G-Unit

1hill@aTime it will be!

Doing it with my wife, who is about 25 kg lighter than me, so i'm gonna get murdered on the climbs... 2200m of climbing on day 1??? That's cr@p-load on any type of bike!

Just done it (confirmed entry). Now I just need to figure out how to ride a road bike...

Hey all, I can get a partially sponsored entry to the Panorama Tour, but have never done a road race before(!) I know this is a very subjective question, but how tough is it? I ride mtb and have done a few stage races. Thanks in advance.

Don't fret. If you follow the above advice, you'll be surprised how easily you'll lose 8kg. I dropped that much since 1 jan. no booze in the week. Have a small early supper with no/low carbs. It's worth it - you'll love how fast you feel!

My training was going well until last week Friday. Had to fly to Oz on saturday for work and only landed back in SA a couple of hours ago. I guess I'll know tomorrow how jet lag and an ultra go together... Anyone doing the half on Sunday as well?

Ze German??? That is ridiculous!!! Can the dude (hope these are men's legs!) even wear jeans?

I like the way you whispered it in a smaller font...

Guess I'm one of the unlucky ones who can't tolerate protein during exercise. I've tried adding a little pepto-pro to my drink during training and it results in me feeling very flat all the time.

How much is an entry and how many entries are there?

We usually stay at a place called 'Bokpoort' about 2 km out of Clarens. It's a farm/ horse ranch kind of place with lots of chalets. Check if they're full? Rustic, but recommended.

You CT guys have it so easy! I do home in Pretoria to work in Germiston (65km) which is about 50/50 tar & dirt. Have to go past squatter camps, through an industrial area with trucks & taxis and past general OR Tambo congestion. And Jozi drivers ain't the friendliest!! Did the to- and from work for the first time on Tuesday. 130k and a full day at work is a killer!

Cool, I'll keep a lookout. Enjoy.

Bugger - I can't make this one. Is there any chance you'll be doing one early in March again?

IMO, you can't beat a Saguaro upfront. What's you feeling on running a Geax Barrow Mountain over a Saguaro on the back? I find it grippier than a Saguaro, but is it tougher?

Sani + W2W + Epic = you must spend a fortune on entries every year!

For bang for buck, I'd go for the Bell slant. If you can bear to part with a little more cash, IMO you can't do better than the Bell Sweep XC. However, like in previous post, a highly subjective thing.

No rest for the wicked???

I said it before, but I probably owe you and Top Fuel a couple of beers for saving me a packet! I'll take spares such as brake pads (I always take to stage races as no one ever seems to have the old XT pads my Hope brakes use), tires, sealant, hanger bracket, chain and even a spare rear derailleur. A bit off topic, but how long after Epic do you start riding again? My wife is bugging me to enter a few races after Epic, but i'm not too sure how soon i'll be up for it. I already gave her my Sani entry in lieu of me doing Epic, which I am a little sad about...

I just keep thinking about the heat and 147k's...

Since I started putting in the hours for Epic, I have had my bike serviced 3 times. In addition to this I have also rebuilt the rear hub (replaced the pawls & serviced bearings). When you put it like that ('just a 800km ride') it does tend to put it into perspective. I may be guilty of blowing things out of proportion a bit! I'm gonna go with a good service, including replacing drive train (cassette, chain & BB) and leave it at that. Shot for the advice. By the by, are you doing Epic or other such this year?

Sorry, I didn't phrase my question quite correctly - what I meant to ask was how did they go about sorting out the mechanical issue AFTER completing the day? Fair enough about the outside interference not being allowed during the race (except the tech zones.)

Kandui, you obviously have a good deal of first-hand experience in the matter, so thanks for the info. Just a rather pointed question, which may set my mind at ease - do you know of someone who had a major mechanical (eg. smashed wheel, broken rear derailleur or the like) during the day, and how did they manage to get it fixed? I have heard that mechanics are reticent/unable to help people who are not 'booked' with them.

They're in Centurion. email racesupport@epicsports.co.za

I got talked out of going with a mechanic by several 'senior statesmen' of The Hub. If you do decide to go for it anyway, I got the best price from Epic Cycles (R 2250.00)