Struis

Rule #5 http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/

The 60 km event was tough, but totally doable. Some sandy sections were challenging and most if not all had to get off and walk. Taking all into consideration, it was a good day of mountain biking with no other events around. As for the Afrikaans - I am an Afrikaner who lives and works overseas, NO event has ever changed their language to accommodate me. Try to harden up a bit boys... And girls. Don't let the course beat you.

I'm looking for the songs they played at the start of each stage.

I have been living and riding in Saudi since 2000, so know a few things about riding in the heat. In short to answer your questions: 1. http://nycc.org/rides/heat-index-cyclists 2. http://www.polarbottle.com/insulated/ These bottles work, you also freeze them half full and fill them up before your ride. Incredible. I think I have seen them at Cape Union Mart the last time I was in SA. Anyway - To stay out as long as possible you need to keep your core cool. We have a loop where we can stop every hour for 2 minutes or so at a water cooler, throw ice cold water over your head and fill up the bottles. Hope this help.

I live in Saudi. In summer (July) we start our rides at 5 am - 34 Celsius. By 8 am it is around 42 Celsius with really high humidity. No way to ride at midday, close to 50 Celsius. Your body gets use to it, but you do have to drink a lot and not just water - something to replace the electrolytes. Below a typical July in Saudi and then just for interest how the humidity affects the apparent temperature. I can also tell you that car temperature gauges are not very accurate...