Aaron_B

It's never a fun ride... Clearly you feel the same way with all the links to your "racing' in your signature

Around 1200m. Clocked that last year

Race report up on Bicycling's website... http://www.bicycling.co.za/race-news/darling-brew-extreme-mtb-challenge-2016/

Dorsberg full at Meerendal https://www.strava.com/segments/7095497

24 hours

Yes you get invited. However, you can motivate why you feel you have what it takes to do it. Like I said, it's never fully subscribed.

75km should be based on current seeding but what happens is the 75 never really garners much interest and anybody who feels they're fit enough and pays the fee can do it... Sadly. Last year when I did the 60km we passed nearly 20 75km riders quite quickly.

Doing the 75km

Update: I've done extensive testing on the 1x11 with 34T ring. Biggest test was Nissan Trailseeker #2 in Grabouw. 75km/1800m climbing. Coped fine, monstered the climbs and finished well. 55th/401. I'm going to keep it. I guess my reasonably low weight of 67kg to go with the 9.8kg bike is a good combination.

The Contermans Mast climb double up to the Bloemendaaler is not easy. Dorsberg is a good test when it comes to a short power climb. The Hillcrest steep climb is another one that springs to mind but it's 450m long.

I'll give it a chance for sure.

Sram XX1 love it. I think I'll give the 34T a chance. Big test will be Trailseeker marathon in Grabouw. Until then, I'll keep trying all the monster climbs in Durbanville Hills and see how I cope.

So I've just upgraded to 1x11 from 1x10 (11-42) with 32T. Was very happy with the 1x10. Climbs were great but lacked the top speed on the flats. The 1x11 is amazing. Ratios smoother, shifting more precise and crisper. Decided to put a 34T up front for extra top speed but now the granny (if you can call it that) is pretty tough - obviously. I'm handling it at the moment conquering some steep, tough climbs but want to know what your experiences are and what I might expect on longer rides/races. Should I go back to 32?

Came down with a nasty sinus infection and had to pull out but my wife won the 45km MTB so happy nonetheless.

Sounds like it's a toughy and true test of man, machine and nature. WTH, I'll do it.

WTF? I'm not looking to injure myself before K2C and W2W...both the climbing and descending sounds rough

How does this year's route profile compare then?

Just got mine MA 0002

Hopefully seeding gets done by Friday - if so I'll get my new board.

Ok Brandon let's suffer on the 65km together. I'll tail you and rig a winch to your saddle to tow me up the climbs.

Don't want the ride to be too easy so now I'm leaning toward the 65. Also, looked at the route profile for the 65km - not a chance is that 1400m. Looks more like a 1000 at best

Maybe I'll upgrade on the day...

Elevation for the 45km? I've done over 100 000m of climbing this year so my legs are feeling it. 65km looks brutal - still undecided on which distance to do.

I'm signed up for the 45km but Mr Brandon is trying to convince me to do the 65km.

If you're the original owner GT offers a lifetime warranty on the frame. Worth investigating.