Keithc

Great - thanks very much. I will certainly look into using this in my planned ride

Hi all. I see the Doc guys have a ride from the South down to the Vaal Dam. Does anyone have a MTB route from the East Rand (Lets say Carnival City) to Vaal Marina on the Vaal Dam? I could take the tar routes of the many road races in the area to get to the Circus and then link onto the Doc route, but would prefer to stay off road if possible. Any suggestions ?

Typical.

Amazing run!!

We used to ride road in the area but too many trucks these days.

I am at Port O Call near Vaal Marina. Won't be there this Easter as will be at the coast. I do know however that there will definitely be some guys riding MTB I in the Vaal Marina area as training for the Sani2c. Try contact Brent Lincoln. Think he is on the Hub Enjoy!

Thanks very much for the advise - much appreciated. Will keep a look out for the guys selling tickets...

Perfect - thanks guys! Now lets see what comes of the route decision this evening. Kudos to all you guys & gals fighting the fires - very sad sight! Be safe!

So I hope on the Train at Simons Town station with my bike? Start close to a station? Sorry from Jhb....

I, like many, travel in from Simons Town for the race, so could be a problem getting to the start no matter what the route if changed.....

Hi there. You have any luck with this? I will be down there for a week next month. Keith

Really not sure what all the concern is about the climb up to Pinetown. If you have done the Amashova, this race will be a walk in the park. Profile looks much worse than it actually is. As mentioned above, there are a number of places for recovery. All the climbing is done in the first 32km, and then it is all downhill from there! (apart for a few small bumps) Important to stay in a bunch though. I would be more concerned about the decent as you leave Pinetown/New Germany. I recall doing around 96km/hr in sections. Fantastic feeling! Give eachother space and keep a line! Be politely vocal to make riders aware of what you are doing if planning to pass. Enjoy this fantastic event. My second favorite race after the Argus. Date change has meant that I have unfortunately had to withdraw

Anyone still in need of accomodation after day-1 (Tuesday 13 May) of this years Trail either for riders or supporters? Excellent accomodation situated only 2km from the MacKenzie Club overnight village. If so please contact Jules Stone on julesstone@vodamail.co.za

If you really want the time to enjoy the experience after the actual ride, book a maintenance package with one of the service providers. That way you dont need to worry about your bike until the next morning! Just hand it in, letting them know if you had any mechanicals, and they do the rest. Pick your bike up in th morning and ride! Also means you dont need to carry too many spares as they will carry most brands. Just take your credit card with!! Gives you chance to enjoy the vibe, even if you have a mechanical. Last thing you want is to be trying to sort your own bike out at midnight under the light of your headlamp! Just my 2c worth - enjoy! Fantastic event!!!

Fantastic pics!

Same here unfortunately! Great race!

Pity about the forced change. Will unfortunately have to withdraw. Cost of chaging flights & accomodation not worth it.

Great article. Time for a new setup!

Probably my favorite race after the Argus but also not keen to drive back to Jhb after the race. Will have to skip this one.

Going to be plenty withdrawals from inland entrants who have already made Accomodation and travel (flight) plans. Could mean having to drive back to Jhb after the race on Monday. Not a good idea. Just my 2c worth.

I find the Cadence products have a "milkshake" texture

This has been a HOTSPOT for a while now. Know of a bunch of 3 riders being hit here. Rather look for an alternative route. Be safe out there!

Fantastic event - and a chance to get away to Durbs for a few days!! Monday is a Public Holiday!

I fully agree. Have tried a few different brands and keep going back to Assos. Have had some for 5 years and still going strong. Local brands dont last more than one season! Nothing better than Assos in my opinion. Uno works fine - Mille not worth the difference in price imo..