Looking back on last week, there may have been one or two things that I would have done differently, but this is just my opinion and what works for me.
I started with thick gloves and put my thinner, long gloves in the box at CP2. Yes, it is cold. Very cold! However, thinking back, I would have been better off by starting with a pair of thin long gloves and a pair of surgical gloves inside. If you have spare thin long gloves, put a fresh set (along with new surgical ones) in each of the boxes you will use. The thick gloves are awesome when dry, but when drenched, your entire "feel" on the handlebar, shifter and brake is crap.
Clingwrap your shoes. It will keep the chill off your toes. Just be sure to get the non-perforated type.
Start with fresh brake pads and possibly have your brakes bled before the race. You do not want to be forced to crawl every downhill because your lever is against your handlebar.
Mudguards... Get one for your fork. The type that attaches under your crown. Your fork stanchions and your face will love you! Also get one that attaches to the bottom of your seat. Your bum and fellow riders will love you! I use this on the road and regret not having it at the Race: https://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/product/polisport-s-mud-guard/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyrae26LN-QIVA7DtCh0UTQMSEAQYASABEgL0QfD_BwE
You will get a tiny bottle of lube with your goodies at the start. Take that with, as not all waterpoints have lube.
If your bike can take 2 bottles, fill one with water. You will need it to rinse your glasses (and possibly drivetrain before applying lube between checkpoints). Don't ride with your glasses off. Being able to see something through dirty glasses is better than not being able to open your eyes! Go buy yourself a cheap pair of safety glasses from Dromex. They are as cheap as chips. There won't be much sun, so leave your expensive sunnies to fight another day.
After CP2 (sosaties and wors) at the water crossing, try to keep left. It isn't as deep as the right. I learned the hard way and also got caught in some thorn bush on the right!
I wouldn't ride tires too soft. Quite a few rocky sections on the downhills that can damage rims.
The section between pakhuis and neverender is in terrible condition. The surface there reminded me of the wet clay sections of ATP a few weeks back.
At around 190km the road forks. It is unmarked, keep left. There is an unmanned cp a few km later. Remember to get your sticker.
Don't think there was anything else specific worth mentioning, except to go there with a positive mindset and to listen to your teammates! You are in this together after all!
Enjoy!
