beanz

This was last year's: http://connect.garmi.../course/1645554 Total elevation is about 1000m.

Do they take late entries?

Plus you have to fork out 4k for a high end Garmin

Last year was quite extraordinary. I enjoyed sloshing around in the mud, but it wreaked havoc with my bike. This year it's a few weeks earlier which hopefully means less chance of that kind of rain. Looking forward to it!

I also rode the B&B descent in the mud last year. I'm not sure if you can truly say you've done the Berg & Bush if that's all you've done. I certainly feel like i've got unfinished business there.

It's a bit of a word of mouth thing. The organisers are too chilled to even list the event on the hub.

I was wondering exactly the same after this last weekend. What about Groot Marico (3rd August), about 2 1/2 hours from Jhb? Not as hard as the Monster, but still plenty tough over challenging terrain. Has a nice chilled alternative vibe.

I get on the Garmin with elevation correction disabled 1594m, and enabled 1882m. I also logged it onto Runkeeper, which always gives me elevation numbers that make sense, and it says 1846

Rides like this is why I went for Arch

I stayed over at Kumbagana with the family. That worked out quite nicely as I could pop in as I rode past, drop off the arm warmers etc. It's also nice to involve them, and get a bit of cheer from the kids. It's the way to do it, make a weekend of it, get the city out the system. The missus asks me "what took you so long?". Great. I'm only just past halfway! The next day took a little walk through the bush, struggling to put one weary limb in front of the other in the highveld sun. I found the tyre tracks on the dirt road. It occurred to me how amazingly incomprehensible it seemed the whole idea of riding 75km through the magliesburg, when even a 10 minute walk was a mission! But what an experience this race was! Hard as hell, but this is what mountain biking is really about. A must do as far as I'm concerned. Can't wait for the next one, or the next one like it.

That was a properly nackering 75km. Those last few climbs really hurt.Some pretty hardcore terrain as well.The monster itself wasn't too bad, but you feel the effects of it later on.Overall an awesome race, excellent value.The free massage at the end was areal treat.A privilege to be able to take part.

Is this race a batch start or just a free-for-all?

Hi Mr Nature, please can you clarify the event dates. The Event page says 11 - 14 April, but the Mankele website says 10 - 13 April. Which one is it?

I've been without a bike the whole month waiting for a replacement for my cracked anthem 29er frame. It's a medium frame and I'm a bit big on it, so the seat is jacked up right to the maximum line on the seatpost. In theory it shouldn't be a problem, but if there is a specific weakness in this spot, a longer seatpost should reduce the twisting forces on the joint, as the forces should then be distributed further down the seat tube. I don't know this for sure but it stands to reason.

First 94.7. Really enjoyed it. Was aiming for 2:59 and got 2:57 so I was well chuffed. But it was seriously hard work. Plenty of room for improvement in my road riding skills, so I'm having to work harder to compensate. Need to do more group riding.

I'm in E with a white door of hope or yellow pedal power safe cycling shirt and caad8. Aiming for 2:59, any faster would be a bonus.

According to the website, they use the 2011 results for the Jacaranda Satellite Classic. So your result last week won't count (for this year at least). see http://www.cyclechal.../cyclechallenge

As an alternative to explore before going for surgery, I would suggest prolotherapy. I had treatment for knee problems and found it to be very effective and helpful. I just wish I had heard of it and tried it before I went for surgery. I know that he has successfully treated people with severe back issues, many of whom no neurosurgeon has had any luck with. Dr Bell in Parys is one of the experts in the field worldwide. He's a very good guy and he won't treat you if he doesn't think he may be able to help, so he won't waste your time and money. I'm not saying you won't need to go for surgery in the end, but you have nothing to lose by investigating this far less invasive, yet little known intervention beforehand. And even in cases where surgery is necessary, prolotherapy can help with recovery and regeneration in the post operative period as it supports and enhances the natural recovery processes.

Thanks Nancy.

I'm keen to get a long ride in (around 80km). I'll be staying at Mountain Sanctuary Park. If I can get going really early, maybe I can get to the start on time and ride back with the 68km group. It's probably 5-6km from Mountain Sanctuary park to the Spaza shop, so that makes it 40km to the start. I'll have to be up at sparrows! Does anyone know if there's a more direct route from MSP over Breedts nek without going all the way down then up again? Isn't this what happens in the Magalies monster? Or does that also go over other private normally inaccessible private land?

Doesn't look like the last 6 days is a solo option. There's no option to choose 'solo' on the last 6 days entry form like there is for the full 9 days.

Day 2 and 3 profiles look the same to me.

The easiest thing to do is to cross over William Nicol and go a few blocks up republic road and join the spruit from there. Or you can cross over William Nicol and get back on the spruit directly across the road, but then you've got a river portage.

I agree it doesn't make sense to get a super light rim and put heavy tires on. I'm running the Racing Ralph snakeskin, which is pretty light and strong, just wears a bit quickly, but there's not much room to save weight there. The other option I've considered is to go with a front Crest and a rear Arch. I figure the snappy handling in the front might be nice and a bit more beef in the rear. I find it's easier to clear trouble up front, but more likely to bottom on the back wheel. Where is the extra flexiness more likely to be felt, in the front or rear? Anyway thanks to everyone for chiming in and giving some pretty useful input.

I never thought of that. I can imagine that might be a problem on your Tallboy.