our only orientation the rope that bound us together. Not the best night for a sleep out at 3,300 metres!

An experienced alpine guide, Francois soon identified a flat platform where we could pitch the tents. "We're away from any avalanche zones and there shouldn't be any crevasses here," he assured us in his sexy French accent. But we remained roped up as he probed the area, just in case. Once a 'safe' area was marked out the fun began.

The objective of the exercise was to test out some brand new SlingFin tents and Valandré sleeping bags. Julia Friisbol, their marketing fundi, quickly explained how the tents were erected and in no time we had three shelters pitched on the ice.

The deluge continued, ruining the plan to have supper outside, so six of us squashed into one tent as Julia knocked up supper. You have to hand it to the French, they know how to do things in style. No dehydrated meals for us – out of her backpack came two bottles of wine, charcuterie and all the ingredients for a fondue. Camping will never be the same for me again. Surfeit and exhausted after our efforts at altitude, we retired into our cosy goose down bags and fell asleep to the patter of snowflakes.

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The morning dawned bright and clear and we unzipped the tents to survey a dramatic alpine scene. The great granite tooth of the Dent du Géant towered above us and is the most striking peak in the horseshoe of ridges and spires. The familiar roar of the MSR Reactor stove heralded morning coffee, then we popped out into the warm sun for breakfast.

The event wasalso an opportunity to test mountain equipment during the GearFest, which preceded the Chamonix Mountain Festival. Not that we needed new gear – we’d come well equipped in K-Way clothing, including eye-catching red waterproof jackets, softshell pants, down jackets and even down vests.

However, the chance to try out brands that we don’t find in South Africa was too good to resist.

With many of the well-known manufacturers, including Black Diamond and Mountain Hardwear, offering tempting expeditions led by their sponsored athletes to try out technical equipment and clothing, we struggled to decide which to choose before finally settling on a compromise – lightweight, high-spec Mountain Hardwear clothing and specialist ice-climbing gloves supplemented by harnesses, ice axes, crampons and a big backpack to carry everything in from Black Diamond. We were like kids in a toy shop.

Wrapped up warm and 'oohing' and 'aahing' at the shiny new gear, we headed out to test it, in earnest, on a traverse of the knife-edge ridge of the Aiguille d’Entrèves.

Our experienced and tireless 62-year-old Canadian room-mate Ilze joined us on the rope along with a wide-eyed but game Julia, who later confessed that she’d never been in big mountains before! Our late start (most alpine adventures start pre-dawn) and delight at being in this incredible snowy setting was nearly our undoing. We made the last cable car down with 29 seconds to spare.

Over 40 mountain lovers from around the globe gathered that night at the UCPA hostel in the centre of town to kick off the main event, the week-long Mountain Festival, a relaxed celebration of Chamonix’s place as the alpine capital of the world.

Shaen and I spent a week in 'Cham' a couple of years back, but had barely scratched the surface of what the Mont Blanc region had to offer.

For us, the chance to take part in the festival meant not just that we could take advantage of the special all-inclusive accommodation and lift pass but we could also tap into the abundance of local knowledge and logistical help offered by the festival organisers.

The briefing that night was perfect for us relative novices. We were shown useful websites, guidebooks and introduced to fundis who would guide us in our choice of routes and whisper insider tips. The vast array of different lifts, mountain trains, crags, snowy peaks and glistening glaciers laid out before us was bewildering, so we were extremely grateful for the advice.

Seracs to pass on the hike to the Torino refuge.

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Seracs seen crossing the glacier between the Chamonix Aiguille du Midi and the Tornino refuge.

In case you’re not into mountain sports and have never heard of Chamonix Mont Blanc, let me set the scene. This vibey town on the banks of the River Arve is recognised as the birthplace of mountaineering and now hailed as the extreme sports capital of the world.

Our flight to Geneva, less than an hour from Chamonix, was full of tanned, toned men and women, including a gaggle of lean runners on their way to the 2014 Skyrunning World Championships. Almost every bag on the carousel was a backpack or duffel bag. Whether you’re into rock climbing, skiing, mountaineering, paragliding, trail running, mountain biking, kloofing (canyoneering as it’s known outside South Africa) or freeriding, Chamonix is Mecca.

Somewhere you simply have to visit before you die.

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Not surprisingly, the streets are lined with specialist equipment shops, the window displays a mouth-watering smorgasbord of cutting-edge ’ gear from the world s top outdoor brands, which had us drooling even more than the appetising displays of French cheeses, cured meats, patisseries, fresh fruits and fine wines.

Mountaineers decending the snow ridge from the Aiguille du Midi from Chamonix.

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Eager to start our week of adventures, we were in the queue by 7 a.m. for the first lift up to the Aiguille du Midi, the iconic cable car station perched on a steep needle of rock nearly three kilometres above town, jostling with the guides and other early birds. Twenty minutes later, we emerged at nearly 4,000 m to gaze out at the imposing snowy slopes that led to the summit of Mont Blanc.

Purists will feel otherwise, but having done my fair share of trudging up 4,000 m peaks I’ve developed a penchant for mechanised lifts. This cable car holds the world record for the highest vertical ascent in the world, whisking passengers up 2,800 m to a vertiginous platform from where you can 'Step into the Void', a glass skywalk perched over a kilometre-high sheer drop. Despite being climbers used to exposure, it was exciting stuff and we felt like real tourists as we joined the happy-snapping throng.

For most visitors a visit to the Aiguille du Midi is about the exhibits and a chance to enjoy coffee and croissants or a glass of wine on the terraces, while soaking up the sun and views. But for us, the cable station was a gateway to the glacier walks, granite spires and high mountain peaks. So we roped up, put on crampons, grabbed our ice axes and started the hairy descent of the steep, knife-edged ridge that led down to the Mer de Glace, the sea of ice that lies at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe.

Thirty centimetres of fresh snow had fallen overnight, the new powder squeaking under our boots.

The sun sparkled off the snow-covered domes and ice fields; jagged ridges stretched out towards the verdant valleys and we could see the colourful canopies of paragliders in the deep blue of the sky. It was indescribably beautiful. My heart soared.

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That day we crossed the glacier and climbed an exciting, exposed, but easy rock ridge on the Pyramide du Tacul, listening to the sound of avalanches crashing off nearby slopes. Again, we made

the last cable car by the skin of our teeth and established our pattern for the week. Despite maximising our time in the mountains and attending the various optional seminars, workshops and slideshows in the evenings, the week passed too quickly.

Valandre breakfast on the snow with the Slingfin tents.

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I’ve been fortunate. I’ve travelled the world skiing and mountaineering. But for my money there is nowhere, simply nowhere in the world that beats Chamonix Mont Blanc. If you’ve always wanted to visit the Alps and rub shoulders with the world’s top mountain athletes, the Chamonix Mountain Festival is an incredibly affordable and fun way to do it. • For more information on the Chamonix Mountain Festival visit www.chamonixmountainfestival.com

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RUNNING

Words & Photos: Stephen Cunliffe

THE SPECTACULARLY BEAUTIFUL AND WONDERFULLY DIVERSE GROOTVADERSBOSCH NATURE RESERVE AND NEIGHBOURING BOOSMANSBOS CONSERVANCY ARE THE SETTING FOR A MAGICAL TWO-DAY TRAIL RUN THAT IS DESERVEDLY RATED BY SEASONED TRAIL CONNOISSEURS AS ‘SOUTH AFRICA’S BEST KEPT TRAIL RUNNING SECRET’. I fortuitously snagged an entry to the fourth edition of the Grootvadersbosch Trail Challenge, held on 21 and 22 June, and set off with my family to see if the event could possibly deliver on this audacious claim. What I found was a truly magical place that exceeded my wildest expectations.

WHEN NATURE CALLS GROOTVADERSBOSCH TRAIL CHALLENGE

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AN UNASSUMING ‘BOOSMANSBOS WORLD HERITAGE SITE’ SIGN WELCOMED US TO A PRISTINE

WILDERNESS THAT IS WITHOUT DOUBT THE LEAST WELL KNOWN OF SOUTH AFRICA’S EIGHT WORLD HERITAGE SITES.

Despite lying less than three hours down the N2 from Cape Town and a mere 22 km from Heidelberg, this untouched reserve remains gloriously wild. Indigenous lowland forest gives way to fynbos-clad slopes and towering mountain peaks that jut into deep blue skies. A handful of rustic trails meander through this veritable fairyland of endemic fynbos, indigenous forest, lush river valleys, and bubbling mountain brooks.

I eagerly awaited the privilege of sampling the reserve’s single-track offerings over the course of the Grootvadersbosch Trail Challenge weekend.

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WHEN NATURE CALLS GROOTVADERSBOSCH TRAIL CHALLENGE

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WHEN NATURE CALLS GROOTVADERSBOSCH TRAIL CHALLENGE

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SATURDAY DAWNED COLD, CLEAR AND CRISP; PERFECT CONDITIONS FOR A TRAIL RUN. DAY ONE, AFFECTIONATELY REFERRED TO AS THE ‘MOUNTAIN STAGE’, GAVE US LITTLE TIME TO FIND OUR FEET BEFORE EMBARKING ON A NEAR-CONTINUOUS AND BRUTALLY RELENTLESS 16 KM CLIMB TO THE TOP OF BOOSMANSBOS. The long climb accounted for the lion’s share of the 1,279 m of elevation gain for day one but, while the climb was unrelenting, the gradients were actually remarkably friendly. For those athletes with some solid hill-training miles under their belts, they were able to run the majority of this ascent, while simultaneously enjoying the surrounding vistas and kaleidoscope of sprawling natural beauty.

Unfortunately, I was not one of those untiring energiser bunnies and as the kilometres of strenuous single-track ascent clocked by, my legs became steadily more leaden until I could run no longer. I consoled myself with the thought that walking allowed me more latitude to savour the scenery and snap photos along this scenic route. In fact, the views were so sensationally arresting that I actually stopped a couple of times simply to drink it all in.

My appreciation of the reserve’s incredible natural beauty was further enhanced by the weather for this year’s event, which was considered by race organiser Ugene Nell to be the best on record and ideally suited to a trail run.

At the top of the long climb, we crested a high ridge that afforded us northerly views and our first glimpse of the distant Barrydale far below. The 90% single-track route then contoured around the peak and past the overnight hut for the hiking trail. Sadly there would be no rest for weary trail runners, as we immediately plunged into a lengthy descent alongside deep, lush gorges and inaccessible kloofs presided over by craggy mountain peaks.

It was here, at the halfway stage of this totally self-supported 33 km stage, where my hip-belt suddenly snapped. With no refreshment stops or water tables along the route, I was faced with the unattractive prospect of running the remaining 16 km of the stage belt in hand. Thankfully, a friendly fellow runner, Aubrey, gave me a spare wrist strap that allowed me to reconnect the belt and sling it over my shoulder. While somewhat uncomfortable, it was a huge improvement on running with the broken belt and bottles in my hands.

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I SOON REGAINED MY STRIDE AND ENJOYED LETTING GRAVITY DO THE WORK FOR A CHANGE, AS THE TRAIL STEADILY MEANDERED DOWN INTO A STEEP-SIDED GORGE. SOMEHOW I HAD FAILED TO RECOGNISE THAT AFTER CROSSING THE RIVER THERE WOULD INEVITABLY BE A LONG CLIMB OUT THE OTHER SIDE. By now

my quivering legs were gone, my energy spen and plodding out of the gorge took a supreme effort. I was extremely grateful when I recalled that the race organisers, in a rare show of compassion, had adjusted the 2014 route so that the last 3 km followed a considerably easier dirt road to the finish at Honeywood Farm.

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I eventually crawled across the line in 03:49. Pre-race literature had pronounced that the average runner would finish this stage in four hours, yet most participants found the four-hour barrier a difficult nut to crack, with less than 20% of the field accomplishing this.

I think the Grootvadersbosch stage one experience was maybe best encapsulated by an elated runner who collapsed over the line and from a crumpled, panting heap proclaimed, “That is absolutely the most beautiful run I have ever done in my life!” After gulping down a couple more lungfuls of sweet mountain air, he added, “But it is also definitely the toughest run I’ve ever done!” With the challenges of an epic day in the mountains behind us, everyone’s efforts were rewarded with a well-earned lamb potjie for dinner before we collapsed into bed.

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SUNDAY’S CONDITIONS WERE SURPRISINGLY DIFFERENT. A WARM BERG WIND TOOK THE EDGE OFF THE MORNING CHILL, WHILE WISPY CLOUDS FLOATED OVERHEAD. THE 23 KM DAY TWO IS KNOWN AS THE 'FOREST STAGE’ AND, AS THE NAME SUGGESTS, IT MEANDERS THROUGH THE WOODS AND ALONG THE LOWER MOUNTAIN SLOPES. Setting off from Honeywood Farm, the trail dived into the river valley below and meandered along the water course, skirting the farm where we were staying before climbing up onto a muddy, contouring track that traversed the fynbos-rich slopes of Grootvadersbosch Conservancy. A mixture of single track and overgrown jeep track whizzed by before we plunged back down into an awesome forest of giant Californian redwoods, wild saffraan, and indigenous yellow woods.

WHEN NATURE CALLS GROOTVADERSBOSCH TRAIL CHALLENGE

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The final 10 km were tough, with the trail repeatedly descending steeply to cross a river before ascending sharply out on the other side, only to disappear down the next steep slope and repeat the leg-numbing process. But it was cool and peaceful in the depths of the forest and I revelled in the energy of the place, enjoying a much stronger run than the day before.

A final section of ‘kloof trail’ took us hopping and skipping up a gurgling forest stream before a last steep climb out of the woods. After dodging an obstinate herd of grouchy cows, we were finally on the home straight to Honeywood Farm.

I crossed the line with mixed emotions; my legs were tired so I was glad to be done for the day, but the thought of not getting to run these beautiful trails again tomorrow tinged my elation with a hint of sadness.

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UPFRONT, A DING-DONG BATTLE BETWEEN THE INDEFATIGABLE NOEL ERNSTZEN AND YOUNG BUCK FRANZ-ERICH STREICHER HAD BEEN SETTLED. AT THE END OF DAY ONE, AFTER 33 HARD-FOUGHT KILOMETRES, NOEL WAS FORCED TO RUN AT 3 MINUTES AND 30 SECONDS A KILOMETRE (WHICH IS FLYING) FOR THE LAST FEW KILOMETRES, TO ENSURE THAT WILY EXPERIENCE TRIUMPHED OVER THE ENERGY AND EXUBERANCE OF YOUTH BY A NARROW 30-SECOND MARGIN.

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Alas, on day two the tables were turned when the youngster turned up the heat on the veteran and crossed the line a comfortable 4 minutes ahead of his first-day nemesis, to take the top spot in an overall time of 05:27:07. After the first day, leader Katya Soggot was forced to withdraw with an injury, leaving Karoline Hanks to win the ladies race. Karoline also finished seventh overall in a very respectable 06:32.

The Grootvadersbosch Trail Challenge is synonymous with everything genuine trail runners wish for in an event; natural beauty, pristine wilderness and lots of flowing single track. But don’t just take my word for it; the fact that the organisers of both the Otter African Trail Run and African X, two of South Africa’s premier trail events, chose to run Grootvadersbosch this year should convince you that it's an epic event to enter. So if you haven't been fortunate enough to participate in one of South Africa’s top weekend trail runs, then be sure to add this fantastic Quantum Country Classic event to your 2015 trail running calendar, without delay. •

For all the race, accommodation and entry information, visit www.quantumadventures.co.za For more on the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, visit www.capenature.co.za If you are looking for a lovely place to stay, try Grootvadersbosch Guesthouse, www.grootvadersbosch.co.za

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RUNNING

Words: Elana Meyer | Photos: Elana Meyer & Sportograf, Cape Epic

Challenge yourself and expand your

LIMITS

Can you still remember the first time you got something right when you thought it was impossible?

Do you remember that great feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction? That WOW feeling that gave you the courage and belief that you would be able to do it again?

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I can remember many moments where I had to take a deep breath and a leap of courage, but I did it.

I recall the first time I jumped over a stream and didn't land in the water. What a great feeling that was and this seemingly small accomplishment made me believe in myself, my capabilities. I also remember the first wave I bodysurfed in the rough waters of Gouritz and how it made me believe that I could do more. These moments of getting it right, usually after many attempts of trying, are the ones that I will never forget.

Pushing the boundaries by climbing Mount Everest.

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Over the years I have continued to push my own boundaries in running, and this mostly resulted in personal or even world records. But my biggest achievement is that

through all the highs and lows, I have learnt that it does not matter what the challenge is. As long as you have a strong belief that you can do anything you apply your mind to, you will succeed.

Finishing the Absa Cape Epic in 2012 was one of those amazing personal feats where I really expanded my comfort-zone barriers. Up until six months prior to taking part in the 'Untamed African Mountain Bike Race' in 2012, I had never even owned a bicycle. In addition, being in my mid 40s and taking up mountain biking for the first time made it doubly difficult. It was all new for me and I was way out of my comfort zone!

All my life I have been used to running and the freedom of it. This new goal meant I would be attached to my bike by cleats, and getting used to this did not happen without a couple of nasty falls. I also had a tough time with the idea of having to look where you want to go on a bike as opposed to looking where you do not want to go when running. This too had some really bad consequences.

With so many hurdles to overcome in such a short time, I decided to enlist some help and signed up for coaching and technical training with Spook Groenewald and Erica Green from Daisyway Coaching Systems. It made a world of difference, as it boosted my confidence in my abilities and ensured that I made it (in one piece) to the starting line.

Lining up at the start of the (Epic) Prologue of my first-ever mountain bike race, it was not the endurance part of the actual race that scared me. It was the technical terrain we had to conquer to reach Lourensford after eight days of mountain biking, in which we would ascend double the height of Mount Everest. Those eight long and tough days were filled with many technical challenges for a rookie like me. I had plenty of falls and had to be stitched up, but I made it to the end and it was a huge personal victory. The feeling and sense of achievement was beyond anything I can describe, but it confirmed my belief that personal growth takes place when you enter the unknown and expand your boundaries.

Every time I have done something outside of my comfort zone, I see what is possible and cannot imagine a life without it. • For more information, visit www.endurocad.co.za

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Pushing the boundaries by taking part in the 2012 Absa Cape Epic.

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Tips for a beginner mountain biker

• I always suggest, "Walk before you can run," and the same goes for mountain biking. Start riding a mountain bike on terrain you are comfortable with.

• Get skilled up on the bike. There are many skills' clinics and great coaches around, it will be worth the investment!

• Invest in good equipment. Apart from the bike, you need a proper cycling bib, and a good helmet and gloves. The rest of the equipment is optional.

• Make sure your bike is set-up properly.

• Always ride with someone.

• If you want to be a mountain biker, the question is not if you are gonna fall, the question is just when. So be prepared.

• Make sure you pull and push the pedal in a full circle.

• Don’t ever leave the house without your helmet and gloves.

• You can bike with a meal in your tummy, so fuel up before you leave for a long ride.

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RUNNING

Words: Tori Leckie, www.fitchicksandfastwomen.com | Photos: Erik Vermeulen & Micah Bagheea

DODO TRAIL RACE 2013 WAS EPIC. IT WAS A PRETTY LATE ENTRY ON MY EVENT SCHEDULE…

a serendipitous opportunity that came my way just a month or so before the race and needless to say, I snapped it up. Whilst the heat factor was at its worst at the time (I was living in Dubai then), putting a curb on quality training, I had a few good races under my belt from the months previous and thought, "Hey, it’s only 50 km. How hard can it be?" How wrong I was!

Photo credit: Erik Vermeulen, Adventure Photos

DO YOU DARE DO THE

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YET STILL, THIS YEAR I WAS EAGER TO RETURN… WHO WOULDN’T WANT TO GIVEN A LUXURY ISLAND, A STUNNING HOTEL THAT OOZES STYLE AND SPLENDOUR AND A TRULY GOLD-STANDARD TRAIL RACE. I WAS ALL SET – literally – until a spanner in the works came in the form of my passport being with Home Affairs and not with me. Ouch… bad timing if ever there was! So, I now write this from a slightly different angle, a Tori-style race report sans physical presence!

The Dodo is the greatest trail race on the Mauritian running calendar and a pretty awesome event to boot.

A dodo, by the way, is a now extinct, emblematic bird of Mauritius. You can tackle one of three distances; the Xtreme Dodo 50 km / 3,500 m, Ti Dodo 25km / 1,500 m and Mini Dodo 10 km / 500 m. Each offers some serious trails to contend with. In fact, I recall with ease thinking that despite having run some pretty epic races throughout the world, I had never seen such technical terrain in my life.

Although this year's race, held on 13 July, was only the fourth edition, the event is run without a hiccup, organised to perfection from registration and briefing to checkpoint support and post race set up. It starts early, in the dead of the night, so you have nothing but the beam of your headtorch, the sound of your beating heart and the all-around sheer excitement to absorb, in bracing anticipation of what lies ahead.

By sunrise on the 50 km route, you’re well up your first peak, with the regular pauses to catch your breath being the perfect opportunity to swivel 360 degrees and absorb the outstanding views… the ocean, landscapes, salt flats and black volcanic rock softened by the rich, warm colours that signal the start of another day on this beautiful isle. From there on in, it is just one long day of super steep ascents, very hairy descents, wide-open spaces, dark, dense forest and a true trail adventure in every sense of the word. The route takes participants through the Black River Gorges National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a number of otherwise no-trespassing-allowed private domains. There are six major peaks to tackle over 500 m, including the island’s highest, Black River at 814 m, before a knee-hammering descent over 5 km, back down to sea level.

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Photo credit: Erik Vermeulen, Adventure Photos

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MANY OF THE ASCENTS AND DESCENTS ARE SO STEEP THAT WEATHERED ROPES AND THICK CHAINS ARE CLUNG TO FOR DEAR LIFE WHEN NOT TRYING TO MONKEY SWING BETWEEN TREES TO KEEP UP SOME MOMENTUM. Switchbacks just

don’t exist here and most runners wear gloves, as much of the race is spent on all fours. As for the weather, it is perfect at this time of year, warmer than our winter climes, even if based in balmy KZN with its glorious sunshine.

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Photo credit: Micah Bagheea, Nehemiah Pixels

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LOOKING AT THE RACE RESULTS, THERE WAS A GREAT TURNOUT WITH AROUND 1,300 COMPETITORS FROM A TOTAL OF 13 COUNTRIES.

Many competitors came from neighbouring Reunion, another outdoor paradise and a stomping ground for some amazing trail runners, and others from further afield; Europe, UK, the Middle East and, of course, South Africa, which drew over 50 competitors. I was delighted to see two SA runners in particular play a starring role, with Landie Greyling placing first female and her husband, Christiaan Greyling, finishing sixth overall, both in the Xtreme 50 km.

The winner was World Trail Running Champion Ricky Lightfoot from the UK. The gold sponsor of the race, and where I stayed last year, is the Heritage Le Telfair, aka a true slice of heaven. Located on the south coast of Mauritius, Le Telfair epitomises raw and unspoilt beauty. The grounds are gorgeous, the hospitality, service and ambience second to none and the wining and dining, delectable and delicious. Le Telfair is also home to the Chateau de Bel Ombre, a championship golf course, academy and driving range and a world-class spa; the perfect destination to ease tired muscles with magnificent massages, a vitality pool and hammam*.

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Photo credit: Erik Vermeulen, Adventure Photos

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Photo credit: Micah Bagheea, Nehemiah Pixels

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As for Mauritius in general? If you think the island is solely a destination for honeymooners, intent on sunbathing by day, sipping cocktails at sunset and enjoying romantic, candlelit dinners by night then think again because what lies within the stunning coastline is utopia for those who love to explore and adventure off the beaten track. It really is a paradise playground for all those who love the outdoors.

Alongside the pristine beaches and crashing waves that keep even the most demanding of water babes content (think surfing, snorkelling, wakeboarding, kitesurfing, fishing, paddling, SUPing and more), there are majestic mountains, dramatic landscapes and lush green forests for those who love to embrace nature, enjoy trails, get muddy, hike, bike, swim, trek, explore and discover. It is enchanting, an island full of contrasts, of sublime rest and relaxation yet thrilling adventure, of stunning coastline yet lush, green mountains of old and new, history and culture. In fact, I find an unquenchable smile on my face even as I type this.

IT MAY SEEM PREMATURE, BUT IF YOU ARE PLOTTING AND PLANNING FOR AN EPIC RACE AND A GOAL TO WORK TOWARDS, I CAN’T RECOMMEND THE DODO 2015 ENOUGH. YOU SHAN’T BE DISAPPOINTED. As is always the

case with wonderful races in wonderful places, the tough moments are quickly forgotten and replaced by magical memories of sublime views, terrific trails, awesome adventures and friendships forged.

Just remember that this race is no walk in the park. I certainly don’t think many races on home turf remotely rival that of the epic Dodo! • For more on the event visit www.dodo-trail.com/en For more on where to stay visit www.heritageresorts.mu/en Flights: Air Mauritius and SAA fly from Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town *Hammam - Turkish bath

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BICYCLING

Words: Ico Schutte | Photos: Margus Riga, Dave Silver, Erik Peterson & Todd Weselake

FINALLY, THE DAY HAS ARRIVED. I AM STANDING ON THE START LINE FOR THE BC BIKE RACE (BCBR).

It is day one and we are in Vancouver, about to set off on a 35 km loop through the mystic North Shore. Compared to most typical South African races this sounds relatively short, however the BCBR is all about quality and not quantity.

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DAY 1 29 JUNE - NORTH SHORE

35 KM / 1,380 M ELEVATION GAIN

The first climb of the day takes us up to Seymore Mountain, through the neighborhood and as we turn onto the single track it quickly becomes apparent what lies ahead. The North Shore lives up to its reputation and the trails are steep, technical and challenging. It has been four years since the race has been held on the North Shore, and only now with the new, easier flowing style of evolved trail building is it possible to bring 'the Shore' to more riders. With a record-breaking number of racers entered, the ultimate single-track experience kicked off in style.

My downhill racing background helps and I feel right at home on the steep, rocky and rooty trails. For others, it is an eye-popping experience. The second loop of the day takes us up Fromme Mountain for a long climb before we reach the first enduro stage down the renowned Espresso trail.

Having the right equipment for this race does make your life better. I opted for my Cannondale Jekyll, a full suspension rig that offers on-the-fly adjustability between 90 mm and 150 mm of travel. Adjusting the travel also changes the head angle on the bike, making it more manageable on the descents or keeping the power to the floor on the climbs. I would, however, also recommend a dropper seat post for this race, not commonly used in South Africa as our trials are just not of this standard. I also opted for 2.3 tyres, paying a small price on the climbs for all the fun I was having on the way down. After all we are here for a good time and I cross the line with a big smile.

Here the festivities continued with the boys from Rocky Mountain bicycles handing out free beer and food to all the racers.

An aspect that sets this race apart from others is soon revealed itself to us, as we are loaded onto busses to make the journey to the town of Cumberland, the start of day two. From the busses we board the BC Ferries, which take us across the ocean to Vancouver Island. Chilling on the ferry, we are treated to sensational views of coast, mountains, ocean and forests.

We arrived in Cumberland, a small town originally built as a coal-mining town in 1888. The town, also referred to as Dodge City, offers some great little coffee shops and restaurants for the post-ride recovery meal.

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DAY 2 30 JUNE: CUMBERLAND

48 KM / 1,137 M ELEVATION GAIN The new 48 km course never used in the BCBR before is split in two loops. The first starts with a long, steady 15 km climb, but we are soon rewarded with more awesomeness in the form of trails such as Further Burger and Bear Buns. And for the enduro section, Teapot Blasting by the start village for the second loop, with another big climb and amazingly enough, more mind-blowing trails back to the village.

The afternoon was spent relaxing in the sun and doing Yoga before boarding the BC Ferries for our transfer to Powell River. While lazing about on the ferry deck, we spotted a group of killer whales passing by. A sight that has escaped the BCBR and many locals for years.

Arriving in Powell River, we receive a warm welcome by jubilant locals lining the pier. Powell River is a historic logging town on the Sunshine Coast and only accessible by ferry. Our campsite for the next two nights is set on the beach, overlooking the bay and the mountains of Vancouver Island in the distance.

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DAY 3 1 JULY - POWELL RIVER

49 KM / 886 M ELEVATION GAIN Today we tackle 49 km of century-old logging trails combined with new-style single tracks built by retired loggers, hikers and mountain bikers alike. Although the stage is a flat one, it still provides loads of scenic and exciting single tracks. We find our way across many streams and there are panoramic views of lakes and forest all around. The day's enduro section was aptly named Death Rattle, a lively and rooty trail. Riders celebrated another day of great riding by swimming in the bay and enjoying ice cold drinks at the local restaurants.

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DAY 4

2 JULY - EARLS COVE TO SECHELT

59 KM / 1,375 M ELEVATION GAIN

We board one of Harbor Air's floatplanes and are flown from Powell River to Earls Cove, a small settlement at the northern side of the Sechelt peninsula, the start of this stage. Being a point-to-point stage, we are expecting open roads with little single track. However, I am pleasantly surprised by the quantity and quality of single track that the organisers have found between the two towns. They keep things interesting with some steep hike-a-bike sections, but the pain is soon forgotten when we are rewarded with 'VFR' pure downhill bliss for the day's enduro trail. After the day's riding, we wander around town and enjoy sundowners at the Sechelt Marina, which overlooks the bay.

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DAY 5 3 JULY - SECHELT TO LANGDALE 41 KM / 1,356 M ELEVATION GAIN

It's another point-to-point day from Sechelt to Langdale, a small community with a ferry terminal that links the Sunshine Coast to Vancouver. This is a day for the climbers, as we make our way up some serious single-track climbs. It is a tough day, but so worth it when we hit the final 7 km descent down trails like HWY 102, Sidewinder and a tour through the Sprockids bike park. From Langdale, we are treated to our final ferry ride back to the mainland and Squamish for the final two nights of camping.

Squamish is an old logging town that had its beginnings in the 1910s with the construction of the Pacific Great Eastern Highway. Today, Squamish is considered the outdoor recreation capital of Canada. On day six we got to find out why.

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DAY 6 4 JULY - SQUAMISH

52 KM / 1,830 M ELEVATION GAIN The day starts with some fun, flowing single track before we make our way up the climbing trail and over to Rupert, the first technical single track of the day. The feel of this trail is more like the steep stuff we did on day one; for some a day of riding ecstasy, for others a day of uncertainty. The trail boasts super gnarly rock drops and technical wooden features. This is followed by a climb up to Half Nelson, a famed and flowing pump-track-style ride; Squamish showing off its diversity. For the enduro section, we race down Pseuda Tsuga, a fast and flowing ride. Today just keeps on giving back. From here we head up to Powerhouse Plunge, another rock-ridden trail, followed by hoods in the woods and finally crumpet. Although all the days have been brilliant, this is my favorite!

Beer O’clock promptly arrives in Squamish and the local breweries, Howe Sound and Central City, provide us with their finest. Spirits are high as we know there is only one short stage between us and the finish line in Whistler. The day is made even sweeter for some as Fox forks and Shimano components are given away to competitors.

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DAY 7 5 JULY - WHISTLER

20 KM / 769 M ELEVATION GAIN Whistler is a resort town and famous for hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics. Over two million people visit Whistler annually for skiing in the winter and mountain biking in summer.

This final stage is short and sweet, with 20 km of indulging in the best of trails. Up the slopes of the Blackcomb Ski Resort and mountain bike park to the Olympic Station, then down B-line and Ninja Cougar. Whistler is also famous for having two species of cougar; one is of the feline variation. From the slopes, we make our way to the Lost Lake trail network for a final blast and then back to finish in style at the Olympic Plaza. A grand dinner is held later at the Whistler Convention Centre and it's a party to celebrate the week's supreme riding.

If you own a mountain bike and enjoy single track this is a must-do event! Sell your house, sell your car, do whatever it takes and get out to Canada for the best riding of your life and the ‘ultimate single-track experience. • For all the results and more information, visit www.BCbikerace.com

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BICYCLING

Compiled: Tracy Knox | Photos & Video: De Bruyn Joubert

7

CONTINENTS adventure De Bruyn Joubert, a young South African cyclist from Bloemfontein, started his journey around the world on a bicycle on 30 August 2013.

He has travelled across two continents so far, Australia and then Europe, covering a distance of 11,000 km, and is currently making his way across the Middle East.

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DO IT NOW caught up with De Bruyn to find out how difficult and challenging the trip has been so far and what's next.

Q: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO TAKE ON THIS INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE?

Well, about 10 years ago I wrote something down on my bucket list, 'Cycle through Africa', and since then it has just been a crazy dream that I did not really know how I would make it a reality with all the things going on in my life.

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The beginning of last year was the first time since I was 15 years old that I did not have any huge commitments and I decided to backpack 7,000 km through Southeast Asia. On that trip I realised that now was the time to do my cycle adventure! From there the whole adventure expanded until I came to my plan to cycle across all the continents.

Q:

HOW LONG DO YOU THINK IT WILL TAKE TO COMPLETE YOUR ROUND THE WORLD TRIP?

I did a lot of planning before the adventure and according to my calculations it will take five years. So I will arrive in Cape Town in 2018.

Q: ARE YOU DOING THIS ALL ON YOUR OWN, UNSUPPORTED?

I started the adventure with a friend, but he went back to South Africa during the European leg. So, for the last four months I was on my own. The big challenge about this adventure is to complete all the continents unsupported and unaided.

Q:

BEST AND WORST PART OF YOUR TRIP SO FAR?

The best is very, very hard as everything keeps changing and each country has different things to offer and experience. If I have to pinpoint some, I will say the Nullarbor (in Australia) and Greenways Cycle (Prague to Vienna).

The worst part of my adventure was when I had a breakdown in Croatia and had to wait for almost a month to get my new frame, so I could cycle the final 1,100 km of Europe. It was an extremely frustrating time.

Q: HOW HAVE YOU MANAGED YOUR

NUTRITION/HYDRATION, TO KEEP UP YOUR STRENGTH?

As I have done a few endurance races in South Africa and always done some kind of sport, I know my body very well.

Most of the time I know exactly what it needs to get me through each day. I eat as much as I can (I eat more than I have ever eaten) and drink between 5 litres and 13 litres of water per day. Most of my food and water I carry with me on the bicycle and fill up whenever I get the chance.

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Q: HOW DO PEOPLE REACT WHEN THEY HEAR

Q:

Most people say I’m crazy and they love what I’m doing.

I love to speak to all of these people, trade stories and persuade them to do some small adventure on their own. I have already talked a few people into doing some travelling or small adventure… and this is what I love about what I’m doing.

I left Istanbul for the Middle East on 8 June 2014. The route keeps changing on the road, but my current route is through Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia and I will finish in Russia.

ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND THAT YOU ARE FROM SA?

As a South African, I think I have an edge above any other country in the world. People love to ask questions about our country and I always try to show some pictures, talk about the history, what’s going on now and what a great country it is to visit. Many travellers I met are already planning to visit South Africa in the near future.

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WHEN DID YOU LEAVE FOR THE MIDDLE EAST AND WHAT ROUTE ARE YOU TAKING?

Q:

WHERE TO AFTER ASIA?

From Asia I will head towards North America and start in northern Alaska, at Anchorage.

Q: ANY TIPS FOR CYCLISTS THAT WOULD LIKE TO GO OVERSEAS TO TOUR BY BIKE?

I have done a lot of travelling in my life and doing it on a bicycle is by far the best way of travelling. You see more and experience things you would not normally do. If you are thinking of doing a cycling trip, make a decision, set a date, start planning, and just do it! If you love travelling, being in the nature and don’t worry about taking a bath once a week, I can promise you’ll love it!

Q:

WHAT MOTTO DO YOU LIVE BY?

NEVER QUIT! It is extremely important to do what you love, but you will always encounter huge challenges. At that moment I take a deep breath, sometimes sit down to relax, and then get up and tackle whatever the problem or challenge is.

It's these moments when you learn the most and become a stronger person.

It does not matter what problem is standing right in front of you because there is ALWAYS a way out, you just need to find it! • Follow De Bruyn's incredible adventure by visiting his Facebook page www.facebook.com/ around7continents or on Twitter @debruynjoubert

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MULTI SPORTS

THE KNYSNA OYSTER FESTIVAL IS ABOUT FAMILY, FRIENDS AND EXCITEMENT. Not to

mention the option of pushing your body way past its abilities!

Photo credit: Chris Hitchcock

5

Words: Stuart Marais | Photos: Chris Hitchcock & Cherie Vale

THE BIG

CHALLENGE

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Photo credit: Cherie Vale

THIS YEAR, MY BOY, LUKE, AND I VENTURED DOWN TO KNYSNA TO ENJOY A WEEK ON THE GARDEN ROUTE. TOGETHER WITH GRANNY AND SCUBA, WE ALL WOULD PARTAKE IN THE SPORTS AND ESCAPADES SURROUNDING THE ANNUAL OYSTER FESTIVAL. True to form, my old man Scuba (59), would also be challenging himself by entering the Big 5 Challenge.

He shared war stories with us every evening around a fire and still had energy to encourage me to go for the win. I was proud to have him on my wing throughout the event and drew extra motivation from his positive energy.

The Big 5 is the combination of the five major events at the Knysna Oyster Festival. I mean, who wants to go to a festival without any activities? The Big 5 allows all of us adventure junkies to experience the vibe of a fantastic festival and at the same time get an overdose of feel-good endorphins throughout the week. It becomes the counterpoint of your 'suffer fest' week.

Athletes competing in the Big 5 challenge had to complete the following events: • 80 km mountain bike • 2 km swim or 100 km road bike or 22 km paddle • 15 km trail run • Xterra (3 km run, 22 km MTB and 7 km run) • 42 km / 21 km road run I use this event as a solid week of training to prepare for big races in the second half of this year. It allows me to shock my body into gear with some high-intensity efforts and have some fun at the same time. It also gives you the chance to meet up with old friends, build relationships and meet new, like-minded multisporters.

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5

THE BIG

CHALLENGE

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5

THE BIG

CHALLENGE

Photo credit: Chris Hitchcock

Here's a little more detail on the days where I found myself hurting at the finish, yet still walking away with such fulfillment.

80 KM MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE

Knysna greeted us with an icy-cold morning. Layered from top to bottom with base layers we set off to start the Big 5. I was hoping for a gentle role out, but the climb from Knysna to the top of Simola had everyone in a panic, frantically scurrying for a wheel and helping hand to the top. Bunches quickly formed, mine was with my Xterra rival and friend, Dan Hugo.

We were set for a long chase as the pro mountain bikers disappeared up the road. We worked well together and made the catch at 50 km. We caught them by surprise and split the group through the mud puddles in the valley. I enjoyed the day and hard ride to start the week, ending 5th overall.

2 KM LAGOON SWIM CHALLENGE

For the second day's event, I opted for the 2 km swim, for no reason other than to avoid the annual 'crash fest' on the road bike. The swim was a mad scurry in 11°C water and I got very disorientated by the swimmers heading in opposite directions through the harbour. As a result, I relinquished my lead and would need a good trail run to get on top again.

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Photo credit: Cherie Vale

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Photo credit: Cherie Vale

5

THE BIG

CHALLENGE

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15 KM FEATHERBED TRAIL RUN

The route takes you along 15 km of the most sublime trails around the Knysna Heads. It was, without a doubt, the most spectacular event of the week for me! The ferry trip across the lagoon to the Featherbed Nature Reserve and the run back across the old railway bridge was priceless and beautiful.

I was fortunate to have the current SA Trail Running Champion, Thabang Madiba, toe the line alongside me. There's nothing I enjoy more than a battle... I set off in front and had created a 30-second gap by the top of the climb. However, Thabang has a knack for fearless descending and quickly closed this gap. We were neck and neck heading towards the final 3 km stretch along the railway bridge. I had confidence in my speed, so I entered the final single track ahead and reached the bridge first.

I surged along the bridge and slowly opened a gap on Thabang. To cross the line 20 seconds ahead of such a phenomenal athlete was special.

XTERRA FULL DISTANCE

I had nothing left in my legs and my body was dead, so I hoped my head would get me through this challenge.

Dan, Brad Weiss and myself were racing for Xterra glory.

I took off on the trail run looking to create a gap in the first 3 km. This was never going to happen. My legs hurt and there was a long, hard day on the trails ahead. I was caught at the top of the first climb by Brad and Dan soon joined us. Nobody said a word and the attacks came fast.

On the 22 km mountain bike stage, I followed Dan with Brad not far behind. Soon it was Dan and I, and then only Dan. He was too strong and opened up a 2-minute lead heading into T2. I was finished, but content with 2nd as I cruised through the final 7 km trail run.

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Photo credit: Chris Hitchcock

5

THE BIG

CHALLENGE

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KNYSNA HALF MARATHON

This was the final day and I was far in the lead in the Big 5 Challenge. The early start to catch the taxi into the forest is always a highlight. The vibe is like no other and the long wait on the road prior to the start is filled with plenty of looney stories. As the 7,300 athletes toed the line, we set off. I ran comfortably to finish 5th, in a time of 72 minutes, clinching the overall win for the Big 5 Challenge; a great way to end off a phenomenal week in Knysna.

DRIVING BACK TO STELLENBOSCH WITH THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN MY LIFE (AND ANOTHER ON THE WAY!), I REALISE HOW FORTUNATE I AM TO BE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN SUCH AN INCREDIBLE CHALLENGE, IN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AREA IN SOUTH AFRICA. SEE YOU AGAIN NEXT YEAR KNYSNA! • For more information on the event, visit www.oysterfestival.co.za/the-big-5-sports-challenge/

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BALL SPORTS

Words & Photos: Eunice Visagie

BUSTING THE MYTHS OF

SEVENS RUGBY

WHEN IT COMES TO SEVENS RUGBY, THERE ARE THREE MAIN MYTHS – READY TO BE BUSTED IN THE UPCOMING PARAGRAPHS – NAMELY, Sevens rugby is one big party, it’s for players not good enough for 15-man rugby and the players are small.

When Frankie Horne speaks everybody listens!

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Werner Kok showing some body strength with jumps.

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Captain Kyle Brown building more muscle.

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Myth: Sevens rugby is just one big party There is no denying the party atmosphere at tournaments around the world. After all, the festive atmosphere is part of the game’s draw card and one of the main reasons for the success of Sevens rugby. But that is only a part of what Sevens rugby is all about. Although the game might be over in 20 minutes, there is the same kind of contact as that of the 15-man game, so the players must be strong. It is super fast, which means the players need to be extremely fit and their skills and decision-making abilities top notch because a split second can change the game.

Springbok Sevens' players working hard on the training field.

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"I know that some people think Sevens rugby is one big party," said legendary Frankie Horne, from the BlitzBokke. "But the game is so unpredictable. Anything can happen in a game of 20 minutes and a split second can change it all. There is a party atmosphere, but the adrenalin is always pumping for players and spectators. No wonder the stadiums are always packed."

Truth: Sevens rugby has a party atmosphere, but a serious amount of hard work goes into the sport on and off the field.

Myth: It’s for players that can’t play the 15-man game "It’s true that playing Sevens rugby is a stepping-stone for some players, but there are also those players who choose it as their careers," says BlitzBokke coach Neil Powell. And the latest player to bust this myth is Cornal Hendricks. For years he was a star player for the BlitzBokke and this season he has made his very successful debut for the Springboks.

He is not the only player to prove that you can be good in both games. Others include Bob Skinstad, Gio Aplon and Breyton Paulse. Most of the players currently in the Sevens squad play Sevens rugby full-time and have contracts with the SA Rugby Union, not a province.

Myth: The players are small In a way this makes sense. Players need to be fast, agile and skillful, and people reckon that the bigger you are, the slower you get. Some of South Africa’s best-known players were small, for example, Fabian Juries was 173 cm and weighed 76 kg and Gio Aplon 175 cm at 80 kg. But to say that all the best are small is not right. Currently, Branco du Preez is one of the star players at 166 cm and weighs 72 kg. The captain Kyle Brown is 182 cm at 96 kg and Frankie Horne is 183 cm at 105 kg. The biggest player is Chris Dry at 191 cm and 98 kg, and he's also one of the fastest.

Truth: Playing this form of the game is not only their choice, but also their first choice … for now at least.

Truth: Like all stereotyping, this one comes far short.

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Speedster Werner Kok on the training field and ready to beat Shaun Adendorf.

EVENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR: FOR ALL THOSE WHO WANT TO TEST THESE MYTHS AND TRUTHS, THE BLITZBOKKE ARE IN ACTION IN THE COMING WEEK AT THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES IN GLASGOW, SCOTLAND. THEREAFTER, YOU WILL FIND THEM AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN RIO. YES, IT'S AN OLYMPIC SPORT! • For more information on Sevens rugby, visit www.sarugby.net or follow Sevens rugby on Facebook - www.facebook.com

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SEVENS AT THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES 26 July: South Africa v Trinidad & Tobago; South Africa v Cook Islands; South Africa v Kenya.

27 July: Qualification matches and play-off matches THE 2014/2015 IRB SEVENS SERIES Gold Coast, Australia: 11-12 October 2014 Dubai: 5-6 December 2014 Port Elizabeth, SA: 13-14 December 2014 Wellington, NZ: 6-7 February 2015 Las Vegas, USA: 13-15 February 2015 Hong Kong: 27-29 March 2015 Tokyo, Japan: 4-5 April 2015 Glasgow, Scotland: 9-10 May 2015 Twickenham, England: 16-17 May 2015

OBSTACLE SPORTS

Words: Sam Bradley | Photos: Cristie Bradley

JUMPING JACKS IN THE CITY OF DURBS

"WHAT IS JUMP CITY?" IS THE QUESTION I WAS ENDLESSLY ASKED DURING THE WEEK BUILDING

UP TO THE EVENT ON SATURDAY, 28 JUNE. Not too sure

myself, and with anticipation building, I discovered from the website that it promised to be a trail run, an adventure and obstacle course all rolled into one hugely entertaining event.

The climbing poles form part of the 'Bucket and spade' challenge, a 500 m stretch of beachfront turned into an obstacle course for the event.

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EARLY ON THE MORNING OF THE EVENT WE JOINED MANY BRIGHTLY CLOTHED ATHLETES CONVERGING ON MOSES MABHIDA STADIUM, THE

GLOOMY WEATHER DOING NOTHING TO DAMPEN THE BOISTEROUS ATMOSPHERE.

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Athletes scrambling over some of the obstacles, the overcast conditions doing nothing to dampen the atmosphere.

Facing us was a course comprising 21 obstacles set over a 9.8 km route, with athletes taking off in batches every 10 minutes to ease congestion at the obstacles.

Setting off in a blaze of youthful exuberance we met our first challenge at the 'Stairway to heaven'. Depending on your mind frame, this was either a cruel and unusual form of punishment or a fantastic way to see the sights of the beautiful Moses Mabhida soccer stadium and Kings Park rugby stadium. Either way, after getting from the top of the stadiums to the bottom multiple times (over 400 steps in total), our legs were burning and lungs on fire.

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Encouraged to enter in teams, as getting through some of the challenges with a bit of help and support is greatly encouraged.

NO REST FOR THE WICKED, SO AFTER A BRIEF TYRE-CARRYING EXERCISE AND MAKING OUR ESCAPE FROM THE STADIUM THROUGH

A FOREST OF PLASTIC NOODLES, WE MARCHED ON LIKE BATTLE-WEARY SOLDIERS TOWARDS THE BEACH.

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Teams used different tactics to navigate the harder parts of the beach challenge.

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BEFORE GETTING THERE WE HAD SOME SERIOUSLY STRENUOUS MONKEY BARS TO NEGOTIATE;

THESE PROVED TO BE THE TOUGHEST CHALLENGE OF THE EVENT, ALTHOUGH LUCKILY THERE WERE

first aid facilities available for the occasional casualty. Onwards and upwards we victoriously emerged, ready to tackle the 'Bucket and spade' challenge, 500 m of pristine Durban beachfront, scattered with ropes, climbing walls and other obstacles waiting to be conquered.

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EMERGING FROM THE BEACH, WITH SAND IN OUR HAIR AND TIRED SMILES ON OUR FACES, WE MADE OUR WAY TO THE FINAL AND MOST ANTICIPATED CHALLENGE AT THE KINGS PARK SWIMMING POOL.

Awaiting us was 'Keith’s way down', a 25 m floating bridge constructed of wooden pallets held together with rope and set across the length of the pool. Competitors had to run across the pallets, both quickly enough to stop from sinking into the water and skilfully enough to keep one's balance the whole way across.

From there it was a quick hop off the 5 m or 7 m diving board (luckily we got there before the queues got too long) and then we made our way, wet and dishevelled, towards the finishing line.

It was only upon crossing the finish line (after a final challenge of push-ups, sit-ups and star jumps had been successfully negotiated) that we realised the magnitude of the task we'd just completed. Instead of groaning and grunting our way through another gym routine, we had been able to get a really good workout while completing some fun challenges, appreciating the beautiful sites of Durban and enjoying the company of equally enthusiastic fellow competitors. So even though we didn’t win any of the prizes generously sponsored by Turbovite, Shift Concepts, Fit Chef and Coleman, we had no hesitation in happily making a pact to try again next year.

What you need to know Events take place in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban on a regular basis, and the cost to enter is roughly R200 per person.

For more information visit www.jumpcitychallenge.com •

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​ wo​competitors tackling the 'Keith's T way down​' 25​m ​ floating bridge.

Keeping your speed the whole way across is key to emerging on the other side​(relatively) dry.

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Don’t let the big one get away…

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We are ideally placed to ensure that you hook the big ones, the future leaders and key talent of your organisation of tomorrow.

Contacts Gauteng: Paul Plummer - pplummer@deloitte.co.za KZN: Sam Bradley - sabradley@deloitte.co.za WC: Andrea andhavenga@deloitte.co.za 96 • DO IT NOW Havenga Magazine | -#39

WINTER SPORTS

Words: Greg Gearing | Photos: Greg Gearing & Sam Bradley

THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS YOU DON’T NORMALLY ASSOCIATE WITH ONE ANOTHER; FOR EXAMPLE,

England winning the Soccer World Cup, Australia and good sportsmanship or South Africa and snow sports. However, a trip to Tiffindell Ski Resort in the Eastern Cape Highlands will force you to reconsider the latter.

Paddy, one of the instructors, showing us how to perform a jump.

APRÈS-SKI FUN,

LOCAL STYLE

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Carving up some African snow.

I RECENTLY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT TIFFINDELL FOR THREE NIGHTS, WITH MY GOOD FRIEND SAM BRADLEY. OUR TIMING COULD NOT HAVE BEEN BETTER AS ONE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S NOTORIOUS COLD FRONTS GRIPPED THE COUNTRY IN THE WEEK LEADING UP TO OUR TRIP. This ensured that there would at least be some natural snow to go along with that created by the snowmakers.

Knowing that we had a fair way to travel, approximately 650 km, we left Hilton early on Sunday morning hoping to get to the resort in time for an afternoon ski. As we drove, we watched the temperature gradually drop from a 'scorching' 5°C to a rather chilly -5°C.

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There are a few of ways to get to Tiffindell, depending on where you are approaching from and how adventurous you're feeling. The recommended route to the resort is to drive to Barkley East and then follow the signs to Rhodes Village. The other option is to go via New England/Wartrail, but this is strictly a 4x4 route and neither supported or recommended by the resort. The final option, if you are approaching from KwaZulu-Natal, is to travel to Rhodes via Naude’s Nek Pass (the highest pass in South Africa at 2,587 m above sea level), the route we chose to take.

The road via Naude’s Nek is twisty with a couple of rather steep sections, but if you have a vehicle with decent ground clearance you should not have any problems. The views along this road are spectacular and thanks to a tyre blowout, we had a chance to admire them for a little longer than usual. Although some may say the blowout was a result of us taking the more adventurous route, I think this had more to do with state of my tyres, which was confirmed by a second puncture on our arrival at Tiffindell.

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Trying to get to grips with the concept of snow skiing versus the more familiar water skiing.

THE FIRST THING THAT STRIKES YOU AS YOU APPROACH IS THE WHITE BLOTCH ON THE SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN THAT MAKES UP THE MAIN SKI SLOPE OF THE RESORT. AS YOU DRIVE INTO THE RESORT, YOU FEEL AS IF YOU HAVE BEEN TELEPORTED TO A EUROPEAN SKI VILLAGE, WITH THE LOG-CABIN-STYLE BUILDINGS DRAPED IN SNOW, CREATING A UNIQUE ATMOSPHERE.

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We arrived a little early for the 2 p.m. check in and decided not to waste any time and headed for the ski shop. Tiffindell is well equipped to cater for all your skiing/snowboarding needs and you can rent all the gear you require, including the appropriate clothing from the ski shop. Having got all our necessary equipment, we made our way to the beginners' slope to brush up on our skiing skills. After crashing into a fence pole on my first run down, it was clear that I needed a bit of time to get into the groove of things! A couple more runs on the beginners' slope and some helpful tips from the instructors and we were ready to head to the main ski slope. The main slope is steep and long enough (1 km long with a 270 m vertical decent) to gather a fair amount of speed and this coupled with our rustiness made for some rather spectacular crashes on our first day.

As the sun dropped behind the 2,720 m peak of Ben McDhui (the mountain Tiffindell is built on), we could feel the effects of an early start, which indicated that it was a good time to get acquainted with our chalet.

There are various options available depending on your specific needs, all of which are centrally heated and within 100 m of slope. Our chalet was fitted with all the modern amenities, including a well-equipped kitchen that allowed for self-catering, should you not choose to take advantage of the dinner, bed and breakfast (DB&B) option. I would highly recommend the DB&B option, as the food is great and you get more time to enjoy all the activities on offer.

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TIFFINDELL HAS A LARGE GROUP OF LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL STAFF WHO ARE ALL EXPERIENCED, ENERGETIC AND EXTREMELY HELPFUL. Each night they provided us with some sort of entertainment, including a flame-torch ski demonstration that sees the instructors literally ski right into the Ice Station 2720 (Tiffindell’s legendary pub). The Ice Station is also home to a few other interesting activities, such as the upside downers, where you strap yourself into a pair of skis bolted to the roof and down a shot of your preferred drink.

Although skiing is the main attraction of Tiffindell, the resort is also a great place to relax, unwind and enjoy the spectacular scenery that surrounds the area. During summer, guests can go mountain biking, fly fishing, grass skiing, quad biking, and alpine hiking.

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Some of the local kids learning to ski through the Tiffindell Ski Pups programme.

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THE GREAT ADVANTAGE OF TIFFINDELL IS THE EASY ACCESSIBILITY THAT IT PROVIDES TO SOUTH AFRICANS, PARTICULARLY WHEN COMPARED TO OVERSEAS TRIPS THAT REQUIRE VAST AMOUNTS OF TIME AND MONEY.

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Although your options in terms of slopes are limited, it's still a fantastic place to learn how to ski and become more comfortable with the sport. There is also something quite surreal about skiing in Africa.

Tiffindell Skiing Academy Tiffindell is also where you will find South Africa’s first-ever Winter Sports Academy, which is headed by three-time Winter Olympian Alex Heath.

Extremely passionate about the sport, Alex has a vision to see South African skiers competing on the world stage.

Already, the academy has produced the first black South African Champion, Tsotane Dywili, an instructor at the academy, and earlier this year, Sive Speelman went to the Youth Olympics and qualified for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Currently, there are ten pupils who attend the academy for three months of the year. The pupils have daily access to the slopes, with formal classroom lessons in the afternoon.

The Tiffindell Development Programme, the Ikhepu Ski Pups, also provides lessons for kids from the local schools in the area on a weekly basis, thus introducing these children to the joys of skiing and giving them the opportunity to enjoy a sport that few other South African kids will ever get to do. • For more information on the ski academy, contact Alex Heath on heath4rsa@gmail.com

Sam Bradley​heads to the top of the beginners​'​slope​,​to try brush up on his skiing before attempting the main slope.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Getting there: Tiffindell Ski Resort is located 650 km (7.5 hours) from Durban, 520 km (6 hours) from East London and 420 km (4.5 hours) from Bloemfontein.

Accommodation and pricing: Tiffindell has 152 beds, which are either in family chalets, leisure chalets or mountain suites. Guests can book three-night packages (Sunday to Wednesday) or four-night packages (Wednesday to Sunday). Prices for a three-day package range from R4,195 to R5,770 per person and includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner, ski pass and ski equipment hire (it excludes lunch, drinks and ski clothes hire).

Self-catering options are also available.

Contact details: Visit www.tiffindell.co.za or email reservations@snow.co.za

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Greg Gearing m ​ aking ​hisy way to the top of the slope, while enjoying the beauty of skiing in bright sunshine!

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TRAVEL

Words & Photos: Xen & Adri Ludick

"

When it comes to amazing wilderness areas, Africa is blessed to have numerous scattered across her continent.

We recently had the opportunity to visit two extraordinary places in Botswana, the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park.

This was our first trip to the area and everything we had read about lived up to our expectations and confirmed what all the articles had reported on.

Botswana Going wild in

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"

Moremi Game Reserve is situated in the central and eastern areas of the Okavango. Although not one of the largest parks, Moremi is a stunning montage of lily-covered wetlands, sparkling floodplains, open grassland and dappled forests.

This all makes for one of Africa's finest wildlife areas and attracts nearly 500 species of bird (from water birds to forest dwellers), many migratory and some endangered. Both black and white rhino have been reintroduced, making the reserve a ‘Big Five’ destination.

We started our trip to the Moremi Game Reserve at the Audi Tented Camp just outside Maun, in Botswana. After a good night's sleep, we set off early the next morning for South Gate, situated at the southern entrance to Moremi, with the intention of overnighting at Third Bridge. Prior to the start of our trip, we'd heard about the flooding and stories

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of deep water channels and were advised to take the route via the Kudu Flats and Xakanaxa to Third Bridge. However, Audi Tented Camp's staff told us it was safe to travel via the First and Second Bridge. We were so happy that we took this route because we saw herds of elephant, giraffes, zebras and impalas grazing contentedly as we passed by.

Not really knowing what to expect at Third Bridge, we had booked campsite 6. Next time we will definitely ask for either stand 2 or 8, as our campsite was right at the entrance and a popular meeting place for the game rangers to stop and have a chat over their very early morning coffee.

The next day we did the Mboma Island loop. This road takes you past the varying landscapes of savanna, swamp and mopane vegetation, and is where we saw buffalo, zebra, giraffe, impala, elephant, and warthogs,

as well as birds such as egrets, herons, ibis, ducks, and geese. The road was very overgrown, with many sharp bends, and as we were going around a tight bend we almost ran into an elephant. Not happy about the interruption, we had to beat a hasty retreat to get away from the ear-flapping, storming young elephant. I was relieved when we were in the open again and had left the elephant behind. There was still more excitement in store for us that evening when we saw an African wild cat at the ablutions, but it scuttled passed us and into the surrounding bush.

The next day we travelled over Third Bridge, crossing a plain filled with many animals and birds, to Fourth Bridge.

From there, we took the dry route to Xakanaxa, which is located in one of the most beautiful areas of the Okavango Delta. Here, the mopane forests meet a patchwork of deep waterways and shallow flooded areas; it's unforgettably beautiful, packed with game and the area's birdlife is varied.

Although the winding road through the forest was tiring, a large herd of elephants with a few small ones made it all worthwhile. However, the Xakanaxa Campsite didn’t impress us as it was very open, but with more views over the swamps, while the shaded campsites at Third Bridge were more to our liking. Every night we heard lions and hyenas, and then on our last evening we heard a lion roar not 100 m away from us and 'the earth moved'.

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"

On our way back to South Gate the next morning, we came upon six magnificent lions lounging in the road and enjoying the sun. They were so lazy that we had to travel through the veld to avoid them.

We refuelled in Maun before travelling back to the Khwai Community Campsite. This was the cleanest camp, with the friendliest staff, we have encountered so far in all our travels. We spent two relaxing days under the weeping willow trees reading, going on game drives and just enjoying nature. We visited the Khwai 'shopping centre', which stocks the bare necessities, wood and a small selection of alcohol. Although we enjoyed the shade of campsite 5, next time we will ask for campsite 3, as it overlooks the Khwai River and Bridge, or campsites 8, 9 or 10, which look out over the Khwai River and open plains.

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We proceeded to Mogotlho Camp, in the Khwai Community Trust area, but to get there we had to negotiate a water channel. This was our first attempt at such a crossing, so I walked across first to determine the depth. Cautiously, Xen drove the Patrol through without any problems; another new experience to tick off our list. Arriving at the camp we discovered there were no ablutions, but you could select any of the available campsites. We were lucky to find campsite 2 unoccupied, which in our minds is one of the best sites as it overlooks the Khwai swamp area and a beautiful plain.

Not long after we'd settled under a tree, some elephants came grazing around us. At one stage, one elephant was not more than 20 m away from us; we'd never been so close to elephants without a fence. They were calm and beautiful to watch as they silently moved passed us, over the plain and into the swamps to quench their thirst.

At night, we were treated to a symphony of the roar of lions, laughing hyenas and barking impalas.

Even though we would've liked to stay longer, the road north and another adventure were calling.

The road to Mababe Gate was terrible, however the stunning views from Leopard Rock and Twin Hills, close to Savuti, and the buffalo, giraffe, zebras, impalas, steenbok and two spotted hyenas we saw more than made up for the bad road.

Our next destination was Linyanti via Savuti.

Nestled in the furthest corner of the Chobe National Park, Linyanti is described as the hidden gem of the Chobe. It is very secluded and uncrowded, yet its beauty is beyond words.

This remote area consists of swamp, grasslands reminiscent of the Serengeti and vast tracts of sandy plains. The Savuti Linyanti is also the site of the annual zebra migration.

After Savuti we had to negotiate a sand ridge road, which consisted of very thick sand. It took us about five hours to reach Linyanti Campsite, and what a wonderful surprise it was! We stayed at campsite 1, which overlooks the Linyanti River, swamps and far into the distance. To the west was Nkasa Rupara National Park (formerly Mamili) and to the north Namibia. At night, the hippos would come out of the river and graze a mere 10 m away from us. With nightjars serenading us at night and the hauntingly beautiful cry of fish eagles resonating throughout the day, this was paradise.

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From Linyanti we travelled northeast towards Kasane via the Nogatsaa area. Kasane is situated on the banks of the Chobe River in the far north east of Botswana, close to Africa's 'Four Corners' junction - Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe all meet up there. The area mainly consists of mopane trees, clay soil and an abundance of elephant pools. At one pool, we saw a group of elephants drinking water together and couldn’t believe the amount of small baby elephants playing amongst them.

After stocking up on fuel and food, we travelled to Senyati Safari Camp, about 7 km outside Kazungula on the Nata Road.

The camp is famous for its waterhole, as it attracts hundreds

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of elephant each day during the dry season, and each campsite has its own ablution block and open kitchen.

From the comfort of our campsite, we delighted in the antics of several groups of elephants that came to drink water and roll in the mud pools.

Sadly, this portion of our travels came to an end, but the Nxai Pans and Kubu Island were calling…

Until the next time, safe travels. •

NATURE

Words & Photos: Chris Green

Arriving at the water's edge, the splendour that surrounds us hints at what is to come.

The other guests and I step into the waiting boat for the ride to nXamaseri Island Lodge, situated in the Okavango Delta, and our journey begins on a path of clear water through a savannah of reeds. Jacana, also known as the Jesus bird, both greater and lesser, gaze at the boats passing and some reluctantly glide to a safer distance. 

embrace nXamaseri's

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The world shifts as the water opens up and the boat enters one of the main channels of the Okavango Delta. Beauty unfolds itself to welcome us, as pied kingfishers rise, twirling together.

Fish eagles silently stand sentinel, occasionally adding their solo song to the symphony of sound. Bee eaters constantly attract our attention as they dart before the boat, they are like light captured in colour. As the boat rounds the final corner, nXamaseri comes into view. Time slows as the camp leans in, framed by the afternoon light. The moment grows, wrapping itself around you and as the boat enters the calm waters next to the jetty, we slip into nXamaseri time.

For some, nXamaseri offers a place of rest after a long safari or months of hard work. For others, it is the call of the tiger fish and the expected struggle with one of fishing’s best fighters. Lastly, there are those who have come to view the wonders of the bird life, which add sound, colour and movement to an already exquisite landscape. I am here for the opportunity to experience the delta from a new perspective, as well as the prospect of tiger fishing.

Reluctant to let any of the daylight hours slip by, I wake up just as the sky acquires its first brush of orange. From my bed, I can see the river being lit up by the predawn golden glow. The birds seem to rise with me and the call of a fish eagle prompts me to go for a quick morning shower. A race along the wooden walkway soon follows, as I rush to get to the jetty before the sun breaks above the horizon. The rising sun finds me sitting on the jetty, watching the landscape explode into colour as the birds take their day’s first flight.

A piercing call announces the arrival of a pair of fish eagles, which spent every day in the trees above or opposite us. Otters glide past, morning and evening, breaking the sunrise reflecting on the water. As the morning begins to settle down, it is back to the deck to attack the continental breakfast spread.

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A pied kingfisher looking for its next meal.

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Tiger fishing is just one of the activities to keep you entertained at nXamaseri.

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It was then onto the water for the morning's fishing.

Although not the ideal time of year for tiger fishing, during my two days at the camp I was able to catch 13 tigers, despite letting around 70% escape me.

These fish have an incredibly hard mouth, meaning you have to strike aggressively and at the right time to keep them on the hook. Once on, they offer a great fight. Most fisherman will have heard that the tiger fish is the ultimate fresh water fight, and it is a well-deserved reputation.

Every now and then we pull a bream in, excellent alternative entertainment.

The fish usually begin to go off the bite around eleven, so I return to the lodge for some relaxation before lunch. A highlight of my stay is the food, especially the home-made fresh bread and rolls. Every meal is characterised by a comment from one of the ladies on the fact that they are going to have to work off the weight being added on, but they were unwilling to eat any less. After lunch, those knocked into a stupefied state spend the afternoon napping or lounging on the couches. For those still able to function, there is the option of a walk around the island, fishing off the jetty or taking in the bird life on a relaxing makoro ride.

The arrival of afternoon tea is the signal for us to rouse ourselves from our respective states of ineptitude. Cake and coffee soon has everyone ready for an afternoon fishing session, our desire fuelled by the other groups' fishing stories. Afternoon fishing usually starts slowly, but as the sun begins to slip towards its resting place, the fish start to take. Sunset would find us, hopefully, with a fish on the line, while others break the rippling orange surface of the water around us. A jumping tiger fish, struck by the rays of the setting sun, is a must-see sight. Once the sun drops to a point that necessitates our return to the lodge, we huddle up in our warm jackets and crack open a beer of choice.

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Sitting round a roaring fire and enjoying the view over the water.

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Evenings are spent around a blazing fire, drink in hand and comparing safari and fishing stories. The call for dinner is always eagerly received, with everyone moving quickly to the table, drawn by the lure of a delicious three-course meal. As the call of hippos begin to dominate the night sounds, after-dinner drinks are enjoyed around the fire. Reluctantly, we disperse to bed, struck by the realisation that too late a night might mean missing out on the magic of the next morning. As hippos move around, sometimes under your cottage, it is surprisingly easy to slip into a peaceful slumber.

Eventually, it is time to leave nXamaseri and return to the cold embrace of the real world, where time will resume its usual progress. There will always be the memory of nXamaseri though, the music of the birds and the pull of the tiger waiting to welcome us back. • Contact - Email info@nxamaseri.com or visit the website, www.nxamaseri.com Clothes - It is surprisingly cold on the water in the evening, so pack some warm clothes. Most of my time was spent in slops and shorts though.

When to go - For the avid fisherman, plan to go during the barbel run, which normally takes place in early September. It sounds unreal and has gone to the top of my must-do list. For birders, any time is amazing, but my recommendation would be spring.

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HIKING

Words & Photos: Kevin Sawyer, www.kevinsawyer.co.za

A group of adventurous mates and I recently hiked the Primitive Wilderness Trail, located within the boundaries of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, a wilderness area that covers some 30,000 hectares of the park's 66,000 hectares. This trail is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts who want to combine a true wilderness experience with backpacking through the bush and sleeping out under the stars - and this is exactly what it delivers.

Donnee Standeaven admiring the view from a rocky ledge during a lunch ​ break on one of our day hikes.

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We had two field rangers accompanying us on the hike, which was done over five days.

Although there is no set trail to follow, the field rangers used their in-depth knowledge of the area and judgment to determine the best 'route' that would provide the most valuable experience possible for us trailists.

There were no time constraints or pressure, so once we had gathered our equipment and food each morning, we leisurely set off into the wilderness for an approximately 7-9 km hike, following animal paths and the river. As we hiked, the field guides shared their vast knowledge and experiences about the surrounding areas and animals in the reserve with us, and the kilometres eased by quickly and easily.

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Catching the last light late in the afternoon from a high rocky ledge. which was our campsite for our last night. Â

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The night sky and stars have always amazed me and ​t​his was a shot I took during my night shift between 4 ​a​.​m​. and 6 a​.​m​.​

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Although the chances of seeing the Big Five in iMfolozi are good, this is not the main aim of a trail.

The focus is to introduce trailists to the concept of exploring and education of the wilderness area and everything within it, rather than tracking and sighting animals. The area is incredibly beautiful, with an abundance of interesting fauna and flora and breathtaking views from high cliffs, which are cut through by the White Umfolozi River.

All four nights were spent out in the bush, camping under the glittering stars and next to a small fire. Each day, a different campsite was carefully chosen by the field guides, as camping in the wilderness area follows an extremely strict minimum-impact and no-trace ethic.

After a full day out in the reserve, there were certain responsibilities that came with living in the bush. Each of us would collect a few pieces of firewood for the fire that night, which was not just to keep us warm as the light faded and temperature dropped but to keep the many animals that came out at night away. On our first night in the bush, while camping alongside the river on a big rocky ridge, we could see hyenas moving slowly across the opposite river bank.

We would also help set up the camp while the field guides prepared a fire and cooked our evening meal.

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A rocky hillside along the river made a suitable campsite for us on night ​two​ and t​hree of our trail, as we relaxed with a blazing fire and the sounds of animals on the opposite banks. ​This is where we saw the hyena​.

Sitting round a roaring fire and eating our dinner, we could hear the sounds of the bush come alive.

Out in the open and with total darkness surrounding us, it sometimes felt like we were being watched and that's when my imagination took over and shadows became hungry predators just waiting to pounce. The fire definitely helped to calm the nerves and so did the entertaining stories the field guides shared with us about their bush experiences. Soon, animated conversation and laughter took over the camp and I would forget that we were surrounded by wild animals, vulnerable and needed to stay alert.

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The sun falls behind the hills in the distance on our final night in the bush.Â

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However, the nerves returned when everyone went to bed and my turn for the night shift was about to begin.

Hourly shifts throughout the night were appointed to each member on the trail, to keep watch over the camp and maintain a small fire that would deter any animals approaching or getting too close. The shifts also served to enable us to embrace silence and solitude, qualities that are difficult to experience in today’s world.

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The highlight of the trail for me was definitely our first morning. One of my friends had heard a commotion in the bush across the river during his shift the night before, so after our morning cup of coffee we all crossed the river to find out what had happened. To our great surprise, we discovered a half-eaten female kudu carcass not too far from our campsite. This created a lot of excitement amongst us as we also wanted to share in this feast, provided by one of Africa's top predators. There was enough meat on the carcass to cut two large fillets, which we cleaned and packed in bags for dinner that evening.

If you love the bush and don't mind basic living, then this trail is a must do. Not only is it food for the soul, it reinforces just how important it is to preserve the wilderness so that future generations can also experience the wonders of nature. •

For more information on the trail, visit: www.kznwildlife.com

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An unusual perspective of an amazing view admired by a good friend sitting on a ​distant rock.

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​ e came across this elephant​, which W was busy​finding the best leaves from the tree tops​,​across the river as we made our way along the river bed to our rocky hillside on night ​three.

Tips:

• Pack light (you never use all the clothing items you think you will), but pack warm, especially in winter and never underestimate the cold.

• A good sleeping bag is a must.

• Pack extra socks, good foot care is important. Crossing the river is a daily activity and wet socks are not cool.

• A good torch or head torch is essential for your night shift.

• If you don’t like your legs getting scratched up, take long pants or Gators.

• Always have space in your bag for snacks.

Items in my bag:

• First Ascent base layer full length thermals • K-way water-resistant hiking pants • Salomon X mid-layer jacket • Salomon outer shell journey jacket (tech) • Salomon beanie • Buff • Salomon Speedcross 3 trail shoes • Falke double-layer hiking socks • LED Lenser headlamp (220 lumens) • K-way self-inflating sleeping mattress • Sleeping bag (-7 to +15 degrees) • Gas cooker with coffee steamer pot (essential for my personal survival)

Camera gear used: • Canon Eos 7D • Canon 16-35 mm f2.8 II USM • Manfrotto Lightweight Carbon Fibre 3-section tripod • Various ND graduated filters

Best time to go:

In my opinion, July/August (during winter), when the bush is not overgrown and dense. I also prefer the cold weather.

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Words: Alex Johnson

GREAT HIKING DESTINATIONS

It doesn’t matter which country you are in, except possibly Holland,

there will always be some sort of mountain or hill to hike up.

Here are ten great hiking areas around the world.

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10

HIKING

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Fjords, Norway

The Norwegian Fjords are something of real beauty. The most popular cliff to hike is the 604 m Preikestolen, or Preacher’s Pulpit in English. To reach the summit, one must embark on a 3.8 km hike on some dated paths. Luckily, the Norwegian government is improving them as we speak.

The cliff looks out onto the lush Ryfylke region, which has plains interspersed with gorgeous blue lakes. If you are at the top on a clear day then it's highly likely that you will want to stay there.

It really is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Europe.

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Blyde River Canyon, South Africa The Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest canyons on the planet and its subtropical foliage makes it the largest 'green canyon' in the world. Also known as one of the great wonders of nature on the continent, the Blyde River Canyon is located in Mpumalanga; a fantastic base camp due to its size and amenities, ranging from bars, hostels, hospitals and even a casino (the casino itself is pretty highly rated with YeboYesCasino.co.za).

The canyon is 1,383 m in depth and the highest peak is Mariepskop, at 1,944 m high. With 25 km to explore, the canyon is a perfect place to spend a few days trekking.

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Fiordland, New Zealand

This mountain area was already regarded as one of the finest walking areas on the planet before the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed there. Now, it is a quintessential destination for any hiker, or fan.

The Fiordland is challenging and rewarding all at the same time.

The diverse, rugged terrain is in stark contrast to the clear blue waters at the base, giving the whole region a mystical feel. The Milford Sound, one of the areas of the Fiordland, was called the eighth wonder of the world by acclaimed author Rudyard Kipling. So it is little wonder then that Peter Jackson decided it was the perfect place for these Middle-earth movies.

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Hua Shan (Mount Hua), China You may have seen pictures of people ascending this mountain before. To reach the top you need to perilously attach yourself to the metal chains hammered into the mountain and carefully walk across a plank of wood - and these planks are pretty damn narrow!

There is a certain sense of danger to the mountain but many novices attempt, and succeed, the route every year. And when you are above the clouds at 2,154.9 m, the risks become totally worth it.

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Andes, South America

The Andes is the longest mountain range on the planet; stretching through Argentina, Chile, Peru, Boliva, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. It is also the highest mountain range outside of Asia, with an average height of 4,000 m. For experienced climbers, there is the 6,960.8 m high Aconcagua Mountain, but there are plenty of other places to enjoy and explore, such as the home of the Incas, Machu Picchu, in the Peruvian Andes.

What makes the Andes so brilliant is the amount of major cities that have set up base in the region. La Paz, Bolivia’s capital; Quito, Ecuador’s capital and Bogota, the capital of Colombia are all found in the range, so the Andes is pretty much logistically sound.

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The Alps, Europe

The Alps, spread through eight European countries, is a favoured skiing area for many in Europe. However, when the snow melts in the summer, it makes for perfect hiking trips.

While Mount Blanc may be the biggest and most iconic mountain in the range, there are over 100 miles to explore, with each part differing drastically from the next. Most of the Alps is perfect for novice walkers and if you like The Sound of Music then you can pretend to be the Von Trapps.

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Mount Rainier,

USA

Found in the state of Washington, North West America, Mount Rainier is actually a volcano. Luckily, for the time being it is dormant, but it could explode at any given moment.

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The 4,392 m volcano requires professional gear to reach the top, but it also has numerous trails for beginners. Looking out at the town of Tacoma beneath is dumb founding, you just have to hope that it doesn’t decide to blow.

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Kalalau Trail,

America

We all know that Hawaii is beautiful but it will never appear more beautiful than when you embark on the Kalalau Trail. This 22-mile walk takes you around the perimeter of Hawaii's Kauai Island, as you take in the vivacious green of the foliage around you and sparkling blue Pacific Ocean to your right.

The trip requires you to camp at either Hanakoa Valley or Kalalau Beach because for most it is a two-day event. I'm sure you could think of a few places that are a lot worse to sleep on than a sandy Hawaiian beach. Natural beauty doesn’t come much better than the Kalalau Trail.

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Himalayas, Nepal Everyone knows Mount Everest, but the Himalayas has so much more to it than that behemoth. The Nepalese Mountain range has numerous mountains to climb and it is also the source of three of the world’s largest rivers: the Indus, Ganges and Tsangpo-Brahmaputra.

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Despite the rough landscape there are some incredibly picturesque locations found there, no more so than the tranquil Pangong Tso Lake.

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El Caminito del Rey, Spain

The little pathway, as it translates, was originally built in 1905 as a way to connect the hydroelectric power plants on either side of El Chorro gorge. Nowadays, this little pathway, which is 3.3 feet in width, is a popular destination for hikers. I mean, who wouldn’t want to cross a narrow path, minus handrails, suspended 100 m above the river below? The route is currently in disrepair but the local government have undertaken steps to safely restore it.

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Words: Schalk van der Merwe, Biokineticist

TOP 10 RULES FOR OPTIMUM FITNESS

LET’S FACE IT, BEING FIT IS HARD WORK AND TAKES COMMITMENT.

Having said that though, there are a lot of so-called 'quick and easy' methods to achieve fitness and training results surfacing all over the place.

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HEALTH | FITNESS

THE ADVICE I AM ABOUT TO IMPART IS NOT NEW, IT’S NOT EARTH SHATTERING AND DOES NOT COME ENDORSED

BY ANY CELEBRITY. It is however, tried

and tested and bound to improve your levels of fitness and performance immensely if adhered to. Here are my rules for achieving optimum fitness:

1 BREATHING

In my experience, I have seen so many people train without breathing correctly. Not exhaling when they should, not breathing deeply enough and, worst of all, holding their breath for full sets. This is obviously not great. Breathing is important, not only for providing oxygen to the brain but it also helps to decrease blood pressure during exercise.

Improving your oxygen uptake also helps with focus and control. Your workout will be far more effective and you will be able to train for longer periods.

2 HYDRATION

During exercise, our bodies lose vital fluids and electrolytes.

These need to be replaced regularly and the amount of fluid depends on the intensity of the exercise. My rule of thumb though, is when you are thirsty, drink. When you have been training outdoors in the heat, you will require more fluids than when you are pushing some weights in the gym. Hydration is key to managing your recovery after any workout and it also helps prevent muscle cramps and, indirectly, injury.

3 NUTRITION

Making sure that your diet includes a variety of vitamins and minerals is essential. They help prevent the onset of illness and disease. It is important to have a balanced diet, and colourful, bright vegetables, lean portions of protein and fruit are the building blocks of good nutrition. I suggest you contact a dietician for a detailed eating plan that takes your individual needs into account.

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4 CHANGE YOUR WORKOUT

REGULARLY

The human body is a wonderful piece of machinery. It is clever and adapts very quickly to demands imposed upon it. Research has shown that when it comes to exercise, it is a good idea to keep it guessing. Our bodies generally take about eight weeks to adapt to any type of exercise.

To make sure that you are continually challenging yourself and achieving your goals, it is important to adjust and adapt your training regularly. This also combats boredom associated with repetitive gym routines.

5 FLEXIBILITY

Stretching and its place in training has been a topic of debate for some time now. We know the physiological effect of stretching, but the jury is still out as to when the best time to stretch is. What is known though is that stretching is beneficial, regardless of when you do it. In my opinion, as long as you stretch, you will reap some kind of reward. Injury prevention, improved posture and improved performance are all benefits associated with stretching regularly. I recommend yoga, pilates and some dynamic and static stretches.

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6 DON’T SKIMP ON THE CARDIO

Cardiovascular exercise is always beneficial. The problem with this is that it generally takes time, valuable time, right? Wrong. The latest trend in training is high-intensity interval training (HITT), which is based around quick bursts of high-intensity training. This can be done in the space of 10 to 15 minutes. For the more 'old school' trainers, classic cardio consisting of cycling, treadmills, rowers and the like should not be undermined. At the end of the day, cardio is important because it helps strengthen the most important muscle in the body, the heart. It will also help improve overall stamina, endurance and have a great bearing on improved health. Try to do 20 to 30 minutes worth of cardio exercise on a daily basis, if possible.

7 ADD RESISTANCE

By including extra resistance to your current training programme, you will help accelerate your metabolism. It helps to burn fat over a prolonged period and increase bone strength. Furthermore, it makes you appear more toned and stronger and helps improve your ability to do everyday tasks with more ease, without placing yourself at risk for injury.

8 SLEEP AND RELAXATION

You need 'downtime' to be able to perform during your 'uptime'. Engage in activities like yoga, pilates and some dynamic stretches. Meditation is also a great way to remain focused and it allows you to recover from within.

9 CONSISTENCY

As with any training, consistency is key. It’s no good training hard for a week and then taking a week off. If you lose a day or two don’t beat yourself up, rather ensure you make a plan and aim to stick to it. The more regularly you expose your body to exercise the better your results will be.

10 CONSIDER WORKING WITH A COACH

The quickest way to get results is to push yourself a little further. A coach can get you to do exercises you wouldn’t normally do by yourself. Ensuring correct technique and form are essential and this is also where a coach can be of benefit, as well as helping you to get you out of your training slump or back on track.

Just follow these simple and effective workout rules and enjoy a long, fit and healthy life - and have a blast doing it. • For more information or advice on reaching your optimal fitness, email Schalk on schalkvandermerwe340@gmail.com

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HEALTH | FITNESS

Words: Hannele Steyn

FEEL

GREAT STILL IN THE FIRM GRIP OF WINTER'S ICY TENTACLES, ITS EASY TO EXPERIENCE THE WINTER BLUES WHEN SUMMER SEEMS SO FAR AWAY.

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But don't let the cold get you down because feeling great is just a few easy steps away.

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IN AN EARLIER ARTICLE, I SPOKE ABOUT HOW TO OVERCOME THE COLD, DARK MORNINGS AND EVENINGS WHEN YOU ARE TRAINING. NOW THAT YOU'VE GOT YOUR TRAINING IN HAND, LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK THAT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE A MILLION BUCKS. MULTIVITAMIN

It is essential to keep our immune system strong, especially in winter. Unless you eat 100% organic, you are going to battle to get the necessary nutrients from the food on the shelves. Therefore, you need to take a good multivitamin.

When choosing a mulitvitamin, the important thing to check on the label is that the tablets are coated with its own anti-oxidant, otherwise every time you open the bottle, the pills will oxidise and soon you will be swallowing rust.

Your multivitamin must also contain the whole spectrum of vitamins and minerals because they all work in synergy and one needs the other to be fully absorbed.

Food wise, try to eat fresh fruit and vegetables that are in season. Currently in season are citrus fruits, apples and guavas, which are packed with vitamins and goodness.

ESSENTIAL FATS

A good omega-3 is very important, as it plays a role in all your cell functions. Don’t go for the cheap ones beacuse the process to extract a pure (mercury-free) omega-3 oil with its molecules in the correct ratio is not a cheap process.

Food wise, avocados are full of essential fats and seasonal in winter. Fortunately, nuts are full of essential fats and in season all year round.

Another important supplement is CoQ10 (Co Enzyme Q10), as it plays a part in the mitochondria of all our cells and is literally 'heart food'. It also fulfills an important role in the manufacturing of ATP (energy) in our bodies. CoQ10 gets destroyed by statin drugs and also deteriorates with age.

Look for the natural form of CoQ10, namely Obequinol and not the chemical form, Obequinine.

If you hate taking any pills, then try some natural goodness, like Barley Green, as a daily supplement.

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NUTRITION

HYDRATION

Keep your meals balanced with: • Enough protein - Work on 1,5 to 2 g of protein per kg body weight, per day. And remember that a 200 g piece of steak does not contain 200 g of protein, only about 35 g.

• Carbs - Stick to low GI carbs, as they will give you a much better sustained energy level.

• Essential fats - You will find all the good fats in fatty fish, nuts, avos, grape seed oil, hemp oil and chia seeds, to name a few.

Keep up your water intake. As this is more difficult in winter, rather drink 500 ml warm water with lemon juice in the morning upon wakening and again before you go to sleep.

By doing this, you will have already consumed one litre of the two litres you should drink each day. In addition to being easier to drink, the added benefit here is that warm water flushes the kidneys and liver while cold water only flushes your kidneys. FYI: it's brilliant for a hangover as well.

Eat lots of nutritious soup, and make it yourself.

Take organic beef or chicken and boil with some leeks until the water is reduced, add some Marmite and yoghurt and caramelise. Then add some water and loads of your favourite veggies.

Let it cook until done, then add some more water and bring back to the boil. Eat as is or blend it for a smoother texture.

With reduced daylight hours in winter, most of your training might be indoors. Use this time to do shorter, harder training sessions. In place of those nice, long rides in summer, do some important cross-training (like weights, swimming, yoga, plyometrics, CrossFit, etc.). Always remember to have a good stretch before and after.

Stay away from processed foods, which are full of trans fats that clog your arteries and will lead to unnessesary weight gain. Another no-no is sugary food, as it spikes your insulin levels and creates absolute chaos in your body. Too much every day will eventually lead to diabetes. Also be very careful of having too many energy drinks and energy bars.

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EXERCISE

Every now and again, spoil yourself with a good massage.

If you have never tried meditation, give it a go, it will do wonders - and you don’t need to go out in the cold and dark to do it, but in the comfort of your own home.

WITH ALL THE ABOVE, HOW CAN YOU NOT FEEL GREAT AND ON TOP OF THE WORLD? •

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HOME-MADE MUESLI

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OATS PORRIDGE WITH A TWIST

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Cook it like ordinary oats, but expect a whole new taste sensation and a whole lot of twists. Contains protein, carbohydrates and essential fats to give you a sustained energy level. Diabetic friendly, wheat free, no trans fats and no preservatives.

Developed by Hannele Steyn,

BSc (Microbiology/ Genetics), Triathlon World Champion, winner of Cape Epic 2005 and Springbok colours in 5 sports

In selected stores and available online from

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Packed by

HEALTH | FITNESS

Words: Andre Bekker, Coach

Chris Froome, Rafael Nadal, Michael Schumacher, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Lionel Messi ... we read about them and see them on TV.

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We idolise these sportsmen and women and follow them. So what do they have that we admire so much, and can we take something from them and incorporate it in our lives and be winners too?

What makes a

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There are some clear attributes winners have.

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Genetics That’s your make up, also referred to as your pedigree. By definition, genetics is, in short, 'the common factor of qualities'. If you want to be a cyclist, for example, you need to be built in a certain way; have long or short twitch muscles, a bone structure that is light and strong and a power-to-weight ratio suitable for climbing or sprinting. If you are a tall guy and weigh 85 kg, you are just not going to be able to keep up with someone like Chris Froome.

Hunger

How badly do you want it? Winners have a mental toughness to them that redefines commitment; they are single minded. They are so hungry that they don’t find reasons why things cannot be done. They find reasons why it can be done and don’t question obstacles, they deal with it as a matter of fact. They are self-centered, calm and go about things with a purpose, one single purpose, to win, period! Often at whatever cost, as we have seen with Lance Armstrong.

There is no such thing as a friendly, happy-go-lucky winner.

Environment

I believe that your environment is a massive contributor to your success.

Many successful people in business and sport come from hard childhoods.

This has made them hungry to succeed. Other successful people come from very supportive and positive parents, who from a very early age created an environment that is conducive to growth and achievement. These parents normally come from a successful environment themselves. This environment is distinctly different to one where the parents force their child to achieve when they haven’t achieved anything, ever.

Mental approach

Your mental approach will either make or break you, and is commonly referred to as BMT (big match temperament). When the gun goes off, what happens to your constitution? Many highly talented people instantly crumble, while many mediocre athletes excel. How do you deal with the pressure that your environment and supporters put on you, and how does that line up with your expectations? There is nothing like sport to expose who you really are and what you are made of.

Passion

Lastly, successful athletes love what they do. They are extremely passionate and when you speak to them you can feel their passion. With the passion comes the drive and willingness to put in the hard work and long hours needed to be a winner.

I believe that all these features play an important role in all the top-performing athletes and, for that matter, successful businessmen.

So if you want to excel, be it at work or in sport, my question to you is do you want to achieve results or are you making excuses why you're not at the top of your game? Remember, success is not only defined in winning but in the effort and commitment you display towards achieving your own stretch goals. •

If you have any questions or need advice on coaching, please email Andre Bekker on a.bekker@mweb.co.za or visit http://5thdimensioncoaching.co.za

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HEALTH | FITNESS

Words: Doryce Sher, registered Pharmacist and Aromatherapist

Using essential oils to recover and heal sports injuries

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The use of essential oils for muscle and joint recovery has been in practice for centuries due to their anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

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For centuries, poultices consisting of infusions of essential oils from plants or the whole plant were applied onto a sore muscle or joint to treat pain and inflammation.

Even as recently as 50 years ago, lead- and opium-soaked bandages were commonly applied to bruised and sore muscles.

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How essential oils relieve symptoms Essential oils are practical because small quantities have a beneficial effect and are easily applied when mixed with a base oil or cream. Different essential oils have their own specific effect, for example some are anti-inflammatory, others relieve pain and some promote cell regeneration. The main benefit is the localised effect of essential oils that can be targeted at a specific area of injury or pain.

These oils are rapidly absorbed, fast acting and quickly metabolised, thereafter leaving no lasting or harmful side effects if used in small concentrations.

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This is good news for a sportsperson who endures an injury whilst training, especially if they are trying to avoid over-the-counter pain medication with potential long-term, harmful side effects.

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Key essential oils In clinical studies (IJA.2010.vol7, issue 2), essential oils are shown to reduce inflammation and pain and improve circulation, which is why they have become well used by sportsmen or women. These oils can be used alone, but when combined in the correct quantities and applied correctly, the results are more noteworthy. So let's look at the key essential oils that can help with sports injuries.

• Peppermint has a cooling effect on muscles and joints. Its main constituent is menthol and this ingredient is well known to help injuries with its cooling, icy effect.

• Rosemary has a slight irritant effect. It is rubefacient, which means it stimulates circulation, thus bringing fresh blood to an area that in turn supplies fresh oxygen and removes toxins or acid build up. It warms up an area of a joint or muscle.

• Ginger has a warming effect on muscles and joints, thus helping to relax tight muscles and taught tendons.

• Lavender has many uses including improving metabolism of cell tissue and repairing and promoting cell growth. This is especially useful where tissue has been damaged and needs to recover.

These essential oils work better when combined because of their alternate actions or the conflicting effects of cooling and warming. This has a beneficial action on the rapid healing of a joint or muscle that has been under strain.

Different applications • Massage - Essential oils can be used in a diluted form, mixed into a base or carrier oil, or a cream or gel. They can also be used diluted in warm water in which bandages are soaked and applied to an injured area. The creams, gels or oils can be massaged into the injured joint or muscle with the massage action also playing an important role in alleviating the pain.

• Spray - For very painful areas where the muscle or tendon is too sore to massage, or even for awkward areas where massage is tricky (like a knee or elbow), essential oils mixed in a water base (water with a dispersant and alcohol) can be applied via a spray application.

• Soak - Bath oils or salts containing the effective essential oils are wonderfully therapeutic as they provide absorption of the oils with the warmth increasing circulation and therefore healing.

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Precautions When using essential oils, there are a few points to bear in mind: • Combine oils for maximum effect.

• Essential oils are effective individually as well as when they are combined with other oils for a synergistic effect. The whole effect is more than the sum of its parts, therefore a mixture of more than one effect (hot and cold) is better than a single oil.

Less is better than more It must be cautioned that less is better than more. With aromatherapy and essential oils, very little is required to have a therapeutic benefit and because of their localised action, an effect or outcome is instant. Too much essential oil can cause irritation and because the oils are directly absorbed they have a fast, effective action.

Dilute oils properly It is advised to only use oils on the skin if they have been properly diluted (consult an aromatherapist for quantities). Moreover, if there is any adverse effect, the use should be terminated immediately.

So the next time you need to relieve a painful sports injury, try treating it the natural way with essential oils. • Aromatic Apothecary has developed a range of products that help relieve pain and sports injuries. Turning to the natural world to source active ingredients, only essential oils distilled from flowers, leaves, roots and stems or seeds of many different plants, which act on the mind, body and soul, are used. To view the product range visit www.aromatic.co.za/pain-relief/ or more information and research on aromatherapy contact Doryce Sher, F Co-Founder of Aromatic Apothecary on info@aromatic.co.za. oryce Sher, co-founder of Aromatic Apothecary, is one of South Africa’s D leading advocates on the regulation of complementary medicine, with a particular interest in Aromatherapy. Serving on and representing various health boards in South Africa, it is her passionate aim to ensure people are aware that there are choices when it comes to health and well-being.

About aromatherapy Aromatherapy at its core is the art and science of using essential oils extracted from aromatic plants, to improve and maintain the health and well being of the mind, body and spirit.

Disclaimer Aromatic Apothecary makes ready-to-use preparations. The advice offered is not meant to replace that of a professional medical consultant. Please proceed with caution when it comes to infants under six months, pregnant ladies, elderly or medically compromised persons – a doctor should be consulted when in doubt.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Words: Johlene Lehnberg ǀ Photos: Courtesy of Barista, Beyerskloof, Fleur du Cap, OBiKWA & Simonsig

PINOTAGE, A HOME-GROWN HERO IF EVER THERE WAS A HOME-GROWN ANTIDOTE TO WINTER’S CHILL IT IS NONE OTHER THAN THE SMOKY AND EARTHY FLAVOURS OF PINOTAGE, A GRAPE VARIETY FIRMLY ROOTED IN SOUTH AFRICA’S WINE HISTORY.

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It all started way back in 1925, when Dr A.I. Perold, a viticulture professor at Stellenbosch University, tried to combine the best qualities of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (referred to as Hermitage at the time).

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HISTORY LESSON ASIDE, LIKE MOST OTHER GRAPE VARIETIES PINOTAGE HAS ITS LOVERS AND HATERS. SO IT IS UP TO YOU TO GIVE IT A WHIRL AND DECIDE WHETHER YOU ARE A PINOTAGE FAN OR FOE. Let’s talk style. Pinotage wines are available in almost every style imaginable, from easy drinking to barrel-aged wine intended for cellaring, from easy quaffing rosé to robust reds, and even port. But with a touch of South African creativity you can also try out Coffee Pinotage or an exceptional Cape Blend.

Don’t fret, Coffee Pinotage does not contain actual coffee. The distinctive coffee / dark chocolate character of Coffee Pinotage is achieved by fermenting the wine on toasted wood. This is a new-world style of making wine and a favourite with novice wine lovers who have an adventurous palate. On the flip side, the Cape Blend might offer a more satisfying taste to seasoned wine enthusiasts who prefer more traditional style wines.

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A Cape Blend contains between 30% and 70% Pinotage combined with any other red variety. By blending Pinotage with other varieties, such as Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon, the winemaker allows each variety to contribute its own intrinsic value to the wine as a whole.

COVER UP AND IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ONE OF OUR HOME-GROWN HEROES, AND WITH SO MANY ALTERNATIVES AVAILABLE ON THE SHELF IT WILL NOT BE HARD TO FIND A NEW FAVOURITE. HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES: BEYERSKLOOF PINOTAGE Enjoy strong plum flavours with velvety tannins. This well-structured, medium-bodied wine has a fresh, superbly balanced finish. For the best taste experience drink it young.

Cellardoor price: R51

This full-bodied wine shows ample berry fruit, dominated by plum and sweetish fruit-cake character that is enhanced by a spicy oak finish. The palate is rich with ripe plum flavours and has a good tannin structure, which will soften with time.

Cellardoor price: R75

OBiKWA PINOTAGE OBiKWA Pinotage is an easy-drinking, medium-bodied wine boasting blackberry, plum and prune aromas, with oak spices in the background. These lovely aromas follow through on the palate.

Available from leading liquor outlets at around: R30

BARISTA PINOTAGE – A COFFEE PINOTAGE This Pinotage is jam packed with coffee, chocolate and cherry aromas, with meaty, savoury hints. The tannins are ripe, perfectly suiting the round and mouth-filling plum and mulberry fruit.

Available from wine outlets at around: R70

SIMONSIG FRANS MALAN – A CAPE BLEND This formidable blend of Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot has rich layers of plum, blackcurrant and fynbos, supported by a thread of cinnamon spice.

The delicate use of wood lends subtle chocolate and mocha flavours, with soft and supple tannins. This well-crafted, classic Cape Blend seamlessly melds the various fruit components into a beautifully balanced wine.

Cellardoor price: R180

FOOD FOR THOUGHT WHILST PINOTAGE SHARES SOME CHARACTERISTICS WITH ITS PARENTS, PINOT NOIR AND CINSAUT, IT CERTAINLY HAS A PERSONALITY OF ITS OWN. PREPARE YOUR PALATE FOR GENEROUS LAYERS OF FRUIT, SPICE AND HERBS, WITH AN UNDERLYING SAVOURY NOTE.

This densely structured, chunky wine loves robust meat and/or bean casseroles, but can also be successfully paired with grilled food that has a sticky, sweetish barbecue sauce. For a vegetarian alternative be sure to give Portobello mushroom dishes a try.

Delicate food, such as most fish dishes – snoek being the exception – is generally a no-go for this wine.

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FLEUR DU CAP BERGKELDER SELECTION PINOTAGE

HEALTH | FITNESS

Words: Eunice Visagie | Photos: Hanno Lategan

Athletes

In a world where we are looking for all that will make our lives faster and easier, 'instant' has become the magic word … just not in the case of coffee. Speaking to professional athletes, you soon realise that 'instant' coffee is not only frowned upon, it is also seen as a dirty word by some!

coffee

and their

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Nowadays,

it is not strange to hear people, especially professional sportsmen and women, talk about coffee in the same way connoisseurs talk about wine and chocolate. Not surprising then that the love for good coffee, wine and dark chocolate are something they cherish.

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Marisa Freeman,

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from Häzz in Stellenbosch and Gourmet Coffee Roasters, believes that even though the taste of good coffee does play a role in the hype around athletes and their coffee, there is more to it. "Just like 'regular' people enjoy a pick-me-up before exercise, athletes and cyclists, in particular, enjoy their caffeine fix before a ride. It is a known fact that caffeine assists in a better workout, and mental and physical performance," said Freeman.

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Triathlete Mari Rabie agrees. "Subjectively, it gives you a massive boost. I always drink coffee before I go training. It is like being part of a culture. It is also part of the daily routine," she said. Multisport-athlete Dan Hugo added, “It is a kind of relationship you have. It is a luxury you can afford."

Triathlete Richard Murray, like Hugo, has an appreciation for the finer things in life. "I have found a love for red wine, dark chocolate and coffee over the past few years as a professional triathlete.

Many a day, during the hard weeks, I see my consumption of coffee rise dramatically to three or four cups a day. As caffeine was once a banned substance some years ago, I find that this drink can both mentally and sometimes physically give me the lift I need to get through some sessions I was dreading, or just to enjoy a decaf in the evening with friends post dinner. The importance of knowing when, where and why to drink coffee should be tested and used both in training and racing. A naughty double espresso pre-race is now the must and I believe in quality coffee, which is ground fresh and at the perfect temperature. Form, functionality and enjoyment are the reasons behind coffee and I believe that when used correctly, is an amazing tool for endurance sports," commented Murray.

There are even some international athletes, like Spaniard Javier Gomez, who do not drink coffee during the week, but only before a race.

Even though coffee is great on a mental or physical level, your palate plays a role as well. According to Freeman, good coffee becomes great in three steps. "Having good coffee (beans) is the first of three factors. The other two biggest contributing factors are your equipment and barista*. On the equipment side, it is always best to invest in the highest quality your money can buy and then look after it properly. On the barista side, he/she has to be passionate and willing to improve daily. Other factors that contribute are good quality/filtered water, the correct grind, the correct roast profile, and the water or milk not being heated over boiling temperature. It is quite a science really!"

One gets the feeling that with the opening of more coffee shops and even magazines marketed at coffee lovers, it is the rise of the coffee snob. "I know my day is not complete without that perfect cup first thing, it leaves a feeling of longing. I can imagine that to be true for most people, including athletes. And if your day is made up of performing physically to your best, that what supplements your energy must be the best too," added Freeman.

Cynthia Sass, a nutritionist and registered dietitian with a Master’s degrees in both nutrition science and public health, wrote on news.health.com that coffee is a secret super food and if you exercise, caffeine can offer even more functional benefits for your workouts. She gives five reasons to enjoy it as part of an active lifestyle: Improved circulation, less pain, better memory, more muscle fuel and muscle preservation.

Along with the good news she also gives five basic rules to follow if you are a lover of coffee and an athlete: Don’t overdo it, incorporate it in healthy ways, be consistent with your intake, water must still be your beverage of choice and don’t drink coffee at least six hours before going to bed to prevent sleep interference.

Obviously, all lovers of coffee aren’t professional athletes though. Sass remains the bearer of good news and notes the following about coffee: It contains antioxidants, may lessen the risk of diabetes, gives a boost to your workout, may fend off aging and lowers the risk of diseases like colon cancer, liver cirrhosis, gallstones, breast and endometrial cancer. But once again she warns to drink in moderation.

So next time you visit you favourite coffee spot, remember there is so much more to that cup of greatness than just quality beans. • For more information on how to create the perfect cuppa, visit www.gourmetroasters.co.za Barista - a person who is specially trained in the making and serving of coffee drinks.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Words: Duane Stacey | Photos: Duane Stacey & Tania Steyn

France

inFranschhoek As a South African you might be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into an unlikely political coalition celebration, as red and blue berets bobbed along the streets of Franschhoek over the weekend of 12 and 13 July 2014.

Fortunately you would have been mistaken, as this small town, nestled between two mountain passes, came to a standstill to embrace the decadence of its heritage in fine French fashion, celebrating Bastille Day at the Franschhoek Bastille Festival.

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With so much on offer for the whole family, most festival goers wound their way between the many craft stalls browsing through a collection of all-things French or nibbling away on French baguettes and olives. Others

settled down to a hearty lunch in the 'Marche de Franschhoek', located in the grounds of the Town Hall, or found a table at one of the many street cafés wrapped in the colours of the French flag. Boules competitions, jumping castles and the Franschhoek minstrel parade kept those seeking a leisurely stroll through the valley amused.

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For the more active festival goers, the Salomon Bastille Day Trail Run offered competitors four different distances; 14 km, 24 km, 35 km and 50 km in which they could compete and explore the Franschhoek Mountains by foot.

Those that survived the run and Saturday night’s festivities were also able to compete in the third edition of the Bastille Festival MTB Classic. Three route lengths of 10 km, 32 km and 45 km enabled riders of various ability to kick-start their Sunday morning with some activity. Race organiser, Geddan Ruddock, made use of the various terrains available, which included sand, water, rocks and clay, to provide contestants with an exhaustive yet adrenaline-filled ride.

Set at the end of the main road, through the funnel of red, white and blue and below the Huguenot Monument, was where most of the festivities took place. Groups of friends huddled together in a jumble of colour to reminisce over stories, which left the tent abuzz with a distinctively festive atmosphere. Delicious delicacies lined the perimeter of the food and wine marquee, while some of the region’s best wines and cheeses coated the stomachs of many folks enjoying the revelries. This turned out to be a cultural extravaganza even the French would not turn their noses up at.

Live music and entertainment from local artists continued through the afternoon, but up for grabs on the dance floor was an all-expenses-paid trip to the Seychelles for a couple who could best mimic the movements of the ten Seychelles dancers and musicians on display.

Competition was fierce as fancy-dressed competitors were cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd. When the winners were announced, the tricoloured dance floor erupted into celebration. The festive atmosphere lasted well after the sun had set behind the snow-capped mountains, as this unique event bowed out in style.

After washing away the wine stains and packing away the berets, I am sure many festival goers will have loads of fond memories and be eager to return next year, turning the town French once again. • www.doitnow.co.za • 197

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READY FOR MY

Do not imitate the riding scenes shown, wear protective clothing and observe the traffic regulations! The illustrated vehicles may vary in minor details from the series model and some show optional equipment at additional cost.

Photos: R. Schedl, H. Mitterbauer

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Pilot the SUV along dirt tracks and across wild streams.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Words: Tracy Knox | Photos: FELD Entertainment

A walk down Having heard so much about Disney on Ice, my children and I headed off to see Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic last Friday at the Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg.

Now, we all know that anything associated with Disney is going to be awesome, and this show did not disappoint. With stunning choreography, elaborate sets and the most incredible costumes you have ever seen, this lavish, visually stunning and highly entertaining production was something to behold and applaud.

Our lovable friends from the Lion King; Timon, Pumbaa, Rafiki, Nala and Simba.

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The mischievous genie from Aladdin.

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Produced by Feld Entertainment, the ice-skating extravaganza features more than 60 unforgettable Disney characters that we have come to know and love over the decades.

So it doesn't matter if you are 5 or 75, Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic will have you smiling and singing happily along to one of the 24 memorable and award-winning Disney tunes, such as "When you wish upon a star" from Pinocchio; "A whole new world" from Aladdin, "Can you feel the love tonight?" and "Hakuna Matata" from The Lion King, and "You’ve got a friend in me" from the Toy Story.

From the moment the show started, my children and I were kept captivated as we followed Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy on a journey through some well known scenes from the big screen; The Lion King, Aladdin, Toy Story, The Incredibles, Beauty and the Beast, Mulan and Finding Nemo. But this was more than just about the box-office hits, elaborate costumes and innovative sets, there were also some nifty leaps and lifts and twirls from the cast that had us all 'oohing' and 'aahing' in delight.

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Belle and the Beast.

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The hosts of the show, the ever-popular Minnie and Mickie.

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Attention, march ... The green army men from Toy Story.

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When you discover who is behind-the-scenes, it comes as no surprise why this show has taken the world by storm. The breathtaking production numbers were choreographed by Emmy Award®-winner Sarah Kawahara. Kawahara previously worked with Michelle Kwan and choreographed the skating segment for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Complementing Kawahara’s fabulous skate sequences are the memorable tunes compiled by music directors Art Kempel and Stan Beard, who bring the wonderful memories of Disney to life on ice. Scenic Designer David Potts and Lighting Designer LeRoy Bennett creates the mood and settings that showcase extraordinary Disney moments.

Outfitting the cast was the challenge facing Costume Designer Scott Lane. His dazzling designs range from Mickey’s Marching Band, to the "It’s a Small World" dolls, to the stars of Mulan and Finding Nemo, while renowned designer Bob Mackie lends his talents to a red-sequined evening gown worn by Minnie.

Scenic Designer David Potts, who has worked on numerous Broadway productions, creates a theatrical atmosphere on ice. Skaters weave around and enliven the “It's a Small World” sequence amidst sparkling floats that turn into a radiant light parade; a blanket of snow and an avalanche fall as Mulan battles the Huns; and a giant present is opened to reveal Buzz Lightyear as he’s first introduced to that favourite toy cowboy, Woody and his pal Jessie.

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If you were not able to get tickets to this year's show, make sure you don't miss it when it comes back to South Africa.

It'll be one of the best shows you will ever see!• Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends are in Johannesburg until 20 July 2014 and will then make their way to the Grand West Arena, Cape Town for 11 shows only from Wednesday, 23 to Sunday, 27 July 2014.

To discover more about Disney On Ice, log on to www.disneyonice.com

Marlin and Dory from Nemo.

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ENTERTAINMENT Compiled: Sarah Kobal

GET CREATIVE

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FOOD TO INSPIRE & DELIGHT

STARTER Serves: 20 Prep: 40 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour

Baked Brie INGREDIENTS: • 1 (7 to 8 inches) wheel brie cheese • ¼ cup dried cherries • ¼ cup sliced toasted almonds • 3 tablespoons brown sugar • 2 sheets (12 x 18 inches) puff pastry • 2 eggs, beaten Note: The brie can be made, wrapped securely and stored in the freezer up to a month ahead of time.

METHOD: 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. 2. Using a warmed and sharp knife, cut the wheel of brie in half horizontally and separate the top half of the wheel from the bottom half.

3. Sprinkle the bottom half of the brie with the dried cherries, toasted almonds and brown sugar. Replace the top half of the brie and apply pressure to secure the stuffing.

4. Working on a well-floured surface, roll out the puff pastry so that it will fully cover the brie. Place the brie in the middle of the puff pastry and fold the excess pastry around the wheel. Put the wheel aside. Save the trimmings for decorations.

5. Using a pastry brush, brush the egg on top of the brie in the puff pastry and place the circle on top.

6. Cut out decorations using cookie cutters or a small knife and place on top of the brie.

7. Brush the entire top side of the brie with the egg and place the brie on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

8. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until the pastry begins to turn golden brown, then turn the temperature down to 325 degrees F and bake for another 20 minutes.

9. Serve on a pretty platter.

Source: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/baked-brie-recipe0.html?oc=linkback

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MAIN Makes: 4 servings Prep: 10 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes

Pork Chops with Apples and Garlic Smashed Potatoes INGREDIENTS: • 1 pound small fingerling potatoes (you can substitute them with red, white or new potatoes) • 2 cloves garlic • Kosher salt (you can substitute with sea salt) • 4½-inch-thick boneless pork loin chops (5 ounces each) • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage • Freshly ground pepper • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil • 1 large red onion, cut into ½-inch wedges • 2 Granny Smith apples, cut into ½-inch pieces • ¾ cup apple cider • ¼ cup buttermilk

METHOD: 1. Put the potatoes and garlic in a saucepan, cover with cold water and season with salt. Cover and bring to the boil, then uncover and continue cooking until tender, about 15 minutes. Cover and set aside.

2. Rub both sides of the pork chops with the sage, and salt and pepper to taste.

3. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat, then add 1 teaspoon olive oil and sear the chops until golden on both sides, about 5 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.

4. Wipe out the skillet and add the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil. Add the onion and apples and cook over a medium-high heat until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the cider.

5. Return the chops to the skillet. Cover and cook, turning once, until just cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain the potatoes, reserving a ¼ cup liquid.

6. Return the potatoes to the pan, add the buttermilk and mash, adding cooking liquid as needed. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Serve with the pork chops, onion and apples. Drizzle with the pan juices.

Source: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/pork-chops-with-apples-and-garlic-smashed-potatoes-recipe.html

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DESSERT Serves: 6-8 Prep: 20 minutes Cooking time: 3 hours

Peanut Butter No-Bake Cheesecake INGREDIENTS: • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened • ⅓ cup sour cream • ¾ cup smooth peanut butter, at room temperature • 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons confectioner's sugar (also known as powdered sugar and icing sugar) • ⅓ cup roughly chopped roasted peanuts • One 9-inch prepared biscuit crust • 1 cup heavy cream • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder • Peanut butter chips, for garnish • Chocolate sprinkles, for garnish

METHOD: 1. Blend the cream cheese, sour cream, peanut butter and 1 cup of the confectioner's sugar until smooth and creamy with a hand mixer.

2. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts around the bottom of the pie crust and spoon the cheesecake filling on top, smoothing out the top and spreading the filling to the edge. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the cheesecake and refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours.

3. Whisk together the heavy cream, cocoa powder and the remaining 3 tablespoons of confectioner's sugar in a medium mixing bowl until dissolved. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate along with the cheesecake.

4. When ready to assemble, whisk the heavy cream and cocoa powder mixture until medium peaks form. Place the cocoa whipped cream in to a resealable plastic bag and squeeze the icing toward one corner of the bag. Snip a small opening at the corner with the icing. Pipe the frosting in any pattern of your liking around the edge of the pie. Sprinkle the peanut butter chips and chocolate sprinkles on top of the whipped cream. If there is any leftover frosting, serve it in a bowl on the side.

Plain Biscuit Crust • 2 x 200 g packet digestive biscuits • 125 g butter, melted

Plain Biscuit Crust 1. Set the oven at 180°C. 2. Lightly oil a large 24 cm spring-form baking tin.

3. Crush the biscuits, mix well with the butter and press neatly into base and sides of tin.

4. Bake for 10 minutes; allow to cool.

Source: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/peanut-butter-no-bake-cheesecake-recipe.html?oc=linkback

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ENTERTAINMENT

Reviews by www.fortressofsolitude.co.za

MOVIE TITLE

COLD HARBOUR

HIGHLIGHTS

Director: Carey McKenzie Starring: Deon Lotz, Fana Mokoena, Tony Kgoroge and Yu Nan

RECOMMENDED FOR

Local talent.

Fans of action movies.

VERDICT Township undercover cop Sizwe Miya (Tony Kgoroge) investigates an abalone smuggling case connected to a Triad murder victim washed up on shore. Sizwe sees it as a promotion opportunity and further investigation unveils dark secrets. This is not his turf, and Sizwe’s boss Venske (Deon Lotz) warns him that it’s no easy open and shut case. Venske has

organised a early promotion hearing for Sizwe, bearing in mind that his past record might come into question, but reassures him that his current work should show true promise.

Venske orders Sizwe’s rookie Legama (Thomas Gumede) to report back everything Sizwe does and discovers. Meanwhile struggle comrade and kingpin character Specialist (Fana Mokoena) thanks Sizwe for helping keep the competition at bay with frequent drug busts, so that only his clubs and dealers flourish.

Recognisable shots of Cape Town and the less picturesque locations successfully comment on the characters, the distrust, corruption, self-interests and always evident distant atmosphere. The cold, hard colours and textures, lots of greys, off whites, faded blues and blacks, echoe this nicely.

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MOVIE TITLE

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY Director: John Wells Starring: Abigail Breslin, Ewan McGregor, Juiliette Lewis, Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep

HIGHLIGHTS Great acting.

RECOMMENDED FOR Fans of drama.

VERDICT

Barbara (Julia Roberts) receives a phone call simply saying her father Beverly (Sam Shepard) has walked away… again.

The whole family is called and make their way in dribs and drabs to the very hot Pawhuska, Oklahoma home. No one seems too alarmed as he has done this before, and they are more concerned about keeping Violet (Meryl Streep) calm. However, after five days pass, once school lover now turned sheriff calls Barbara aside with sombre news. Beverly’s boat, along with his body, was found on the lake. The cause of death is drowning, presumed a suicide. Not farfetched for a alcoholic poet with a drug addicted wife. Yes, it is a hostile and depressing setting. The following few days rip open the closet of this very dysfunctional family and let the bones fall where they may.

Although you most probably will feel shell-shocked and in need of a hug at the end of it, it’s not all attacks and sadness here. There are some witty moments to lighten the mood of an otherwise broken American family. As the film’s byline reads, “Misery loves family.”

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GAME TITLE

EA SPORTS UFC

HIGHLIGHTS

Developer: Electronic Arts Publisher: EA Sports Genre: Fighting, Sports

RECOMMENDED FOR

Gameplay and graphics.

Fans of fighting games.

VERDICT

Boasting exceptional next-gen graphics (with realistic skin textures, blood splatters and cinematic introductions), it’s hard not to mistake the game for the real thing. And that isn’t a joke or an oversell either. It’s that remarkable. What’s

more, the game’s sturdy gaming mechanics bring the action into the confines of your living room with flair. You will believe you are controlling Frank Mir, Jon ‘Bones’ Jones and even the legendary Bruce Lee. Every punch and kick is designed to impress fans and staunch gamers. For a next-gen game, UFC takes quite long to load between fights and even move between menus. These are all tidbits that need working on in upcoming releases.

Overall, UFC is jaw-droppingly impressive. These are the most realistic characters ever created in a sports game. While it certainly isn’t an easy game to play, UFC does reward perseverance. Once you’ve mastered the controls and dealt with the long loading times, you’ll find yourself coming back for more and more, over and over again.

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GAME TITLE

SNIPER ELITE 3

HIGHLIGHTS

Publisher: Rebellion Developer: 505 Games Genre: Action, RPG

RECOMMENDED FOR

X-ray-vision carnage.

Action and shooter.

VERDICT

Sniper Elite III is a celebration of extravagant carnage - and, less significantly, a big improvement over 2012's Sniper Elite V2. Its predecessor's stiff, linear gameplay has been swopped out for a more open-ended, creativity-enabling approach to stealth shooting. But the big draw - the real draw - is the same pornographically violent X-ray-vision carnage that erupts whenever your bullets meet their targets.

Sniper Elite III's open level designs and objectives pack in more than enough variety and stealthy tension to counterbalance its thin story and shaky enemy intelligence.

Experimenting with its explosive traps is almost as much fun as popping skulls with a sniper rifle. The skeleton-shattering, long-distance kills are still its riveting centrepiece, of course, but even without the element of dumb fun they offer, Sniper Elite III would still be a smart, unexpectedly memorable experience.

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GAMES TO LOOK OUT FOR

THE LAST OF US: REMASTERED

Genre: Action Developer: Naughty Dog Date: August 2014

FIFA 15

Genre: Sports Developer: Electronic Arts Date: September 2014

MADDEN NFL 15

Genre: Sports Developer: Electronic Arts Date: September 2014

MOVIES TO LOOK OUT FOR

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi Director: James Gunn Starring: Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldana Date: 1 August 2014

CHEF

Genre: Comedy Director: Jon Favreau Starring: Jon Favreau, Sofia Vergara, John Leguizamo and Scarlett Johansson Date: 8 August 2014

HERCULES

Genre: Action, Adventure Director: Brett Ratner Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Ian McShane and Joseph Fiennes Date: 8 August 2014

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