SGB
Race Dog
There is a bicylce race in Bloemfontein, the MTN OFM Classic. 2010 is the tenth aniversary of the race. Saturday is mountain bikes, Sunday is Road Race. I was approached by Karin (MTN Official photographer for the race) who asked if I would give her a lift on a motorbike to take some pictures along the way. Any excuse for a ride, so I was convinced in a flash. (Omgepraat).
Karin had some specific requirements, one being a top box. Salleys Yamaha sorted that out, and I was ready. Collected Karin early in the morning on Saturday and we were off to Windmill casino for the start of the MTB race.
Alec Salley and I both worked the route with Super Teneres. Alec's involvement came after a phone call from the organizers in panic. They were given a 450 by another famous manufacturer, but it would not start so the commissaire did not have a lift. Alec was quick to help out. He arrived on a bike that was still in the crate the previous day. 80 kms on the clock....
Now Karin is a busy body. She was still standing on the seat facing backwards when the shot went, then she jumped down and we were off. It is incredible how fast the pro's go on a bicycle. I have done some MTB races myself, but I had no idea of the pace at the front, so this was good education. The off road sections caused Karin to bounce a little bit, but I tried to limit abusing her as far as possible. We did a lot of riding very close to the racers to take some wide angle shots, I did not take any pics here for obvious reasons. It takes careful riding to ensure the bicylce riders are not inconvenienced by our presence. Karin jumped off here and there for some creative shooting, that is when I had a chance to shoot the hunter a bit too.
Here Karin is helping a crash victim up along with one of the stationary photographers.
The route was enjoyable to ride and the class leading suspension and sand handling of the ST continued to impress. Karin was in 5 star luxury through the thick sand sections and the ST soaked up the route nicely. The lack of ground clearance caused a light knock on the bash plate here and there, nothing serious however.
Comparing shots: Who got the best one.
Some of the hill sections: This is Bloem remember....
Damage was quite common, here is an example.
Had a great day out there. I learnt a lot and had the best vantage point from where I could watch the race. Tomorrow morning is the road race.
Up and about early again on Sunday. As I left home and the bead broke as I went low through the forst corner I realised the ST had a front puncture. Thanks to tubeless I was only 15 minutes late!
Bloem Scottish providing some entertainment at the start.
And Karin firing away
We waited fot the tandems to go and hit the road with the Elite men. These boys GO on a bicycle. It is much worse than what it looks like on TV. Riding so close to them is a risky affair, and you never know when the next one is going to break away or swerve suddenly. I have never watched the road, front, back, mirrors, traffic, etc so much - it is hectic. The team cars seem to be driven by ex riders, so they also subscribe to the bunch discipline. And they are not worried about the camera lady and her taxi. The worst is uncle whoever in his Volvo on the way to church - he is rushing and totally unaware how stupid it is to squeeze your way into the bunch. Yes, it is not so convenient, but it is only 5 minutes oom - take it easy! Is it worth putting someone's life a risk for arriving 5 minutes later? We had great fun out there.
Karin got off here and there for the creative shots and we had to twist the ST's ear a bit to catch up again for more close-up work.
We went all the way to the finish with the Elite guys, then turned back onto the route to find the pro ladies, and do the same to them. The girls put on their race faces nicely, and Karin got some more great action shots. Once they had finished, we were out again, this time to shoot from nice spots Karin saw and stopping at water points to get some of the action there.
Wesbank had the best "gees" and the coldest cooldrinks.
Some more water point work.
We watched the shot the Criterium - some more insane racing. This game is hard work....
Thanks for a great weekend Karin, it was great meeting you and being out there with you. Sorry about the abuse like the wheelie over the pavement, etc! Looking forward to next time. :thumleft:
Karin had some specific requirements, one being a top box. Salleys Yamaha sorted that out, and I was ready. Collected Karin early in the morning on Saturday and we were off to Windmill casino for the start of the MTB race.
Alec Salley and I both worked the route with Super Teneres. Alec's involvement came after a phone call from the organizers in panic. They were given a 450 by another famous manufacturer, but it would not start so the commissaire did not have a lift. Alec was quick to help out. He arrived on a bike that was still in the crate the previous day. 80 kms on the clock....
Now Karin is a busy body. She was still standing on the seat facing backwards when the shot went, then she jumped down and we were off. It is incredible how fast the pro's go on a bicycle. I have done some MTB races myself, but I had no idea of the pace at the front, so this was good education. The off road sections caused Karin to bounce a little bit, but I tried to limit abusing her as far as possible. We did a lot of riding very close to the racers to take some wide angle shots, I did not take any pics here for obvious reasons. It takes careful riding to ensure the bicylce riders are not inconvenienced by our presence. Karin jumped off here and there for some creative shooting, that is when I had a chance to shoot the hunter a bit too.
Here Karin is helping a crash victim up along with one of the stationary photographers.
The route was enjoyable to ride and the class leading suspension and sand handling of the ST continued to impress. Karin was in 5 star luxury through the thick sand sections and the ST soaked up the route nicely. The lack of ground clearance caused a light knock on the bash plate here and there, nothing serious however.
Comparing shots: Who got the best one.
Some of the hill sections: This is Bloem remember....
Damage was quite common, here is an example.
Had a great day out there. I learnt a lot and had the best vantage point from where I could watch the race. Tomorrow morning is the road race.
Up and about early again on Sunday. As I left home and the bead broke as I went low through the forst corner I realised the ST had a front puncture. Thanks to tubeless I was only 15 minutes late!
Bloem Scottish providing some entertainment at the start.
And Karin firing away
We waited fot the tandems to go and hit the road with the Elite men. These boys GO on a bicycle. It is much worse than what it looks like on TV. Riding so close to them is a risky affair, and you never know when the next one is going to break away or swerve suddenly. I have never watched the road, front, back, mirrors, traffic, etc so much - it is hectic. The team cars seem to be driven by ex riders, so they also subscribe to the bunch discipline. And they are not worried about the camera lady and her taxi. The worst is uncle whoever in his Volvo on the way to church - he is rushing and totally unaware how stupid it is to squeeze your way into the bunch. Yes, it is not so convenient, but it is only 5 minutes oom - take it easy! Is it worth putting someone's life a risk for arriving 5 minutes later? We had great fun out there.
Karin got off here and there for the creative shots and we had to twist the ST's ear a bit to catch up again for more close-up work.
We went all the way to the finish with the Elite guys, then turned back onto the route to find the pro ladies, and do the same to them. The girls put on their race faces nicely, and Karin got some more great action shots. Once they had finished, we were out again, this time to shoot from nice spots Karin saw and stopping at water points to get some of the action there.
Wesbank had the best "gees" and the coldest cooldrinks.
Some more water point work.
We watched the shot the Criterium - some more insane racing. This game is hard work....
Thanks for a great weekend Karin, it was great meeting you and being out there with you. Sorry about the abuse like the wheelie over the pavement, etc! Looking forward to next time. :thumleft:
