ADVENTURE | SPORT | LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
VOL 5•8 2013 #28
Field
trialling
Nedbank Save the
Rhino
Run Six-a-side
football
Night of the jumps
Become Zombie
a
plus
Surfing in
Namibia Competition p. 5 facebook & twitter www.doitnow.co.za
On the Cover - Theo Blignaut, SA Duathlon Champ at the Xterra. Photo by - Jacques Marais - www.jacquesmarais.co.za
REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS
DO IT NOW Team CEO / FOUNDER Francois Flamengo
Alan Hobson Fly Fishing
Andrea Kellerman Sport Psychologist
Deon Breytenbach Paddling
Francois Steyn Vehicle Reviews
André Troost Various
Jacques Marais Photography
Xen & Adri Ludick Travel
Hannele Steyn MTB / Nutrition
Steven Yates Travel
Neil Ross Recipes
Peter Fairbanks Insurance
Kobus Bresler Mountaineering
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 CONTENT PRODUCTION MANAGER Tracy Knox | tracy@doitnow.co.za | competitions@doitnow.co.za WEB PRODUCTION MANAGER Marieke Viljoen | media@doitnow.co.za | listings@doitnow.co.za video & media production Warwick Soar | warwick@doitnow.co.za SOCIAL MEDIA & Junior Designer Sarah Kobal | sarah@doitnow.co.za FINANCIAL & OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Liezel de Lange | invoices@doitnow.co.za Operations Nick Makhubelu | nick@doitnow.co.za GENERAL ENQUIRIES info@doitnow.co.za | +27 (0)11 100 0941 PUBLISHER DO IT NOW CC APP AVAILABLE ON iTunes | Amazon (Kindle Fire) | Android (Magzter) PDF READER AVAILABLE FROM ISSUU HEAD OFFICE
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Disclaimer
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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Digital Advertising
Opportunities For more information on advertising opportunities and customised campaigns, please email sales@doitnow.co.za or call Morné Labuschagne on +27 (0) 71 292 9953.
CALENDAR AUGUST 2013 S
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dinFO Here are some fantastic activities and events to look out for this month: MTB // Tour de Thuli - Pont Drift Border, Botswana (Limpopo): 2-7 August Hike // WildCoast Walks - Wild Coast (EC) Expo // AMiD Motorcycle, Diving, Boat show - Johannesburg (Gauteng): 8-11 August 4x4 Off-road // Die Gatjie Boskamp, Cederberg 4x4 - Citrusdal (WC): 9-11 August MTB // Storms River Traverse - Cape Town (CT): 9-11 August Sailing // Springtide Sailing Charters - Knysna (WC) Africa Safari // Wildlife Safaris - Kruger National Park (Limpopo) Trail Running // Southern Cross Trail Series - Knysna (EC): 9-11 August Surski // Bay Union Reef Challenge - Durban (KZN): 11 August Hike // Hennops Hiking Trail - Hartebeespoort Dam (Gauteng) Festival // Gravity Adventure Festival - Kleinmond (CPT) : 16-18 August Cycling // Powerade Lost City Classic - Sun City (NW): 17 August Rafting // 4 Day Orange River Rafting - Noordoewer (NC) Auction // Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild - Cape Town (WC): 22 August Trail Running // Thule 4 Peaks Challenge - Ficksburg (FS): 24-25 August Zip Line // Zip Line Adventures -Tsitsikamma (EC)
FIND OUT MORE For a more comprehensive list of events and activities taking place throughout the year, refer to the Calendar on www.doitnow. co.za/calendar.
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inDEX
Vol 5•8 2013 #28 | www.doitnow.co.za
Base
// Team & Contributors: p. 2 DO IT NOW Magazine’s team and regular contributors. // dinLIST Calendar: p. 3 Calendar featuring Adventure-Sport-Lifestyle activities. // inDEX: p. 4 Contents for issue #28 // Enter & Win: p. 5 Enter our new website competition and stand to win great prizes. // #readityourway: p. 198
Articles RUNNING
7 15 25 33 38
The Merrell Night Series is back! Introducing the Nedbank Save the Rhino Trail Run Nedbank Save the Rhino Trail Run is wildly successful Running the Cambist Washie Become a zombie
BALL SPORTS
49 Six-a-side astro football
BICYCLING
59 Race report: Single Speed South African Nationals 69 Nissan TrailSeeker Diamond Rush
59
MOTORBIKING
77 End of an era - Full Throttle Monster Energy Motocross Nationals Round 4 91 Night of the jumps
WATER SPORTS
99 Mauritius Ocean Classic - a surfski paddler’s dream come true 109 Surfing in Namibia 119 Durban Wave Action bonanza
MULTI SPORTS
129 153 163 168 173 181
SHOOT! The Big 5 Record entries for Duathlon Series A dream becomes a reality World Transplant Games 2013 Dave Levey prepares to take on CrossFit’s finest It’s all ACTION
NATURE
189 Field Trialling Key: Adventure
Sport
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Lifestyle
INVOLVED
109
ENTER & WIN Visit www.doitnow.co.za during AUGUST and enter your name and email address in the Enter & Win Competition to stand a chance to WIN
1 of 2 Scuba-Licious
Open Water courses worth R2 200 EACH What the course involves: The Open Water course involves five chapters each, with a knowledge review that must be answered, five confined pool sessions, four open water dives (inland or by the coast), four x ten multiple-choice quizzes and fifty multiple-choice question exam - www.scubalicious.co.za Congratulations to Debra van der Merwe, the winner of our June 2013 competition. Debra won a Runtastic GPS watch valued at R2,200-00. Congratulations to Astrid Julies, the winner of our July 2013 competition. Astrid won Two G-form Extreme Sleeves valued at R2,248-00.
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Read DO IT NOW Magazine YOUR Way! DO IT NOW Magazine #28 is a sample version of the new, monthly digital magazine, and features select articles that were published during July. You will notice that there are not many adventure and lifestyle stories included in #28 due to the fact that many of the adventure and lifestyle articles published on the website during July were taken from the July print magazine.
From DO IT NOW Magazine #29 onwards, the magazine will continue to feature a wide variety of adventure, sport and lifestyle articles from our regular and new contributors. These articles will be grouped in the new categories, as seen on the new-look website. The monthly magazine is also available, for free, in an interactive format, when downloaded from the DO IT NOW Magazine app.
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For more information on #readityourway see page 201, or visit www.doitnow.co.za
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RUNNING
Words: Tatum Prins ǀ Photos: Peter Kirk
The Merrell Night Series is back! Presented by Black Diamond.
Nestled in the fertile Constantia Valley lies Groot Constantia Estate, a 300-year-old wine estate, and on it is Simon’s Restaurant, the perfect venue to host the Merrell Night Series, presented by Black Diamond.
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The series comprises of three night runs to be held on Wednesday evenings of 4, 11 and 18 September 2013. All the runs start at 18h45, perfect for meeting up with your family and friends after work or going for a quick run before heading home. There will be a 5 km and 8 km run, so the beginners and more experienced runners can really enjoy this unforgettable experience as you weave your way up, down, and through the vineyards with just a headlamp, under the moonlight, and to the sounds of the friendly chatter of fellow runners. Then to top it off, once you have finished, you will be treated to a Groot Constantia wine tasting, Simon’s gourmet burgers, and a warm and welcoming fire to tell your stories around. It really doesn’t get better than this! • To enter, visit www.entrytickets.co.za but enter soon as there are limited entries. And don’t forget to bring your headlamp.
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Bookings Now Open
This event offers a unique opportunity to
Showcase the latest models from all the major manufacturers Demonstrate all the new technical features Position your brand as an expert in the field Launch and market the latest accessories and services Get ahead and plan for the next riding season Demonstrate safety features Discuss options to suit your requirements, competitions, Mini sponsorships and more
The 2013 AMiD Motorcycle & Accessories Show is guaranteed to be the motorcycle industry's biggest and best show this year. This event is the only motorcycle show with full industry backing from major brands, suppliers and governing bodies. The event will again be managed by SA Shows, organisers of the 2012 event.
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/amid.expo
Contact Us: +2711 494 5003/6 Philip or Byron Email: info@amidexpo.co.za
www.amidexpo.co.za
RUNNING
Words, Photos & Video: Bruce Viaene
Introducing the Nedbank
Save the
Rhino
Trail Run Trail running is about getting outside and exploring the world that we live in. For some, it means running through their local park. For others, it’s about traversing treacherous mountain ridges. At the base of it all, trail running is about exploring.
A Game Ranger shows the Tri Sport team the spoor of a Brown Hyena on a single track section of Day One.
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It is not all open savannahs – Day One of the Nedbank Save The Rhino Trail Run offers technical rock sections at the top the escarpment.
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White Rhino
Nedbank and TriSport have teamed up to bring you an exceptionally unique race that will throw runners into a trail paradise. The Nedbank Save the Rhino Trail Run consists of all the elements that will make this race one to remember. Sonja Otto explains, “The different
thing that this race presents is that runners will run through a game reserve and see animals like impala, giraffe, lion, wildebeest, elephants and, of course, rhino.” As you run, you leave behind a footprint amongst the animal prints that have gone before you – there is something special, even magical, about sharing a route with Africa’s wildest!
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The race will be held on 20 and 21 July 2013, at the Legend Entabeni Safari Lodge, in Limpopo. Home to the magnificent Big 5, Entabeni is aptly named the ‘place of the mountain’ in the local language. Covering more than 22,000 hectares of bushveld, ravines, savannah, sandy wetlands, wooded hills, and mountainous ridges, there are few, if any, races in South Africa that bring such diversity to trail runners. With more than 432 rhinos poached already this year, we have to move from talking to action. That is why Sonja and Hano Otto, from TriSport, have created this trail run to fund and bring awareness to this tragedy that we allow to happen on our doorstep. One hundred percent of the entry fees from this race will go towards WWF, in aid of rhino conservation. This could not happen without the help of Nedbank, a driving force in the conservation of rhinos.
The race is over two days. Day one will see runners completing a 27 km course that will start, and finish, at the Wild Side Safari Lodge. Runners will head up to the upper escarpment and into the Waterberg Mountains, with majestic views of the valleys and kloofs below. Water points along the route are provided. You might be tempted to hang around a bit longer as you soak up the views. Day two is a vastly different 23 km experience, which will bring the runners onto the lower escarpment, with predominately single track that has been carved out by the local elephant herd. The thick bush brings cover to the many different antelope, so don’t be too surprised if one greets you along the trail! Game vehicles will transport supporters to the viewpoints and water tables, so they can cheer you on and share the experience with you.
This is going to be something special. From being out in the open and running with a variety of wild animals around you, to the reason why this race is being held: To Help Save the Rhino. •
Race details Dates: 20 – 21 July 2013 Distances: 2 Day trail run – 27 km and 23 km | 10 km Baby Rhino Run Race info and online entries: www.trisport.co.za
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The Lookout – Runners will have a chance to enjoy the view at this water point.
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Dappled jeep tracks lead into open Wildebeest strewn savannahs.
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& Lifestyle Show
8-11 August
JHB Expo Centre 4x4
Lifest yle Show
JOHANNESBURG
& Lifestyle Show
3 Shows CAMPING 1 Venue 1 Ticket Lifest yle Show
outdoorlifestyleshow.co.za Entrance fee: R80 per person, tickets available at Computicket or at gate
RUNNING
Words: Sonja Otto ǀ Photos: Bruce Viaene
Nedbank Save the Rhino
Trail Run IS wildly successful In the minds of animal lovers across the world, South Africa is synonymous with the ‘Big Five’. Tourists from all
over the world continue to flock to the country, mainly because they want to see lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard roaming around freely in their natural habitat. In doing so, these tourists create job opportunities for many South Africans.
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Unfortunately, it seems that in the foreseeable future, South Africa might only be able to boast the ‘Big Four’. The number of rhinos being poached in South Africa increases monthly despite all the government and other attempts to curb it. It has been reported that a total of 367 rhinos have been killed during the first five months of this year. With only about 20,000 rhinos remaining, extinction is looming. Last year 668 rhinos were killed, compared to 448 in 2011. With the black market price of rhino horn, now reportedly in the region of $30,000 per pound ($65,000 per kg), which is more than the price of gold, trafficking has become a huge global business. Despite the tightening of security measures and a range of strategies devised to counter the gruesome trend, there is no sign of the onslaught letting up. According to a worst case scenario prediction, up to 911 rhinos could be killed in South Africa this year.
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Fortunately, there are many people who are not prepared to give up the fight to save the South African rhino. Two such people are Hano Otto and I from TriSport. We approached Nedbank with proposals for a two-day trail run event, to be held on 20 and 21 July, as well as a one-day option on the Sunday of a 10 km or 23 km; and a two-day mountain bike event on 19 and 20 October, as well as a one-day option of 50 km or 20 km, both at the Legend Entabeni Safari Lodge in Limpopo. With Nedbank agreeing to sponsor these events, all entry fees will be donated directly to the WWF Green Trust fund in aid of rhino conservation. Lucky Miya and Carla van Huyssteen were the inaugural winners of the Nedbank Save the Rhino two-day trail run at the Entabeni Big Five Game Reserve, in Limpopo, on 20 and 21 July. Miya had no problems whatsoever to win the Men’s race. In the words of the legendary Muhammad Ali, he ‘floated like a butterfly’ up the steep Legend Gorge climb and over the loose rocks and thick sand to ensure his victory. One spectator declared in awe that Miya’s running style was ‘poetry in motion’. He makes running look oh so easy. Miya said, "I really enjoyed the two days of running, especially because the routes we ran were so varied. Running up the steep Legend Gorge climb was a real challenge, but going down the same gorge was actually much harder on one’s legs. The first day’s run was quite technical. You really had to watch your step." One of the most amazing moments experienced by the athletes on day one was when they reached the second water station at the Hanglip viewpoint. From there they could see the true majesty of the bushveld and the Waterberg stretching out for kilometres on end.
Dreyer van Huyssteen finished second on both days and was second overall as well. Mazu Ndandani was third on day one as well as on day two. Carla van Huyssteen was the first woman to finish in both races. Anita O’ Brien was second in the first stage of the Women’s race, with Takalani Ndandani third. On day two, the three top women were involved in an intense battle, running shoulder to shoulder during most of the race. Van Huyssteen bided her time and when they reached the golf course, she accelerated and left her rivals behind.
Patrick Baransky, sponsorship manager at Nedbank, who loves to be involved in the thick of things, also ran. He said he thoroughly enjoyed himself. According to Patrick, Nedbank is thrilled to be involved with the Save the Rhino Trail Run for two reasons. "Firstly, the event promotes health and wellness and this obviously suits the runners who are keen to stay in shape. Secondly, it is an effort to help ensure the survival of the rhino, which obviously fits in with Nedbank’s green credentials. We have a long-term commitment with various green projects. One of them is the WWF Green Trust." When asked whether it ever occurred to him that he was running in 'Big Five' country, Baransky replied, "No, but there was a moment when I was suffering so much that I would not have minded if an elephant put me out of my misery. I actually think that we, as runners, were quite safe because we smell funny and also make a lot of noise." There were game rangers with vehicles strategically placed all over the place and even if the runners ran quite close to the elephants and lion’s, the game rangers knew exactly where they were. If it was necessary, the route would have been adjusted and changed to ensure the safety of the racers. Hano and I both felt that a pride of three lions, one male and two females, as well as a herd of six elephants and one rhino went the extra mile to spice things up.
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In his briefing, Hano smilingly recounted how difficult it was to keep the routes well marked before the races, to ensure that no athlete got lost. It seemed as if the lions had a competition to see which of them was able to destroy the most route markers. Otto held up signs with big teeth marks in them to make the runners aware that they truly were in lion country. Some of the markers simply disappeared and it was suspected that the inquisitive lions were guilty of the theft. During the second day, a rhino apparently took exception to a sign that was in his way and pushed it down. He did not seem to realise that the intruders were actually trying to ensure his survival. But it was the elephants that caused Otto to experience some truly nervous moments. They were grazing on one of the game paths on which the athletes were meant to run. Otto’s challenge was to persuade the elephants to make way for the athletes. Luckily, Philip Botha, the game warden responsible for game management, was on hand. He calmly walked into the bush and vocally encouraged the elephants to follow him. And they did! Merely five minutes before the first athlete came jogging along, the elephants were happily grazing a few hundred metres further on. According to Botha, the obedience of the elephants is not so strange. "I have been working with them over the past three years. In winter, when the conditions are dry and the food scarce, we sometimes have to feed them. I guess they have become used to having me around them."
The overall event was a great success and we are looking forward to the twoday mountain bike event in October. We hope to see you there. • For more information on the two-day mountain bike event on 19 and 20 October 2013, visit www.trisport.co.za
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RUNNING
Words: Glyn Williams ǀ Photos: Various Photographers
Running the
Cambist
Washie
Beyond the Comrades there is the loneliness through the night of the much longer distance runner. There
is the Cambist Washie, from Port Alfred to East London, for those who want to test their physical and mental strengths to the limit of running through the night, all day, and then sometimes into the night again.
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The Washie is not so much a race as survival. Some run it once, but never again. And some complete its 160 kilometres of coastal undulations that include the descents and climbs of three major river valleys either to become uncompetitive for two years, or quit road running completely. There are also the elite, who defy the sometimes speech-eradicating pain and breakdown of bodily defenses, to do it again - and again.
The Washie, South Africa’s oldest 100-miler, which moves into the dimension of another 70 kilometres
where the Comrades come to a halt, may not be the ultimate challenge, but it comes close with the tremendo§Vus demands made upon the body and mind in the compressed time limit of 26 hours.
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With no trace of humour, the official brochure refers to the Comrades as a vital training run. It is, as one woman competitor said, as she shuffled up to collect her awards at a Washie prize-giving, her blistered and battered feet encased in sheepskin slippers, a matter of survival. Gears for the long haul of the Buffalo Road Runners 37th event will engage again at full moon, at 5 p.m. on Friday, 19 July 2013, when some of the country's hardiest men and women set off from the Halyards Hotel, Port Alfred. Cut-off time and place is the Buffs Club at 7 p.m., Saturday, 20 July 2013. The great names of South African ultra distance running adorn the race records. The amiable and humorous - and almost incredibly gritty - Dave Park, formerly of East London and now retired in Port Elizabeth, completed 12 Washies, coming second three times and third twice. The legendary John Ball, of East London, who ran across the USA from Los Angeles to New York, completed seven.
The sparrow-like Manie Saayman, from Spectrum, was a giant of the Washie, winning it an incredible five times, and setting a time of 13 hours 13 minutes and 13 seconds in 1982. No one got anywhere near that, with some of the Washie winners’ times looking pedestrian by comparison, until last year.
Then 40-year-old Johan van der Merwe, who trained hard, did his research on the race and route,
got a good seconding team together, came home last year in 13 hours 7 minutes and 50 seconds. The second man home came in more than two-anda-half-hours later. Johan also became the first Washie winner to write his own full story of how he did it, which was published exclusively in the K, a monthly newsletter published by the author of this article.
But another prominent Washie runner and long-time convenor of the ultra, Danny Holton, has pointed out that Manie had to traverse the considerable descent and pull up of the Chalumna River valley, while Johan had the lesser task crossing a bridge built since 1982. It sets the stage for a continual Washie debate that may never be adequately settled. Why do apparently sane men and women do it? The question was put to Dave Park, who has written eloquently of taking part in that first pioneering run: after all, no one had previously organised a 100-miler in South Africa. He said, perhaps tongue in cheek and with his famous sense of humour, that the bulk of the Washie field can be divided into two distinctive groups, the needy and the greedy.
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Among the needy are those with an insatiable urge to attempt a 100-mile run. They
would not rest until they had got it out of their system, despite sound advice that it would be unwise to run such a distance; the corollary was that advice that cost nothing was worth nothing. Such needy runners would realise, perhaps at noon on Saturday at Kidd's Beach, with 40 km still to go, that their family and friends not only had oldfashioned common sense, but knew a lot more about ultra distance running than they did.
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Dave Park said the greedy were afflicted with a far more serious ailment, which only time could cure. Advice, education or therapy were of no use. They were runners who had completed one or more Washies, but again shelled out good money knowing full well what awaited them once the euphoria at the start wore off. The camaraderie of the first few hours would wear very thin in the dark, cold mid-winter night between the Fish River and Keiskamma cuttings. For those runners, the lure of a permanent Washie number (five runs) or even the coveted bronzed shoe awarded on completion of ten journeys, totally clouded their better judgment. Anything that sounded like good advice only made them more determined to soldier on.
"Until such time as the body refused to respond to the mid-winter urge, there was no cure for the Washie," Dave Park said. For some, it must be done; for others, it must continue to be done.
And beyond the Washie? This year, two legends of the race, Eric Wright, who has completed 24 journeys consecutively since 1988, and Hazel Mioller, who has gone the distance six times, will leave the Buffs Club on Thursday, 18 July, at 3 p.m., and run to the start of the race in Port Alfred. They plan to attend the race briefing and then run all the way to the finish in East London. •
The Washie was born when Lionel Whitfield, of the Buffalo Club, consulted the then Buffs Chairman, Vyv Rex, in 1977 about inaugurating
and sponsoring a sporting event that would bear the name of his late father, George Washington - known as "Washie". There were 21 starters from East London and 12 finishers in Port Alfred.
Megan Davey
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RUNNING
Words: Carol Willis, Race Director for Zombie Run South Africa ǀ Photos: pixbysuzi
Become a
Zombie An axe-wielding zombie is the worst kind of all.
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The Zombie Run, a 5 km race course of gut-wrenching, blood-pumping, sweat-dripping fear, made a successful debut in South Africa on 7 July 2013, and will also be held on subsequent dates in coastal cities. It's the most exhilarating 5 km run of your life … if you survive.
Left & Right: Zombies practicing their moves before the start of the event.
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This themed race is not your typical 5 km trail run, unless of course, your trail is infested with an army of marauding Zombies. By using the popular zombie theme, Zombie Run South Africa creates a running narrative on a race course designed to simulate the Apocalypse, where participants either run through the course track as zombies, or as living zombie prey. Participants must run to safety, while dodging an imaginatively harrowing barrage of apocalyptic carnage. Professional, on-site, make-up artists will transform normal, everyday, warm-blooded runners into blood sucking, flesh eating zombies. If you survive, there is a gathering following the race. Proceeds from each event will be donated to selected environmental charities and where possible, local suppliers have been used for race paraphernalia and gaming items. Thus far, R27,500 has been donated and shared between the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Carnivore Conservation Programme and Freeme Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. I have always been intrigued by the Zombie Run concept, which has a huge following abroad, and decided to introduce the thrills of the themed run to South Africa and support charities that I am passionate about at the same time. I then contacted local companies for sponsorship, but most declined due to the unknown nature of the run and the high risk involved in supporting a first-time event. Undeterred, I took my idea to Facebook where it gained momentum and support from the public and local zombie enthusiasts, and even small businesses began to show their support. A Facebook voting war was also launched to encourage the public to vote for their city and spread the word. The final winner of the voting war was Cape Town and we are now planning our first coastal event.
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An enthusiastic zombie heads out on the course for runners.
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So, what makes The Zombie Run so different to other racing events? The race really focuses on a story. Like a ride at a theme park, the race creates an alternate reality over an otherwise mundane experience. The focus is placed on runner or zombie experience, and a handful of obstacles designed not be a physical challenge but more of an obstruction to slow runners down, make them vulnerable to attack and generate more heart-pumping adrenalin. Students from my event management class were used to assist with the launch event, and I have also assembled a team of professionals with many years of collective experience in running, trail running, race promotion, and live event production and marketing, to help bring the Zombie Run South Africa to more cities across the country.
So, for the most exhilarating 5 km run of your life, come and join us at one of the upcoming events and unleash the zombie in you. •
For event tickets and information about Zombie Run South Africa, visit www.darkness.co.za or Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Zombie-Run-SouthAfrica/431042880315516.
Events 31 August: Zombie Geeks - The Twilight Run from 15h00. This event will be part of the Geekfest, a full-day festival at The Goldfields ShowGrounds in Bedfordview. 20 October: Zombie Run Cape Town - venue to be advised. 30 November: Zombie Run Durban - venue to be advised.
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The survivor of the group.
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A zombie couple after their makeover just before the race.
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RIVONIA TOYOTA WILL MEET YOU THERE
ASK ABOUT OUR 4X4 DAYS - PHONE 011 275 1699
TEL: 011 275 1699 FAX: 011 275 1620 CNR RIVONIA RD & WITKOPPEN RD RIVONIA CROSSING 2191
BALL SPORTS
sixaside Words & Photos: Lee Carter
Six-a-side football, or indoor football, is one of the fastest growing forms of football in the world, and that includes South Africa. It’s a fast, dynamic game played
on smaller-size football fields, usually with astro turf and nets to stop the ball from going out, thus allowing a continuous flow of this beautiful game.
astro football
Thomas Steenkamp and Tristan Jardine of Modder FC.
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Modder Old Boys, November 2012 Summer Tournament.
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In 6-a-side astro football, a heavier Futsal ball is used because it allows for a more touchfriendly and accurate game of football, with the players very much in control of the game. It's almost a replica of the 11-a-side games, just on a smaller pitch and with fewer players, and this is what makes it such an exciting sport to play and watch.
Come play While 6-a-side is perfect for those who just want to have a run around with mates or have fun with company employees, it's also great for people looking for something more competitive. One such complex that offers games for adults, kids, ladies, and mixed, as well as socials and companies, is Modder Sports Complex, in Gauteng. There are also adult sixa-side football leagues, as well as leagues for the youngsters that run all year round and cater for all standards and abilities. Played on two brand new fields, the staff and referees have many years of experience in the control of six-a-side football leagues and tournaments. Modder Sports Complex also adheres to a high standard of refereeing and does not tolerate violence or over-aggressive teams or players, which means that everyone can relax and just enjoy their game, without any injuries or harm to dignity. At the end of each season prizes are presented and the new season begins with either relegation for the bottom two teams or promotion for the top two sides, if applicable.
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Anthony Pye of Mamelodi Sundowners.
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Game format Whilst most indoor football venues vary the application of how they play the game in South Africa, Modder Sports Complex strives to keep the game in line with the format played in the UK and Europe, with the ultimate objective of choosing an elite side to 'informally' represent South Africa at one of their tournaments. Most venues play five-a-side and the game is played where you are allowed to use the nets while in play. I firmly believe this takes away the true reason of playing football and therefore our rules differ slightly. For example, if the ball hits my nets, then the ball is deemed out, just like in 11-a-side football, and you then have to take a kick in. This not only helps your game to be accurate, in terms of passing, but also allows for a more free-flowing, easy-onthe-eye brand of football.
Although there are a few brands of indoor football in South Africa, most players are easily adaptable when it comes to changing venues or the way the game is played. What I have done
is taken the best out of all formats of the smaller version game and created a beautiful playing experience with sixa-side astro football.
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How it's played In 6-a-side, there are six players in each team on the field, of which one must be the goalkeeper. Each game lasts a total of 40 minutes, divided into two halves of 20 minutes, with a minute half-time break. There are a host of rules, so I'll just mention a few of the main ones. There are no time additions for injury or additional time, and the clock doesn't stop when the ball is out of play. Standard 11-a-side rules apply, but there is no offside. Slide tackles or two-on-one tackle situations are not allowed, thereby reducing the risk of any injuries.
Looking forward
Since indoor football is not an officially recognised sport under the South African Football Association, I hope to create a playing experience where youngsters and adults can play football as close and in-line as possible with the general rules of 11-a-side football and hopefully one day our sport of indoor football will be recognised as an international form of football, where we can nurture and create talent to play competitively overseas and have top-class leagues throughout the country.
So if you want to have a casual game every now and then or fancy the challenge of a league ranging from skilful to not so skilful, then six-aside astro football could be for you. • For more information on the Modder Sports Complex, the sport, registering a side or sourcing a comprehensive list of rules, visit www.modder.co.za, or email lee@moddersportsclub.co.za. You can also follow them on Twitter @moddersp and Facebook www.facebook.com/modderfontein
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Michael Simoes of Mamelodi Sundowners.
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Michael Simoes, Craig Mellors, and Marco dos Santos of Mamelodi Sundowners.
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BICYCLING
Words: Bronwen Blunden ǀ Photos: Nadine Matthew
Elvis, who?
Race report
Single SpeeD S o u t h
A f r i c a n
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It was weird, wacky, and fun. It was anything but conventional
and everything that makes riding a one geared mountain bike truly magnificient. It was the Single Speed South African Nationals at Cowan House School, in Hilton, on Saturday, 29 June 2013.  60 • DO IT NOW Magazine | #28
Pardy on Dudes, what a Wild Wild West jorl!
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What normally happens in a race report is a blurb on the winners, but that’s not really what single speed is about. Ok, so there were winners and those who need to race and set the pace, but for the majority this was pure party. To quell the suspense, Nick White was a deserving winner to claim the Single Speed SA Champion title. Roan Exelby, who sustained a broken leg earlier in the year, made a notable return to claim second place ahead of single speed guru; the legendary ballie Kim Phillips, who designed the stunning course. Sadly for the founding godfather of single speeders in South Africa, Grant Usher, his unique ‘fat tekkie’ steed failed him on race day and he was forced to spend an extended period of time at the beer stop. True to single speed law, everyone after third placed fourth. The women’s title went to Nedene Cahill, who upset the defending World Single Speed Champion Amy-Beth McDougall and claimed Queen of South African single speeders (not to mention this was her first attempt). Kim Westbrook was third women home. Participants took one thing seriously; the Wild Wild West theme, which followed through in the varied display of costumes and outfits bearing cowboys and Indians and anything purple. Despite the evening chill, a few participants enjoyed the warm-up short course on Friday around Cowan House School, which was followed by the customary consumption of varied liquids and much hilarity. The real party developed into full swing post event on Saturday with the carefully planned game challenges to determine the winning host province for the 2014 SSSA. It may have been ‘chubby bunny’ that tipped the scales in favour of Mpumalanga, but either way, it’s sure to be a continuation of the unique single speeders culture in the ‘place where the sun rises’. Of course, there will be a few dedicated (and fortunate) South African’s who will be making the trip to Italy to enjoy the World Single Speed Championships in early September.
Sincere thanks to Max Cluer Sports Marketing and all involved in making the event such a success,
host venue Cowan House School and the parents committee for their hard work and catering, Major Machines for sponsoring the beer table, and Kim Phillips for creating a most enjoyable and entertaining single speed course. •
For more information on the World Single Speed Championships taking place in Italy, in early September 2013, visit singlespeed.at/2013-uciworld-championships-toscana-italia/
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A testing little climb
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1
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2
3
5
4
6
LEFT TO RIGHT: 1. Riders revel in the single tracks in the Cedara forests. 2. Beer stop essential @ SSSA. 3. A picture says a thousand words! 4. Play the part – some beer my dear? 5. Sublime forest riding. 6. Heaven & hell – great route at the SSSA
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BICYCLING
Words: Sarah Kobal ǀ Photos: DO IT NOW Media
Nissan TrailSeeker Diamond Rush www.doitnow.co.za • 69
Road cycling professional Johann Rabie (NuWater) won the Nissan TrailSeeker Diamond Rush mountain biking event that took place in and around Cullinan on Saturday, 6 July 2013.
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A jubilant Rabie crossed the finish line in a time of 2 hours 44 minutes and 55 seconds. Gawie Combrinck (Westvaal/Bell Cycles) was second in 2:45:43, followed by Matt Brittain (USN) in 2:48:01. Rabie has only ridden four mountain bike races, as he was initially a road cyclist, but he really excelled in these previous races. Combrinck and fifth-placed Hanco Kachelhoffer (EAI Solutions/ Specialized) are also former road cyclists and Brittain is an Olympic gold medalist in rowing. With the top three positions going to novices, this left Arno du Toit, Barend Burger, Guylin van den Berg, and Dylan Girdlestone, all well-known mountain bikers, in the top eight on the leader board. According to Rabie, "The course was very tricky and after 20 km into the race, we had a really technical section which split up the riders." Rabie powered away on his own for the last 20 km after Combrinck had to fall back, having lost energy from the ride up a steep hill after a river crossing. "I dropped my bottle with 25 km to go, so I was starting to lose energy towards the end. Luckily I had a big enough gap," said Rabie. Jan Withaar, who was in the leading group in the first half of the 70 km race, lost endurance when the track opened up and required a lot more power. "I was in the front group, but then halfway into the race I hit a bit of a bad spot and I couldn't pull through," explained Withaar. "It was a lot more technical in the first half, which suited me better, and I managed to keep up with the front guys. After that, it became too open and I didn't have the power." Yolandi du Toit (Bizhub) came first in the 70 km Women's race in 3 hours 15 minutes and 55 seconds, followed by Nicci Grobler in second, in 3:21:47, and Janine King in third, in 3:24:26. This was du Toit's fourth Nissan TrailSeeker Diamond Rush race, and despite having ridden there before, the route surprised her.
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"It was a completely new route, so it was quite challenging as you didn't know what to expect," explained du Toit. "Normally, when you know how far it to the finish, you can pace yourself, but today was completely new. I kind of just pedalled and pedalled and hoped that I didn't run out of energy before the finish line." Due to the terrain being very rocky and dusty, du Toit rode into a stone whilst descending a trail, causing a tyre puncture. Du Toit, who had moved off the track, was so focused on fixing the damage quickly that she was totally unaware if any of the other riders had passed her or not. Once back on the route, du Toit didn't know what position she was in, so she pushed herself until the finish line. A part from a flat tyre, du Toit didn't have any other issues during the race. Her favourite part of the race was going through the old mine shaft. Mountain biking is growing significantly, especially with road cyclists starting to move over to this exhilarating sport. What is also encouraging to see is that these events are also seen as great fundraising opportunities for a better cause. RentA-Cow is an example of how funds are raised for the CHOC Foundation. Rent-A-Cow was part of this TrailSeeker event, and participants could hire CHOC Foundation representatives, who were dressed in cow outfits, to ride with them during the races to keep them company and give cycling advice and tips along the way. These cows worked extremely hard during the day as they participated in the 10 km, 20 km, and 40 km races. Two cows even participated in the 70 km race. Apart from donating R150 to rent a cow, anyone could sms 'rentacow' to 40021, at R20 a sms, and the funds raised would go towards the CHOC Foundation. Gerhard Myburgh, one of the organisers of 'RentA-Cow', rode in a 20 km race dressed as a cow. There were also cows along the route, known as Sweeper Cows, to help with any problems, such as making sure riders didn't get lost or were injured along the way. There are still three more races in the Nissan TrailSeeker series for 2013, with the next one taking place on 14 September, at Van Gaalens Cheese Farm, Skeerpoort (near Hartbeespoort Dam). We hope to see you there.•
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For more information on the remaining races in the 2013 Nissan TrailSeeker Series, visit www. advendurance.com/ trailseekerseries. If anyone would like to make a donation towards our fundraising efforts, please go to www.teamglad.givengain.org and follow the instructions. Alternatively, you can SMS 'rentacow' to 40021 to donate R20.
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BLACK EDITION
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MOTORBIKING
Words: Zygmund Brodalka | Photos: Brodalka Photography
end of an era Full Throttle Monster Energy Nationals Round 4
Grant Frerichs on his suprise entry at Teza coming out to play and had some awesome whips he was pulling out of the bag in MX 2.
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Kerim Fitz Gerald had a great weekend as he won some of the Moto's and his speed was great so watch out for him in 2014 session.
It was that time of the year to head off to TEZA MX track, just outside of Richard's Bay,
with my comrade, Terence Monk, and UK visitor, Tom Kennedy, for the Full Throttle Monster Energy Motocross Nationals Round 4, over the weekend of 16 June 2013.
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Tristan Purdon on his Husky in MX2.
The trip felt shorter this year, as we chatted about motocross in the UK and Tom's invitation from Peter Cordinar to take part in this National event. It's been a long time since a rider from over the water has raced on our shores, and is long overdue.
The final round of the Womza Full Throttle, Monster Energy, TRP Motocross Nationals was run at the ever-perfect TEZA motocross track in Kwambonambi, KwaZulu-Natal. There couldn’t have been a more perfect setting to finish off what can safely be said to be the best motocross season in years. Saturday was slightly overcast, but the rain held off, and Sunday was just perfect blue skies for motocross. Winter is always a great time to ride in KwaZulu-Natal and the track stayed loamy the whole weekend. There was also a fullsized crowd lining the edges of the TEZA track on Sunday and they got to witness some of the finest motocross riding in Africa. It was also great to see activities for the little kids, with Strider bikes offering fun training and bicycle fun for the 2 to 5 year olds. The 50 cc Pro class would be first up and I must say that the racing has been furious. Camden McLellan was leading going into this final round, but inconsistency had been his nemesis in 2013, so he would have to make sure that he had a cool head. Jono Mlimi had to win all three Motos to have a chance at winning the championship. He went out in Moto 1 and blitzed the field. It was looking good for him to repeat this on Sunday, but a silly mistake while leading in Moto 2 saw him drop into second behind Camden McLellan and effectively end his season's hopes. Jono went all out in Moto 3 and won, but with Camden in second, it just wasn’t enough for the title. There was a big battle for third between Hayden Tully and Vincent van Rooy, who was also celebrating his birthday. Hayden had the better starts and was flying, but two crashes put him back in fourth overall behind Vincent. Cape Town rider Ike Klaasen struggled a little on this technical track, but still did enough to finish third in the championship.
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125'S Rookie Dirco Van Der Westhuizen had a great year with a 3rd overall just short on the hills of Dylan Stokes.
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The 50 cc Junior class was up next and it was time for a new sensation to shine. Kyle Phillips won
all three Motos and holeshot all three as well, to win Skullcandy headphones. The race for second was now on, however, a young lady rider, Emma Jennings, was making waves. She was in a battle with championship hopeful, James Thompson. James would get the better of her in Moto 1 and 2, but Emma finally got to second in Moto 3 and even matched the lap times of the leader, Kyle Phillips. James didn’t do enough to win the title though, as that honour fell on the ever-consistent Lucas Venter, who was given a set of Jonnesway Tools from his idol, Richie van der Westhuizen, for winning the championship. The 65 cc class went down to the wire. It was the most intense class to watch as three riders were within just three points of each other going into the weekend. KZN rider Cam Durow is a jump specialist, which suited the TEZA track. He also racked up enough holeshots for the Skullcandy award. Good starts were the exact ingredient needed for success and resulted in three wins. He rode faultlessly not making any mistakes. The three wins were also enough to clinch the title by four points. Dalton Venter impressed as he was the only 65 to clear all the jumps. This gave him some great lap times, but bad starts meant that he would struggle to catch Durow and had to settle for second overall. Wikus van Sandwyk has had a cracker season and was not expected to be in the lead going into the final round. He did a great job fighting for the title, but two thirds and a second wasn’t enough. Wikus has shown his metal now and will be on everyone's mind for 2014. Grant Hutton was fourth in the championship ahead of Christiaan Cilliers. The 85 cc class has been the Eastern Cape class! Keegan Hickson Mahoney, from PE, won round one, but sadly was injured before round two. This meant the flame was handed over to fellow PE rider, Seth van der Abeele, and he did a sterling job holding off a mob of Gauteng riders for the title. Slade Smith was his nearest rival and pushed him all the way. The day, however, belonged to RAD, Vision Racing, Midas KTM rider, Matthew Kruger. He pulled off his first National win in the 85 cc class and has now set the tone for 2014. Slade Smith was second overall, courtesy of a bad 1st Moto, but he will look to win this class in 2014. KZN rider Cayle Dormehl was the holeshot king for the day and also rode his way to third overall. Seth was fourth for the day, nursing a bad knee, but this was enough for the title.
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The Pro-mini class was almost a formality for the CIT BadBoy KTM rider, Jason Visser.
He had a big points lead and only mechanical failure could prevent him winning. His nearest rival was Marcus Phelps, who has been fast all year, but has suffered with some mechanical failures. Marcus qualified fastest, but a crash while leading Moto 1 almost ruined his weekend and any chance of the championship. The TEZA kid, Charl Van Eerden, won his first National race in years in Moto 1 and the crowd went wild. Jason Visser took it easy in Moto 1, but went for the win in the second heat, to give him the title. Now relaxed for Moto 3, he would check out and win by far. There was a big pile up with Charl van Eeden, Justin Thompson, and Marcus Phelps in Moto 3 and that would hand second place to Joshua Mlimi. Charl van Eeden remounted to finish third overall, with Marcus in fourth. The 125 High School class also came down to the wire between Cape Town rider Dylan Stokes and the KZN 'wonder kid', Brad Cox. Brad recently returned from the USA and seems faster than ever. He won all three and didn’t look back at all. Dylan started each race well, but a massive crash a few weeks ago has hindered his training and he wasn’t as fit as he would of liked. This allowed Dirco van der Westhuizen to reel him in and claim second overall for the day. Dirco finished third for the season in his rookie year behind Dylan Stokes. Intertherm KTM rider Nicholas Phelps had a great season to finish fourth and the Witbank kid, Tyron Nel, finished fifth overall in the championship. MX1 is a tough class. Brute force and fast guys from first to last make this the premier class in South Africa. The day provided a different winner in each race, which shows just how tough this class really is. Kerim Fitzgerald is the most improved MX1 rider of 2013 and he proved this by winning heat one. A mechanical failure in Moto 2 prevented him winning overall and third would be the end result for the day. Sacha Naude also tried to shake things up by winning Moto 2. He looked strong and ready to keep winning. Unfortunately he couldn’t do it again as Moto 3 belonged to the National Champion, RV, aka Richie van der Westhuizen. Grant Frerichs rode his 250 to fourth place ahead of Royce Griffin, who is on a Yamaha now. Royce’s Kawasaki gave some odd engine problems, which they are sorting out with Kawasaki SA as we speak.
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The MX2 class was once again a big class and really spectacular to watch. Richie van der Westhuizen had a big points lead and needed two solid results to secure the championship. His rival, Kerim Fitz-Gerald, did everything in his power to see if he could force a mistake from Richie to reclaim the title he had lost two seasons back. Richie was under pressure from Kerim in Moto 1, but his experience enabled him to keep calm and ride flawlessly to the chequered flag. A second in Moto 2 to Kerim was enough to wrap up a title that has eluded him for many years. Kerim won Moto 2 and 3, to end off the season with a big statement for 2014. The reigning champion, Anthony Raynard, Caleb Tennant, and Grant Frerichs battled it out for third. Grant was relaxed and styling it for the crowd and that seemed to be the recipe for success as he got stronger through the weekend for third overall. Raynard had some bad luck after a solid start to the weekend, but fourth was enough for fourth in the championship. The rookie, Tristan Purdon, rounded out the top five in the champs. The MX3 class is made up of three different classes. Ian Topliss has been the man to catch in the vets and even riding with a shoulder injury, no one could catch him. Ian collected another South African title to add to his big collection. He was fast all weekend and didn’t look like slowing down any time soon. Roger Bergstrom was second ahead of Kobus Goosen. In the Masters, local man Clint Dreyer surprised everybody when he rode in his first national of the season and won. He left the two championship hopefuls behind him and Terence Monk would win that battle on the day ahead of Alec Combrink. Alec Combrink might have been beaten on the day, but did enough to win the title by 12 points. Harry Grobler was third. The Grand Masters was won on the day by Rod Bergstrom. It's amazing that he is still turning out quick laps and was a deserved winner. Francois du Plooy was second ahead of Geoff Den, who missed out on Moto 1 when his son, Wade Den, clipped a tyre and broke his femur. Geoff did enough to win the title though and add to his ever-growing title collection. We also say goodbye to a few people. The first being Full Throttle, who announced their withdrawal from the sport as title sponsor. They have been in it for five years and helped elevate our sport to new levels. Ryan Shapiro said they will still be around with the Full Throttle Motocross team, but those red and yellow banners will be missed. The second being the LEGEND himself, Richie van der Westhuizen. He will ride the regional season out, but his national career has come to an end. Richie will focus on his business, Racestar Graffix, and will be promoting the sport behind the scenes.
The 2013 season was the best for some years and a fitting end. Well done TEZA. •
The King of Motocross in SA a true front man for Yamaha SA and Full Throttle Racing and a 12 time SA Champion.
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Overall results MX1 1 Richard vd Westhuizen 2 Sacha Naude 3 Kerim Fitz-Gerald
MX2 1 Richard vd Westhuizen 2 Kerim Fitz-Gerald 3 Caleb Tennant
vets 1 2 3
Ian Topliss Roger Dean Bergstrom Kobus Goosen
masters 1 Alec Combrink 2 Terence Monk 3 Harry Grobler
grand masters 1 Geoff Den 2 Rod Bergstrom 3 Francois du Plooy
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Anto Maranta in the 125cc class fromHarrismith,MX is picking up there as 80 riders would atend a local race meeting.
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Christiaan Cilliers 99 battling it out with Jonathan Milini on the 259in the 65cc class.
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Overall results 125 cc High School 1 Bradley Cox 2 Dylan Stokes 3 Dirco van der Westhuizen
Pro Mini 85 cc 1 Jason Visser 2 Marcus Phelps 3 Joshua Mlimi
85 cc 1 Seth van den Abeele 2 Matthew Kruger 3 Slade Smith
65 cc 1 Cameron Durow 2 Wikus van Sandwyk 3 Dalton Venter
50 cc 1 Camden McLellan 2 Jonathan Mlimi 3 Ike Klaasen
50 cc junior 1 Lucas Venter 2 James Thompson 3 Liam Botha
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MOTORBIKING
Words: Amelia Berkeley ǀ Photos: NOTJs press images
NIGHT JUMPS OF THE
The atmosphere was electric in the Olympic Arena as spectators watched as freestylers risked their lives to perform incredible stunts. The heart-stopping show featured death-defying, awe-inspiring tricks, including rock-solid flips, double backflips and volt combos.
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Every year, thrill seekers from around the world flY to Munich to watch the NIGHT of the JUMPs; the world’s largest Freestyle MX Series. This year, the sold-out event took place at the Olympiahalle on 27 April. Dany Torres dominated the proceedings, closely followed by David Rinaldo. Joining them in the nerve-wracking final were Libor Podmol, Brice Izzo, Jose Miralles, and Maikel Melero, but the final round was a two-man battle between Torres and Rinaldo. Both stars executed a double seat grab backflip. Rinaldo came up with triple combos and various landing and take-off tricks. Tores hit back with stunts including the lazyflip, oxecutioner, Paris Hilton and barhop to the Indy superflip. In the end, Dany Torres finished one point ahead of Rinaldo to receive his maiden NOTJ victory. NIGHT of the JUMPs veteran Chris Brock took to the stage after a seven-year absence from the scene and his efforts received a top-ten placing. Another highlight was Australian FMX superwoman Emma McFerran, who wowed the crowd with the first-ever motorcycle backflip attempted by a female rider in Munich. Rinaldo continues to dominate the leader board of the Freestyle MX European Championship on a score of 58 points, just 10 points ahead of his closest rival, Brize Izzo. The final round of the FMX European Championship took place on 24 and 25 May 2013 in Hamburg.
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“The atmosphere in the arena is absolutely amazing. Everyone is there to have a good time and watch some unbelievable stunts. I can’t even imagine how the contestants pull off half of what they do. It’s just an incredible experience,” says Mike Williams, who went along to last year’s event. The sport of freestyle motocross has progressed at a rapid pace over the last decade. It began when thrill seekers started to copy BMX tricks on motocross bikes. The first successful backflip on a motocross bike was performed by Bob Kohl in 1993. Carey Hart was the first person to attempt a backflip on a full-sized motocross bike, although he crashed shortly after landing, which created speculation about whether he had actually landed the trick. It wasn’t until 2002 that Caleb Wyatt managed to pull it off without crashing. Once the art of the backflip had been perfected, the sport was pushed further with bikers doing no footers and one-handed backflips. Travis Pastrana came along and changed the face of the sport by attempting the inconceivable: a double backflip. He perfected the astonishing stunt in 2006, and the sport has grown in strength from there. The very first NIGHT of the JUMPs was held back in 2001, at the Arena Riesa in Germany. It quickly became the ultimate place to show off freestyle motocross skills and thrills, as competitors battled it out to be crowned European and World Champion. • The next NIGHT of the JUMPs will take place on 10 May 2014, at the SAP Arena in Mannheim, Germany. Advance ticket sales have already commenced. Flights to Germany can be booked from Emirates Airlines and more information about the event can be found here.
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Northside Motorcycles
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The Ultimate Riding Machine
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Ocean Classic WATER SPORTS
Words: Barry Lewin ǀ Photos: Rob Mousley/Surfski.info
Mauritius
A Surfski Paddler’s Dream Come True
Start front group.
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The Mauritius Ocean Classic is now in its fifth year and well established as a must-do race in the Ocean Paddler World Surf Ski Series. It also stands
out because of the amazing conditions the trade winds provide along the southern coast of this amazing island in the winter months.
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Barry Lewin and Matthew Bouman rise over a swell.
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Ladies winner Nikki Mocke.
Well, it can’t really be called winter with the air temperature in the high 20s and the crystal clean water not far off,
but it's the phenomenal downwind paddling that the 100-strong field from all over the world are after. 102 • DO IT NOW Magazine | #28
After spending a week at the Tamassa Resort, which houses the paddling festival run by Lux Sports, one can almost feel that this race is more a paddling celebration to cap off a truly memorable experience of learning from the sport’s champions. Arriving to a warm welcome of fresh salt air and your surfski on the lawn in front of your glorious hotel room, the mood is set; you are there to paddle and the organisers have thought of everything possible to make your stay an enjoyable one. I have done many trips to other parts of the world where the logistics of getting on the water to paddle can end up being a nightmare, but this is in far contrast and the easiest paddling trip anyone could ever do.
Taking place between 24 and 29 June 2013, the activities kicked off sharply with clinics by the World Series Champion Dawid Mocke, from the Surfski School in South Africa. The clinics got more advanced as the week progressed, and everyone had the opportunity to spend some quality time with other legends of the sport, such as Dean Gardner (9-time Molokai Champion), who gave a downwind clinic. There was also a fantastic technique clinic with Oscar Chalupsky (12-time Molokai Champion) to round out the week. And who better to learn from than the best?
Each day, the paddlers would also set off from Tamassa, paddling through the reef and out into the open ocean. This is where all surfski paddlers' dreams come true as there is an amazing downwind to the south eastern tip of Mauritius and the infamous ‘le Morne’ pass. Known as the best spot of the island, if your skill level is up to it, you had the choice of either surfing a wave down the point or skirting the waves in the channel before warming down in the protection of the lagoon, next to Lux Resort. As you stepped on shore, there was a delicious lunch waiting for you, as well as some staff who whisked your ski away to rinse it off before strapping it to the trailer, ready to be delivered back to the hotel. What more could you ask for? Outside of the surfski activities, there was plenty to do with many enjoying all the island of Mauritius had to offer, including snorkelling, glass bottom boat rides, dolphin diving and surfing, which all made for a water-sport filled holiday!
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Sporty Anderson Memorial Challenge
The racing kicked off on the Thursday with the Sporty Anderson Memorial Challenge. Here, the top-seeded paddlers were paired off with back-of-the-field paddlers in a team format. It was a perfect way for people to meet and get to know each other before the main race, a couple of days later.
Race day
Race day on Saturday came around within a blink of an eye. Arriving at the start, at Sancho, there were plenty of nerves amongst the field as the consistent trade winds had deserted the island all of a sudden. As a result of this, the race was delayed by half an hour, but luckily the wind picked up to the smiles of everyone who lined up in the protection of the bay. The top 20 were seeded in the front row, between two marker buoys, making for one of the fairest starts the international scene has seen, with all the top contenders in the front bunch heading out to sea in the first kilometre. The pace was frantic as the paddlers rounded the first point and headed out into the open ocean swell. Pushing the pace early on led to a front group of five being formed and consisted of Dawid Mocke (defending Champion), his brother Jasper Mocke (runner up to Dawid in the 2012 World Series), Hank McGregor (2-time winner of this race), Matthew Bouman, and myself. Dawid and Hank were the first to make a move, surfing the open ocean run on a more inshore line and edging ahead. Hank unfortunately lost some time when weeds got caught in his rudder, allowing Dawid to take a comfortable win and make it three in a row for the humble family man from Cape Town. The next four places were extremely close, with Hank, Jasper, Matthew, and me coming through the reef at Le Morne within a 100 m of each other. But in the end, the next two podium spots were taken by Hank, who managed to make a final dramatic sprint for the finish, with Jasper hot on his heels. Next in was Matthew in fourth, and myself in fifth. The race hasn’t seen such a close finish in a couple of years, making it all the more exciting for the competitors and spectators alike.
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Winner Dawid Mocke crossing the line.
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With the first accredited ICF Surfski World Champs taking place in Vila do Conde, Portugal, between 12 and 14 of July, these positions are hopefully an ominous sign of things to come, with our SA paddlers filling the nine top spots on the day and showing the depth of talent we have. In the Ladies race, the Mocke family kept up their winning streak with Dawid’s wife, Nikki Mocke, winning in fine form and placing an amazing fifteenth overall in the men’s field. This is quite an achievement for this mother of two to beat the defending Champion Ruth Highman from Australia, who came second, and Samantha Murray from South Africa, in third. The war stories of the day were shared around a beach bonfire at Tamassa, while traditional dancers made sure the crowds were kept entertained. I am not sure if I was more scared of being pulled up to join the dancing girls or the big waves at le Morne.
Mauritius will forever be etched in my memory as a surfski paddler's perfect playground. I
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Mauritius Ocean Classic 2013 - Ladies top 10
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F e atu r i n g
T e chn o b u t ter
N O W L I G H T E R , W A R M E R AND M O R E F L E X I B L E T HAN EVER
HOW DO YOU MAKE THE world’s leading wetsuit even better ?
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WATER SPORTS
Words: Alex Reynolds ǀ Photos: Rory Taylor
Surfing
in Namibia Surfing is a sport that has an incredible ability to bring people together. It is amazing how such a simple activity, gliding along the surface of the ocean on a piece of foam covered in fiberglass, is able to share joy and connect people from across the globe.
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Back in May, a team from Christian Surfers was blessed with the opportunity to do a trip up to Namibia, to connect with and serve the local surfing community up there. Christian Surfers Africa has been actively involved in Namibia, sending a crew up the coast from South Africa each year for the past three years. They have been able to build relationships and connections with the surfers there, with a desire to encourage and empower the local surfing community of this wave-blessed desert nation. The heart behind the trip was a 'serve trip' rather than a surf trip. The team truly desired to put others before themselves and use their shared passion for surfing to bring joy. The team from Christian Surfers partnered with Element Riders, a local adventure-sports tour company, to put on some surfing initiatives to unite and grow the grass-roots surfing community of Namibia. Element Riders is a business that facilitates extreme adrenaline sports such as surfing, kite surfing, skydiving, paragliding, and rock climbing, to allow people to realise the value and fragility of their lives and learn to respect creation and the people around them. Their motto is 'Ride the Earth, the Wind, the Water ‌ let your Soul be the Fire which drives you'. After two full days of driving through the desert, characterised by massive dunes, vast emptiness, and long straight roads as far as the eye could see, the team from Christian Surfers arrived in Swakopmund, Namibia. The desert is unfamiliar territory for surfers who are used to the blue of the ocean and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore; however, there is definitely a different kind of beauty up there and it was awesome to experience it.
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It was also incredible to see the growth and stoke of the Namibian surfing community. If there is one thing that Namibian surfers are blessed with, it is waves! There are a variety of quality set-ups and surf breaks in the area, as well as a solid group of local surfers holding it down up there. It’s important to understand that three’s a crowd up there and that even our small team was an instant crowd for those surfers, who are accustomed to surfing with only four to five other surfers on the most crowded of days. Being sensitive and respectful to the localism was crucial to serving and connecting with the surfers of the area, who were nothing but friendly and showed that they can seriously rip!
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The first of the surfing initiatives was the 2013 Swakop Pro Surf Contest. The Friday contest featured the minigroms and girls divisions followed by the main event on Saturday, which was held at Pebbles Beach in rippable 3-foot conditions. This year’s event showed a significant increase in participation from last year’s contest, with around 20 contestants in four divisions: U16 Boys, U20 Boys, Bodyboard, and Open Men’s. There was also amazing backing from sponsors and the local surfing community, many of whom were down at the beach checking out the event. The level of surfing in the contest was very impressive and the guys were ripping! Local Shaun Loubser won the event by putting together a nice combination of rail turns and lip-bashes in the final to seal the deal.
Also in the final were Craig Moreland, Mark De Wet, and Wynand Labuschagne, who were tearing apart the rights at Pebbles throughout the event. The U16 and U20 divisions were won by super-grom Phillip Seidler, who must have loaded up on at least four to five bowls of chocolate ProNutro for extra energy before surfing in multiple heats in the U16, U20, and Open divisions. Also surfing in nearly every division and somewhere between six and ten heats during the course of the day were Schalk Louw and twins Dylan and Damien Lackey. It seemed like every time the judges looked up they were watching one of the blonde-haired twins going off the top on the end section of the left at Pebbles. Tyrone Kotz took home top honors in the Bodyboard division, with a mean combination of rolls and spins. Following the surf contest was two days of surf coaching and clinics with the beginner surfers in the area. It was fantastic to see how stoked the kids were while learning to surf and how receptive they were to the coaching that was provided. Many of them show great natural talent and determination, and with continued coaching from Element Riders, who takes the kids out two to three times a week for training, they should progress into Namibia’s next generation of rippers!
One of the biggest joys and adventures of the trip was the surf and bodyboard camp up the coast with the local surfing youth. The crew spent three days up in the middle of nowhere camping, braaing, and surfing their brains out! The time was filled with awesome fun, fellowship, and cooking waves! The 15 groms that came along were stoked and the 'older guys' were quite possibly even more stoked as they unleashed their inner grom for a couple days. During the camp there was a lot of time to connect with the kids, encourage them, and be a positive influence in their lives. They also showed great improvements in their surfing!
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On day two of the camp, Mikhail Thompson, surf coach at the Son Surf School in Strand, and Sean Oberholzer, SA Masters Bodyboard Champ, ran a twohour film critique session with the excited young surfers, who then showed solid improvements as they headed back out to surf. The kids’ receptiveness to coaching and desire to improve their surfing will take them a long way. Coaching and keeping the kids in line was actually a blast for the whole team. Some of the biggest challenges that they faced were trying to tell apart blonde-haired twins, Dylan and Damien, who both wore matching black and red O’Neill wetsuits, limiting the length of the post-surf hot showers, and trying to keep super-grom Phillip from overdosing on chocolate ProNutro. It was special to see how in blessing others, the group was also blessed and enriched; inspired by the lives, stoke, and testimonies of the Namibian surfers that they got to hang and surf with. The growth and stoke was mutual! From their time and efforts there, Christian Surfers is hoping to leave the Namibian surfing community encouraged and united and to be a catalyst for further growth and opportunities.
Through serving, connecting, and building relationships, they hope to be a bright shining light in the Namibian surfing community that points back to the Creator, who shaped their passion for surfing, created the barrels they were riding in, and loves them unconditionally. •
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For more information about Christian Surfers visit: www.christiansurfers.co.za and on Element Riders, check out their website: www.element-riders.com
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WATER SPORTS
Words: Darryl Moodie ǀ Photos: Rory Taylor
Durban Wave Action
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Normally found worlds apart, one in the beautiful river valleys of Kwazulu-Natal, and the others in the openness of the Indian Ocean, Durban Wave Action hosted three alternative shortboard disciplines – the SA Waveski Surfing National Championships, Surfing South Africa’s Junior Pro Surf Tour 'Gromcomp', and the SA Freestyle Kayak Surfing Championships. 120 • DO IT NOW Magazine | #28
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The finals of all these events took place simultaneously on Durban’s North Beach on Saturday, 13 July, with Derek Watts of Carte Blanche fame hosting the prize-giving in perfect, sunny conditions on the impressive beach-front promenade. This year’s National SA Waveski Surfing Competition was a great trial run for next year’s World Champs event that will be hosted by Durban Wave Action at Durban’s North Beach. It attracted top competitors from KZN, Border, the Eastern Cape, and Western Cape - the highest number recorded in an SA Champ event for many years – and included a number of current and exSouth African Champions, as well as the reigning New Age and Women’s World Champions. With the newly improved, lighter, and smaller boards, hiperformance surfing was experienced in all respects, with cut-backs and aerials being the order of the day! Waveski Surfers that impressed were Eastern Cape’s Ian Macleod, the manufacturer of MACSKI Waveskis, who was by far the best waveski surfer on the day, having won both the SA Masters Competition and Durban Wave Action Invitational Open event. KZN’s Duran Martin and Ian Beach won the SA Junior and SA Grandmasters event respectively, and Andre Burger from Border won the New Age final. Schalk van Wyk from the Western Cape won the Seniors final, while Willie Grazer from Western Cape won the Veterans final. The Ladies final went to Sandra Pienaar from the Eastern Cape, the current Women’s World Champion. Other KZN competitors that impressed were Liam Kerr Smith, who won the Clyde Finch Trophy for the second year running as the most improved junior, as well as Ant Stott, a previous multiple Dusi Canoe Marathon winner, who placed second in the Seniors Division in this his first year of competitive waveski surfing.
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Turning to Surfing South Africa’s Pro Surf Tour 'Gromcomp', some of South Africa’s top junior surfers competed for Pro Surf Tour (PST) points, as well as prize money. This event promised to shape the future careers of these talented young surfers, both boys and girls, and the excellent conditions did not disappoint. Surfers that excelled were Durban’s James Ribbink, who won the Boys U10 division, while Saxton Randall was the Boys U12 winner, Gabi Lailvaux the Girls U12 winner, Liam de Villiers the Boys U14 winner, Sophie Bell the Girls U14 winner, Bevan Willis the Boys U16 winner, and Teal Hogg the Girls U16 winner. Negotiations are currently underway to turn this event into a truly international affair in future Durban Wave Action events.
The SA Freestyle Surf Kayaking Competition witnessed top kayak riders from all over South Africa, who have for many years competed vigorously in the rivers. Whilst not a surfing-orientated discipline in the root sense, this event saw an expression of style in the purest of forms and incorporated river freestyle moves in the surf, which were both challenging and exciting in a whole fresh new way and generated some great Wave Action for Durban’s North Beach. The overall winner was Philip Claassens, with Denzil Smith and Jonathan Pienaar second and third respectively. In summing up what was an outstanding week of surfing, both Derek Watts and Darryl Moodie, the Durban Wave Action event co-ordinator, paid tribute to the tremendous support received from the various sponsors to this event, in particular the eThekwini Council, Durban Tourism, Tsogo Sun, Elangeni Hotel, Suncoast Casino, uShaka Marine World, Land Rover, Volvo and Peugeot Pietermaritzburg, Kempston Motor Group, Afriboom Cleaning Services, OTM Communications, and Adstuff Durban. •
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Prove Yourself
Live a little closer to the edge. Actively pursue that
HDR-AS15
adrenaline rush. Record, relive and share thrilling experiences with the new, smart, tough and super versatile Sony Action Cam.
The Power of Imaging BE MOVED 128 • DO IT NOW Magazine | #28
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zasony
MULTI SPORTS
Words & Photos: Jacques Marais
SHOOT!
BIG
THE
5
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One amazing winter festival. Five extreme sporting events. Tens of thousands of athletes. And literally split seconds within which to grab all the action … shooting the annual Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival proved an excellent (and extended) test for my new Sony cameras. The BIG 5 Challenge at the Oyster Fest is fast becoming a multi-sport acid test for athletes keen to prove their prowess over the full gamut of endurance sporting events. Competitors must do a minimum of five events out of a potential seven races (should you account for the Half- and Full Forest Marathon distances as two separate events, that is). The action kicks off with the Rotary Pick n Pay Mountain Bike Challenge and Road Cycle (both 80 km), and then move to the scenic Featherbed Nature Reserve for the Salomon Featherbed Trail Run, presented by GU. Next up is the Totalsports Xterra, presented by Rehidrat, held at Pezula, before the final challenge of either the 21 km or 42 km Rotary Forest Marathon. The road cycle can also be replaced with the lagoon paddle, allowing athletes to play to their strengths in amassing points based on their finishing time in relation to that of the winner in each event. All the action takes place over a period of one week, with limited recovery time in-between each of these energy-sapping events. Shooting each of these races makes for fantastic photographic fun, but also brings with it a huge amount of running around, often on rugged trails and in the pouring rain. My Sony A99-SLTs proved to be the perfect full-frame tools with which to capture the action, and handled the rain, mud, and trails admirably. The lack of high-speed flash transceivers meant I could not sync at high shutter speeds, and I thus worked with infrared wireless Flash. Fortunately though, I’ve discovered that Phottix manufactures excellent radio triggers, and can’t wait to have my four units delivered by early next week. The Exmor CMOS Sensors really come into their own in the low and murky forest light, and even on the in-camera processed JPGs I could shoot up to 3,200 ISO without marked grain or edge definition loss. (This came as no surprise though, as it is after all Sony who supplies brands such as Nikon with their sensors for full-frame models such as the D800). For more information on the BIG 5 Challenge – presented by the event organisers Magnetic South – check out www.oysterfestival.co.za or www.magneticsouth.net
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Pick n Pay Weekend Argus
Rotary Knysna Cycle tour 80 km MTB
Raaht ... so it is that time of the year when you can't get parking in Knysna, and the restauranteurs and guest house owners are rubbing their hands in glee ... in other words, the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival is happening, big time!
So, here I am, rabbiting around the forests and plantations as one does on any given race day, pointing the A99-SLTs at all and sundry. My brief was to shoot the BIG 5 athletes specifically, but when you have an itchy shutter finger, I suppose the odd shot of Kevin Evans or Matthys Beukes might end up in the fray. Long day, but good day, with the road cycling event looming early early tomorrow morning. Time to go and charge those Sony batteries, I suppose ...
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seize more light
more light, more color, finer detail. The NEX-6 with a large Exmor ® APS-C size CMOS sensor is capable of capturing more light to deliver photos like never before. Along with Wi-Fi for effortless transfers, ultra-fast phase-detection AF and a superb XGA OLED electronic viewfinder, you will get everything you'll need from a camera that won't weigh you down.
‘Sony’, ‘make.believe’, ‘ ’, ‘Exmor’ and their logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Corporation 2012.
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Pick n Pay Weekend Argus
Rotary Knysna Cycle tour 80 km Road Race Tarmac is pretty unfamiliar territory for me, but as the annual road cycle made up part of the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival's BIG 5 event, that's where I headed with my Sonys, albeit from the back of a motor cycle for a change. The (shortened) 80 km road race blasted from Knysna to Wilderness and back along the N2, and a surprising array of familiar faces popped up in my viewfinder, mostly from Xterra, triathlon or adventure racing days. The status as far as the BIG 5 Challenge remains unchanged, with Dan Hugo (1,935 points), Kent Horner (1,905 points) and Stuart Marais (1,901 points) argybargying at the sharp end of the Men's Field. Carla van Huyssteen (1,742 points), Marilyn Fisher (1,706 points) and Nicola Gilliomee (1,692 points) are holding sway in the Women's category, with Thea-Mari van der Sandt just off the pace in fourth.
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Salomon Featherbed Trail Run presented by GU I'm biased, so sue me. The Salomon Featherbed Trail Run, presented by GU, is without a doubt my favourite event at the annual Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival.
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Nothing quite matches up to it as far as scenery, natural grandeur, and exhilaration go. Imagine a ferry ride across the estuary at dawn, with a monster climb up the Knysna Heads, followed by a tumultuous ridge descent and a blast to the finish line across a rusted bridge. It does not get much more exhilarating than that, except if you now imagine experiencing this THREE times in a single day. The dawn run saw a duel to the near-death between Thabang Elias Madiba and Stuart Marais, with the latter proving unbeatable over the 15 km Coelecanth route, shattering his own record with a time of 55 min 36 sec to beat Madiba by more than a minute. Marais' blitzkrieg, however, lasted a mere three hours before the second running of Kane Reilly. The young Salomon athlete went out hard and fast from the start, completely dropping the field of the 13h00 run as he powered his way along the fynbos ridges high above the scenic Knysna estuary. With a kilometre to go it became clear that the young speedster had a fantastic chance to shatter the Featherbed record for the second time in one day, and a jubilant crowd cheered him across the finish line.
His time? An absolutely astounding 54 min 39sec, highlighting the class and skill of an athlete who certainly now rates as one of SA's top trail runners. The two women's races were dominated by Candice Davison and Carla van Huyssteen, with both athletes running well clear of their closest competitors, and van Huyssteen scorching home in 1 hr 05 min 29 sec for the fastest time of the day. Right now, the Featherbed Nature Reserve is lit up as hundreds of athletes negotiate the trail with the help of their head torches, but it is highly unlikely that any of the day’s records will fall in the dark and slippery conditions out there. Kudos to Magnetic South for once again presenting a world-class event with the assistance of two of South Africa's key sporting brands - Salomon and GU. It is assistance like this that has seen the sport of trail running booming over the past ten years. A very special mention must also go to the Featherbed Company, which once a year allows the organisers to present this exhilarating event within its pristine protected area.
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This is the speed readers' condensed version of this year's Knysna Oyster Festival Totalsports Xterra, presented by Rehidrat. It happened fast, damn fast, which is why I'm doing a condensed version of the race. Dan Hugo pulled out with an injury niggle - damn shame. Kevan Evans took his running to another level, taking it down to the wire against a seemingly indomitable Stuart Marais, right now arguably the hottest property on the multi-sport block. The ding-dong battle swung this way and that on the run-bike-run between these two ace athletes, with Evans dominating on the bike, and Marais on his feet. In the end, the Man with the Moustache wiped out a 3 minutes lead off the bike to beat Evans home by just on a minute. The same script unfolded for the women, with will-o-the-wisp Carla van Huyssteen reeling in the lead built up by Candice Neethling on the bike during the final 7 km run leg. In short, it was all pretty damn awesome, and with just one event in the BIG 5 Challenge to come, it seems as if Marais and van Huyssteen will be walking away with the spoils.
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Pick n Pay Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon
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The final showdown in the annual KNYSNA Oyster Festival BIG 5 Challenge came courtesy of the stalwart Forest Marathon, with competitors able to choose between the halfor full distances.
There were no huge surprises (we won't mention that somehow the marathon ended up being an ultra this year), with the BIG 5 standings very much remaining as is. Carla van Huyssteen proved too strong to dethrone in the Women's field, and led home Marilyn Fisher and Candice Davison. Despite serious wind resistance from the new moustache, Stuart Marais returned to the top of the podium again this year, flanked by the ever-green Kent Horner and a resurgent Matt Trautman. Pity to not see Dan Hugo there, but we know he will be back too. I'm but a small cog in the big machine that coordinated this fantastic competition, but as always it was a pleasure to work with Mark Collins and Christine Collins of Magnetic South. They (and their staff) are certainly in a class of their own as far as events of this nature go. A huge shout out to the competitors, too - you are all officially hard core! •
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For morieon informatthe about lege BIG 5 Chavlisit seestival.co.za plea ys t e r f www.o
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300mm F2.8 G SSM II (SAL300F28G2), 1/4000 sec., F5.6, ISO 400, AF-D mode
never miss the moment
full detail
α99 with 300mm F2.8 G SSM II
Experience the evolution of Translucent Mirror Technology. 35mm full-frame Exmor® CMOS sensor, newly developed BIONZ image processor, the world’s first* Dual AF System capable of 19+102 AF points and 60p/24p full HD movies. Capture any moment with a wide array of lenses for high contrast, rich gradation, and high resolution images. *The world’s first AF system in a 35mm full-frame interchangeable lens digital camera to feature two phase detection sensors as of September 12, 2012, according to Sony’s internal survey. ‘Sony’, ‘make.believe’, ‘ ’, ‘Exmor’, ‘BIONZ’ and their logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Corporation 2012.
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www.sony.co.za/product/slt-a99v
MULTI SPORTS
Words: Bronwen Blunden ǀ Photos: Chris Hitchcock
Duathlon Series Record entries for
The popularity of Momentum Health Meg-3 National Duathlons, powered by PeptoPro, has ballooned to roughly 800 athletes entering per event. This is roughly double the
It can get lonely at the back, when the hills only seem to go upwards.
number of entries that events in this series drew just a few years ago. Why the strong growth in numbers? Consistently good organisation, great television coverage, and fantastic routes seem to be the main factors for the series’ increasing popularity.
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While organisers have been blessed with gorgeous weather on race days, feedback from participants continue to highlight the amazing courses they have been privileged to run and cycle on in 2013. From the picturesque 'Cape Epic style' Lourensford race, to the new courses at the Blue Hills and Cornwall Hill Estates in Gauteng, organisers have certainly managed to present terrain that both challenged and rewarded duathletes in a way that filled them with exuberance and huge expectation for the next event, despite being thoroughly exhausted.
“I fell during the first run, I fell during the mountain bike leg, and I collapsed over the finish line, but I have never had so much fun in an organised event before!” became a fairly standard race report, while the dusty faces sucked at oranges and wiped sweaty streaks over eyebrows and cheeks, where it was not uncommon to also find smudges of chain grease and even a few drops of blood.
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Armand du Toit hits the sandbox hard. He eventually finished a fighting 12th overall.
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Hogging the limelight. Armand du Toit hammers the singletrack section on the bike leg.
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“I entered the Fun event after watching the previous race on SuperSport, just to get a feel for whether it’s something I would enjoy doing,” said a 40-year-old father of
two, both of whom also took part in the Kids race. “However, the moment the starter’s gun went off, I forgot that I was a relatively unfit dad who just wanted to spend a Sunday doing something fun with my family, and thought I had become a mix between Usain Bolt and Chris Froome! I might walk a little funny tomorrow, but trust me, I will be back for the next event!”
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Series leader Riana Robertson powers through the sandpit on her way to 2nd place overall in the ladies race.
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The majority of participants in the Fun event, however, treat Momentum Health Meg-3 National Duathlons as an opportunity to get some fresh air, catch up with friends, and let their kids have fun in a safe environment. Some parents
expend more energy encouraging the youngsters during their race than the budding athletes themselves do, but, once over the finish line, it's all smiles and grubby little hands cling on to medals like they are cast from pure gold.
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It’s all about the family, and there is a race category for them all.
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On the other end of the spectrum, weekend warriors and casual entrants get to start shoulder-to-shoulder with world-class talent like Brand du Plessis and Andrea Steyn. Both these stars seem to have taken a strong hold of the lead in the 2013 Series, but there is a quality list of aspirant challengers blowing on their necks, including the likes of Lise Olivier, Riana Robertson, Ruan Botes, and David Labuschagne.
With total prize money of over R300,000 up for grabs in the series, races 5 and 6 are likely to be very hotly contested and should make for fabulous entertainment! •
More information on the Momentum Health Meg-3 National Duathlon Series, powered by PeptoPro, can be found on www.duathlon.co.za.
Pink power. Just because it is an off road duathlon doesn’t mean that the athletes can’t sport urban funk.
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r
MULTI SPORTS
Words: Wian Sullwald ǀ Photos: Manfred Sullwald ǀ Video: International Triathlon Union
A DREAM Becomes
reality
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Ever since Wian's first world Triathlon Championships in 2009, he has dreamed of being the best junior triathlete in the world. Four years later, he fulfilled his dream of becoming the 2012 Junior World Triathlon Champion. This achievement was made even more special because he was the first-ever African to claim an ITU World Champion title. But to get there, it was four years of hard work, dedication, experience, sacrifices, and racing, and he needed to qualify, which he did by winning the Junior African Championships and by being the SA Champion. DO IT NOW Magazine caught up with Wian to find out what it takes to become the Junior World Triathlon Champion.
Q: What does it take to excel as a triathlete?
Triathlon is a sport that takes a long time for an athlete to race at the top, and getting there is no easy task. To be competitive, you need to gain a lot of racing experience, especially internationally. There are also a lot of small things that can make a big difference to your performance, which you need to learn. You need to find the correct training routine that works for you and will enable you to become a stronger athlete. I still have a way to go to get to where I want to be come 2016, but it's something that I am totally committed to and work on daily.
Q: Who are your sponsorship partners?
Over the past two years, I've been fortunate to be sponsored by a number of fantastic companies, which have all played a role in helping me reach my dreams. Sponsor support was taken up a notch in 2010 when I started racing as part of the BSG Elite Team, sponsored by Business Systems Group (BSG). In the build-up to the Junior World Triathlon Championship, I was also very fortunate to have Triathlon South Africa come on board. After winning the championship, I signed with a few new sponsors, who are also my current sponsors: Specialized Bicycles, Oakley, PeptoSport, FutureLife, Puma, Huub, Continental Tyres, and the High Performance Centre (HPC). I am also funded by SASCOC, as part of their Opex Programme. Triathlon South Africa had also just announced that their High Performance squad would receive financial support, and I am fortunate enough to be part of this squad.
Q: Tell us about your training leading up to the championship? My training load and programme varied according to where I was in the build-up and type of track I would be racing on. For example, the course at the World Champs had three steep hills in a 5 km lap, so I focused heavily on hill work in my training schedule. During the week of a race, I followed a specific programme that would get me sharp and ready for the race lying ahead.
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The HPC in Pretoria provided me with great training facilities, and I got assistance with my bike set-up, massages, nutrition advice, and sociology. I normally trained for approximately 30 hours a week, with a mixture of recovery sessions, endurance sessions, and key sessions that were very specific. What I especially enjoyed doing was going for a 20 km run early in the morning and witnessing God's great creations, while also releasing how lucky I am to do what I love every day, at a high level. I had a few good training partners, including Rudolf Naude and Eddie van Heerden, with my main partner being Wikus Weber. In terms of coaching, you get no better than Lindsey Parry and Rocco Meiring, who have pushed me above and beyond what I thought was possible. Competing was also a major part of my training and preparation for the World Champs, so I took part in a number of events. Some of the bigger ones were the South African Championships - 1st place; the Holten Junior European Cup – 1st place; Vienna Junior European Cup – 2nd place; World Student Games – 9th place; and the Junior African Championship – 1st place.
Q: How did all the training impact on your studies and family life?
I was studying part-time so that I would have more time to spend on training. My family is awesome! They are very supportive and try to get involved as much as they can, which is great!
Q: Did nutrition play an important role in your preparation?
Eating healthy is very important and played a major part in my performance. Although I didn't follow an eating plan when training for the World Champs, I tried to eat as healthily as possible and made sure that I took in enough fuel during training. Now I stick to an eating programme that has been put together by Nicki de Villiers, a dietician at the HPC, and it's working really well for me.
Q: What was the hardest thing you had to overcome to get ready for the big day? Nothing, I had been waiting a whole year for this race and nothing could stop me or get in my way. I was more than ready too race.
With all the hard work done, I headed to Auckland in New Zealand two weeks prior to the race so that I could fully acclimatise and be as fresh as possible on race day, which consisted of a 750 m swim, 20 km bike, and 5 km run.
Q: What was race day like?
Race day was cold, windy and raining - not ideal conditions to race in. As I waited for the race to start, excitement coursed through my veins. This was the moment of truth, when all my training and preparation would be put to the test. Instead of feeling nervous, I was eager to get the race underway because I knew that I was more than ready to take on the world's best. I felt really confident, thanks to all the help I had received from my excellent coaches and sponsors.
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Looking around, I felt incredibly privileged to be standing there amongst the world's best, the likes of Kristian Blummenfelt (Norway), Bob Haller (Luxembourg), Jelle Gens (Belgium), Simon Vian (France), and about 65 other world-class junior triathletes. My biggest threats were Kristian, Bob, Jelle, and Simon, so I knew I had to swim fast, cycle smart, and save enough energy for the run. As the gun went off for the first leg, a 750 m swim consisting of two laps, more than 70 athletes hit the water. I'm a strong swimmer, which was just as well as there was quite a bit of fighting and pulling on the pontoon, but I managed to make my way to a small group of front swimmers. I really enjoyed the swim and felt totally exhilarated as I left the water in the top ten. I had a great run to the transition, which enabled me to be the first rider out and on the road. The bike leg was along a well-marked 5 km route in the city of Auckland, which was completely free of traffic. This was followed by four laps on a hilly course. This was an honest cycle course, so the stronger cyclists had the advantage but believe me, you still needed to dig deep into the endurance pool to keep the power going. On the first lap, two of the athletes and I broke away from the group, but we were followed by a number of riders in hot pursuit. It became a game of cat and mouse until they eventually closed the gap. The bad weather only made things worse, but I love racing in the rain so I was in my element and managed to stay on my bike through that very wet and slippery cycle leg. By the end of this leg, I was in the front group. Coming into transition, my legs were feeling pretty good and I was looking forward to making short work of the 5 km running in the third and final leg. This leg was on a combination of asphalt-paving and brick-paved roads. The course looped through crowds two times and kept me totally pumped for the big finish. I took the lead early in the run and from there I just kept powering away and extended my lead with each step. As I ran, I can remember thinking about all the work that I had done in the year and how many times I had pictured this moment, and now that victory was within my grasp, I was actually struggling to believe that it was really happening. I finished with enough time too celebrate the biggest victory of my life in style. A big thank you to Triathlon South Africa, Business Systems Group (BSG), High Performance Centre (HPC), Sport and Recreation South Africa, ASG Sport Solutions, PeptoPro, PeptoSport, FutureLife, Bruce Reyneke Cycles, and Continental Tyres for all your support and help in 2012 to fulfill my dream.
Q: What's on your horizon?
I am working towards the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where I hope to be a serious contender. Leading up to this, I raced internationally in ITU World Cup and World Triathlon Series events, and hope to keep on improving as Rio draws nearer. My main goal this year is to establish and entrench myself in the ITU elite racing and build up my ITU points, as well as achieve a top-ten finish at the Under 23 Elite World Champs, which is being held in London on 11 September. For 2014, I plan to pick up on the good form that I will hopefully end 2013 off with, and qualify for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Q: Do you have any tips for up-and-coming triathletes? Always remember that triathlon is a sport that takes you a long time to get to the top - it won't happen overnight. Just keep on working hard toward your goals, and believe in yourself and your coach.
DO IT NOW Magazine wishes Wian all the best with his preparation for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. SA will be rooting for you! •
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MULTI SPORTS
Words: Stuart Pickering ǀ Photos: Custard Photography
World Transplant Games
2013
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The World Transplant Games are taking place in Durban from 28 July to 4 August 2013. This will be the 19th edition of the games, which sadly does not seem to get the media coverage it deserves.
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The World Transplant Games Federation has been staging the summer games every two years to raise awareness of the need to increase organ donations and celebrate the success of organ transplant surgery. More than 2,500 athletes from 69 countries will be attending the games to take part in such diverse sports disciplines as cycling, tennis, swimming, athletics, badminton, bowls, and squash to name just a few. To qualify for entry to the games, an athlete must have had one of the following transplants: heart, liver, kidney, lung or bone marrow. A lot of people may think that transplantees would be fragile and unsporting, but this is not the case at all, they are, in fact, high-class athletes at the top of their sports.
Here is a quote about the cycling events by Richard Smith, coach of the GB Transplant Cycling Team. Richard is a transplantee himself and in 2011 he achieved his ambition to hold all six available transplant titles at the same time by winning the British, European, and World Transplant Games events in both the road race and time trial disciplines. “You need to be quick on a bike – properly quick, not ‘ill quick’ not ‘ahhh isn’t she doing well, how brave’ quick, but properly fast. Otherwise you’ll get smashed by anyone from one of the 60-plus nations that attend the games.” That gives you an idea of how competitive these athletes are and how good these games will be.
So if you are in the Durban area, have a look at the games' official website to see the events calendar and locations, and come along and support the games and show these athletes how generous South African hospitality can be.
And remember to think about becoming an organ donor yourself because each donor can save up to another seven people’s lives. For more information on this inspiring event, visit the official site - www.wtg2013.com or go to the SA Organ Donation website www.odf.org.za
GB tansplant cyclists.
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MULTI SPORTS
Words: Hardus de Bruyn | Photos: CrossFit, Inc.
CrossFit’s finest Dave Levey prepares to take on
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CrossFit has grown so rapidly that it’s now regarded as the fastest growing sport in the world. So what is the appeal? “CrossFit forces you to work on things that you are not good at and things that you don’t necessarily enjoy. True fitness is tested in every possible way. As a professional athlete, CrossFit has forced me to focus on things that I shy away from and in saying that, CrossFit is a parallel for life in general,” says African CrossFit Champion, Dave Levey
From 26 to 28 July, 2013, Dave will be competing in the World CrossFit Games, held at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, USA. To help prepare for the Games, Dave, owner of CrossFit Algoa and co-owner of CrossFit East London, recently took on an Olympic lifting coach, Joshua Capazorio, and has achieved a number of personal bests in the last few weeks. Describing his personal experience of qualifying for the 2013 CrossFit Games, Dave explains that the Opens, which were held in 'boxes' (gyms) or people could send in recordings of themselves doing the workout at home, were weekly workouts that lasted for five weeks. “They are your progression to the Regionals, which ultimately qualifies you for the Games. To qualify, you had to be within the top 48 participants of the 575 athletes who took part from all over Africa. I approached the Open WODS (Workout of the Day) as training for the Regionals, as your metabolic conditioning needs to be good, to enable you to handle lighter weights at speed. I generally do the workout as early as possible, but may repeat it if I feel I need the repeated stimulus for a weakness of mine.”
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He adds that once you progress to the Regionals, you need to be doing the daily WOD’s workouts as prescribed *(Rx). “You have to compare your times with others in your 'box', in your region, and even with the international athletes if you want to excel and be competitive.
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Unfortunately, South Africans don’t have a lot of exposure to Olympic lifting, as lifting is quite new to the country, so I usually try to focus on the lifting whilst developing gymnastics. These exercises are then combined together, along with other cardiovascular-type exercises, such as running, swimming, biking, skipping, and rowing, in a functional manner. This is known as metcons, metabolic conditioning.
Regionals also require you to lift much heavier weights than the Opens, and in some cases even heavier than the Games. 178 • DO IT NOW Magazine | #28
“In the Opens and Regionals, you normally know what the WOD is in advance, but in the Games, workouts are completely unknown. This is the most complete test of fitness, as you could be requested to do almost anything. Putting it all together in a couple of days can be quite taxing on the body, so your body needs to be able to handle the workload.” Competing against the world’s finest and fittest, the likes of Rich Froning, Dan Bailey, Mikko Salo, and Jason Khalipa, Dave feels he is better prepared than ever before, having improved his functional mobility, strength, and metcon base, as well as his Olympic lifting.
Dave’s wife has also been a great support to him. As a tremendously focused athlete, I have no doubt that he will make Africa proud, as he has done in the past. Dave Levey is ready to take on the world. • You can watch the Games live via live streaming on games.crossfit.com or follow them on Twitter@CrossFitGames, @CFGMasters, @CrossFit, @CFGFanZone and Facebook CrossFit Games, CrossFit. *R x is a term used to indicate that you can complete the workout without scaling it down.
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MULTI SPORTS
Words: Marthinus Jordaan | Photos: Courtesy of guerrilla.co.za
It’s all
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Guerrilla ActionMan is an adventure race that includes mountain biking and trail running, but with the twist of some air gun action! Born in South Africa, it’s the only adventure event of its kind in the world and can be enjoyed by anyone. www.doitnow.co.za • 183
Even though it’s a fun-filled event, the organisers take weapons very seriously and see this event as an excellent way of educating our youth and adults about the correct protocols and ethics when dealing with weapons. Furthermore, it is about bringing back an activity that’s been a big part of our South African culture in an enjoyable and safe way, and in a controlled environment. ActionMan is split into three main events: ActionMan, ActionKids, and ActionBrats. Teams are welcome in the ActionMan event and it’s not just something for the men. Ladies, this is your opportunity to kick some butt as well. This event really caters to everyone and to make it hassle free, all air rifles and handguns are supplied on the day!
ACTIONMAN This event is for women, men, and teams aged 14 plus. It starts at 08h00 with a 5 km trail run that leads to a shooting range and this is where participants get to take three shots at a target, using a Crosman TR77 air rifle. From there, you’ll enter the transmission area and hop onto your mountain bike for a 20 km trail ride. Once the ride is completed, you move into the last 2.5 km stretch trail run, which ends back at the shooting range. But it doesn’t end there because there’s still loads more action ahead to test and challenge you. At the range, you will take another three shots at a target, but this time using a Browning BUK URX hand air gun. Thereafter, as you make your way towards the finishing line, there’s an obstacle course to be conquered before you reach the red carpet and a welcoming, cold Guerrilla Energy Drink, a medal, and finishing photo of your accomplishment - because you will have proved yourself to be a worthy ACTIONMAN!
ACTIONKIDS This event is for kids that range in age between 7 and 13. The fun starts at 10h30 as the ActionKids head off on a 300 m trail run that ends at the shooting range. They are also required to shoot three times at a target, with a Crosman TR77 air rifle. From there, they move into the transition area and get onto their mountain bikes for a 2 km trail ride. This is followed by a 300 m run, which also ends up back at the shooting range. A Browning BUK URX hand air gun is the weapon of choice for the next three shots at a target. Although the end may be in sight, there’s still a tricky obstacle course to get over, under, and through before crossing the finishing line. Successful participants receive a cold Guerrilla Energy Drink or ice cold juice, a medal, and finishing photo, a memento of when they became a true ACTIONKID!
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ACTIONBRATS This event caters for the littlies that are aged between 1 and 6, and parents or other family members are encouraged to assist and motivate their child throughout the course. It starts at 11h15 and is sure to be one of those moments that will have their parents bragging about for days, probably even months after the event. They begin with a 30 m run, walk, crawl, or pick up from mom or dad. Next up is the shooting range, where they get to shoot a Browning BUK URX hand air gun, with the help of their parent, of course. From there, it’s a fun 1 km bike, tricycle, y-bike, or any other mode of transportation, once again assisted by the parents or family member, followed by another 30 m run, with mom or dad, towards the obstacle course. Then it’s up, over, under and through the obstacles, all with the encouragement of the onlooking crowds and proud parents, and finally on to the finishing line. They too receive their very own medal, a well-deserved ice-cold juice, and finishing photo, so mom and dad can boast about their incredible ACTIONBRAT! In addition to all the wonderful prizes, participants receive a goodie bag that is sure to delight. In this treasure trove you will find an ActionMan T-shirt, Guerrilla cap, Guerrilla Carbon Man Knife, Guerrilla Energy Drink, and Guerrilla XXX 4.5 mm pellets, all worth a whopping R450-00. If you are a bit concerned about the shooting aspect in the events, don’t be. The shooting range is professionally erected in a very safe environment and there are professional marshals at each weapon’s point to assist and implement weapon safety procedures. The marshals are also there to assist everyone and make this experience as fun as possible. •
We encourage you all to come and join us at one of the following action-packed events: 4 August 2013 Ludwig’s Rose Farm, Pretoria, Gauteng 8 September 2013 Babbas Lodge, Pretoria, Gauteng 20 October 2013 Babbas Lodge, Pretoria, Gauteng 24 November 2013 Babbas Lodge, Pretoria, Gauteng North 8 December 2013 Babbas Lodge, Pretoria, Gauteng North To find our more about the event, visit www.actionmansa.co.za. To enter, visit event.co.za
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Swap the red tape for the red carpet
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NATURE
Words: Gavin Goldblatt ǀ Photos: Rowan Stretton
Debbie Swales with Glen Etive’s Sam.
Field
Trialling
It was still dark and misty when we gathered in the valley, as the sun hadn't cleared the towering mountains to the east. People shook hands and hugged, shared flasks of coffee and hot chocolate, cracked jokes. The dogs did what dogs do, ran around, sniffed each other, came back for a pat, and went off again.
Finally the last person arrived and we hopped into the back of the waiting bakkies, eight people and eight dogs per bakkie, and headed up the mountain following the barely discernible ruts. The joking stopped, we all stood huddled with our backs to the biting wind, the dogs squeezed in-between our legs for a bit of extra warmth. The thermometer said 3°C, but it felt a lot colder in the wind. As the convoy ascended, the sun rose and we broke through the mist to a clear, cloudless and pale blue sky.
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At the top of the mountain we discarded our top layers. It was going to be a glorious day and walking would quickly warm us up. The first two dogs were cast off, followed by the three judges and two handlers. The rest of the gallery hung back and watched the action unfolding, their dogs whining and pulling at their leashes as they watched the running dogs intently. The sun was already high and the frost had been burnt off the ankle-high rooigras, which stretched as far as the eye could see. The two dogs, a pointer and setter, ran up and down the steep slopes at 25 km an hour looking effortless, they could run all day at that pace.
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Eight minutes after casting off, the setter dropped. One moment in full gallop, the next sliding on the ground as if he had been shot, turning as he slid along and keeping his nose into the wind and his head high, to show his handler where the birds were. The pointer came up behind, stopped and stood pointing out the setter, keeping its distance so as not to flush the birds. The setter's handler walked
Border Champs, Day 2.
up to her dog, shotgun closed and ready, and bent down to tap the dog on the head. The dog leopard crawled forward 10 metres, the handler walking at his side, and then he dropped again as a greywing francolin flushed from in front of his nose. The shotgun, loaded with a blank, boomed as it was aimed straight up into the sky. The handler opened her gun, reloaded, bent down and touched the dog's head again so he could lead her to the next bird before their time was up and the next brace (pair of dogs) was cast off.
As we cleared a ridge, there in front of us was a table laid out with a white tablecloth, bearing coffee, tea, biscuits, and water for the dogs. Just after tea, as the first brace produced a covey of greywing, a lanner falcon dropped from a clear sky and slammed into one of the greywings, the impact audible from 200 m way. It was an explosion of feathers, just like a pillow that had burst, and the greywing dropped to the ground, dead. The lanner landed on it and with a beady yellow eye dared the dogs to approach.
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The dogs were led off so they didn't disturb the feeding raptor and the trial continued. Two braces later, the dogs down cleared a ridge and ran into a herd of 70 blesbok. The buck could sense that the
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Lunch miraculously appeared before us, as had the morning tea, and both main course and dessert were devoured sitting around an old concrete dam, out of the wind but in the sun, with the dogs sprawled next to us. Thereafter, it was another two hours of walking before afternoon tea, and then another two before the sun started to disappear and we climbed tiredly into the waiting bakkies. We headed down the mountain for a drink around a roaring fire, a warm shower, and a delicious supper of venison stew. Finally, under the duvet for a dreamless sleep and a 5 a.m. wake-up call to do it all over again.
Luke and Ranger
about the sport
Trialling and conservation
This is what field trialling is about. It is a sport for nature lovers, dog lovers, conservationists, and hunters. Although it is still small in South Africa, it has a large following in Europe and the USA. In some of the Scandinavian countries, there are more registered field trial dogs than there are human inhabitants, and Italy, Spain, and France don’t lag far behind.
Field triallers are all ardent conservationists because without a healthy eco-system there are no birds, and without birds there is no sport. No birds or other animals are harmed during trialling or training and many of the triallers are actively involved in conservation activities and conservation research.
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Looking back It traces its roots back to the early 1600s when King Louis XII of France, who was a passionate pointer breeder, compared dogs against one another to make sure he bred only from the best. After he sent a pair of dogs as a wedding present to James 1, the breed was introduced to England and field trialling gradually became a sport in its own right, separate from falconry and shooting.
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Field trialling is also one of the oldest sports in South Africa, with the first trial held on Jan Smuts's farm in Irene in 1908. The sport became democratised, especially here in South Africa where we are fortunate to have an abundance of birds and lands to run our dogs.
Mel Stretton, Vickie Bell, Peter Leger and Mike Galloway watching the show.
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The South African Field Trial Club was started in 1907, with the clear goal
of identifying the dog that best produced birds for the gun. We are traditionalists in this regard, as many of the field trial associations around the world have gradually increased their focus on form over function.
Breeds Field trials are essentially breed tests to choose the best dogs for breeding purposes. However, they are a lot more than that, as a lot of training is required to ensure the dogs perform at their best, and to do that requires a lot of skill. In South Africa, only pointers, German short haired pointers, English and Irish setters, and Brittanies have gene pools large and strong enough to ensure the physical and mental health and ability necessary for trialling. Even in these breeds, many are bred for show and their working ability and as a result, the dog's health has been bred out, so it's essential to carefully evaluate the breeding when choosing a puppy.
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Who can participate Physically, trialling is not too demanding, but you need to be able to walk 20 km per day through the mountains, so contestants range in age between 10 and 70. It is a great family sport and it's not unusual to see three generations of a family competing. Many of the competitors have also represented their province or country in other sports, ranging from gymnastics to rugby, to trail running and mountain biking.
Trial format Trials are specifically designed to emulate natural hunting conditions as closely as possible. They are run entirely on natural game under normal hunting conditions and always run over fresh ground. As one would do when hunting, judges try to make the best of the prevailing climatic conditions or wind direction.
To find out more or how to get involved in field trialling, visit www.wcfieldtrialclub.co.za
The judging party comprises three judges, one of whom is appointed as the chief judge. The field steward is effectively in charge of all logistical issues and the navigation through the venue for optimum results. Competing dogs are drawn in braces on a completely random basis, but no two dogs will be drawn together that belong to the same handler. The time allocated for braces is determined by the judging panel in consultation with the field steward and is normally based on logistical issues, cover available, and the quantity of game anticipated. The brace duration is, on average, about 10 to 20 minutes. Our trials are designed to afford a championship dog about one to one-and-a-half hours of exposure to the panel of judges over the course of the trial. Each handler is required to carry a gun, which is supplied by the host club. Since retrieving is not judged, the game is not shot, merely saluted with black powder blanks. In fact, a dog snapping at a bird is a cardinal sin and grounds for immediate disqualification. Once the dogs are cast off, the handlers proceed on foot behind their dogs. The other contestants and gallery of spectators also
proceed on foot behind the two contestants, under the control of the field steward. Once the time allocated to each brace has elapsed, they are called up and the next brace is cast off. This is repeated until the entire field has run, which is termed a round. At the end of each round, the performance of all dogs is discussed by the judges and the dogs that have committed eliminating faults, such as chasing game, breaking to shot, and so on, are excluded from all subsequent draws. Dogs that are not eliminated go forward into subsequent rounds and are redrawn with other dogs until they are eliminated or until a final judging decision is reached at the end of the two-day trial. At the end of the trial, the aim of the judges is to decide that if the exercise could be repeated, which few dogs, in order of merit, they would choose to hunt over in that terrain, under those circumstances, for those days. It’s as simple as that. All judging decisions are reached by consensus.
So if you're a nature lover, dog lover, conservationist or hunter, and looking for a new activity to try your hand at, then how about field trialling? There are active clubs in Gauteng, Natal, and the Western and Eastern Cape. • www.doitnow.co.za • 199
have you heard DO IT NOW Magazine goes digital There has been an ongoing debate around print versus digital at DO IT NOW Magazine for some time now.
PRINT: Although print is the conventional way to read a magazine, it is also bound by printing and distribution timelines, which result in the stories not being immediately available to you, our readers. DIGITAL: Whereas digital, also the eco-friendly option and available on numerous electronic platforms, will provide you with a more current and interactive experience. In addition, it allows for a more beautiful design, smarter journalism, and value-added advertising opportunities for clients. Based on this, we have converted DO IT NOW Magazine to a fully digital format.
The July issue was the final print copy of DO IT NOW Magazine. From 1 August 2013, the now weekly DO IT NOW Magazine articles are free and published on the website (www.doitnow.co.za) on Fridays. The compilation of adventure, sport, and lifestyle articles is available monthly as a complete magazine on the website and app (Apple and Android platforms), which can be downloaded for free.
For the full press release go to www.doitnow.co.za/choice
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The DO IT NOW team strives to provide the latest high-quality adventure, sport, and lifestyle information on an ongoing basis, while reducing our carbon footprint. What better way to achieve this goal than by offering dynamic, weekly web-based articles and a monthly application-based magazine, constantly evolving website, weekly media report, dedicated YouTube channel, and vibey social media platforms.”
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AFRICAN #3 CYCLISTS inGEAR:
Words: Morne Labuschagne | Photos: Zoon Cronje
Tour de France
TAKE ON
IT’S THE 100TH EDITION OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE (TDF) AND AFRICA’S HOPES AT THIS YEAR’S RACE ARE PINNED ON DARRYL IMPEY (TEAM ORICA-GREENEDGE), ROBERT HUNTER (TEAM GARMIN-SHARP) AND CHRIS FROOME (TEAM SKY). FOR US AFRICANS, THIS OCCASION IS EVEN MORE MOMENTOUS BECAUSE ONE OF THESE RIDERS HAS A VERY REAL CHANCE OF WINNING THE TOUR. HOW AWESOME WOULD THAT BE?
From humble beginnings in 1903, the TDF has become the largest annual sporting event in the world. The race is broadcast to 3,5 billion people and an average of 12 million spectators come out to support their favorite riders and heroes along the route. This year's event starts on Saturday, 29 June and finishes on Sunday, 21 July. Covering a total distance of 3,479 km, there are 21 stages to be completed with just two rest days. Stage profiles include seven flat stages, five hilly stages, six mountain stages with four summit finishes, two individual time trials and one team time trial. The first stage is from Porto to Vecchio and these two towns, as well as eight others, will be seeing and experiencing the TDF for the very first time.
There are 19 pro tour teams taking part in the event, so this only leaves three wild card entries to make up the total of 22 teams participating. Those three wild card entries have been allocated to three French teams, but this doesn't come as a surprise as this is, after all, the Tour de France.
CONTROVERSY
Over the last couple of years, the tour has received its fair share of media attention, with doping being at the centre of it all. The Lance Armstrong doping saga shook the sport to its core, with stories and rumors of hired couriers on motorbikes delivering performance-enhancing substances to hotel rooms, blood transfusions being done on rest days and the UCI (international controlling body for the sport) accepting payments to cover up positive tests. Armstrong, who was stripped of all his TDF victories and later admitted that he did use performance-enhancing drugs, left cycling under a huge shadow of doubt - a hero had fallen. Since then, there has been more shocking stories implicating some of the world’s best cyclists and as a result, the sport has lost a lot of its credibility. However, all is not lost, as the last two years' victories at the TDF were drug free! Let's hope that in 2013, we will build on the legacy of our 'clean' winners; Cadel Evens (2011) and Bradley Wiggins (2012).
inGEAR:
AFRICAN CYCLISTS TAKE ON Tour de France Words: Morne Labuschagne | Photos: Zoon Cronje
IT’S THE 100TH EDITION OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE (TDF) AND AFRICA’S HOPES AT THIS YEAR’S RACE ARE PINNED ON DARRYL IMPEY (TEAM ORICA-GREENEDGE), ROBERT HUNTER (TEAM GARMIN-SHARP) AND CHRIS FROOME (TEAM SKY). FOR US AFRICANS, THIS OCCASION IS EVEN MORE MOMENTOUS BECAUSE ONE OF THESE RIDERS HAS A VERY REAL CHANCE OF WINNING THE TOUR. HOW AWESOME WOULD THAT BE?
From humble beginnings in 1903, the TDF has become the largest annual sporting event in the world. The race is broadcast to 3,5 billion people and an average of 12 million spectators come out to support their favorite riders and heroes along the route. This year's event starts on Saturday, 29 June and finishes on Sunday, 21 July. Covering a total distance of 3,479 km, there are 21 stages to be completed with just two rest days. Stage profiles include seven flat stages, five hilly stages, six mountain stages with four summit finishes, two individual time trials and one team time trial. The first stage is from Porto to Vecchio and these two towns, as well as eight others, will be seeing and experiencing the TDF for the very first time.
There are 19 pro tour teams taking part in the event, so this only leaves three wild card entries to make up the total of 22 teams participating. Those three wild card entries have been allocated to three French teams, but this doesn't come as a surprise as this is, after all, the Tour de France.
CONTROVERSY
Over the last couple of years, the tour has received its fair share of media attention, with doping being at the centre of it all. The Lance Armstrong doping saga shook the sport to its core, with stories and rumors of hired couriers on motorbikes delivering performance-enhancing substances to hotel rooms, blood transfusions being done on rest days and the UCI (international controlling body for the sport) accepting payments to cover up positive tests. Armstrong, who was stripped of all his TDF victories and later admitted that he did use performance-enhancing drugs, left cycling under a huge shadow of doubt - a hero had fallen. Since then, there has been more shocking stories implicating some of the world’s best cyclists and as a result, the sport has lost a lot of its credibility. However, all is not lost, as the last two years' victories at the TDF were drug free! Let's hope that in 2013, we will build on the legacy of our 'clean' winners; Cadel Evens (2011) and Bradley Wiggins (2012).
50 • DO IT NOW Magazine | June 2013
50 • DO IT NOW Magazine | June 2013
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