more from the freedom challenge website about the bad weather en route to cpetown
The story of the day [image: PDF]<http://www.freedomchallenge.org.za/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=492> [image: Print]<http://www.freedomchallenge.org.za/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=492&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=263> [image: E-mail]<http://www.freedomchallenge.org.za/index2.php?option=com_content&task=emailform&id=492&itemid=263> Written by Allen Sharp Wednesday, 24 June 2009 The story of the day must belong to Derrick Baard. Remember yesterday we reported that Derrick had broken his bike’s rear derailleur and had to watch as Carl disappeared into the distance, well Derrick did not leave it at that. With his mind made up that single speed to CapeTown was highly over rated, Derrick pulled into Slaapkraans with a plan. He ditched his gear, arranged a lift up to Bloemfontein and bought a new bike, serious he bought a new bike!! He then rushed back down to Slaapkraans and left the support station just after 12h00. He was immediately challenged by the tricky Lautebraun and Bontehoek portages and that in “not the greatest” weather conditions. He arrived at The Rossouw police station after 22h00 last night still in good spirit Well Done Derrick!! Details of his trip to Bloem and the bike he bought are sketchy but we look forward to his version of the story. David was immensely impressed with Derrick’s resolve to stay in the race – I just hope this does not inspire David to extend the Route to include a Slaapkraans-Bloem-Slaapkrans portage leg for next years race Well it seems that Barnesy has decided to hold up at Rondavel rather than push through against the wind and rain to Prince Albert. After yesterdays 250km odd push into Willomore he could do with a rest. Depending on the weather Tim could use this to claw his way back into the theoretical lead. He has the added advantage of sleeping between stations and this would allow him a few extra riding hours per day. You wouldn't catch me straying too far from a support station especially in this weather (from Steve Thomas) The last two days saw a number of riders withdrawing from the race for various reasons but at one stage yesterday David was inundated with SMS’s and messages that it felt like they were “falling like flies” in his words. The toughness of Freedom Challenge was certainly raised a few notches with the adverse weather conditions. As a result this years race will almost certainly go down as the toughest in the races history. The race is also on course to be remembered for the amazing duel between Andrew and Tim. David pointed out that it was so close that both riders on their 6th day departed Brosterlea at 9h15. Amazing considering that they are 4 days apart and have yet to sleep at the same spot. David has been doing his usual by appearing to be at every support station at the same time. I think that I have finally figured it out; there must two or more David Waddilove’s. Seriously I’m not sure how he gets around like he does, nearly every rider I have spoken to has just had a chat or seen David. A departing comment on the weather also come from David, he say the riders are arriving at the support station looks like the soldiers coming home from the war in the Ingram's Camphor Cream advert, through the wind snow and rain with sore knees elbows... 2009/6/24 Carine R <[email protected]> > more spam about freedom challenge .... ignore if you don't want to know - > dirty better read this to see what you're in for ... > > --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "DarkAndDirty" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/DarkAndDirty?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
