hboli4

Would love to have a crystal ball on that one...We have been having a very wet and early winter in the Sates. I presume you are defending?

Yip BigH had a fight with almost everyone at some point. Used to call people 'suurtiet'😁

I enjoy the Ultra Endurance stuff, can't beat riding into a Karoo sunset, through the night and into a sunrise. I have a little Word document I've put together for some other 1st timers in Afrikaans, you are welcome to send me an email address and I will send it to you. I wonder whether Foot & Mouth will have an impact on the route...

A support crew definitely makes it easier but it is very doable with boxes only. Weather closer to the time will determine what you pack where and as mentioned depending on your planned/goal time... I am a slow poke and usually aim for 24-26 hours. Have also done a 28 hour one.... You are welcome to ask here or pm me - happy to help. Love this event, will be lining up for my 7th if all goes well.

Hi Nestus, Do a search on this forum for 36ONE - there are loads of info and advice on the previous threads. Are you only making use of the boxes or do you have a support crew at the Checkpoints? The WP's & CP's are close enough together in my experience that you can make do with two bottles only, no need for a hydration pack. Depending on the weather at the start(normally warm enough for a 'summer' start - but perhaps take a light jacket & buff with for when the sun sets) you can pack some warmer clothes in for CP1 and warmest for CP2 - depending on your planned riding time. Most people will reach CP2 before sunrise when it is coldest. CP3 you can dump your extra clothing if warm enough. Will your light last for 12hours - if not a spare battery in CP1/2. If you have a support crew it is much easier as you can give them a backpack with stuff for all eventualities which you can access at each CP.

Apologies for being late to the party. What caused the split in main group of the men? Mechanicals?

I guess that is part of the 'mystery' in doing a first event - saw the comms regarding the route. Guess we will just have to wait and see and take it in our stride and part of the 'adventure'.

What time of year was this? Yes it can go either way - at this point it has been raining and raining with more rain in Bloem - temps not too bad for this time of year and winds have been relatively mild.

Thanks for the share. Would be great to have all the details beforehand but I've come to 'expect the unexpected' with these events. Have also entered - not really ready but nothing beats time on the bike!

Looks like 486km according to the map on their website?

A friend of mine also bought one and he is very impressed, great bang for back.

Getting there with all the rain we have been having...

Not saying it is the case with Gary but seems like a lot of riders suffered with the heat and tailwind not cooling them down over the 1st 24 hours or so. Have also heard of more than normal stomach issues later. Riders also had varying weather conditions over the 5 days with some having quite good weather throughout(front runners) and mid to back of the field being caught in hailstorms, rain and heat with headwinds later.

I get that and agree. Wasn't aware that they are friends and riding partners. There is also the small matter of the title and some prize money(will have to check but I think there is some this year). I was just thinking that the guys at the top end race it and not ride it. But I guess if they are mates they would have agreed on this beforehand.

No wor No worries. Sleep deprivation from dot-watching will do that to you😁

The weather layer on the trackpage seems to tell a different story ito the wind direction, temps along the route do not look super hot but I know one of the guys who pulled out said he overheated because of the the warm weather and tailwind not providing any cooling effect.

I hope it is a battle and not a truce like the one year with Benky & Thinus iirc.

They took a bit of a rest at Tankwa Padstal - projecton currently to be in Ceres at about 17.00 with a finish at 19.00

Current projection puts the winners at 54.5 hours with more than 30 riders coming in under 72 hours - by far the most ever. Lots can change still but it doesn't look like the weather is going to turn for the worst. On track to be the best year in terms of weather in the 11 editions.

Today at 12.00 they will be riding for 48 hours...Start was Wednesday at 12.00

Are we watching the same event? The 2 x front runners on track to go below 50hrs. Wind has actually been mostly tail and cross up to this point. Reckon at least 10 or so should break 72 hours

Not there this year by the looks of it. Might be because the course is a little longer? Will see if I can find out

You guys are missing a 'k'.

So you were the reason for last year's head wind?

Near to perfect conditions in Bloem today. Almost no wind to speak of and not too hot.