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Epic lessons. It's not just for me this time.

Stefan took this picture of me on the 23rd of September 2024.


We were staying at an Airbnb in Cape Town and I got a call from Michael - who along with a few others is in charge of all things #SheUntamed.


Michael explained that the number of riders taking part in the 2025 ACE had unfortunately been reduced and that they had to be very selective about who will be representing Absa at the upcoming event.

He went on to say a few more things, leaving me anxious as hell (thanks Michael), with Stefan patiently watching my face to find out what was happening - to find out if I was in.


And then the moment came - "Simone, we'd love for you to have your shot. Are you in?"


I smiled big. Stefan knew. He pumped his fist into the air. It was so sweet. And then he took this picture.


It was the confirmation call but in reality, I had already been preparing for it since the previous year's confirmation call.


It is now a few months later and a lot has happened since then - including breaking my collarbone, again.


The preparation for this is massive. It goes far beyond just riding your bike. Maybe it's different for athletes who are naturally gifted - I don't know anyone elses story but I do know that for myself this has required me to put many other aspects of my life on hold.


It has taught me things about myself and the growth goes way beyond on the bike progress.

At times I have thought "why the fuzz do we do all this shit for a bike race" but then I remind myself of what I have already learned through the process and about how this decision to commit and persevere will help me in all areas of my life.


All of these challenges I do, even the ones I have done for charity, have always been mostly for me - as a gift to myself. The gift of choice - a painful and tough challenge that I could quit at any time but would choose not to. It's not a disease that I have no control over. The power lies with me. With this one - lately, in secret, I have been doing it for more than me.

People I love are with me on those long training rides.

I want them to know that if I could change - so can they.


The longer it has been now since my party days, I wonder if people have forgotten how out of control I was. I don't want them to - I want my life to be a testament as to what is possible.


Our circumstances and current situation does not have to be the way it ends.


As long as we are alive - there is hope. We can be anything and we can do anything. It's fucking hard but if it was easy, it would be pretty damn boring.


Excuse my language but fuck boring and fuck ordinary.

Accept the challenge, believe in yourself and LIVE.


*Picture 2 is me in 2009. It's about half a year after going into remission for my blood disorder which was treated with failed platelet transfusions, a spenectomy, a massive dose of steroids (which stuffed up my bones and resulted in a shoulder replacement), and eventually more chemotherapy.

I was 19 and came out of the second battle for my life. I drank heavily - for many years after that. I had wild and awesome times and also many times I can't remember. I vomited in places that were not bathrooms - many times. Being drunk is not attractive.



I wasn't the only one - the drinking culture in South Africa is astounding.

I share this now and speak about it because I hope to encourage others to consider rethinking their relationship with alcohol.


It's the best thing I ever did and I don't believe I would be on this path were it not for that decision.


Whatever you choose - there is no judgement from me, only encouragement.

xxxxxxxx

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