Sniffie

Our race forms part of the 2 River festival. http://www.2riverfestival.co.za/ We are expecting thousands of people at the festival as their is a freestyle MX demonstration as well as a Breakfast run and lots of other entertainment. We managed to re-route the cycling through the school grounds, where the event starts and finishes, in a way that no motor traffic will be encountered. The only remaining problem is the crossing of the pedestrian walkway in the first photo. The only other alternative would be a couple of marshals controlling the pedestrian traffic. We expect very heavy traffic at this particular crossing, so marshaling presents its own dangers and difficulties. We have seen similar structures like the one we are planning, being fruitfully used at other events.

Thanks for your and every one else's input, some very valid points being raised.

Ok, I know it's sad to see concrete on a MTB trail but we have a very valid reason. The area on the koppie were we started to cut the single track some 6 years ago is very rocky with loose sandy soil in between. Whenever we used to cut a new piece of single track the cattle starts to use our paths because it is easier for them to get from their water trough to the other side of the koppie were the grazing is. Their hooves work all the soil loose between the rocks and it becomes unrideable even by the most skilled riders. The heavy summer thunderstorms, that Bothaville are renowned for, causes further erosion. We used to fill he soil back in every year, but it is a huge task hauling wheelbarrows up 30% gradients every time. Don't be fooled by the fact that it is concrete, it remains a challenge because of the winding of the track, the steepness as well as the fact that the concrete strips is less than 400 mm wide. Unfortunately I don't have any SS experience so not sure what is doable and what not. But if you were able to ride 95% of Eden, I think you would ride 99% of Two River Challenge. We don't have any long technical climbs, but their are some steep parts. The longest I would guess is about 45 m. Most of the steep bits on the river banks is quite easy if you carry enough momentum. Momentum really is your friend in this race. What I am trying to say you will never have to hike a bike further than 45 m at the most. We are still suffering the stigma that the severe technicality of our first two events have tainted us with, but like I said in a previous post the 65 km would be 99.5% rideable by any fit mountain biker of only average skill level. Our observation over the past 7 years have been that the fitness and skill levels of the average mountain biker has been constantly improving, so that an obstacle that was a major challenge 7 years ago is now doable by the majority of the field.

They have received the Salomon jackets, still waiting for Aca Joe to arrive.

I know, I know!

Is there any evidence to suggest that the design of the bridge had anything to do with the tragic loss of Annefleur Kalvenhaar's life?

You are correct, when we started it 7 years ago it was known as the "Two river technical challenge". We soon found out that this type of event catered for a very limited niche market. We wanted to grow our event, so starting 4 years ago, we removed all of the technical and dangerous drops down the river bank. The technical drops and climbs on the koppie have also been dumbed down to make it more flowing and enjoyable. (See photo) I didn't do Eden this year, but what I remember from doing it last in 2009, it is proper hardcore mountain biking? Due to the lack of good terrain around Bothaville, we have to make use of the river banks and the two small koppies to present a tough but enjoyable challenge. I would say that it is much less of a technical race than Eden, but it still remains a challenge. Hence its name: "Two river challenge". The 65 km would be 100% rideable by a fit mountain biker of average skill level. The short sharp rises remains a challenge though.

You won't be disappointed! Lots of berms, bridges, river crossings and river front single track. Check out the events page: https://www.bikehub.co.za/events/event/1376-2-river-mtb-challenge/ BTW, we get quite a few visitors from Bloemies every year. More photos on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwoRiversTechnical?ref=br_tf

My thoughts exactly.

Considering constructing it from square tubing.

Isn't 30 degrees way to steep? Especially for the approach?

It would be removable, but re-usable for every year's race.

We are planning a MTB bridge over a pedestrian walkway. (See attached photo). The approach is from the far side. The retaining wall is 80 cm high. We are thinking that the lowest point of the bridge should be about 2m above the walkway This is for the Two River event on 20 September in Bothaville. What should the approach and departure angle for the bridge be, to be first off all safe, and secondly rideable by the majority of the field? Taking into account that there will be quite a lot of novices as we are offering 12, 25, 40 and 65 km. Any input from anyone who has planned something like this would be appreciated.

No! On the second.

One of the new berms on the 40 and 60 km course.

I am sorry, but yours is a typical reply of someone who has nothing more constructive to add to a topic he obviously know very little about.

"Low-carb living for families" by Monique le Roux Forslund. I find the recipes in this book more practical, easier and most of them tastier than the recipes in "Real meal revolution" Just my 2c worth.

If the words; "hydrogenated", "partially hydrogenated", "trans fat" or something similar future somewhere on the label, I would not bring it near my mouth.

Is it safe Tom? ie free of trans-fatty acids.

While replacing suspension bearings on my 3 year old Anthem I noticed a small crack at one of the bearing carriers. I mailed this exact photo to my LBS, who forwarded it to Dragons. They replied that we must courier the frame to them and they will replace. 5 working days after reporting the crack to my LBS they phoned to inform me to come pick up my bike! Thanks Dragons and thanks Saley's Kroonstad that is exceptional service! Seeing that this rant turned into a rave very quickly, another example of Dragons great customer service: This happened about 4 years ago. Friend of mine's Anthem cracked at the usual place for the Anthem, the seat-post top-tube weld. Dragons did not have a replacement Al frame in his size at the moment and upgraded him to a carbon frame at no cost! Customer service par excellence!

I obviously can not speak for every one on this forum, but a lot of us did not embark on this lifestyle with weight loss and or athletic performance as our ultimate goal. I suffer from reflux, heartburn, bloating and pain due to a hiatus hernia when I eat grains or sugar. I have proven it over and over again to myself that they are the culprits. I might not be able to do a 2h40 94.7 any more like when I was carb fueled, but I don't care either. Been there got the T shirt. At my age my long term health are much more important than good times in events. I enjoy my cycling and will take energy drinks and the like while doing an event, but other than that I try to stick to meat, fish, fowl, eggs vegetables, oils like coconut and olive, butter, cheese and the occasional fruit.

This has been discussed numerous times on this thread. The short answer is chelated Mg and salt. Up your salt intake and take a daily Mg supplement.

Head down and power up! Slightly lower cadence. I love riding in the wind! I am not strong on the climbs but enjoy riding in the wind because most guys seem to suffer and hate it.

The time to adapt will depend on a number of factors, but the most important I think is how strict (no cheating with carbs) you can be. Any thing from 6 weeks to 6 months. Forget about racing for at least 6 weeks, stay low carb and aerobic. Once adapted you can race on carbs, like Grondpad and many others, and be back in full ketosis the next day. The most important thing now is to be very strict with your low carb efforts for the next 6 to 8 weeks, otherwise you may never become fully fat adapted.