mrcg

Seeing that there will be a diversity of talent on the trail...the pro's will easily(?) catch up to back markers. How is that handled if it happens? Will lapped riders be pulled off?

Gotto disagree slightly here with you bud. As much as there has been a stuffup in planning ahead and increasing awareness, it is still the end-user (i.e. US) who have been using water willy-nilly. Just as an aside, I haven't paid for water for years - which doesn't mean that much - only that I stayed within my free 4KL allowance....but I've always used water conservatively. And I now also realise, that I can do with even less. Which I will continue to do long after Day Zero and this horrible situation has passed. And so should everyone else. Maybe this is a "good thing" to have happened now - to bring it into the consciousness of people. As we all know, only tragedy spurs us to do anything and change any behaviours. And even then, a lot of people quickly return to their old ways. So a bit of scare mongering is surely in order, especially if you consider the 60-odd percent that don't give a damn! Lastly, I wouldn't put my money on there being no Day 0. My few cents thrown into the ring....

https://www.windy.com/-33.929/18.417?rain,-34.962,18.417,7,m:cICagFQ

Yeah, if the pro's and semi-pro's offer advice....then you know it was a tough ride out there. The sand was a killer, but really enjoyed the first part, and all the single track. The last 20km were brutal though...hard climbing when fatigued and quite technical (which I loved). Knew what was coming having done a Slanghoek Tri with mtb section, but it still didn't make it easier. Was close to totally blowing, with some recurring cramps in the heat. I think the Epic takes the reverse route through Goudini though, so it will be tough, but probably a little "easier" as closer to start. Then "only" Bains Kloof waiting for you....steady climb up there

Get those buckets out Cape Town - seems we might get some rain tomorrow! Catch as much as you can and keep saving as much as you can. And tell everyone the same. Despite the inadequacy of government (national and local) on the planning and management front, we, the end user's, are as much to blame for this crisis - respect natural resources! Water does not come out a tap! Let this be a hard lesson to all of us. ps. nobody cares about your green garden/grass C u at the CTCT/Argus!

Oh the 18.5mm refers to the TWK area. Seems it is raining all around CT, just not much in it. Last weekend Attakwas has some nice rain....

18.5mm forecast for the next 10 day period...every little bit is nice.... BUT everybody should change and just use natural resources carefully and save all the time, even when it is abundant. Mindless consumerism is just stoopid.

Milky...after smashing Attakwas, you should be in it to win it! Lol I'm entered, recovering from Atta...getting my bike ready after that mud-fest...and look forward to the Trans Breede challenge with just a little trepidation. New tracks for me, so should be cool. Weather also looking wonky again...rain and strongish gusts of wind. Rain will be light so will hopefully compact dust and not be mud. Wind.....hmmmmm. Anyway, should be interesting. Again

From what I remember it was a nice ride back in 2016...fairly untouched area and rougher trails (in parts). Not sure how much development has been put in. Anyways, enjoy and have fun guys! I will be doing the shortish ride over in Worcester....

So latest weather: looks like quite cloudy, some rain, and a medium SE. Will be interesting....

Can confirm: current predictions are for some rain, breezy SE'er and cool temps. Wouldn't mind those conditions at all....except for the headwind BUT, it's too far away to be really reliable. Will update a few days before....

And....if you're not scared there's a few dirt road prep races you can do to be even stronger! Some can be done on CX bikes....other's you would need a mtb. Starting with Attakwas 20th Jan (120km), TransBreede Ultra (110km) 28th Jan....

Learnt: it's easier to ride into town on your mtb whilst slipping a roadie Thanks to the roadie who pulled me along for a few km's this morning. Legs were a bit tired and the wind was getting more gusty and a real nuisance. Looking forward to the ride (fly) back home after work 21km ride in 42min! LOL

So....had a look at seeding list. But where are the corresponding start times? I know AA is leaving 6.30am...

I'm also interested to carpool. Can you confirm space and departure to event? No too bothered about return time. Looking to finish in under 7 hours....

https://www.bikehub.co.za/events/event/2940-transbreede-ultra/

Some tough competition on that date....

I have a theory with the bum sores :oops:slightly off topic... First, a good overview is here: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/how-to-avoid-and-treat-saddle-sores-25103/ So, in experimenting and looking for solutions, here is what I do (NOT for everyone): a. shave - esp. the area of your pressure points (clear ALL hair!) b. vaseline - works best IMO. the other bum creams just don't do it well enough c. once there is a skin irritation try rest it - if in the middle of an event, I try to clean the area and use a safety pin to prick the "bump" (NOT for everyone) - IMO this is an "infection area" and I try squeeze the spot to bleed the area. It is sore as hell but after "treatment" I have found it often recovers quickly. Use Dettol or similar to clean area well and put on bum or repair cream overnight. new day: Vaseline. Haven't tried the two/three bib version, but once there is an irritation, I think it's already too late. So, try to avoid it first with the recommendations in article! Bike fit being most important. I think rather lower your seat a little to avoid sliding and chaffing. Getting ready to commit to 2018 Munga - who else is in??!

Yes....but then you're not riding the awesome Karoo...in your own country...supporting your own people.....etc. Nothing wrong with doing those overseas races - they are interesting and "worthy". However, the whole cost discussion is a "moot conversation" for me - as a matter of perspective, the Munga organisers make no profit (according to them). So the costs for the organisation is massive. Ultimately if you want to do something, you gotto swallow the pill of paying for it....e.g. Epic. Question is do you want it bad enough? An event is always also about camaraderie with a lot of support and safety put in place for you, as well as other conveniences (massages, mechanics, accommo etc.). And yes, you can just go ride it with a few mates and organise and arrange all the necessary yourself. That's not a small admin exercise - I think many underestimate this aspect. Anyway, each to their own and again, respect to all that attempted and a little more to those that finished.

Boys....a lady called Karina just proved that you can do a lot more than you think! This is one of those "once in a lifetime" experiences - similar to doing the Epic. It isn't for everyone, because not everyone is prepared to suffer - the reward is a "potential" one and essentially really only for one's own ego. So, it's up to you. Only you. Price of Epic: R37.500 (7 days of hard work). High profile. Munga: early bird R15k. Normal 18k (max 5 days of hard work). Low profile. It is attracting more attention though... Can't compare the two - different types of events. I'm seriously considering doing it next year. I'm not the gravel grinder (more the technical freak), but as mentioned above - a once in a lifetime challenge.

RDK back on track. Hope he entered back correctly.....

Yup, Karina called it. Obviously in car with hubby. RDK went straight down Church...like yesterday some other riders. Hopefully they can reach him and he gets back on the route. He must enter where he left, or he's a non-finisher. Gonna be tight with the noon deadline looming large

Apparently Karina is riding with takkies, no cleats! Not sure that was a wise decision? Not sure of her riding experience etc....but that decision alone has cost her many hours easily! Anyway, she is allowed to continue and finish...just not sure there will be anyone at the finish line. Apparently her husband is accompanying her since yesterday....so she's not "alone". Of course hubland is there too....and maybe some will be able to welcome her at the finish. She surely deserves it, despite not making the cut.

Got a few small videos....but too large to share Don't have an app or time to reduce. Another time Yes, i agree, if you can lets support the riders coming in. I planned to ride up Bains with a few riders this morn... then chickend out - was a tad too wet for me. But did pop into town by car to save a few riders who took some wrong turns and were lost. Does that count?

Guess who.....