Falagar

Did 2... one Langs Baviaans and one Trans Baviaans... very tough but an achievable challenge. I am no racing snake either. Make sure you are well prepared in terms of training and equipment and make sure you have the right team mates.

Got it at the little tea/coffee cubicle shop on the lower level. Close to Tony Impey Cycles. R99 for 3. You apparently get more than 30 cups from one cap... I did not count and mine is still working well. I used this thread as a guide for filling: www.singleservecoffeeforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=9423&p=92576 I might add that I push the cap quite hard towards the side of the container with quite a bit of grind between the cap and the side. As I said... took a bit of practise but second nature now. Hope you come right

I use the Nespresso Pixie with refillable caps (bought at Bedford centre). Works very well... I have tried it with Lavazza ground coffee and it compares very well to the coffee coming out of my friends high end Jura with the same coffee. It does take a bit of practise though but not that difficult. I have tried it with my own ground coffee but I think my grinder is a bit of a cheapy

Here's a review from bikeradar... Weight according to crc is 1685g. http://m.bikeradar.com/gear/category/components/wheel-sets/product/review-fulcrum-red-metal-3-wheelset-09-34129

They are 26... I think they are very strong.... My friend weighs about 80 and finished the Trans Baviaans with his this year no problem. They have sealed cartridge bearings... I think the red metal 3's weigh in the region of 1650g.

Enjoyed it although it was windy

Also consider fulcrum... Dont know if they are more quiet than hope... Solomons had a huge special on the red metal 3 full ust wheels... They are quite light and my friends who ride with them are very happy. I have put more than 7000km's on my xt wheels including 2 trans baviaans without any issues whatsoever. Yes they dont have sealed bearings but I have a lot if respect for them!

I used an xt 10 speed front derailleur with a 3x9 setup for a while and had endless hassles with the chain catching the f/d. I suppose it depends on your specific situation i.e. which chain you are using etc. I changed the derailleur and the problem was solved.

I am not sure on the river crossings since I have only done the Langs Baviaans and there was only one real river crossing. With regards to food... it was as follow... CP1 : Roosterkoek and Syrup CP2 : Sosaties, Boerewors etc. CP3 : Soup CP4 : Chiprolls CP5 : Jaffels CP6 : Unmanned so no food.... Every checkpoint had water, coffee and coke. Hope that helps

I love spd's and will stick with them for a lot of reasons but after last year's Trans Baviaans I would have to say that mud shedding is not one of them. Was also looking at Quartz. Apparently the setup is finicky but once done they are a pleasure... Won't know till you try I suppose.

Willowmore is about 1000km from Jhb. Make your way down there at least 2 days before so you have adequate rest time on the Friday. Guest houses in Willowmore are mostly full at this stage so you can try the following: 1. Stay in Uniondale about 60 km away for the Friday night. This means going to Willowmore on the friday for race briefing and number collection and driving through on saturday for the race. 2. Try a camping spot in Williwmore caravan park. The ablutions are excellent and brand new. Each stand has it's own bathroom and you live right behind the town hall where the race starts. Kabeljous in Jeffries is booked by the organisers so you can camp there for free although from experience I would suggest trying a guest house there... Nothing like a well used ablution block after a race hehe... You would want a nice clean shower/bath and a bed to sleep in after doing the 230km. Regarding finding your way in Willowmore you won't need a gps since it is small. If you mean to find the route while cycling the baviaans I am sure it would come in handy with a downloadable route although I haven't used that so cannot comment. You will be fine in Jeffries. Try travelling down to at least Graaf Reinet on the Thursday... That leaves you with about 170km on the Friday so you will have enough time to take in the vibe in Willowmore and get organised for the race. The TB is an amazing experience with a wonderful vibe... Enjoy every moment!!!

+1

I use cyclemeter. Brilliant! Battery life is not bad... Had it work for more than 10 hours. I put the iphone in a waterproof baggie I got at the 94.7 and then in my pocket/camelback. Next is to get an ANT+ supported shockproof case which will also add cadence, HR, power etc. although personally in no hurry to add that... Tons of info on std. cyclemeter... Map, profile, speed graphs, splits, rides saved to calendar, comparitive info while riding, calories etc. You can also use the earphones and it tells you where you are compared to previous rides on the same route i.e. seconds behind best or ahead of worst ride etc. Check it out here http://www.abvio.com/cyclemeter/ I think it is $2.99 on the app store. 5 star app.

Thanks for the reply... Will have to change soon so might give them a go...