mrcg

I think to further clarify (if needed), as you have never been to Conties: when you leave the Dairy Shed (trailhead) and start climbing up towards the direction of the mast, you reach two plateaus before the real climb up to the mast itself (which is proper steep in 2 sections). The first (small) plateau is where you could turn off left down the member's corridor toward Meerendal. If you ignore that and continue toward the mast, you reach a 2nd plateau where you can turn off right and head down the seriously fun descent of Supertubes. If you carry on straight, you hit the climb to the mast and there is no way back down to Conties trailhead other than the black routes (various split offs). If you're not confident in your skills rather leave it out. The initial longish climb up toward Supertubes can also constitute a lung bursting climb depending on your speed. Once you finish the descent of Supertubes there is a small climb which evens out onto a level stretch heading toward cheeky corners. At this junction there is another steep climb veering off to the left which would deliver you back to the top of the Mast/Supertubes road. I think that might be more worthwhile if you're looking for a nice climbing challenge. Then you get to do Supertubes again before doing cheeky corners (which can also be repeated if you take dual track/road along the fence back up again. Lots of options to play around. Enjoy

Absolutely got to give a shout out to the Eselfontein event and awesome crew. Once again, it was a fantastic 3 days. Nothing like it around in terms of price and experience. What sets it apart, besides the atmosphere, vibe, great organisation, routes and hospitality, is the day/night ride of the 1st day. Perfect "prologue". Even though the 2nd and 3rd stages are a touch shorter, they are extremely enjoyable (although tough) and challenging in the right combination. It certainly ensures I am back (nearly) every year according to availability. I wish more events could follow this example.....

That was a "gravel" race??? 🤔😅

Haha, you will have to excuse me I wasn't paying too much attention to my fellow sufferers. But the pink part does ring a bell. I shared the main descent with a fellow who was also flying - we crushed our train. But I think he has pink/red socks. Not sure. Otherwise, it was you who started to cramp and launched a late "attack" on the 2nd last downhill? Anyway, not sure K2C will necessarily be on the agenda again, save to really ride it with my lady. But you never know......never say never

As with everything, being underprepared is an enormously vague assertion meaning a whole lotta different things to different people. As in my case, having done much less riding this year than ever over the last 10 years, but my overall physique of having been sporty all my life, fairly competitive (despite advanced age lol), I am able to better manage my prep and race/ride output. Hence managed to equal my "well prepared" time of 5 years ago. Very happy with that, especially since I also managed better to take in views and "enjoy"

Well, didn't make it to the finish for a look today. Was too busy surfing in firing 8ft Supertubes! And now trying to thaw and recover for tomorrow. Going from the experienced weather in the water, it seems the Repeat was exactly that: a repeat of last week. We had rain squalls move over in regular intervals all day, honking W winds and cool temps. Feel sorry for the riders and hope everybody stayed safe and as comfortable as possible to the finish.

My little ride report. First off, respect to all who lined up at the start and attempted the challenge. Also respect to those that and to bail and big up to those that finished. Each human has different capabilities and capacities. They are not comparable. Do what you can, as and how possible and decide for yourself what is best for you and your teammate(s)/child. I was asked on the 30 July to do the ride. Been on my bucket list so was defo in. First one for me. Underprepared as did very little riding this year. Crammed in some sessions in 10 days, and also completed the "Cannon Challenge" on the 8th to test myself in terms of fitness. All not ideal, but I've done plenty riding/races/events in my past so thought I would cope. My partner was also slightly undercooked so we agreed to pace ourselves. We managed to finish in just a shade under 16hours (were hoping for a max 14hour ride). As my partner said: Munga training lol I was underprepared for the conditions. Aside from not actually having the kit, I think the majority of us just underestimated the conditions (too much wishful thinking?). I had too little clothing and also needed to put some in the boxes for later. First 100km (we started just after 5am) were the worst I've ever done. Cold and wet is a horrible combination. Add insufficient clothing. Teeth and body shaking from 25km in. Bailing didn't enter my mind. Water point 1 was not prepared for the necessary - no warm drinks. Luckily some black bags were distributed - this was a life saver for me. At all pee stops, I urinated over my fingers to get heat (had only shorties on). Luckily after +-120km mark the rain ceased and we could begin to ride ourselves warmer. The small clothing changes helped - gillet was a life saver, socks were wet for entire ride (despite three changes). Despite all, it remained cold and miserable until about 90km from finish. Never enjoyed climbing so much LOL. Water points did a great job - food awesome and hot drinks available. Due to our slow speed, we needed to ride last odd 60km in the dark. In addition to above trials and tribulations, my Garmin light failed (couldn't see data) and then had to ride last 50km without lights (battery died). Finished strong though and am happy with the completion. Will go back another time for a sub12. To the guys n gals doing this weekend: good luck and may the weather gods be with you. Rather dress too warmly (it's currently looking dry and warmer) as you can always peel off stuff. Also looks like you have a stiff tail wind! Lekker!! I'll be enjoying the surf in Jbay until then (been firing the last two days) - so might pop in to see some finishers.

Tiz and cyclingstream are decent free options. Best to watch on laptop, as on phone it tends to freeze. Also occasionally gets blocked by rights distributor. Google Totalsportek for other free streams. They all come with pesky ads, just be aware

Was good to see the videos to get an idea of the routes. Quick question: how much single track is there approximately (%/km's)? I read it's not technical but saw some nice single track. I prefer technical, single track to long jeep track drags. Would love to check out this area and do this event. Cheers

There are so many dynamics behind the scenes people know nothing about. One can theories, but never(!) know for certain unless you are close to a sportsperson or team. I would also agree that Matt is the "weaker" rider in this team. He seems to be struggling slightly more. But there are other reasons too

Lars came into Epic sick/not fully recovered. Unfortunately he never was fully there or recovered. Obviously the intensity of racing, especially the punctures and chasing didn't help their cause either.....

I also have ambiguous feelings from the race. My training was not up to standard but managed to pace myself well over the marathon distance, still enjoy myself (for 3/4 of race) and just shave the 4h mark. Great trails, as I remember them with a lot of improvements and added details. Top trails throughout. My BIG gripe, which I wanted to report directly to race org (but didn't want to search around in the heat so left it), is that it is ALWAYS a bad idea to merge the marathon and half-marathon on the run-in. Unless it's open terrain, dual track and non-technical. I really don't get it: this isn't the first event TS/Faces organised. What were they thinking? It was not cool, as it was way too technical in parts for the 40km riders, they struggled immensely and were a danger to others too. It also totally detracted the value for me as I enjoy my technical single track and go balls to the wall. To sit behind so many riders and lose out on fun, rhythm and time is just really crappy. Encountering most 40km riders (lots of young riders) that were totally out of their depth was not cool either. Can't speak about water points. Only stopped for quick fresh water. TS/Faces please re-organise!!! Seriously

It's a toss up. Either one should leave you smiling, depending what exactly you're after. As mentioned above, if you can, do Joberg2c. Failing which, do one now and the other later. Few others worth doing are: Tankwa (technical and tough), PE to Plett. We're spoilt for choice

Of course, just like there are many millions of epidemiologists, Bafana/Bok or Liverpool/ManU coaches

Same here. Except no mates do mtb "seriously". Keen on starting up a group to do this? What would your aim be if you took part?

But where do you put the 2nd bottle......?? ????????

Attakwas is a lekka challenge no matter your level. In many ways it reminds me more of the Tankwa Trek than K2C. Still need to do TB. Like Milky, am chasing my barrier, like the Argust. Did my sub3 there but still need to get my sub 7 at Atta. Was on track last time but then suffered a bad mechanical in the last 50km. Can only dream of a sub 6. But as a master, that's not really on the cards. Ever. It's also awesome being in the middle on nowhere with amazing views (if you're not a racing snake)

Absolutely on the same page! Was super disappointed to note the distances. Used to be one of my fave events. But prefer min +-65km and enjoyed the routes in the Banhoek valley etc. Will thus sadly skip this one.....

A few years back there was an event here (+-65km) which was rough and fun. Even in the event, the markings weren't great. But, as someone who enjoys technical riding, I had fun. I think you couldn't ride round the dam due to the high water levels. Try the large "full monty" and mast climb to maximise the available routes. Check out the routes here: https://franschhoek.org.za/routes/franschhoek-biking-hiking-trail-network/

Easiest and cheapest fix: improve your confidence and skills. Not sure what and where you ride, but I used to ride a hardtail down anything and everything. Sure, it was rough at times but never an issue. This was when droppers didn't exist. #justsaying Not being facetious....

Lekker wave in that first pic. Looks like a kief bowly right with no-one on it. Enjoy W2W, should be perfect weather

I've ridden the Spruit often, always alone at varying times. Never had any hint of any danger. Just have your wits about you, as per normal. Look and scan ahead. I've done the entire length, even passing through the William Nicol squatter camp and riding on the other side past the horse camp and tennis club. I've often thought it's a pity the trails don't carry on there. I think there is space. Anyway, be safe and enjoy.

If you don't go toobless.... you're toothless ,????

I would definitely say rather burn some more matches going up Edinburgh climb and then sit in the group recovering, drinking & eating until Smits. Lots of time and distance to recover. Better than chasing, especially into the wind. Then you have some matches for Smits, Misty and the few small big one's later ????

If I am in town, I am definitely in. Great event. Will only know late if I can make it. When is cutoff date, assuming the 300 entries don't sell out? Thanks