mrcg

For a full history and kief interview: https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/GREG-MINNAAR-2021-World-Champion-The-Inside-Line,3239

My latest predictions based on various models is actually a dry race, with a light NE swinging to a more medium strength NW through the day. So, without knowing the route, I guess head and tailwind somewhere along the course ???????? If you are not experienced in group riding/slipstreaming, then it's not advisable to try at a race. It is an "art" which requires practice, knowledge and experience Enjoy the experience and take it easy ????

Mr Miiiiiinnnnnnn ???? LEGEND

I've also had headaches with this topic. Behind the Land Cruiser doing longish gravel trips must surely have a serious effect on the drive train, bearings and seals. Riding your MTB on gravel is way different - have you ever checked the plume of dust behind your vehicle when doing only 50km/h? My quick fix has always been to load into interior or onto roof rack. The covers I investigated, but was told by one manufacturer that it's not designed to be on while driving. Too feeble the material I guess - and consider doing 120km/h on the highway would eventually rip them apart. So can anyone recommend a good sturdy full cover that will last at least a year or two?

I hope you reach 30 Argusts! Good luck! I would also think that you would only need to contend with a few start groups behind or ahead of you, aside from your own. So a fraction of the 18000. Added to that, it is an outside event and with a touch of wind likely you should be ok. Unless you're drafting all the way..... With the jab, symptoms should also likely be milder.

Good luck to the participants. Sound like an awesome journey. A 1am start time sounds perfect...ride a couple hours into the sunrise. Can imagine how tough the race must be ????

I would suggest this thread topic is too general because there are many different forms of events: road, gravel, XCO, XCM, BMX. I think everyone has their very own preferences. Mine is to ride mostly technical single track, with decent challenges, in areas I haven't been before (new tracks), over distances of between 70-100km per day, over multiple days. I enjoy the challenge and like to push myself, so the stage race mould works for me. But prefer more along the lines of Eselfontein - low cost with own camping/accommodation and braai etc I reckon this is the most difficult event to stage, as single track needs a lot of route preparation, unless it's permanent trails (like Piket-Bo-Berg/Esels etc). What I don't want to do is have to find the routes. So at very least we need GPX files and full access (would be uncool to have to open gates with key etc, or worse jump over), although I don't mind needing to open and close if no locks. I also enjoy single day events too. I liked the odd Trailseeker in GP which ran over a whole weekend and you could choose the day and morning or midday start time. Manages numbers, but means services and staff for 3 days (incl. Friday) and routes for different skill levels. Having been eyeing some Enduro events and maybe at some stage some XCO. But feel XCO is redlining too much for me.....I'm more diesel engine. Gravel and road bores me. Riding the Cederberg is great, but throw in some single track and I'm happy. So ja, not sure what the formula is. But there is a reason the stage race format was so incredibly popular, though waning a bit in the end: organisation, vibe, marked routes for everyone, tent/accommodation and meals/drinks. The general herd prefers to pay with all else is organised. I don't need top end stuff, except with the trails. We have incredible scenery and areas for exploration. I'd love to see as much as possible (have seen a lot already, but ready for much more). Just need a tent, sarmies, water, shower and toilet. All good.

So, as with many other similar threads, my own opinion is, that the real question starts not with "which bike should I get" but with what type/kind of rider am I/is my wife? If you are a skilled rider, or learn easily, up for a challenge, not scared of technical stuff, looking for speed, racing (amateur serious) at events, can blend into one with your bike, then the choice is clear: a HT or dualsus carbon frame, light and attacking setup. If on the other hand, you're chilled, not very skilled, unsure on technical stuff, a little heavy on the brakes and nervous, not competitive, then you would rather drift over to a trail bike (entry level). Whatever, whoever you are as a rider, determines your weapon. And as mentioned, it might be different for your wife and yourself. Women are generally more cautious, if not scared of technical. Just as most people "need" a dropper, as they want the security, comfort etc. Very capable riders will forsake the dropper for losing weight and because they manage without. Once you have decided what type of rider you are, then you test ride a few different brands. There are slight but crucial differences between them which will make it feel just right to you. A lefty will appeal to some, but put off others. Getting "your" bike is a personal journey. Nobody on the sacred hub will be able to answer that question for you. Sorry

So to summarise and understand correctly, your group intend to MTB in Zermatt for a few days and then do same in Northern Italy (Lake Garda area)? If so, keeping budget in mind, I would suggest the DIY version, but also depending on how your group is motivated in terms of trails and abilities. Just to clarify, in the mountains, there's only two options: up or down. Nothing in between. So you will find technical somewhere, depending on tracks you choose. Good brakes necessary. Weather: beginning September and in mountains, is totally unpredictable. Pack snow boots. It could snow. Unlikely, but possible. Trails: are usually well recorded, signposted and marked. You can ask around, people will help show, guide you once you there. Maybe hit up other mtb'ers. Same thing in NI. Only draw back, their English is terrible. But you will come right somehow, especially after some intake of the requisite vino. Ask around works well. Also try some of the bike shops for info. Don't have time now to search out all the links, but I'm sure with some googling talent, you will get there! Enjoy! And pack your climbing and descending legs and arms!

THIS ^^^^ In fact, I call it "Covid brain". A lot of people's brains are literally short-circuiting. We see it on a daily basis. The amount of s#@t people are stirring boggles the mind. Mental health at an all-time low! It's scary out there. Take a breath and walk away, better, go for a lekka ride (hopefully you have a bike), smell nature and reset. Works every time

A clear-cut case for the return of classified comments, in conjunction with ratings.....????

Stumbled across this solution on News24. Then researched a bit. Found these: https://onemanengine.com/alterlock-bike-alarm-review/ https://www.treehugger.com/amp/alterlock-bike-security-service-5179180 Anybody in Hubland have any experience with this/own one? Does it work in SA (LPWA/Sigfox coverage)? What does Hubland think?

Sometimes it is just easier to balance all the needs when doing an event solo (arrival, accommodation etc etc.), vs having to have a team mate. There is merit to both. I think one should have the choice. But that is the call of organiser. If somebody really wants to do an event which is limited to teams, then you would find a partner somehow/somewhere. To align the level of fitness, speed, goals etc is a challenge, but so is any partnership. What has baffled me: why is the cost per rider higher for a solo rider?? For the same course, tent, food, drink etc etc. PLEASE can someone explain that to me? That's just a rip-off in my view. But maybe I missed something?

If you're feeling adventurous, you can cross over the road (opposite entrance is another big field of play waiting) and add on quite a few more kilometers. Good training. If you reasonably fit and skilled, you wont have a problem. Haven't been there for a while, so not too sure of the state of track and water levels, but should be ok.

The one aspect is of course the training preparation. Part of that is to also train your daily race/event management - which essentially means prepping before and after your ride, as well as personal maintenance during your ride. IF this is your first stage event, bear in mind: to have some basic knowledge of bike repairs, to be able to sort yourself out on trackprepare your bike before the ride (check, wash, clean, lube chain etc.) - or get the mechanic packagefind out what works for you in terms of hydration (what type and how often), as well as nutrition. During a ride, the pro's tend to eat/drink every +-20min (subjective situation) to prevent bonking. Do the same, but sip and nibble, don't "overindulge". Try stay away from sugars unless your bonking...find your correct pace - if you look around yourself you might notice the same riders accompanying you. Don't try follow somebody else's speed if it makes you go too hard. Use other riders for some drafting (if you have the skill and experience) or to follow lines (if you seem to have a decent rider in front of you)Then there is the shower, food tent and tent protocols....to ensure you eat, feed, relax and get all the nights rest you need (remember the ear plugs). Do the massage package to loosen any tenseness for the next day. Enjoy the evening dinner show and soak up the vibe. It's great. Umkho Drop is an absolute highlight. Try and position yourself that you have nobody in front of you. This means in the lead up to the drop, check who is around you. A lot of the faster crew ("roadies") are faster on uphills and flats, but quite a few slow down a lot on descents. If you enjoy descending and don't use the brake much this is where you will be mindblown. Not many descents like Umkho (pity about the sun in your eyes when you start very early). Anyway, don't overthink it. Soak it up and enjoy. You will be back for more. One day, J2C. That's epic. Sorry Epic. Then one day, when you're big, and keen: Epic. We have awesome events here in SA. Trails and scenery second to none.

What's your goal? Finish, podium? How strong are you, which stage race experiences do you have? Weekend warrior or committed amateur? What is your base layer, if you say you have done 6-9hrs. What was your average speed and what distance did you get (one can be worked out from the two others)? How is your technical skills - newbie, nervous rider...? Work backwards from there. Best way to improve climbing: do hill repeats. Suggest at least once a week from now. Find a steepish hill somewhere and go. Sani2C is not very technically challenging overall, but can be testing here and there depending on skill levels. If it's your first stage race event, just enjoy, have fun and gain experience. Then do it again next year with a new goal. Or another event. Enjoy!

So, I'm a bit of a technical single track junkie. Can I expect some of that here? Cheers

Having done the Merino Monster (the real monster?) 4 times I reckon I will be OK ????

Hi, also considering doing this. Has been on my bucket list for a while and am up from CT at the moment so it suits. What are the trails like? Lots of single track or more gravel/jeep? Are registrations on for the day? R420 for pre-entry so assuming another R50odd penalty? Quite steep actually for 65km. Just did a 80km for R390. Gauteng surcharge? ???? Anyway that's just me

Yup, exactly what happened to me - first time, blasting along, full compression on my 100mm fork/shock with a loud creak. Stopped to check my rim. As with everything, first time one needs to be more cautious. But this track can lull you into a false of security LOL But overall, still a fun track to do some speed work with added distance. It's a fun addition and won't require much maintenance. I just sure hope that we can link the trail with some other trails with that "Dorstberg-like" hill in the middle. Patrick/Captain?? More trails please

So, a quick ride report for other hubbers on the new Klipheuwel loop. I left from Hoogies parking. Total distance: +-66.5km, 1350m ascent, doing Cobra, Welvergenoegd and Fair Cape loop. The new Klipheuwel loop is +-12km with 164m ascent. Cool fun loop, fast and lekka views ( (don't have exact distances as I needed to ride a few detours to find entrance). I started from Spes Bona. From Fair Cape loop I exited at the Adderley corridor, onto Adderley Road. The ride to the Spes Bona entrance is +-7km. About 2.5km gentle uphill, then mainly downhill. The Malanshoogte entrance is +-3km (half up and downhill). Caution 1: Adderley road is used by quite a few cars/trucks going at 100km/h+. At places hardly any shoulder! Spes Bona also has some traffic and is a gravel road (dust!). You essentially do a big loop around this big blob of a hill, which imo is screaming out for lots of single track ascent/descent tracks. Hopefully farm owners will play ball here if approached? Currently the loop is quite isolated and the traffic situation won't really entice me to combine again with other loops. Riding it on its own: meh Caution 2: there are some compression dips on two downhills, which can be tricky at high speed. There's a big one at 2.5km in (nearly lost it) and a few more at around the 10km mark. Enjoy guys and gals

OK got it. Thanks boys. Much further along Spes Bona as I thought. But cool. A bit of gravel grinding. Thanks for speedy responses ????

OK. HELP please. I am on Spes Bona road and can't find entrance to this new loop. Don't have a map of trail and there are no markings.....unless I missed it. Can somebody please send a pin or post map so I can pinpoint it more accurately? Cheers

Well, I'm not sure if this was/is the case with this event, but usually you can always query your seeding. Cite previous results. That should suffice. I was also batched in B instead of A, but just left it as is. Not a huge issue. But for groups lower down I can imagine it is a pain on single track. ps the thorns were especially bad on one part of the bone crusher - middle of nowhere about 50km in (I think). I just saw my front wheel covered! Weird sh&t. pps i recorded 79.9km with about 1560m of elevation. what did others get?

Cheers Skubarra. So just google mapped it. From entrance/exit of Fair Cape loop, it is +-5km down to that tar stretch. But, maybe easier/better to: a. exit the FC loop past the one farm (continuing down that one small downhill stretch (remember it from one of the races going along there) 33°45'01.8"S 18°36'46.2"E OR b. the other exit as FC loop hooks a right back toward direction exit (after small vineyard climb/Stone Shed side)? That is a small "dead end" loop if I remember correctly, which exits at Adderley? Then a short ride down Adderley toward entrance......? Then at end of Klipheuwel loop at Spes Bona....then what? Hook back to Meerendal? Or back same route to join FC loop again? Will just give it a bash in the next days to check it out.