Rouxenator

Kaleo is an awesome place to stay provided you can find accomodation. Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

A beautiful day it was indeed. Thanks Gayle and everyone involved for 10/10 event. I will be back next year for my 8th one.

That was 2013, did not work out too well. In 2014 it was just as wet and they had a cable across the waterfall to help support riders through the water. I doubt that the loop situation will ever happen again.

You're welcome. The first time I rode this in 2011 was when the middle route (42km at time) also went up there. I had a fun time navigating that bit of track on my 26er with v-brakes but sure enough I was back for the long route the next year.

The most technical part is leaving Suurvalk and going to the Waterfall. Not too technical, if you can navigate jeep track with loose rocks you should be fine.

I wonder in what state the waterfall is going to be then.

How many entries have been received so far?

Rode some of the 50km single track today, very nice climb! If you want more ST on the 40km or 60km then maybe consider the 50km next year? https://www.strava.com/activities/1118323319 Personally I would do the 50km if I do not get a 75km invite in the future.

I always do it for the flowers.

Someone who gets it.

Hell yeah!!! What kind of pansies have MTB rides become?

Dude, if you could not do this without water bottles then you should 1) Get a real bike : AKA hartail with 2 bottle mounts 2) HTFU : Learn to use one bottle.

But who would actually need energy gel on these rides? Even on the shortish 75km I just took two water bottles and that was enough.

If you want more ST then simply do the 75km and stop moaning.

We stay about 100m from the Welgevonden gate, those couple of meters I rode with my daughter on the 75km today was priceless.

I had 9 hours of sleep, got up at 6:45. Gotta love living in Stellenbosch Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

Perfect condition, excellent ride. Loved it! Hats off to these guys who are still coming past while I'm starting a braai with a bear in hand.

LOL - and there I was thinking I was going pull that nice little pace line you guys pitched up with. Next thing I saw you all dropped back so I figured the wind is not going to calm down, might as well nail it to the end. None of that shenanigans this weekend.

I'm one of the slow guys, will be lucky if I do it in under 5 hours.

Lekker windgat al klaar

If you look at the numbers you are facing 370m more climbing on the 75km - but that is not the whole story. I have attached a map showing the extra bit as well as the profile thereof. First thing is the timing of all this, when you split from the 60km you will no doubt already be a bit tired. Now you have to climb up to the koppie next to Warwick and then drop all the way down to Warwick and the foot of Klapmuts koppie. So the extra bit comes at a rather tough time in the race. Second, and biggest thing - literally - is Klapmuts koppie. Remember this is Meurant's home turf and even when you ride it on a set of fresh legs it is rather demanding. Do not loose focus on the descend, if you fall you will get hurt and it might be the end of your ride. Third thing is merging back with the 60km. Thankfully due to the 50km starting between the 75km and the 60km this should result in merging in with fast 60km riders. If however you are like me and not a racing snake you might end up with slower 60km riders. I would suggest taking it easy until after you merge back with the 60km riders and then get your race on with whatever you still have left in your legs. Keep in mind there are two demanding climbs towards the end, up across from the Welgevonden traffic light and the last on up to Pappagaaiberg. If you did the 42km or 60km before you will be aware of these. Don't forget to have fun, the 75km is an awesome ride - it is tough but very rewarding. Strava 75K : https://www.strava.com/activities/659535618 Strava 60K : https://www.strava.com/activities/359376142

Not sure, I only know the bit on our farm. I'll be riding the 75KM.

The climb after you go under the railway on the 50km will be different from last year. We are opening up land to plant a 100 hectare block of Chardonay, the new trail laid out my Meurant is great. Have fun!

Can't wait to go and ride again. Will be there on the 5th, first gotta deal with Die Burger this weekend.

Sweet!!!!