14 June 2014
The Berg training race hosted by Victoria Lake Canoe Club on Saturday 14 June attracted a few Berg trainees and some others who felt that between three and four and a half hours on the river would be good for training for any event!
The weather was mild at the start of the race considering the previous days temperatures were -7 and – 5 in the area but the wind was chilly later on in the morning. Those who did the shorter race missed the chill breeze and scored on the FREE soup provided by race organizers!
There were a number of swimmers at the infamous Mine Rapid as well as Broken Weir on this CHILLI BITE slog of a race but minimal withdrawals with 23 K1’s finishing and 6 K2s, as well as 1 K3.
The winning K1 overall and Sub Veteran winner as well was Shaun Maphanga (FLCC) in 3 hours 1 minute and 47 seconds, with Cornelis Human (Dabs) 2nd in 3:02:49, while Kobus Filmalter (WAT) was 3rd in 3:08.
Gerhard Moolman (DABS) was the first Veteran in 3:12 as 6th K1, and first Under 18 was Johan Ubbink (CEN) in 3:13. Alex Masina (JCC) won the Under 16 category finishing in 3:22 in 9th place and the 10th place winner was first Sub master Grant Conlon (VLC).
Winners enjoyed the Spar gift vouchers while lucky draw prizes were also provided courtesy of Alclad, Ola Ice Cream, Austrian Baking and Brew and Braai!
Danie Botes won the Under 23 race in 3:29, while the first K2 brought in novice paddler on first race Bruce Dixon, partnered with Melusi Nxumalo while he learns the river ropes (DABS/FLCC) in 3:37, followed by the first Lady Anya Botes Under 16 (CEN) in 3:40.
The only K3 on the long slog was the first Mixed Double with Bertie Baard, Sammy Lenyora and Jennie Dallas in 3:59, while Meg Hedderwick and Lindsay Hopkins (DABS) finished as the only Ladies K2 in 4:03. Jan Leonard was the Grand Master of the day in 4:09, 20th K1 (WAT) and Kobus Botes first Master in 4:25 while Lynn Morris was the third lady boat to finish the long hard race – tougher than first day Fish, and good preparation for Berg -in 4:33.
Thanks to VLC for providing the opportunity for Berg training and to increase one’s stamina and endurance by moving up out of one’s comfort zone to next level of fitness and strength!
Jennie Dallas