FIRST WE CATCH UP WITH SANDY & GREG KEMP
How did you both get into mountain biking?
S: I started MTB to ride with my kids.
G: I got into MTB through Sandy. I was always a roadie and track cyclist.
What’s your favorite trail or route you’ve ridden together?
S & G: C2C, UK. This was an amazing cycle touring adventure. Starting from Whitehaven on the West coast of northern England, it is a 3-day ride on the National Cycle Routes (no traffic), through the Lake District and over the Pennine mountains, ending on the East coast at Tyneside, Newcastle on Tyne.
How do you decide on which trails to tackle — is it a mutual choice, or does one of you always pick?
G: I pick and then Sandy either agrees or disagrees.
S: I just go with the flow…..
What’s the most memorable adventure or challenge you've had on your mountain bikes?
S&G: An 8 day ride through the Karoo, and The Ride the Karoo 3-day stage race.
Have you ever had a funny or unexpected experience while riding?
S&G: Yes, many and always great fun to share as a couple.
Do you have any bike gear or accessories that you can’t live without?
S&G: A Garmin computer. If it isn’t on Strava, it didn’t happen.
How do you share responsibilities for maintaining the bikes, or is one of you the designated mechanic?
S: I make it well-known that I have no idea how to fix bikes.
G: I generally maintain them but have managed to get Sandy to wash them on most occasions.
How has riding mountain bikes together impacted your relationship?
S&G: We have been very fortunate to see many parts of the world and SA and most of our travels have involved bicycles. We have learned to respect each other’s strengths and weaknesses both on and off the bikes and support each other through adversity, not only on the bike but in life.
Do you find riding together helps you communicate better or work as a team?
S&G: Riding together has helped us get to know each other really well and often we don’t need to communicate verbally to work in harmony.
Who is the better rider ?
G: I always tell Sandy she is the better rider. Happy wife, happy life.
S: Greg is definitely the better rider – I would never be able to finish a Rapport Tour!
How do you keep the ride fun and avoid arguments, especially on tougher trails?
S&G: We ride for the fun that it is. If the trail proves tough and relentless, we push on because arguing serves no useful purpose and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! We’re really fortunate that we both enjoy cycling and if a challenge comes along, we’re up for it!
Do you have any riding “rules” you follow to keep the experience enjoyable?
S&G: Not really. We are both grateful that we still have the health and ability to get out on our bikes.
Do you ever plan your bike rides around places you want to explore off the trail?
S&G: Yes, often. Nowadays on E-bikes, you can go almost anywhere without fearing that big hill.
What’s the longest ride you’ve done together on your bikes?
S&G: 100km+. These days we usually do 30-50km on rides.
G: You can’t do 44km, you always have to round up (never down!).
How does mountain biking fit into your overall lifestyle and fitness goals?
S&G: It is a fantastic lifestyle and suits us perfectly, especially as we work in the cycling industry. The added spin-off is the benefit to our fitness and health.
Are there any health benefits you've noticed from regularly riding together?
S&G: We definitely are healthier for riding and because we both enjoy the bikes, it’s beneficial for both of us.
Do you have any post-ride rituals or routines you enjoy together?
S&G: Post-ride we usually settle down with coffee, and share photos we’ve taken on the ride and update Strava.
Do you have any mountain bike races or events you'd like to participate in together?
S&G: These days it’s about touring on our bikes and exploring different parts of the country and the world together as a couple.
