Grob Lord

When planning our trip to Knysna about 2 weeks after the devastating fires of June 2017, we struggled to find information about the trails after the fires. Even in the town, we found differing opinions on the conditions of the trails. We have now ridden some of the trails and, amazingly, most of the trails actually escaped damage. Here is what we found: Harkerville: The yellow, blue and green routes are rideable. The red route is closed but you can still get a decent ride in by combining the blue and green route. On the green route you do go through areas that are completely burnt out (but rideable) and even in the forests on the blue route we came across the odd burnt out tree. Areas near the coast are where the damage is. Homtini: After driving through complete burnt out moonscapes, the Homtini trail is is unscathed and sheer pleasure to ride. Well worth the drive out. Petrus Se Brand: Not ridden yet but apparently unscathed. Garden Route Trail Park: Still on the agenda but apparently unscathed. Not ridden, hopefully others can add for Kom Se Pad and Concordia Road (apparently rideable but lots of damage along the way)

Really sad news. RIP

Please see attached video link of XCO trail at Coetzenberg. The XCO Nationals take place on the 18th and 19th July at Coetzenberg and the DH at Jonkershoek. UCI are interested if the venue and event can attract about 15000 people. The goal at Coetzenberg is about 7000 minimum. Let's all try and circulate this reminder to all cyclists that we know to attend the event. A great attendance strengthens the case for a UCI event to be held here in the future. Pietermaritzburg lost the event due to poor attendance. The trail is mind blowing and designed for spectator pleasure. Let's give it a go. Thanks,

Keen to come and watch this race but I can't find a map of the circuit anywhere. No wonder there spectators are not turning out to watch these races! WP Cycling needs to get its act together if they want to promote cycling in the Western Cape. Very poorly promoted event!

Knew the guy. Real sad. RIP

Looking for a 100 Miler Entry!! Missed the entry cut off. If anyone is looking to unload an entry please PM me.

Have to add my voice here; the organization was really abysmal today. Have nothing new to be added to what has already been said. Marshall's were poor and clearly not trained/briefed, dangerous intersections were unmanned, the Fish Hoek circle was an accident in the making and Fish Hoek main road was downright dangerous. Also coming off Boyes into Main Road was completely unprotected. Why not route through Steenberg. Directions from the finish to the end were also poor. The coke thing at the end is irritating and really just such a poor show. Leaves a bad taste. On top of all of this, one of the organizers used safety and Marshaling to justify the high entry fee. What planet are these guys on??

Can live with the temperature and even a few rain showers but wind is a different story!

Was a great race in spite of cut in distance. Well organised and well marked with a great vibe. Route was well marked and really fun single track. Great prizes for winners in the various categories. Real big race atmosphere. Hope the event grows in the years to come.

I got 1340m ascent on my Garmin. Even without a GPS there was no way that that was only 800m climbing. Also, guy I was chatting to along the route mentioned that he was on 500m and that was quite a way before the big climb, just after the first little town we went through. How did you get 600m?

Drains well my ass!!

What is the challenge??

I will be there

Thanks Micky, think my backside was actually covered more than the rest of the groups! Felt like a pro.

Bought a couple of bottle cages and a MTB flat handle bar. Both were fine. Good value for money.