River Rat

I really enjoyed the new route and even the interaction with the shorter distances was quite pleasant. However, Clive and his team got things horribly wrong as far the back markers were concerned. There were no marshalls after we crossed the tar road on the second lap, my guess was that there were at least 6 riders behind me at that stage and it would seem that the route had been closed up in front us. I had to open at least three farm gates and although a bit annoying it was not my biggest concern. With about 13kms to go I came across an elderly lady pushing her bike, she was on the 35km race. She had no mechanical issues, was in good spirits but had clearly underestimated the distance. I told her that there was a waterpoint at the end of the single track about 2 kms away. When I got there the waterpoint was gone and even more concerning was that many of the route markers had been knocked over. When I got in I spoke to the organizers who, to their credit, immediately set off to find her. I just hope this does not end badly.

Rather do some fast 5 & 8 kms mixed with the odd 15 / 21 kms you'll get more value out of it.

I know what you mean when you ask an ultramarathon runner they will tell you to do distance. But I find that I do a better when I cut the distance and add more quality to the training. The longest distance you should be aiming for is about 30km in a single run, even if you run / walk it.

She used the word hardloop in her post so I've assumed it is a running marathon.

I'm assuming that you are targeting a comfortable finish. If so, you need to get to about 50 - 70kms 3 weeks before the event. Do not increase weekly distance by more than 5 km per week. So if you target 70kms by end October you would appear to be on track. I quite like a training regime that works on 4 weeks cycles which entails increasing distance for the first three weeks and then using week 4 for active rest. Good luck

Anyone?

Carry on like this and you might not grow old! Anyway you clearly have no intention of helping us out so you'll have to continue with this little bout on your own.

No I'm quite a but older than that, but one has to lower the quality of discourse to give little people like you a chance.

Is this the best you got?

I'm just happy that the IAAF makes the decisions and not someone with a Onetrackmind!

My wife lost her taser at Groenkloof today she thinks it was on the jeep track next to the R21. If you have found it please drop me a PM.

A pic of the ride.

So we did the race and saw absolutely zero game. But the ride and scenery was spectacular really enjoyed it!!

Riding with the beasts at Umfolozi tomorrow!

The private security guards were very visible patroling the car park this morning and I saw guy inspecting the fence next to the R21 as well. So perhaps they are simply doing something about it.

Riaan, there was a veldfire on the R21 section and many of the trails are now visible. There appears to be quite a few options on this section with one ( just below the reservoir) in particular that needs about a 3m bridge to open it up. PM me if I can help.

Salah I highly recommend this event in mid December, www.sabiexperience.co.za it is a 4 day event with plenty of climbs. You can do it solo or with a partner its your choice, just book your accommodation early. From Sabie you are about an hour away from the Kruger National Park if you want to see the Big 5, you also have great trails at www.mankele.co.za only about 45 mins from Sabie. I know you have reservations about Johannesburg but you when you land in Johannesburg it is well worth your while to ride amongst the beasts at Groenkloof before you head out into the country check it out here www.tshwane.gov.za/.../Pages/Groenkloof-Nature-Reserve.aspx . I'll be happy to ride it with you if I'm in town.

There were only 4 finishers on the Induna ultra. I did the 75 (78) which was about as tough as the Sabie Marathon but definitely tougher than day two on Sani.

Bet the lion noticed you!

I heard that the race number 51 has won the Le tour more times than any other number. Nibali has race number 51!

He was a coward when he took a young life and he was a coward when he ended his own life. We all make mistakes but it is how you deal with these mistakes that will define who you are. I fail to see what societal commentary had to with it and I find it very difficult to have any sympathy for him.

The Wiggins Froome debate reminds me of the Lemond Hinault battle of the mid 1980's which became a real soap opera well worth the price of Mnet at the time. And who can remember when Mnet wanted to can the coverage of Le Tour, we had to petition Russel what's his face to keep it on air. Man it's fun to have seen this movie but not know the outcome.

If you can manage a ride there every 2nd week the season ticket works out. But think about riding Voortrekker monument as an alternative, it's great if you want some hill training. Groenkloof is worth exploring though and if you add Fountains to it this could easily add another 8km to your fun.