We caught up with Michelle Schlebush who had just won the Ladies Section of the Invest Pro MTB Challenge during the Daily Dispatch Cycle Tour weekend. Michelle was actually up against a lady who is sponsored by the Toyota Cycle Lab team. When asked how she felt about this achievement, she replied that she feels ecstatic. She says it was quite strange because you stand at the start line and look around and try to see what your competition would be like. Because I did not know her at all, I had no idea what to expect. In the neutral zone, on the tar, at the beginning of the race, as we were just getting started she sort of moved ahead strongly and I realised I would have my work cut out here and I better get moving. It was a good thing having ridden the race last year, I knew the route, and knew where I could take chances to go faster on the downhill and where I had to be careful. Also knowing where the turns are and how long the climbs are, etc. helped, because I was able to push where the climbs were not too bad and once we hit the gravel I was able to pass her. But you never know how far the others are behind you and you have to push all the way to make sure you stay in front. I was also trying to be careful not to hurt myself as I knew the road race was ahead on Sunday and my next  important race, the Sanie to Sea, was coming the next weekend. I was very chuffed with myself for managing to beat the more professional lady. I find that I manage to keep myself strong because I tend to compare my riding to the men around this area and try to constantly challenge their times instead of the times of the other ladies.  So during the race I try to keep up with the men knowing that if I finish with them I should be doing well. I must admit, I had a really enjoyable ride. I felt strong, much stronger than last year. Last year I was feeling a bit weak. But this year I just felt awesome. The route was fantastic. There was a lot of climbing over a fairly short distance. If you compare the Molteno which we did two weeks ago at a distance of 85km and the climb is only 850m, to this one  which is 65km with a 1400m climb, you can see what I mean. So even though there is a lot of climbing it tests your climbing skills and your downhill technique. The organisers added a bit of extra single track at about 40km which also had quite a bit of climbing in it. Overall there was a good selection of everything. A bit of bush riding, dirt road and riding over rocks. Some nice technical downhills followed by steep uphills. Really a good mix of everything. Very challenging. It took me 3hrs 2mins. I was so chuffed with myself because I finished up with the guys. Actually 6th overall which was very exciting! The race was very well marshalled and also had plenty of water points which was important as it was quite hot.

 

I was very fortunate as I had no chain-breaks or punctures or anything technical like gears or brakes going wrong throughout the race. The guy I was riding with had some problems with his gears. He is the guy I rode the Epic with and who I will be riding Sani to Sea with. He had some problems with his chain jumping off, but fortunately I was fine. I speak to the Man above before each race, and He helps me all the way. Before each climb I say "Please help me over this one" and then when I get to the top I say "Thank you". He helped me on Sunday because after having ridden so hard on Saturday the road race was very tough.  The road race was 100k long and I do find it to be incredibly boring. I much prefer Mountain Biking races to road races because they are so much more challenging. On the road you have to be a strong sprinter, but with Mountain Biking your strength on the day defines what your result is going to be. In road races you just have to hang on to the front group and then near the end sprint like mad to get out in front. So I find the Mountain Bike races more fair because you are challenged equally throughout the race. I managed to finish 5th of the ladies in the road race. I think that we must say to all the road race ladies out there, that they must also ride the Mountain Bike race the day before so that we can all be on an equal footing! 

 

My next race is the Sani to Sea, which begins on Thursday (4th) Starts in Underberg and finishes in Scottburough on Saturday. We are leaving early on Wednesday morning and ride on Thursday. I asked Michelle how strong she was feeling for this race so soon after the weekend's two races, and she replied that she was feeling strong and was going to do her best again, but was not pushing for a win this time, just going to go along and enjoy the scenery and the experience of the outdoor ride. The top of the top ladies will be taking part, so she is not so concerned about pushing herself too hard this time around. She wants to go out and enjoy this one and "smell the roses"..... Michelle once again said that she loves Mountain Biking because the people are a really special breed. Everyone is helpful and friendly and quite prepared to stop and help someone stuck on the route regardless of their own times, etc. The roadies tend to ignore you if you are stuck next to the road and just go whizzing past.

 

Well, we wish Michelle all the best with the Sanie to Sea and look forward to hearing how she enjoyed the "smell of the roses"!!