JJDT

This CRC experience with Skynet was one huge ripoff. Received my invoice yesterday and it seems that they charged me with 17% vat and the lousy admin fee. Not going to dispute it because of the long wait. Did the payment and send proof of payment to them...hopefully I will receive my part before the weekend...keeping fingers crossed. Did anyone notice that the fees on CRC for Express and Priority Tracked shipping is the same. Last time Priority tracked was somewhat cheaper than express. I came to the conclusion that although we chose express it is actually seen as priority tracked due to the long timeline.

My few cents. There seems to an issue with the older boards and the timing equipment, (my view) I took my board to number collection to have it scanned for ease of collecting batch sticker and it did not pick up my board signal. I received a new code and programmed referencing my board number. The clipboard at the end is the "backup process or cross referencing" for queries if results are not found. As for vendors especially food I can not comment on but I do not think it is an price issue because your "regular" vendors were present i-coffee, crank'd clothing and anatomic. Medals are another issue as there were some debates here on the past about medals. I do not really care about a medal (nothing special imo) as all medals are the same whether you are last, somewhere in the middle or first (can not really comment on podium finisher medals as I do not know if they are different). For medals it is a personal preference in the end. If they really want to save on costs they can do away with this silly "goodie bag"

Did my rating via the e-mail received from CRC. Will see if I receive a response. Contacted Sky Net and they said it is at ORT, they transferred the call and the phone just rang.

Not good news for me either as I read through this topic. Also orderred a derailleur through CRC...also opted for express delivery...parcel is with them from Monday... Will give feedback on my experience.

Read an article yesterday that the Hillux guys were complaining about the tyre monitoring systems, apparently the 4x4 cars can only monitor whereas the normal 2x4 guys do have an inflation and deflation system on board. Seems like this is why the Peugeot's did not have any puncture issues because they are 2x4 and effectively makes use of this system. What is the specs compared to the Peugeot guys and the Hillux guys engine wise?

Looks again that the Peugeots are in a class of their own and without any issues it may seem and all podium finish for them. Saw there was a privateer in an Amarok currently in 30th place.

I'm more incline to 21H00 finishing, about 100km's to go and at this stage I doubt that he can avg 25km/h for another 4 hours and I think he will rest a bit at RV5 before going out again.

Looks like one hectic climb...just looked at the "dot" MM and current speed 7.6km/h or he just relaxing up the climb.

What does the HUB feel about a possible tadem category seeing that is just one long unending gravel road?

Pitstop strategy...

Karina Britz now only at race village 2...still a long way to go with the next two riders about 17km in front...Mind games now for her...But from me still huge respect to her for doing 390km's so far.

See Marco is on the first major climb of the race...this guy is on a mission...would love to find out what will his thoughts be on this last 200 odd km's of the race.

Marco Martins on the move again... How long can your body cope with this extreme, lack of sleep + assuming your avg HR is about 70% for hours on end? Last question is it good for your overall health...not immediate but long term effects on what this guy is doing?

Going to be interesting from now on especially the sleep tactics with the leaders only resting for a few minutes only.

All the months of preperation is finally here, to all the hubbers starting all the best. Also from my side to everybody respect for lining up for this huge challenge. Whether it will be a dot for a hubber or just a dot for somebody complete unknown we will be watching dots... I just had a thought who is more sane Riders going out and do the race or us staring at our screens at moving dots.

@Mojoman...No this race is far from Magalies. In short Free State to Cape direct, not passing through other provinces.

29 days to go for Hubland to stare at dots again for a few days. Hope that training for Hubbers that enterred is progressing well.

Kap hom Kwagga...doen dit nou...

@Kalahari...gedink jy is al teen hierdie tyd binnebandloos...jy weet mos nou al teen die tyd dat ekstra gewig is nadelig...daardie 1kg binneband en 2kg gereedskap stuk en ten laaste daardie sak wat ook nog sowat 500g weeg...

Waaroor gaan die meeste gevegte...myne is groter as joune en beter...

No more Kings and Cheetahs in SR...

@Moridin...did you look at these guys selling these imported engines for a similar one or are they not available yet... R35K madness

Done the 65km. Some of my issues: 1. Route - do not mind to ride on grass but seeing the stumbs that were left of the short grass is not my part of fun and doing this for 20km or so is not on. Some instances there were some traces of a footpath/single track visible but not opened up. Seems the instruction was just to cut the grass short. 2. Facilities - Hardly anything at the start apart from just number collection and some or other potatoe swirl that is fried in oil with seasoning salt; nothing else. The 4x4 event on the same venue was a life saver as there was a food stall. A Lapa with cooldrinks and beer with a place to sit was welcome. This was not far from the MTB event and the music was a drawcard to investigate. The mobile toilets at the start were horrible. These toilets were not the same spec as found on some events, basically just a moulding with a pit. Suggestions to above mentioned issues: 1. Put in some extra effort to remove the grass stumps will be a huge improvement. I do know that it is not always possible with private land but an attempt here or there will be welcome. 2. Use the same facilities as what the 4x4 guys used, just make sure there is no clash with the two events. The start and finish could be held there, no need for mobile toilets thus somewhat of a cost saving. The venue owners could do the catering thus generating some extra cash for them. This event can grow even as a family event or for new people who wants to try out MTB'ing as a sport with a flat route.

England with Uncle Eddie Jones will also be waiting for the Bokke.

Saw this guy at the end when I went back to the shower...did not ask him what happen... Saw this on Maroela Media. http://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/is-jy-die-koedoe-ou/