I have been cycling for 10 years and for some reason I never participated in a Crit, short for Criterium. A Crit is usually a fast paced race multiple times around a closed loop. The NH Criterium, organised by the New Horizon Cycling Club, has different age categories so my age group 50-60 is 6 times a 3 km loop around the Nasrec Showgrounds. I once attended a Crit as a spectator at Zoo Lake and was awed by the intensity and physical demands of the race.
I left home with the sun rising from the usual east with a few wisps of clouds unusual for cloudless winter days. As I entered the highway heading to Nasrec, the clouds spread low and wide while the temperature plummeted from 4 to zero. And, I regretted not succumbing to a little thought to just sleep in while I laid warm in bed after the alarm sounded. However my first Crit the NH Criterium was waiting.
It was bitingly cold when Arshad arrived and we both decided to bale but Baroochi cleverly bribed us with warm cappuccinos, samosas and front seat car views of the first race.
30 mins before our 9:15 start, we readied ourselves and cycled around the car park and adjoining road to warm up. My heart stuttered, lungs protested and blood slowly circulated. The blistering cold dampened our best efforts.
When the start signal was given, I expected a mad helter skelter rush but older more experienced riders cleverly paced themselves. After the first two rounds I thought, hell if this is the pace and if I can hold on up the drag then you never know. Delusions of grandeur.
Most who participate in sports are schizophrenic. Many personalities surface especially when we are put to the test. After round two the Brave one wanted to throw caution to the wind and egged to break away. It reasoned that putting distance between the peloton and me would give me a fighting chance while setting the proverbial cat amongst the disintegrating old pigeons.
The Calm collected one would have none of it. It’s our first Criterium so best to follow the lead. Stick in the bunch a few rows behind and we’ll take our chances towards the end if it comes, it powerfully reasoned.
The Plodder was called upon when the drags came, confused about which would be the most effective gears. By round 4, lungs were gasping and keeping up was challenging. Freewheeling after the first turn provided ample time to recover and regroup with the peloton. But, this early in the season it was not a good strategy.
The Calm and Brave worked together for a while moving closer to the front but Plodder’s legs and lungs were still warming up.
By the 5th loop, the distance grew and all personalities became one as the fear of being lapped dawned. Head down and focused, we raced towards the peloton which was advancing further than I could reach it.
When the last lap came, confusion reigned as the Doubter indicated one more lap while the Brave guy was beaten. The Plodder plodded on and the finish line suddenly came upon us.
It was a magical first Criterium, all personalities reasoned, storing insight and wisdom for The Next Time.
After congratulating the other participants, taking pictures and reminiscing key Crit points, we devoured some not so well deserved boerie rolls. We regaled stories like warriors returning from battle. All this while the Ladies battled their way around the circuit much more elegantly.
Soon we saw the 40-50 group start off which disintegrated within minutes as 3 cyclists broke away and the rest chased in exasperation. It was stirring watching the ‘youngsters’ power through. We shouted and cheered for the riders we knew – Faya, Baroochi, Nizam, Banoo, amongst others. They were completing 7 tough loops at a relentless pace. The ‘slower’ riders averaged 5kmh per hour more than our group leaders.
Race Director Mills pulled riders off when they were lapped or potentially about to be lapped. This was interesting insight and I learnt more about Crit rules and the important role officials play.
I needed to rush home but watched the 30 group start and obtained updates later. Pictures and video clips streamed throughout the day showing an exciting visual story of the NH Criterium successful day and it’s events. Huge credit to the club executive, race organizers and volunteers for putting together such an exciting event. Take a bow.
