![\"ccs-62657-0-29965200-1464281954.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-29965200-1464281954.jpg\")
<\/a>Safire’s Warren Price (front) and Trevor Rowe (background) are hoping a clean two days in the saddle will see them battling it out for a podium position when they take on the 2016 BSi Steel dusi2c on 11 & 12 June. Anthony Grote\/ Gameplan Media<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cI\u2019m now a Vet and next year Trev (Rowe) will be too so, with four kids between us, we\u2019re the old ballies of the field!\u201d chuckles Price.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re definitely still hoping to mix it up with the youngsters again this year though and we\u2019re really looking forward to this year\u2019s dusi2c!<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully we don\u2019t get lost or have any punctures and just have a good, clean two days in the saddle and, ideally, can finish on the box,\u201d adds the 40 year-old competitor.<\/p>\n
On the back of a successful KAP sani2c campaign, the Pietermaritzburg pair bring good momentum with them into the clash and will look to use Sunday, 5 June\u2019s 60km Sappi Karkloof Marathon as one last tune up.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve had a little bit of bad luck on either day in both of our previous dusi2c efforts together but we went nicely at sani2c recently, finishing thirteenth overall there, and hopefully next weekend\u2019s Karkloof will be another good bit of preparation before we head into the Valley!\u201d<\/p>\n
While the duo draws confidence from their form and fitness, they are also well aware of the abilities and sound groundwork put in by of some of their fellow podium challengers.<\/p>\n
\u201cAndrew Hill will be there again this year, with Tyronne White, so we\u2019ll look to hang onto their wheel for as long as we possibly can,\u201d says Price.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Change a Life Zulus, who live in the Valley, will also definitely be a strong force again this year, especially as they enjoy a distinct advantage knowing the trails as well as they do.<\/p>\n
\u201cRacing at the front of the race, you\u2019re on the pin the whole time so sometimes it can be quite tricky trying to navigate where you\u2019re going via GPS, making sure you\u2019re following the right route without not getting lost \u2013 as we\u2019ve done in the past.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you do your homework \u2013 which the Zulus most certainly will have done \u2013 then you\u2019ll do well though.\u201d<\/p>\n
While finding themselves amidst the racing snakes of the field means Price and Rowe don\u2019t often get to take in all the spectacular sights and sounds of their unique surroundings, the event and its terrain is something the former holds very close to his heart.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing an ex-Dusi paddler of nineteen Dusis, I just love the feel that comes with being in the Valley!\u201d explains Price.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is also a lot of history that goes with the Dusi and so it is great to now be able to enjoy another slice of that from a mountain bike as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is definitely a lot tougher paddling through the valley than it is cycling but I still just love being on all the footpaths and cattle paths and in the thick of the bush \u2013 something I\u2019m really looking forward to enjoying again at this year\u2019s dusi2c!\u201d<\/p>\n