Vettie and taito is chilling in Sutherland hotel we are rolling out later when the heat is less.Last night was tough with serious headwinds most of the night.We are in good spirits and getting this beast done .
Taito is returning to the madness ,,there is some unfinished business.Yes let's pray for light winds.The power of the HUB is cool.Vettie is collecting me at the airport and giving me accommodation tomorrow night. Dale shot bra,let's do this,!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
time in saddle is what you need,long night rides ,IDT is really not what you require.Consentrate on long rides and core exercises. a all round fitness programme is requires. this ride needs mental strength and the correct attitude.
Do not take a lot of extra food,the main checkpoints have boerie rolls,sosaties ,rusks.tea koffie .There is more than enough,the waterpoints are also well stocked . This is a super well organized race. Dick,last year we started right at the back of the field the pace was super chilled,,big bunches all chatting,this race only starts after 200k when everyone goes into their own little zone. remember clear glasses its super dusty in the bunch
One tip,,don't believe the route profile,,the last leg from Calitzdorp has some serious hills,,don't loose your sense of humour. also stay away from gels and too much energy drinks ,drink lots of water,you must have clear glasses for the night,it's really dusty. Eat real food at the stops and it gets very cold after 12
Interesting comment - I recently did a test between my hardtail (carbon) and my new dual sus (Trek) which is about 1.5kg heavier than the hardtail. I tested bikes back to back on the same trails and the heavier dually was unexpectedly faster on the uphills as well as technical, flat and downs. Given that I weigh around 57kg, 1.5kg difference is substantial (will post full details of my testing soon) I weigh 65kg there is no doubt that my Sworks is faster on the technical climbs and downhills than my Scott 910 HT. But on those 80k days I would like to think that not carting an extra 1.2 kg up the mountains will save lots of energy. On XCO the Sworks although heavier is much quicker over the same course,the traction is also better up loose sharp climbs.
One thing not to forget is that small/light riders do not want to ride up mountains with a heavy soft tail. My older s works is 12.4 kg but there is a maxis ust on the back and its 2\10 xtr If I splash out 15k for a 1/11 and better wheels yes down to about 11kg For now im starting with 1/11 don't know if its the right way to go.
