My brother and I aim to Fordyce the 7-hour limit. In order to do that we'll have breakfast in Simonstown, lunch in Scarborough and something in Houtbay to soften the blow of Suikerbossie. We will not fight the wind and we will definitely enjoy the scenery and the experience - far away from bunches hell-bent on sub-this and sub-that. We will revel in the camaraderie and banter born of suffering at the back of the Argus, just hoping to make it to the next waterpoint. Even if completely knackered, we will eventually arrive at the finish line, gain the victory and hopefully have a recognisable photograph taken. Let's ride (the whole day) !!
Also came across 4 guys on dirtbikes a while ago - riding in the wrong direction on the green route near the conference centre. They were gunning it and I had to take quick evasive action to avoid being ridden over. What's the deal with dirtbikes? Even if allowed on the farms, they should surely not be allowed to rip up the MTB trails and be a hazard to paying mtb'ers.
No planned ride this week from VA gym. However there may well be some people at Caltex Durbanville. We're off to ride the Lighthouse-to-Lighthouse on Sat & Sun
Still happening, see you at Caltex. There should be a number of people there. I'll start at VA gym and with me will be a couple on a white full suss tandem. What are you riding?
13 km as die enigste opsie is te min. Daar moet ten minste iets in die orde van 40 - 50 km wees as julle wil hê mense moet uit die Kaap of Boland soontoe ry.
Ride on Sat 1 Feb - start at VA gym in Bellville 06:30. Go past Caltex in Durbanville at 06:50. Through Kraaifontein, Joostenberg, past former Tberg zoo, Eenzaamheid, Leeuwendans, Slent & back to Dville (Slug & Lettuce). 90+ km @ steady pace.
Ride on Sat 1 Feb - start at VA gym in Bellville 06:30. Go past Caltex in Durbanville at 06:50. Through Kraaifontein, Joostenberg, past former Tberg zoo, Eenzaamheid, Leeuwendans, Slent & back to Dville (Slug & Lettuce). 90+ km @ steady pace.
We do long steady distance on the dirt roads (as far as possible) north of Durbanville. Making a stop at Philadelphia this Saturday for something to eat & drink. Distance 90 - 100 km. Start at 06:30 from Virgin Active in Tygervalley (watch out for the green mtb tandem)
Event Name: Lighthouse To Lighthouse When: 8 February 2014 - 9 February 2014 Where: Gansbaai, Western Cape Category: MTB Entries are open now Go to Event Page
We leave at 06h30 from the VA gym in Bellville and then meet people at 06h50 at Caltex in Dville. The route usually covers 90 - 100 km on gravel roads north & east of Dville. Pace is relaxed but consistent and we either stop for something to eat along the way or afterwards.
Gistermiddag long green loop gery. Die twee steil opdraandes aan die begin is beslis nou meer rybaar. Trail in die algemeeen in 'n goeie toestand met net 'n paar modderkolle. Baie jammer dat 'n groot deel van die bloekombos aan die einde van die groen roete afgesaag is. Dit neem heelwat weg van die bekoring van daardie stuk ST.
Early entry done & dusted - whoo-hoo ! There is an opportunity to fill in your name in TheHubSA start groups spreadsheet https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArXWoHLgHhkrdE91U3BQNXcxYkFiSXhMeXZqM0FLUnc&usp=sharing#gid=0
Rode the new red single track yesterday. Surface was really well compacted. Downhill section great fun, switchbacks work well with the little uphill bits acting as a natural brake. Uphill section - ooh boy, those switchbacks are tight & steep! Tried the first one over the rock 3 times and still didn't make it. Need a lot more practice to avoid putting a foot down. This is a great addition to Bot Hills and if ridden together with the long green loop presents a serious challenge imho.
Rode it on Saturday in the wind - hectic climbs! If the long green loop can be combined with the new red single track, it will make for very sweet (sweat?) ride from Hazendal or Zevenwacht.
Options: 1. Out on Bo-Visrivier road up to top of Oubergpass (40km), then down Ouberg and circle back to bottom of Verlate Kloofpass and take the tar road back to Sutherland - all together 90 - 100 km. 2. From Sutherland (past the cemetry) up to the radar station on Swaarweerberg (west of Sutherland) 30 km out & back, 300 m climb 3. Northern side of Sutherland past the dam - rough jeep track past Silhouette farm. Meet up with the Middelpos-Sutherland road & cycle back to Sutherland 50 km
Rode the green route early on Sunday. ST quite wet in places, but holding up remarkably well. Some muddy patches caused traction problems, but all in all very enjoyable. The last part of the green route ST through the trees proved to be the trickiest bit: water damage + loose branches = adrenalin rush !
Rode the new red route single track on Saturday with my tandem buddies - very enjoyable ! Like Hellwarp says, it is still a bit loose in places, but as far as I'm concerned a significant improvement over the previous steep up & down bit. We entered at Overgaauw and were pleasantly surprised by the variety of the connecting trail up to the red route. From there until exiting at Hazendal it was virtually wall-to-wall single track !! Great stuff Hellwarp & Dirtman !
22 days from Lhasa (Tibet) to Kathmandu (Nepal) 1100 km, vertical gain 52000 m, climbing 5 mountain passes over 5000 m, visiting Everest Base Camp at 5200 m, cycling amongst 8000 m peaks in the Himalayas, and then a 4600 m descent in 40 km to Kathmandu ! Pity the Tibetan borders are closed at the moment, courtesy of the Chinese ...
