Messier87

Spin bike... I used to train indoors on a Tacx trainer, but found the effort of setting it up etc. was too much of a mission. Then I got myself a spinning bike which I can easily move to the TV when I want to train. Sold the Tacx after a while as I never used it again. The ease of the spin bike enables you to start a session at very odd and limited times since you can get going so quickly. I often use it after 22:00 at night. Together with a movie or series for keeping my mind occupied I'm getting some extra base miles in. Intervals is also quite effective on the spin bike, but it just isn't the real deal. The Giant spin bike can freewheel and I found that to be quite a big benefit. Keep that in mind if you are going that way.

This was an awesome event in my books. It was my first MTB and ultra distance event and hence I cannot compare to other MTB events, but I thought they did a marvelous job. There might have been small things, but in general the execution was done very well from what I experienced. I was quite surprised with my own race too - legs lasted much better than I expected them to. I even got to my blue sky time of 14hrs with just a finish as the actual goal! I especially loved the last leg in the night air and vast open darkness. It was great to come down the road and meet an unsuspecting rabbit. Twice I also heard an odd shivering/vibrating sound next to the road and could not place it. The farmer where we stayed over later said that it could well have been a porcupine's rushing that I heard. It was a magical day in the Karoo!

Thanks. I was wondering about the box locations as there seemed to be some confusion there. CP2&4 suits me better as I will have a support vehicle full of EPO (Extremely Potent Oros).

I use Freemeteo and according to their site the wind will be kind - until we are on the plateau. There things might become uncomfortable according to that crystal ball.

I missed the race registration last night due to work commitments, so guess I will have to pop in to Ceres Cycles to collect my number and boxes on Friday. Apart from picking up your number and boxes - was there any info or detail that is not on the web site?

Bummer! I reckon the TK is really nothing compared to what this means in your life - good luck and heal soon! Let us know how it goes.

I think you are right. Duct tape = bandage for me and the bike. I'll maybe pack a small piece of gauze for the bike.

Probably only space blanket and bandage that will take up significant space. I'm also wondering where everything will go, though. I usually don't ride with a saddle bag, but for this one I'm in two minds. Even considering a camel back, but the extra weight that I'm not used to (and all day long) will not do the backside any favors.

Does anyone have an idea what the road surfaces are like? Rutted roads are probably to be expected, but what about surface sand and loose stones/gravel etc? I did a long distance on very sandy roads this weekend and it really caught me off guard with deflated tires and all.

Never mind chain drops...Have you considered how you will be dropped on the climbs or on the decent? Else you better be one hell of a rider.

I agree - it was a joke. And FOUR persons holding info signs also sent me on a wild goose chase in completely incorrect directions. I knew exactly where my starting pen was, but was not able to get there with all their gates and fences. The queues are ridiculous and the barriers even more so. It never happened in the past except the last two years. The organizers are managing to pull of a brilliant world class event, but this one aspect they are definitely getting wrong.

Since I'm new to these ultra distance races I bought a Fittrack program for guidance/purpose in my training. In short you should be able to ride at least a 4hr & 3hr ride on consecutive days according to them. There is more to it than that though. DaleE has posted a nice overview of his approach on Slowbee's thread http://www.thehubsa....hl__trans karoo, but I get the idea his target is more than just a finish. The Fittrack plans are not expensive and it seems like good guidance for a noob like me. I will find out if it worked somewhere between Ceres and Sutherland, but for now it is more than my own experience. Hope this helps...

As they said - Never, ever, ever will someone who made the change use tubes again. No matter what your budget is and what the tubeless conversion cost you will not regret it! Imagine Nirvana in a thorn bush!

Ahhh damn - now I need to sell my 29er!

If you have the space go for a secondhand spinning bike. They are not expensive if you look at older basic ones. In front of the TV 9pm to 10 11pm at night it might even give you one hell of a base fitness once you get back to the "real" world.

On a "Pics that make you want to ride" thread I'd say this definitely makes me want to be there!

I rode over Franschhoek pass to a little known valley called Elandskloof tucked in the mountains behind Villiersdorp. This photo was taken on my way there on the road next to the Theewaterskloof dam. Beautiful morning before the aggressive heat and wind started bullying me. Was still very much worth it - heat and all. Magnificent unspoilt views.

From Durbanville you have many options as most roads has a wide shoulder once you get out in the open. A must do scenic route - D'ville - Stellenbosch - Helshoogte - Boschendal - Franschoek - And even over the pass down to Theewaterskloof Dam. It is beautiful all the way! Franschoek is a nice place to stop for a cup of coffee. It will be busy though.

I had a similar experience, but don't regret the move. I've learned to change gears more consciously of the big difference up front. The granny gear is more ability/power related and if you find that you just do not have enough gears you could change it to more suitable ratios. I found that I got used to it. In my case the difference wasn't too big though as my cluster does have a rather forgiving granny gear. Maybe do an exercise on your gear rations and see how it compares with other bikes.

Seems like we should do this on a ninety-9er...

Interesting. If this is the case flashing LEDs needs to be reconsidered. I'll look out for this next time I see a cyclist at night. The OP's point (or rather the study quoted) that clothing doesn't really get a cyclist noticed means that clothing isn't necessarily the best option either. Once, when not concentrating on driving, I looked down the road at an intersection and missed a motorcycle. Luckily he was awake when I pulled off. (Sorry mr. Biker) I suppose subconsciously my brain was searching for cars and didn't register the bike. Afterwards I specifically recalled looking in both directions. I have since tried to get noticed and not only be seen. A bicycle is even smaller to notice than a bike and more to the side of the road. "Busy" minds quickly scanning the road might well miss us if they concentrate on other road traffic ahead. Or all us roadies must just convert to MTB.

I use a VERY bright flashing LED light that is quite visible in daylight and borders on irritation at night. I might just see what I want to see, but I do believe that cars tend to give me more space as their attention is specifically drawn to the cyclist on the side of the road. Rather safe than sorry...

You could always approach it completely different by not tracking the rider, but rather assisting him. Create an application that works out a training program for a given goal and then assists in the execution of said program. I'm referring to the daily schedule with details about the ride, desired intensity and the execution of intervals etc. (for road and spinning bike). And this you would probably be able to sell to most average cyclist. You will obviously have to know what you are doing to create those training plans to be customizable and accurate. (Or get someone who knows...)

Another option is Axis (Starlet) - they are Shimano equipped and is well within your budget. I believe the brand is involved with Scott. Good value for money while still being decent quality I found. That is taking into account this is for kids and not to ride the epic.

It could be the cable that gets stuck and doesn't slide back...