RyanD

Thanks for the reply's Chaps. The advantages as I see them are that the system is simplified as I loose a chain ring, derailleur, shifter and cable. The issue is, what cost does the simplification demand. In terms of weight saving I will be progressing from XT Cranks and chain rings to xx1 cranks and chainring, this with the derailleur / shifter should yield a small drop in weight. I am training for 2015 not 2014. This year I am concentrating on Triathlon so as to build a good aerobic capacity and then I will focus on the bike training in the months prior to the event. I also decided I rode too much and needed to cross train a bit, hence the triathlon. On a side not Running does cycling no favours! The obvious concern is the compromise in selecting the ratios. I am happy to change my front chainring to suit specific races, the advantage I have is that I have time on my side and can learn the system as I ride this year. Getting it wrong at Sani means blowing a year and a half's training and letting my partner down. To those that posted info on the actual race I am much obliged, and thanks to everyone who posted so far.

I have been invited to ride S2S in 2015. I currently Ride a 2 x 10 XT setup with a 38 / 24 front and 36 / 11 Rear. Bike is a BMC TE02 and Medium hard tail. I am upgrading my frame to a BMC TE01 and as my current drivetrain is worn I am looking to change to XTR 2x10 or XX1 1x11. I am 181 cm tall, 83 kg. 39 years old. I am a fit rider as confirmed by VO2 max testing done at the Prime institute in Durban. I race XC marathon and I am competitive in my age category. As far a technical ability I can ride the trails at Karkloof (the difficult options) with my XC Hard tail setup. I am very comfortable on the 2x 10 but the 1x 11 has undeniable advantages. I am going to be racing Sani and have never ridden it so would appreciate any info that you guys could give me. I am obviously concerned of not having a low enough gear for really steep climbs, I also don't want to spin the hell out of my legs to go any where. What can you tell me.... Thanks Ryan

I hear you. I got my seeding today but am not riding. All my buddies are rearing to go and I am deciding to chill on race day. Best of luck on your recovery.

Morning Friends Thanks for the support and recommendations, I am afraid it is to no avail as I am not getting over it fast enough. 4 Days to go and I am not feeling good. Have tried to rest and take my Vit C and Viral Guard, Listerine antiseptic as a gargle, and an Andolex spray. I have pre registered so I have until Saturday to decide but I think it will be wise to sit this one out. Disappointing. Thanks again Ryan

Thanks guys. I will make my strategy. Rest and vit C. I do feel I am on a downward slope though. I. Tried Viral choice but it unbalanced me. I will try it after meals as suggested. Thanks again Ryan.

1 week to go until Hill 2 Hill. 105km MTB marathon. I rode a 70k yesterday and felt flat. Woke up this morning with a sore throat and general head cold. I am supposed to do a 50k race tomorrow but have cancelled that as H2H is priority. Any cures that have worked for you in a similar situation? Thank you Ryan.

Just completed the 280km isimangiliso mtb and I rode with 32gi endure in one bottle, water in the other. Food was a bar made by Trek available at Dischem. The peanut and oat is my pick. whole food 100% natural dates raisins raw peanuts soya and more, no added sugars. Worth a try. I must add that fueling for a multi day event is something done at every meal and not just on the bike.

The endure is great, I have tried several other products so my gut is fairly educated in its decision. What I have also started using is the 32gi recovery shake and its fantastic. I have the vanilla and it works for me.

Just registered for the 105 k 2013 version. That's a fair way on a mtb!!!