hboli4

You might want to change the date in the thread title... Will look into this one as well, in-laws stay in Smithfield and we might be there over this weekend...

I entered the 70km MTB. Was also thinking about the trail run but my fellow travellers aren't keen to leave Bloem at 05.00 / 05.30 for me to do the run as well...

Aish so lyk my ek gaan maar weer die 80+ kg's oor die rante sleep. Kannie wag nie!!!

When does it close?

I've got the Saris Bones 3 and have had no issues for the past 4 years.

Great stuff, I'll be there!!! Will bring a couple of colleagues along who are keen on the shorter route.

How did it go?

I'm also leaning that way. I've only had the rigid for a month and rode the Trans with it. Worked really well as it is very light and climbs very well but I'm not 100% comfortable on the rugged downhills yet, the vibrations etc. takes some getting used to. Took it over Brandkop a couple of times and it wasn't that bad but what I remember from Eden I would probably be better off on the 26 with some sort of suspension.

Sounds like it, but if Jean rode the route and said that it was tougher than Clarens there must be another mother of a climb that will make us cry.

Agree, the 'forest' section is great, I've ridden it 3 times and still don't have the necessary skill though

O ok, in other words nothing on the concrete climb side and that nasty downhill ('old' route uphill)? Is there lots of loose stuff and ruts? Contemplating whether to take the rigid 29er or 'shocked' 26er HT.

What changes are there to last year's route?

Well done to all!!! Was my fourth so looking forward to getting my shield next year if all works out. I love this part of the world and the scenery and race vibe is awesome, not to mention the food and support at the checkpoints. Although it was a cold start and stayed that way throughout the race it was a great ride, enjoyed the water crossings as always and I think the tailwind at the start helped loads! Really proud of my team who got home in just under 16 hours despite never having ridden together before and training not going nearly according to plan. Already looking forward to next year

Leaving Bloem by about 11.00 if all goes well, see you all there...

For sure, this is one of the toughest around. It was my first race a couple of years back when I just started cycling. It was the 'old' route and extremely hot. I came in dead last and almost took 8 hours to complete!!!! Rocked up at the finish with everybody gone and the organisers just loading the last of the bunting. Was a very proud and humblling moment for me. Rode the last couple of years on the 'newer' route and it is still tough but now I manage to finish a bit further up and 'only' take 5 hours :-). Probably the best 'proper' mountainbiking in the Free State.

Perhaps some OBS in the container at Bergplaas

Mmmm, average ride = 75km....carbo loading for Trans = 15 beers. Rather invert and go for 2, that is what we do With 15 beers you will drop the Lite from your name and leave loads of Chunky's on MAC

Saw that, will only start looking at the weather a day or two before, will keep changing 'till then.

1 week....

That should be more than enough. Will probably in the low single digits 2-4.

Either way, I think we will be in for a little final climb on tar up to the finish...

2010 was actually a little too dry for my liking, I think we got feet wet only once! Last year was great fun with all the crossings and I think the cold water did wonders for the legs.

Ek doen nog die naweek 'n langerige ene (120) maar volgende week redelik rustig, sal seker 'n 80 of 60 erens oor die naweek doen.

Dankie!

I don't think it will get to Langs-type conditions even if it starts raining now. Anybody been through there during the last week or so, how much water is there? 2010 dry or 2012 wet or somewhere inbetween?