BSG ENERGADE - GERMISTON
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Update 12 October 2010 Challenge No 6 We Swam, Cycled, Ran and CONQUERED!!! What a day! Challenge number 6 represented a major shift from the previous five events. It was the guys’ first Triathlon and action was the name of the game. The BSG Energade Triathlon series has gone from strength to strength over the last few years as an impressive group of races held all over South Africa at this time of year. With a 600m swim, 20km cycle race and concluding with a 5km run, the Triathlon gives newbies to the amazing sport of Triathlon a unique opportunity to try it out. The entire event is based around fun and family. BSG, MSG and Energade pulled out all the stops to make this a very special event for every one of the competitors. Even more gratifying are the support and assistance that they have given the Challenge. Corné and her team took the time not only to sponsor entries and support the Challenge but to assist and look after the team from the moment we arrived. The RACE It is very important to note that except for a few of the team members, this was the first triathlon for the challengers so the adrenalin was pumping even before the start. By far the most daunting part was the first leg, the swim. With close to 1500 competitors all swimming together, under, over and next to you, the idea of a “washing machine” comes to mind … Everyone seemed to make it through the very scary first 100m of the swim in good shape. Ryno and Werner quickly realized that the fact they’ve been rugby players gave them absolutely no advantage in the water. But now was the time for Dean and Liezel to shine and they were both out of the water like a rocket. Darren, Hilton, Marnewicke and the rest of the team all swam well and there was a huge sigh of relief when all the guys were out of the dam and on to the 20km Bike Leg. Liezel and Letshego have really experienced a hard time over the first couple of challenges. As first time mountain bikers competing in the challenges of the last few weeks, their performance has been more than a singular achievement – rather like a heroic accomplishment for them. With Dean at Liezel’s side and their experience of doing a number of triathlons including Ironman, this was the chance to show the rest of the guys a thing or two. By the halfway point on the cycle everyone had settled down so the rubber was burning. Darren, Dylan, Hilton and Marnewicke were flying to catch up to Dean and Liezel with Werner, Ryno and Gugu not far behind. All the guys were in under 40 minutes and after a fast transition, on to the 5km run leg of the race. By then, the heat had started to affect most of the competitors but all our guys finished in pretty good time. This was a breathtaking achievement for our first triathlon! Werner’s wife Corné deserves a very special accolade. Four weeks ago she gave birth to their little boy, but not only was she there to support the team, she competed as well. This shows a remarkable commitment to and support of the challenge. Well done, Corné, you are amazing! All in all it was a great day out for everyone. With Liezel and Dean holding the flag high and the rest of the guys getting the word out, the 14 Check Challenge - with the assistance of the organizers - really stamped the initiative on the day. Now that the team knows what to expect and has the experience of the first triathlon under their belt, everyone is really looking forward to Challenge number 7 this coming weekend. It is again a BSG Energade Triathlon, this time in Potchefstroom. It promises to be an enjoyable day, so if you feel like some excitement, come and join us! For more info, visit: www.facebook.com/l/ce642FCmpN_JlBDXlMbtT4DnUA;www.bsgenergadetriseries.co.za Pennyville This past week not only represented a milestone with the challengers completing their first triathlon, it was also a most fruitful week for the initiative. We have been working with the local government representative, Councilor Moosa, and the people from Joburg Parks for a couple of months. Their support of the community and the 14 Check Challenge has been most generous. After months of planning and proposals, we received confirmation that they have committed to a 3 Million Rand!!!! - YES - THREE MILLION RAND injection to upgrade one of the two park areas. Construction starts this coming Monday with the addition of lawns, fountains, trees, a play field and much much more! The upgrade should be complete by early 2011. THANK YOU, GUYS!!! We are another step closer to leaving a meaningful legacy. Another part of the goal is to redevelop the remaining park areas into sports fields and play areas for the kids. We are currently finalizing the draft plans and costing, so come on and pledge your support to the Challenge. WE CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN We are looking forward to another great race on Sunday. So come and cheer your team and please visit our site to purchase your cap or t-shirt and pledge your support. Until next week, safe riding!