Vetseun

HT all the way . It was amazing how many HT bikes with Lauf forks there were. And if you really want to go hardcore, you put a Jones H Bar on as well..Im already ordering mine.The mechanics were working overtime with the duals. That fine baby powder dust gets in every where. I had no issues at all.

Hahaahaa. Ja I also ran out if excuses. Believe me Bud. It is doable. It will change your outlook on life in terms of that you are capable of as a human being

I think an edge 500 will do the job. I think I saw one one Gerald Celes bike

I left my extreme light at home and took a led lenzer commuting light. Wrong decision imo. Next time I will take the extreme light. The led lenzer was super heavy on AAA batteries and didnt give sufficient light. It was full moon so there were times when I could ride without any lights on. But on the scary surfaces, an extreme light would gave been a better option.

We were in Sutherland I think. I was really tired, physically but more mentally from lack of sleep. My ass was smashed. Just before we left I wanted to apply some Fissan paste to my bum as I knew what was waiting for me. By that time people didnt care anymore, you pull your bibs down apply whatever and dont give a crap if anybody is watching. I dropped my bibs reached into my bag grabbed the tube , squirted a liberal amount into my hand and applied in one fluid motion. The tingling was instant,.I had squirted and applied colgate toothpaste! The poor lady had to bring me a wet towel to clean myself with.It gave those present a good laugh.

Okes if any of you consider doing this ride and I really want you to, I will answer any questions on here or pm. That would be the view of an average rider as some of you may be. For guys wanting to klap it. Maybe rather chat to Benky. He is in a different league.

I noticed some of the big guns were wearing two bibs. I saw Tracy Campbell wrapping her extra bibs and warm jacket over her saddle and then taping it to the seatpost in Sutherland. So her bum must have been really eina.

Hi SB, in hindsight, I could have shaved 12 hours off my time. I plan to try again with the benifit of hindsight and see what I can do. I always wanted to finish in around 4 days but I knew that it may not happen due the the weather etc. But small things like not sleeping in vd kloof saves 3 hours. That a lot of time just for one good decision.

I think she stopped at the Tankwa Padstal.Think. There was carnage from there to ceres. Still moer far to go.Edit: Just confirmed above as correct

Saw Louis Fourie at the airport yesterday. He showed me pics of his backside. Good Lord above it looks bad. Like in very bad. He used a local ansthetic cream during the ride. So he couldnt feel the damage that he was doing to himself.It is raw meat, I kid you not. When a went to my doctor pre munga and asked for a prescription for the cream, he refused. He said I must be able to feel what is going on downstairs.I was upset with him. Today I am thankful. When I asked for decent pain pills, he told me that you dont need a prescription for Panado. Im glad that I listened to him. My ass was wrecked, believe me. But not like his is. He had to sit for the take off and landing. The rest of the time, he stood in the isle. I tip . Shammy cream by Biogen worked well until a point. A medic advised from Sutherland to use vaseline..I smeared it in the pad like a teenager smears jam on his sarmie. Thick. It took me through to the end.

7 hours I think. In a bed. Few power naps next to the road

SB thank you. But I swear. I am a below average Joe who just put his mind to something and did it. Everybody on this thread can do it. I am proof of it.

The Locals are special people. They are facing massive challenges every day with the drought. I actually get a lump in my throat thinking if it. These people open their homes, offer their beds. feed us, smile and offer encourgement. This all whilst facing incredible challeges every day. One can only respect them.Further to that, you ride in places where no motor vehicle can drive. Bicycle, motorcycle or feet can operate . As Alex said to us before the event. Be nice to tbe locals!

Okes remember that Alex is flexible in his payment terms. I want to try again. Will have to get the money together

Fanks my skat

And here is the big fella in all his glory.

I love this pic. Taito needed shelter from the cold and wind for a quick power nap. Found this open storeroom on a farm. Had a good dudu. That captures a lot of what this was all about. Making plans.

One very tired Vetseun in the middle of nowhere.

Time penalty of 1.5 hours I think. If you leave the route, you have to double back and reenter where you left.

Guys, if I may. Just a little story about Taito. Taito is a tiny little skinny oke with a permanent smile on his face.One night during a freezing cold, windy night I was taking a break at a waterpoint on a farm in the middle of the night. I was fighting my own demons. Taito came rolling in, he looked close to death. Pale shivering and skinny, very skinny. A quick wave and his usual smile and he walked away and let loose. Sounded like a student on his first drinking spree. I leftwishing him luck while he lay wrapped in a blanket shivering and dry heaving. As I left the farm, the farmer said to we well that is his race done. I couldnt agree more. The next day I was sitting at a race village eating, as usual when I look up and Taito comes waltzing in. Looked like death but the smile plastered over his face. Somehow he had picked himself up and out of that deep black hole and was back on the go. I asked him if he thought that he should continue. I like being a hubber so I wont repeat his answer for the risk of being banned. From there Taito showed me what it is to HTFU. As somebody told me before the race, hy is in taai klein etter. I have now seen it myself. Respek Bra jy is n yster.

Absolutely inspirational.Just refuses to give up. Thinking of those massive mountains the final section between Sutherland and Ceres, I am afraid that she is not going to male it. She deserves to make it but Im afraid reality is that it is not looking lilely. Respect Karina

Thanks Everyone

Hahahahaaaa Lekker Eddy. Second is on the cards mate. Second last!

Jip it is he. All round good guy abd serial smiler