Record-breaking Grossmann ready to tackle Desert Dash

When 33-year-old Monika Grossmann received an email from Aiden de Lange, one of the originators of the Desert Dash, in 2005 to participate in a mountain bike race from Windhoek to Swakopmund through the desert in 24 hours, she simply thought it was an interesting idea.

Little did she know that on 6 December, she would become the first and only person to successfully participate in all 20 editions of what is now known as the Nedbank Desert Dash.

Grossmann was born and raised in Windhoek and started cycling at an early age.

“The passion for cycling faded as I grew up, but when my husband, Kai, bought me a bicycle for Christmas, I rediscovered my love for cycling,” Grossmann recalls.

“We started cycling in local races, like the Cycle Classics and Nedbank Cycle Challenge. We cycled short distances because, at that time, we thought cycling longer distances was reserved for super fit people.

“However, through some bike-minded friends, our routes became longer and longer, more challenging, and more adventurous,” she explains.

Her first Nedbank Desert Dash race was in a 4-man team with her husband and two of their friends, Hans Kolberg and Org van Rensburg. She cycled the third leg – a distance of about 75km – and the team finished in a time of 19 hours and four minutes.

“Doing the third stage of the race at night, the field of 45 cyclists was pretty spread out. I was lonely in the desert – very lonely. Only me, my bike and a dim light. Luckily, we had a full moon, which was quite bright that night. That was the first night in 19 years that we had such bright moonlight,” she remembers.

She adds that during the lonely journey through the desert, she thought, ‘‘What am I doing here? Why am I doing this to myself? I am never doing this again!’’

However, when they finished the race, they were already planning for the next edition of the Nedbank Desert Dash with big smiles, and before they’d even recovered from the pain of cycling throughout the night.

So how did she prepare for the race? Grossmann says her training consisted of one or two short bike rides during the week and some longer rides of between 70 and 80km on weekends with a 26-inch bike.

After riding in a 4-man team for the first four years, Grossmann and her husband dared to take on the 2-person team category over 340km and finished in second place in a time of 16 hours and one minute.

“We planned to improve the time the following year. That’s when they changed the route. That meant a change in the training regime as well,” she says.

With the distance of the Nedbank Desert Dash increasing from 340km in 2005 to 401km in 2024, Monika says she has seen a lot of changes over the years.

“Our lights have changed from ‘candlelight’ to very bright LED lights with strong batteries. The waterpoints have been transformed into true oases, and the checkpoints have turned into real entertainment centres. To have a fully functional bike with a pair of good wheels is essential to making it a fun event,” she says.

Grossmann has upgraded her bike a couple of times, first from a 26-inch Hardtail GT bike to a 26-inch Merida Fully, then to a 29-inch carbon frame Rocky Mountain, and finally to a bright red Scott Spark RC Team, which is a smooth operator.

When asked about her most scary incident during the dash over the past 19 years, Grossmann says she suffered a loose chainring bolt, which was quickly repaired by teammates.

“And one year, my light broke, leaving me in darkness and almost in a state of panic. Luckily the next waterpoint was close and I could use a light from a fellow sufferer who quit his race,” she says.

She says over the past 19 years, she has experienced the longest, hottest, coldest, wettest conditions, as well as the dash with the thickest fog with almost no visibility.

“I’ve faced the worst corrugated and sandy roads and the strongest headwinds. I have done them all. Every race is different; the challenge never ends. I have learnt not to underestimate any of the sections. The Nedbank Namibia Desert Dash is a mind game, and if you allow yourself to be pulled down by the elements, you may quit – even if there is still enough strength in your body,” she emphasises.

So why does she keep coming back? Grossmann says: “The Nedbank Desert Dash became a highlight at the end of the year. Maybe it’s some kind of addiction to do this crazy challenge repeatedly. To stand at the starting line and feel the vibe is just amazing. I think my biggest fear is not being able to ride the dash after all the preparation,” she says, noting that crossing the finish line is one of the best feelings ever.

“There are no words to describe the euphoric feeling you get when crossing the finish line after hours of suffering. It doesn’t matter if you do this as a team or solo. It’s worth every drop of sweat, every tear, and all the hours of preparation,” she says.

She pays tribute to everyone who completes the Nedbank Namibia Desert Dash, adding that every cycling enthusiast must gather some courage and try to take on the Namib on a bike.

Grossmann is thankful to the sponsors, organisers, and everyone involved in the successful organisation of the Nedbank Desert Dash, saying she is looking forward to her 20th race.

“Don’t try to do it solo at first unless you’re a pro. It took me 14 years to finally do my first solo,” she says to first-timers.

Nedbank Namibia retail and business banking executive JG van Graan echoes Grossmann’s words, saying that the Nedbank Desert Dash has indeed become bigger and better over the years.

“Every year, we are left in awe when we see the starting peloton with their friends and families. The camaraderie, sportsmanship and overall excitement in the air are what make the Nedbank Desert Dash one of the most sought-after, bucket-list events on the continent. Seeing cyclists like Monika Grossmann prepare to take part in the race for the 20th time is testament to the success of the Nedbank Desert Dash,” Van Graan says.

He adds: “As money experts who do good, events like the Nedbank Desert Dash underscore our commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and provide a platform for both novice and experienced cyclists to hone their skills in the sport.”

The Nedbank Desert Dash is co-sponsored by Hollard, Spar (Maerua and Grove), Paratus and Indongo Toyota.