I did the Half as well and was lucky enough to win the Team race, largely thanks to my partner (Mark from Mark's Bicycle Workshop) who was an absolute beast and dragged & pushed me through the last 60km's.
I can't say much about the views because I was staring at a Vittoria terreno tire all day but apparently they were spectacular. We couldn't have asked for better weather or water points, it was superb although our stops were brief.
Dryland certainly know how to put an event together... except for that 10km neutral section that wasn't part of the official 189km, that was a nasty surprise when I was staring at my Garmin praying for the pain to stop.
When they eventually let us loose the start speed in the dark was insane. The gravel okes hit the front and hooked it. The first 20km's passed in a blur of dust and dim lighting. You needed nads of steel to sit a wheel in those conditions and hope to God you don't hit a lurker and end your race before it has really begun.
Strongs to the young lady who lost it coming down Rooiberg, hope you heal up well and you are back on the bike soon.
The choice of my hardtail over my gravel bike was the right one. After racing it a few years ago on my Revolt, I found the hardtail a lot better, especially on the faster downhills. I ran 47C gravel tires so needed to be careful at the river crossings but they rolled beautifully on the open road.
In agreement with those beer prices, that was a joke. I don't need fancy Belgium beer after a race, Castle Lite will do just fine thanks.
Sadly the numbers were down a lot on previous years. I'm not sure if that's related to the risk of poor weather, price of the entry fees or the poor economy or a combination of them all but the event certainly deserves to be supported based on the organizing alone, it was excellent.
