It's 5am on a Thursday morning. It is still dark. The roads are quiet.
A group of cyclists set off from Virgin Active Claremont, destination the Atlantic seaboard.
Various conversations are taking place as the riders stretch their legs.
The bunch approaches the Cape Town CBD. The banter has died down. The speed as increased. The group is now in a straight line.
The 'arrow-head' reaches the top of Suikerbossie, regrouping for the journey home, retracing their outward journey.
The roads are busier now, but the pace has not reduced. It has increased.
Rush hour has begun. The group is riding against the traffic now. Exhilarated after a great session, they peel off to their homes to ready themselves for the work-day.
"Today's ride was Epic! No talking," exclaimed Trevor Seinen when asked about his Thursday morning ride.
"We did 70-odd kays in under 2 hours and it was like a league race. Claremont to Suikerbossie and back. Very fast and hard and all the dudes said the same so not just in my legs or head!"
The dudes?
They make up the "CVA" training group and include such luminaries as the Davies brothers, Stuart and Alastair, Xterra professional Lieuwe Boonstra and Andrew Payne.
Payne is a noted hard worker. Often 'bookending' group training sessions with extra mileage, Andrew was spotted early on Saturday morning riding the Bergvliet High School circuit with former provincial cricketer and Orbis rider, Craig Lillie.
A total of 500 km was covered this week over nine sessions. This translates into approximately 17 hours of training including 3 'double-days' where the morning session was supplemented with a 1 hour lunchtime spin on a stationary bike.
"My legs are a bit stiff," explains Seinen "but this is could be from Baviaans two weeks ago."
"I'm eating well although I haven't put on any weight - perhaps I'm still hungry from the Trans Baviaans!"
Training resumes today after a well deserved rest on Sunday.A similar week will ensue, with a 6 hour ride planned for Saturday and a 3 hour night ride mid-week.
"Feeling amped and pumped forth training ahead," comments Trevor, confirming that Payne and himself are right on schedule for December's Desert Dash.
A total of 500 km was covered this week over nine sessions. This translates into approximately 17 hours of training including 3 'double-days' where the morning session was supplemented with a 1 hour lunchtime spin on a stationary bike.
"My legs are a bit stiff," explains Seinen "but this is could be from Baviaans two weeks ago."
"I'm eating well although I haven't put on any weight - perhaps I'm still hungry from the Trans Baviaans!"
Training resumes today after a well deserved rest on Sunday.A similar week will ensue, with a 6 hour ride planned for Saturday and a 3 hour night ride mid-week.
"Feeling amped and pumped forth training ahead," comments Trevor, confirming that Payne and himself are right on schedule for December's Desert Dash.
