Eastern Cape "Iron Dogs" don't rust

[Tiger8]

IRONMAN South Africa 2012​

To All the Dog's who sacrificed their time and comfort yesterday and braved the strong wind, rain and cold, to each of you a heartfelt THANK YOU, you proved to be a pack of Huskies and worked hard. You guy's may not realise, but if you were not there to support the Ironman Race Officials, an Event of the scale cannot take place.
It may feel that all you did was ride your bikes, as usual, but the reality is much bigger, athletes relied on the Referee's, which you carried for assistance when in need, many fell hard in the wind yesterday, some would have waited for long periods for help if you were not around. The world Media journalists who you assisted broadcast the Event around the world - You made that possible.

The RR - to which I ask each EC Dog to add their experience of the day.

The start to the day when announced on Thursday evening, was a shock to say the least to most guy's, "We will meet at 4.30am", well I never thought I would see the day when these guy's would be struck speechless  ;D. Fortunately we only had to gather @ 5.15am Sunday morning, but this turned out to be small consolation as the weather was icy cold, wet and dark. We met the CMA guy's who would be helping us with the Ironman duties. When I arrived the group looked like a bunch of wet "mongrels", all dejected with a why did you kick me out of bed look......but as we know a mongrel is the best type of Dog always faithfull and willing no matter what the cicumstance, this proved to be the case with these guy's  :thumleft:
We left 'en-masse' at 5.25am, in the rain and by the time we got to Summerstrand the rain had abbated a bit. I looked back as we crossed the intersection on Le Roche Drive to see the most awesome sight of a procession of motorcycle coming down the opposite hill, escorted by a Traffic vehicle with lights flashing, for once the bikers were NOT being escorted to a jail cell  :imaposer:

We arrived at the Beach Hotel, to warmth and to dry-off, some of the first comments were, "waar's die koffie" and "wanneer kry ons breakfast" typical of this bunch when they stop they want to eat   > I suppose no different to any other ride, or is it?

I will post a bit later again, but first lets get some comment from the other guys and maybe some pics, cause despite the fact that I carried a videographer all day, I have no pic's  ???
So Guy's lets have it:

 

[Carnivore]

Here is my Japanese guy, at the split on the Seaview Road. He had this monster Canon camera and two huge lenses which he swopped at will and very quickly, even while on the move. He would request that I "go more faster" as he was rooking for two Japanese radies.

We did actually find one of them, on the 3rd circuit.

He got pictures of the 1st man with the flashing lights, and also the other top men and ladies, at various points on the circuit. I tell, you, I had a ride that made me remember some enduros from the days before stereo...

But he was happy with the whole allangement and explessed his glattitude

That huge packpack added a lot of inertia to the bike, and he was fairly active on the back. But he was a velly good passenger and inspite of the disgusting wind, we did well. The BT comms in my spare helmet were apleciated and worked like a bomb.

 

[DirtyTeNeReLess]

hey dogs, no pictures for me... did three loops of the cycle race, 196kms. 5am > 6pm.

1st loop took the Japanese chap round hunting for ladies... things were looking up... ;-), found what we were looking for and took some awesome pic riding along side the 1st, 2nd and 3rd ladies coming though skoenies with the rocks and waves in the background, having a lekker chat to the ladies who were more than happy and far to chatty for my liking given what they were doing making it look too easy... well my sight was awesome so I hope he got good shots. coming up to the turn around on the sea-view road i was keeping far left as i can, watching a rider in front of me thinking to myself poor guy is going so slow he must be pulling out the race at the speed with which I was approaching him... shat myself when i realized he was actually coming towards me and had turned around already!!!! WTF? first time down the course so wasn't expecting any oncoming traffic and clearly didn't study the course well enough.
another highlight was just passing Tiger8 my guy dropped what looked like his camera lens... ;-((((( I cringed and pulled over thinking this is a expensive mistake. Tiger8's media chap fetched it as he caught up with us and handed it over to my very and rather suspiciously CALM Japanese man. turns out it was his coffee flask!!! haha we all laughed at that.

2nd loop took Deon(just a little oke) round to take some pics of the leaders. did a sneaky up Victoria drive and finally caught up with the leader, despite the wind he was caning it 75kph!!!! i was struggling to catch him. being it a day for the cyclists i was minding my road manners, not causing any wind drafts and giving cyclists the right of way by a large margin so getting ahead was tricky at times making sure not to ruin anyone's race or day. one other chap on a kawa (not a WD!) was over taking willy nilly and racing around and in between the cyclists in order to get his guy some shots, didn't listen to the rules very well as he also was taking his media guy up and down the runners route going against the flow of oncoming cyclists later on. CHOP! a big no no. hopefully doesn't give us all a bad name when the review the event.

lunch time!!! had a decent spread from the hotel. no beer though to my mild disgust... a fair amount of waiting was happening for the riders tasked with media duty, as we had no dedicated pillion. last year there were too few rider and i guess this year was the opposite. hard to predict but some good conversations going on... i was expecting some dogs to beat the boredom to start working on their bikes after each bike was scrutinized/discussed/praised and admired by anyone lingering around. one at a time. throughout the day.

3rd loop, just as i had had enough and was thinking of legging it to the bar, I took a place of a guy on a Harley and took the top referee around for the sweeping loop (ensuring no one else is still on the course, injured or otherwise lost ). we left at 4:30 to see who was still out there and needed help as the cycle cut off was 5:30. on walmer boulevard came past a lady I'm sure in her 70's walking next to her bike in tears and a serious scowl on her face that prompted us to move on without a word as she wasn't giving up despite the cut off and her still needing to do 60ks in 1 hour. we met about 8 of these types, the sheer grit and determination was something. not one of them wanted to give up and get in the ambulance following us. one young lady said defiantly NO! as we ride alongside her. 'go away' she said! which prompted a chuckle from me. she eventually caught up with us further on while chatting to another couple and very gently encouraging them to get a lift back and I saw her on her lonesome peddling away toward us with... now this was a spectacular sight!!!! she had 2 ambulances, 1 10 ton removal truck and 3 police cars all flanking each other behind her making her look REALLY tiny... lights flashing and occasional sirens. not sure if that was for encouragement or to get her to give up but man I was proud of her.

I left around 6pm and headed of the the Beach hotel pub for an ale. was a good day, met some great people and saw the event from a prespective that not many get to see it.

 

[Carrots]

Good on you Honne!

I told a work colleague of mine to be on the lookout for you okes with the Paws. Spoke to him this morning (he is still in PE) and he missed the cutoff with about an hour due to the high wind. He is almost 60 though so good effort me thinks.

He did however see plenty of you on the road as well as plenty Harley's.

 

[Tiger8]

Good on you Honne!

I told a work colleague of mine to be on the lookout for you okes with the Paws. Spoke to him this morning (he is still in PE) and he missed the cutoff with about an hour due to the high wind. He is almost 60 though so good effort me thinks.

He did however see plenty of you on the road as well as plenty Harley's.

The heavy winds hurt alot of the guy's and gal's times, so he mustn't feel defeated because of lack of preparation, that was probably the worst condition in the 9yrs of full Ironman in SA. Quite a few people actually didn't do their 3rd bike loop cause they knew there was no chance of them ever getting around in the stipulated time, which is very heartbreaking considering the time and effort involved in preping for this race.
Never the less, each of these folk have more guts than I have in even attempting this distance, I reckon if I'm pedaling, I'm doing something wrong  :biggrin:

 

[Gerard]

It’s NOT funny getting up at 0430… its even less funny to then get on your bike and ride in the rain. But we’re Iron-Dogs today so we just  take it in our stride. (once you’re nuts are wet and you warm up the water trickle it does not matter much)

We meet up with the other riders and set off for the hotel. Its dark. What I don’t realise is that I get rain on the camera lens which spoiled quite a few pics.



We gather and wait, with copious amounts of coffee, and no breakfast(the only fail of the day), for the briefing and matters to get under way.





IRON-DOGS



The business end of things





We drink coffee and wait



He was there somewhere, but must have kept a low profile(unusual)



You get assigned your pillion, take him/her around the circuit, get back and wait for your next round.



For some the early morning rise and wait became too much… Knucklehead.



Others used the opportunity to do some much needed repairs



This very pretty young lady organized the camera people. Bie insisted he wanted a pic



I got my stint with a camera lady for Specsavers who wanted stills. We had a good ride considering we survived the gale force winds… not funny on a bike with an inexperienced pillion.

At the bottom of Victoria Drive, coming into Schoenies, the cyclists battle as they changed direction of the wind.



Late afternoon, on the last round of referee rides, Dirt Yarpie had to leave, so I took his referee. It was so sad to pass some of the cyclists and know that, after all the effort, they were too far out to make the cut-off at 1730.

As we came around Marine Drive there was a nice half rain-bow…



… and as we went around it disappeared, with the angle of the sun, and then the other half appeared. Quite a nice bit of magic right before our eyes



And that was it. We all did what we did safely and enjoyed a very different kind of day. I was wacked and got to bed early and crashed.

Thanks to everyone for a most enjoyable Dog-day. It was nice to have all the time to just chat around. And thanks to Tiger8 for getting us there.

See you all next year… and I have the T-shirt !

 

[Gerard]

EDIT : It was Carnivore who was recharging under the table.

 

[UncleAl]

No pics from me either.

Had the smallest bike for the day but the Vuka. Honda 250 Twister! 

Arrived at the Beach Hotel in the rain at 05:05 and had a "Cuppa" while waiting for the other to arrive.

Because of the small bike size and my bulk as well as a pillion,  it was decided that I would act as  "emergency"  transport.
When a very attractive female photographer arrived while most guys were out on the course, I volunteered to take her out.

It must have been the weight of two people on the Twister and the howling wind that  had me very nervous starting off.  After about 2 km into the course I started wondering why everyone was so worried about the wind - did not bother me at all.  Must say that the average speed was about 50-60 as to allow her to shoot while on the move.  Only stopped on her demand or when spotting something special myself.

Only felt really sorry for some of the competitors cycling against that howling wind, hardly moving, tears running down their cheeks.
Did not do the dog-leg on the Seaview Road but turned off towards Sardina Bay.
At one stage after Schoenies, she wanted to get back quickly.  Easily saw 100km/h on the dials, 2up on a bumpy road past Willows Resort, with the wind from behind. 
Distance travelled : 69km

After most of the other bikers left, a referee burst into the room demanding that more referees get onto the running loop as there are "seconding" suspected. 

On hopped my new pillion referee and out we went.
After two laps it turned dark and the rain started coming down again and I only had the rainsuit-jacket on, pants taken off after bewing too warm sitting around doing nothing earlier.

Made a quick pit-stop to get dressed after dropping my referee off on the corner near the hotel. 
Grabbed some bites and stuffed some into my pocket for my pillion and out I went again, having to be extra carefull in the dark with spectators and supporters lining the course, urgeing on their friends.

At 20:10 she made the call for us to return to the hotel. 
Distance travelled  :  145km

Total distance travelled for the day  :  214km
Fuel used                                      :  6,8 literes       
Average consumption                      :  31 km/l


New respect for my daily commuter - seems to me I have found a way of attending the EC Bash ! !

See you all again next year  -  on the Twister again.

 

[JERINOMO]

This event was a first for me being a rider for the Ironman referees. Thanks Tiger, it was an awesome experience. Well organized and well executed.

I was assigned to the referees and I was Tim's designated rider for the whole duration of the cycling event. Here are a few photies to give you some insight on what was happening around the route.

This was my referee for the day.

Leaving from the comfort of hot coffee and a muffin every now and then, I pulled away for my first circuit around the cycle route.

Was not even 400m off when this “person” cut the corner, almost taking us out.

Ohhhh what a privilege It was to tell this speed cop to get out of the way. Check out the stare down I got.  :imaposer:  :thumleft:  :biggrin:

For a moment I thought I was at Loftus.

And then at Ellis Park .

As we turned off in Huge road it started to rain again.

The mount Pleasant Water point

We stopped for a moment at the Sardinia bay turnoff when the lead vehicle passed us.

Followed by the leading man at that stage. Gheees this guy can pump. Uphill with a 13m/s wind in his face, he still managed 40km/hr. Downhill with the wind from behind, it was round about 70km/hr. No drafting, no assistance.

I receive some instructions from Tim. It was nice to see such a big support from people in this bad weather.

There were a couple of moments where the traffic got a bit hectic, especially toward the turning point.

The turning point close to Seaview.

I take my hat off for these skinny ladies to perform so well in this weather conditions. Not only that, it’s a 3.8km swim, 180km cycling and end with a 42km marathon.

The turning point toward Sardinia.

Another woman rider.

A left turn toward Rover.

A lot of ladies on the track.

The water point in Sardinia Bay

Die “Manne”

This guy got guts.

A right turn toward Schoenies.

We caught up with the front runner at that stage. He had a heluva battle to keep the bike in line as the crosswind played havoc on that back disc.

The left toward Marine drive.

The referees are strict on the rules. One of the rules is that you’re not allowed to cross the white line to overtake. You have to wait for the rider in front of you to move over to the right before you can pass.

This was the first time the front runner went over the white line.

Second time

Waterpoint at Willows

A few Cheerleaders.

At this stage he was averaging 65km/h, uphill, downwind.

Third time he crossed the white line

The fourth time the referee decided to step in and give him a Stop/Go penalty at the penalty booth.

Who me???? I never would go over the white line. He declared his innocence for 500m onward.

Entering PE there were people everywhere.

Master Blaster pulled in for his Stop/Go penalty. I actually felt sorry for the guy as he was giving it his all.

The hordes of spectators got out of hand at this stage and the referee had his hands full trying to keep them off the asphalt.

The Summerstrand waterpoint

That concludes my contribution.

Thanks Tiger,

 

[W1P30UT]

Very nice J-mo  :thumleft:

Maybe I'll go down for the next one..  ;D

 

[Knucklhead/knuckey]

it could have been knucklhead..after the previous nights party ;D

 

[DirtyTeNeReLess]

Awesome!!! Great pics and feed back. Looks like you got the cream of the crop of the day...

 

[JERINOMO]

Awesome!!! Great pics and feed back. Looks like you got the cream of the crop of the day...

Thanks DXT, it was an awesome experience. I won't think of it as the cream of the crop, I think most of the riders that conveyed referees had the same experience. I must say it's a eyeopener to see what men and woman at the top of their game can accomplish.  :thumleft:

 

[Tiger8]

Thanks guy's, your recollections and pics of the day help add to the experience for the group, each of us experienced something different and I think the athletes' courage, determination and plain Guts touched us all. I admire each of these guy's and ladies commitment but often query their sanity  ;D Next year, their hardship romanticised, they return for another go at this grueling event, some to complete the race other just to better their own time.
Next year God willing, I will be riding again and will be honoured to have you good "gentlemen", term used loosely >, join me for what will be the 10th anniversary of the Full distance Ironman in South Africa. Hopefully the weather will be slightly warmer, a bit more dry and a lot less wind!

Oh and just to mention DXT, the bike you saw going against the flow of runners was 1 of 3 of us having to follow the lead athletes around the course step for step so each overtake and strategy could be captured for Supersport. The referee's had one way access only, the 3 of us were "special" cases  so no reputation was ruined, at least not before you got to the bar  :imaposer:

J-mo, dankie vir al die piechers, lyk my jy het meer vroumense gesien as ek, en ek het die top dames heeldag gevolg met n kamera  ;D

 

[DirtyTeNeReLess]

alright then, no harm intended my mistake. thanks for clearing that up. was just a reporting on what i saw, based on instructions i was given. didn't realize that others had different modus operandi... AND i did in fact uphold my reputation at the bar...  :thumleft:

 

[Tiger8]

alright then, no harm intended my mistake. thanks for clearing that up. was just a reporting on what i saw, based on instructions i was given. didn't realize that others had different modus operandi... AND i did in fact uphold my reputation at the bar...  :thumleft:

;D never doubted you for a second  :imaposer:

 

[Rone]

No photo's here - I was too busy carting my precious cargo around -   I easily got the first prize when it came to pillions,  a corgeous 50 odd kg of 3 times Ironman female athlete acting as referee...............................

eat your hearts out  8)

 

[W1P30UT]

No photo's here - I was too busy carting my precious cargo around -   I easily got the first prize when it came to pillions,  a corgeous 50 odd kg of 3 times Ironman female athlete acting as referee...............................

eat your hearts out  8)

Ja, ja... pics or it didn't happen...  :deal:

 

[Rone]

anybody here got a photie of Tracy???????????