Join the PTC for a Fanta Brown at the Yacht Club was the invite; “Strange”, thought I, “a talking Positive Temperature Coefficient thermistor needs a cooling drink to reset?”
It turns out that this PTC actually stands for the Plumstead Triathlon Club – a bunch of crazy people who own bicycles, costumes and running shoes that enable them to pound pavements and dodge sharks all in the name of fitness. The last time I ran anywhere was to the toilet and THAT under protest. As my dear sainted, maniacal, short sh*t, krokan elucidating, two stripe, comfortably in my rifle sights, Korporal Dik Gat used to yell time and time again; “Jy better fokken hardloop troep – die tyd om ‘n sleg vet gat te wees is twee jaar weg!” So, 25 odd years later, who got the last laugh hey Dik Gat?
When asked why this mad bunch does this form of mild ex National Service torture called Triathlon they replied; “Because we can”. Back at you baby! Although, it also helps to have a bunch of 40 or so mates to choose from when you want to go and train.
The Plumstead Triathlon Club was established as a light hearted reaction to another extreme bunch of posers known as the Atlantic Triathlon Club – of course the rivalry between these two social (really?) clubs is high but, I must say, I far prefer the Plumstead Triathlon Club – after all the father of one of them once bought me a Fanta Brown – nothing if not cheap am I.
The PTC has representation in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Johannesburg and stays in contact via e-mail and a ‘sometimes updated’ blog: Plumstead Triathlon Club – To err is human, to ARR is pirate. Some great Specsavers Ironman Images on the blog – Remember? THAT Specsavers Ironman that takes place in Port Elizabeth every year.
The Port Elizabeth chapter of PTC consists of around, kinda, sort of, approximately 40, maybe 50 athletes aged 23 to 50’ish, who train hard, eat monstrously huge meals and think nothing of slaughtering a Fanta Brown and/or Fanta’s see through cousin, Mr Tequila, all in the name of fun and giving back of course.
On Friday 30 September, the PTC will be invading Toni’s Place for a “Getting Dirty in a Sexy Scrum” themed party – don’t ask! Proceeds from the party will be going to Zanethemba – The Zanethemba Charity Foundation brings hope into the lives of people that live in desperate situations. Zanethemba is a Xhosa word meaning, ‘to bring hope’.
Have a look see at the hilarious irreverent take the committe members of the PTC have on their various portfolios:
- Recruitment – Brett “
Not soEpic” Glen - Bike Maintenance – Justin “Calves” Seal
- Nutrition – Phillipa “Clutchie” Baer
- Fashion Co-Ordinator – Lavren “Doppie” Coleman
- Racing Snake – Kevin “Kona” Mutlow
- Choir Master – James “Flapper” Flanagan
- Running Coach – Bronwen “The Scone” Perry (and ‘not so reluctant long time bearer’ of the Captains Armband – you are allowed to give it back Bronwen, promise)
- Fashion Co-Ordinator – Heather “Fashion Consultant” Paton
- Durban Discount Connection – Megan “Strippa” Knipe (I have NO IDEA what this portfolio entails)
- Cape Town Director – Dave “DHK” Talbot.
High Five the PTC when next you see them pounding the road. A few muttered Afrikaans National Service curses will, I am sure, also spur them on to greater pain; “Hardloop todat jy kotch” or “Lig daai kniee” or “Ek wag vir bloed in plaas van sweet en dan kan jy saam met die haaie gaan swem” should get the masochists into the right frame of mind.
Alan Straton
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Alan – for that you get a classic PTC – COOOOOOMMMMEEEEEEEEE OOOOONNNNEEEEEE! and yes you rock!
very nice one on the PTC! We’re legends guys!
Now what would we be without a traditional PTC “up yours” – in good spirit of course 😉 Great article! KIMMAAAAN the PTC will be rocking Double Century soon, watch out!
Sorry I missed the interview. Great article man. Noogalethu (the swimmer of the bunch).