Francois Pienaar

I've done a few races in and around Maropeng and was wondering if anyone knows of training routes & trails available in that area. The terrain is pretty hard and I think if you combine that with a Mount Grace bike park vibe it could be fun. Furthermore, in the Route 99 race, we did trails in the Cradle which don't seem to be available any other time but in races. Can anyone shed some light off of that, specifically close to the Rhino & Lion Park traffic circle area. cheers,

Thank Phil. Yes, I wouldn't say I'm a slave to the numbers, but as this is my first EPIC I was hoping to keep a close eye on the IF to make sure I don't go too hard too early and mushroom cloud ja know. I updated the firmware this am and have left a battery in. Let's see how long it lasts. My solution for the epic is to buy a battery per day.

I recently bought a power meter and it worked perfectly for a while. I then changed the battery and since then it's become VERY hungry on batteries. I'm a week out of EPIC and now it seems like I need a new battery daily. A friend mentioned once they start giving trouble they eat batteries (as in they don't sleep), but I'd just like to confirm this. Anyone had this issue?

Any specific agents / cycling shops you can recommend?

Thanks guys, Just for context, the "nutrition package" I am referring too is literally the bottle vibe. For R735 they give you 5 bottles and take 2 bottles to a WP each day. They claim that it will be cold when you arrive and when you finish they give you a recovery drink of choice. What I'm reading into the discussion above is: - Mechanic - HELL YEAR - Nutrition - NOT SO MUCH Thanks a ton, appreciate the feedback.

So it's a month away, I can't actually believe it. So let me jump into this quickly. My partner and I have not booked a mechanic / service package. What is your take on that? Also, I'm considering the nutrition package. Anybody done it before? Is it worth it or a novelty? Cheers, A blisfully ignorant first time Epic rider.

Evobikes are running a special. Hope that helps! http://www.evobikes.co.za/shimano-s-phyre-xc9-mtb-shoes.html

I'm currently riding a Scott Spark 930 and I've upgraded it to a XT 1x11 and I have a XT stages power meter on it. I really enjoy the ride and I'm considering a new set of wheels (American Classic Wide) or "maybe" carbon South Industries. The issues comes in when you start looking at the numbers to upgrade VS buying new. My core challenge I have with "upgrading" the wheels and perhaps other bits and pieces, brakes (from deore --> XT), is whether or not the "platform" as in the frame is worth it to upgrade on. Considering costs, I'm looking at the following: - Wheels 8-20k - XT brakes 3k - Misc (handlebar, stem etc) - R3k - And we haven't discussed possible DI2 / 2x11 config. - And and we haven't looked at the front fork. So the upgrade costs (ex DI2) puts me in the R15k - R20k range to spend. Considering the bike is 18months old, I feel I could get R25k for it second hand, putting me in the R50k range to purchase new. I'm a touch undecided on the path forward. Any cool ideas or tips would be appreciate. Cheerio

Ye, I bowed out on Sunday. Cycled to the 94.7 and cycled home and ended on 1800m ascent. I then had to go and do another 2hrs on a hill close to home and decided to hit the pool with a beer instead. Well done to the peeps still in, LOVE this challenge and the first 2 points, REALLY, got kicked my training into high gear. Cheers.

My Scott took me over breedts and little breedts

Lol, website fail. Otherwise, exciting times!

Can you send me a boerie roll to Jozi? My fav food!

Eish, reading this makes me realize how little I know about the trails in Cape Town area. Seen it all on TV only. March will be my first taste (excluding 3 w2w) which is obviously not in the same stratosphere as the Epic.

I have a marathon entry if anyone is interested. Have my sons school concert so will skip.

Any idea where we can see a few pics?

So the camera man decides to take a picture instead of ATTACK the mad criminals. What is this world coming 2? #wink

No need for a first aid kit, but the GPS is a must.

This is going to be MAD!!! Awesome

Wowzer

I've got a gopro video of coming pipe on the section just after this. Need to find it. HAHA

I've used shuttles at 9/10 stage races without issue. Guess that's why you have insurance ya know. Don't leave values in the car.

Shimano M8000 1x11 conversion for the my Scott Spark 930. Went for a little spin yesterday. Purring like a kitten. Went for a 30T in front and 11/42 at the back. Kept my SLX crank in place.

I have a collection of sat / sun entries available for route99. Anyone keen? Ping me on 0849000094.

Thanks GAP. Yes I was undecided this year and although I was offered an entry 2 weeks before, just didn't feel ready. I'll be back next year.

As the guys get ready for TB #2, I decided to write my review of my 2014 experience - https://fhpienaar.wordpress.com/2015/08/21/transbaviaans-conquering-230km-on-a-mtb-in-one-day/. Have a read. Cheers guys / gals, enjoy!