Where does the time go? To Hell and Back finished weeks ago and I still have not had the time to write about it. Since then so much has been going on.

To Hell and Back was a disappointment. I dropped off the lead group of five, but not by far on the day’s first big climb, but fought my way back on, on the undulating roads and things were looking good. I was on track for a top five. But then that hissing noise started and the slowest puncture repair ever began! By the time I got going again my race was over. Day two and I didn’t have the mojo and instead enjoyed the scenery, which was stunning. I was delighted for my good friend XTerra Triathlete Dan Hugo, who won the overall race. As always “The Hell” is great fun. The Stellenbosch crew had a good time.

I’ve been keeping busy since “The Hell”. I took a one-week break from the bike and I am back in Naudee’s gym, which is brilliant. Naudee has hit us with some insane workouts, which I am relishing. Office life has been busy, but I’ve a great routine here in Stellenbosch, so I can push through things. The athletes are starting to arrive into town. First to arrive was my fellow countryman Gavin Noble, who is staying with me. I picked Gavin up and we drove him to get his hire car, a 1970’s VW Beetle christened Blue! Irish humor has definitely taken over in “The Bosch” with many shaking their heads, but Gav and I have many laughs! The biggest laugh of course was winning the rugby this past weekend! Not a bad thing to be sitting around a room full of Africaan’s and giving them a good kicking in their favorite national sport!!!

The weather too has been picking up in Stellenbosch, with consistent temperatures in the mid 20’s and sometimes-high 30’s! Last week I took my first dip into the outdoor pool and managed a km. I have this itch right now to do some swimming, so who knows, but I might venture down with Gav a couple of mornings here and there.

There’s probably more to report, but nothing is coming to mind right now.