We always sit up when a multiple Rhodes winner enters, especially when it is after a nine year break.
Moving into the 50+ category certainly could provide incentive to claim another title. The kloof and Mavis will be familiar, if somewhat cobwebby at first. Hooggenoeg Ridge1, often the source of sailor-language, will be less familiar. Hooggenoeg will be virgin territory even for our 2014 novices many who traversed the ridge in a white-out snow storm. Focussing on the next flag and dreaming of something warm for the inner being probably blocked out any thought of taking in the views along the route. Well, what could be seen of the route, blanketed as it was.
One of our runners lost her vision due to the cold wind on the ridge and was guided over that rough, slippery section, which must have felt never ending2
Running in the 50+ category for the first time at Rhodes, and with 5 Rhodes under his belt, Iain Morshead's Snowflake number 505 is the stuff omens are made of!
It could be a very interesting tussle at the sharp end. The DM Kisch crew at the top of Mavis and the 'Walkerbouts' team at Hooggenoeg will be well placed to see how the race develops on 11 July.
Iain Morshead on his way to his 2006 win
Notes:
1 The Hooggenoeg Ridge section of the route was created the day after the 2006 run
2 Julia regained her sight the next day and had a superb East London IM 70.3 last month
Historical note: The wind was particularly bitter on the 'border road' especially at Lesotho View in 2006 and, yes, there was snow 'up top' that year
