Accommodation on the Sani2C

Getting to the Sani start takes a whole days' travel from the Cape. And this can be taxing on professional athletes. 

Not that we minded - because we're not professionals! On the topic of taxing, as we were taxiing out onto the runway in our crowded Mango flight, the pilot nonchalantly pings over the intercom: "uhhhhhhh message from the flightdeck...so uhhhhhh not all of the baggage made it on board and ahhhhhhh....a few bicycles and whatnot will be safely dropped off later by Mango, so ahhhhhhh....enjoy your flight and I'll let you know what the weather is doing in Durban when we get a bit closer...". Well THAT went down well! On a flight with 80% Sani2C riders onboard, you could see the shaking of heads and the amused sarcastic smiles as we were now all holding thumbs that it was some other poor buggers bike that was left behind on the Cape Town tarmac.  The Moose and I were lucky and all of our equipment and bags arrived. But spare a thought  for those who flew on Mango on the 6am flight.... 20 bikes didn't get loaded and only got to Underberg at midnight! Imagine putting your bike together in the freezing morning (1am) after a full days travel! Eisch....

There were some pensive moments at the King Shaka airport in Durban as the Cape Sani riders waited with baited breath  to see if their bikes had made it  to KZN

Next up was the bus trip up to Underberg. This is about a 320km jaunt Northwards, so it took some time. But it was entertaining! The Smooth Knobblies each had a decent kip - we think Tim was awake for about 20 minutes the entire time! Dots also kicked back and dreamt of singletrack lined with Hooters waitresses and draught on tap. And why not? But if you think our chaps need beauty sleep, well then, I don't think its worked too well in the past! Take a look at our sleeping beauties:

Sleeping Beauty 1: Timmy dreams of nappies, baby cream, and the "Umko Valley"

Sleeping Beauty #2: The Moose in la-la land, dreaming of Garmin gadgets, hair products, and treacherous drop offs
Sleeping Beauty #3: Dots, dreaming of single track, draught, and cleavage

The MacKenzie Camp is a working example of military precision
Now once you get to Underberg, packing space becomes a premium. Upon registration you are then given your winter wardrobe. Seriously. Fantastic Aca Joe and Salomon kit are now crammed into your container, effectively taking 50% of your packing space for the next 3 days. But its really worth it in the end!
You get one crate - and everything goes in there! It has an amazing capability to shrink as the race progresses.



Now staying in the classroom isn't 5 star accommodation. But you don't expect that. Its warm with the camaraderie of mountain bikers! And super comfy! Just look at Dots' newly developed Triple Mattress Suspension System. It was probably as effective as folded cardboard with a few Sunday Times editions crammed in-between...and that system has worked under the bridges of Cape Town for years, so no design faults there.

The Dots Triple Mattress Suspension System - effective, warm, and nearly almost comfortable on the classroom floor
On the other hand, you could also opt to stay in style. Underberg is essentially a tourist village that boasts some great places to stay. Ask Billy - she knows:

Whilst Dots nestled onto the classroom floor, Billy was keeping things cordial and proper with a hot cup of tea  between her 4-poster bed. She also wore her cycling helmet - and all I get from both Billy and John when asked about this is strange practise is a few incoherent words that make no sense...but I swear they both blushed! Hmmmm. Well, as long as you're well protected! (Tim - take note please!)
Here I bed down in our tent. Note how the Aca Joe top has served me well as a pillow. This was the first night in the tent at MacKenzie - it was pretty chilly!!