A few years ago, an “evening with the girls” would have entailed much different activities. Nowadays, a girls’ night starts in the day with a ride and ends with protein shakes and carbohydrates. Thanks to the public holiday for Human Rights Day, I easily convinced my friends Annemie Kruger (BMC Racing) and Emily Clarke (Valencia) to come to Stellenbosch for an afternoon training session through the winelands and a vegan dinner afterwards. With our own version of Truth or Dare, almost crashing my bike from laughing too hard, a pillow fight, and lots of food, our version actually wasn’t so different after all.

The new version of truth or dare. [Emily Clarke]

Riding through the winelands. [Emily Clarke, Annemie Kruger]

Happy to finally be riding again! Take that pulled hamstring!

Catching up on girl talk. [Annemie Kruger, Emily Clarke]

Happy girl!

Up to no good in the shady suburbs.

Wait for me!

Exhausted and happy!

Fresh fuel.

Qunioa lentil tabouleh with pomegranate and greens.

“Did you get enought to eat?”, I ask. Annemie just glares…

Dinner served with “training champagne,” i.e. sparkling apple juice.

Dessert: Fresh pomegranate, blueberries, kiwi, nectarine, plum, green apple, and fresh coconut.