Hilton.

Depends, how technically skilled are you? I would say 95% of this race is totally fine on a gravel bike. But there are some (few) sections which are closer to mountain biking, like the descent after the first big climb. It will be fine for riders with some experience of technical mountain biking behind them, if you want to use a gravel bike.

Any discussion about this? So far, it's just the quiet before the storm... T - 10 days to go Some images to stoke the 🔥

Without a doubt yes. I've now got a 34 x 10/51, and I'm even considering downsizing to the 32t chainring that came with my bike. You will curse the 36t if you keep that on..

I would second the advice above. It depends on if you have a nice modern hardtail, with fatter tires and slacker geometry (head tube angle). That will help a lot on the fast downhills, and let you relax. Without that, this race is more killer. I did it twice on a 10 year old, early-generation dual sus, and the old-school geometry and steeper angles made the descending even more tiring.

"3 Stefan De Bod 2:12:15, 4 Jasper Stuyven 2:12:30" - whaaat?!

Wow, this is cool coverage. Now I can see what happened to Matt Beers. Sucks for him; the guy in front of him went down, taking Matt with him. Can't wait to see more of Matt next year in the series (and all our local MTB + gravel races 😁) - what a champion! 🏆

I'm sure many newcomers and weekend warriors will enjoy this route. It's very similar to last year. The vibe is always great. But man I miss the days of Jonkershoek. And Banhoek, with Skyfall etc. I would venture to say that it's gotten a lot less technical in recent years, which is a pity for more experienced riders. This used to be one of the few opportunities for technical trail riding, outside of events like Eselfontein.

Yo, that was tough. I did my share of walking (with cramping quads, eina). Route was lovely 😀 I loved the downhills, all the switch backs and little jumps. The climbing in the last 15km was rough. Well done to all who finished. That inspired me to get stronger for the next races. And just enjoy being on the MTB 😄

Yes, that's 100% my read of the route. I remember those long flat sections of dirt road around Faircape Dairy a few years ago. But that climb towards the mast on the way back after Meerendal is a killer hey, super steep. By that point in the race, after 45km, the gaps between riders should be decently big.

6 hours is very conservative. The winners will do it in 2:30 - 2:45, with median time around 4 hours I reckon. Not very technical, mostly gravel I think. But the hills will sap your legs in the last third.

Not much, just what I can see from the small route map on the website: I compared that with Google Maps to zoom in a bit.

Where do you buy your Panzer inserts? After some research, the 29 XC 28mm seems optimal for my back wheel.

Looking forward to this. Unfortunately it looks like the Chain breaker 60km isn't going to use Contermanskloof at all. It goes past, towards Meerendal, Hoogekraal, Faircape dairies, then all the way back. Some nice bits of single-track sprinkled along the route.

I'm just going to leave this here ... Daniel Martinez urged Egan Bernal on during a moment of crisis at the Giro, and issued a different message of support on Monday

Cycle-lab are selling both the MY23 and MY22 Orbea Oiz dual-sus MTBs. They look sooo similar, it's really hard to tell them apart. You gotta look closely at the swing link for the rear shock. Almost all customers wouldn't be able to tell the difference. On the website, they have the Model Year clearly displayed, but on their ongoing Sale brochure, they definitely don't show the year. And on the showroom floor, I bet it's up to the savvy customer to ask. Geometry for the new FY23 is significantly different (read Better) than the previous year, with travel now defaulting to 120mm and head- and seat-tube angles much slacker. Which will help all MTBers handle rougher trails with more confidence. 2022: 2023:

No Event posted for this year's Wellington Trailseeker 2023? Same date as the Fedhealth MTB, around the corner: Sat 9 September 🙈

Very nice! How do you find the durability with the Crest Mk4's ?

100%, I was going to say the same things ^ I believe you're correct, the Bont Comps are aluminium rims with carbon fairings: Note the small gaps where the spokes enter the carbon "rims" (fairings) - leaves space for a bit of water to enter. I don't think it's a big issue though, as it has drainage holes.

I've been worried about this event with all the rain these past few weeks. I think it's a good call. I just hope it doesn't rain as much closer to this new date 🤞

If you're going New, then definitely look at the Signal range of bikes: https://mellowvelo.co.za/products/signal-s910-2023 The Signal Elite or S910 is a great bang-for-buck hardtail. The components are very good, especially the 12 speed Shimano Deore drivetrain.

Where are you based? Will help to know if we can meet. Not worth sending old parts across the country.

Entered looking forward to it. The Golden Mile area is always fun. A pity it doesn't use the upper Wellington trails (Cool Runnings, Aap-du-Huez, Full Monty etc)

True hey, they're getting quite common. Before I demo'ed one, I thought they would be a bit middling: No Brain for auto-lockout, no remotes on the shock. No integrated cables through the headset. Nothing proprietary in sight. But there's a reason they're so popular - durability, simplicity to service, properly efficient shock tune for racing / marathon, 120mm suspension to tackle 99% of our trails, and sleek looks. But back down to earth, I also just picked up a simple multi-tool for home maintenace (loving the Pro stuff) Pro Minitool 10

Also got myself my first new bike in 12 years, an Epic Evo Comp 😆 Absolutely loving it, perfect for the technical terrain in the Cape.

Fun facts, if you didn't know: D-Vore is short for Detritovore, which translates as "dirt eater" The Evil Twin has the words "Boze Dubble-ganger" on it, which translates as Evil Twin.