Memnon

While on this question: I got a cut (6-7mm) on the tread part of a brand new race king ( ). During the race and with some help this was plugged and seems to be holding ok but it does lose air. Should I: a.) buy a new tyre and be done with it b.) just ride it with the plug and give it some air before each ride c.) remove the plug and patch from the inside? I've usually been happy with plugs but usually on smaller cuts. (The 7mm could be 10mm by now as we had to force more than one plug in to seal the hole.)

Just another quick note: The Barberton race is also one of those rides where people still have fun! Despite the toughness of the course there was a lot of chatting in the groups. Furthermore, there was a lot of help offered (and accepted) with punctures etc. Thanks to the guy on the SS in the 120km group who lent me his pump and thanks to the team of two (also in the 120km group) who helped out with plugs and a CO2 bomb. I hope we can all keep this spirit of camaraderie going and carry it on into other rides. Good one, guys!

I was one of the DNFs on the 120km I last did Barberton in 2005 and 6 and must say the 75km was tougher than the last time I did it. I had some mechanical issues with a nasty cut on my back tyre that just wouldn't "heal" but in all fairness my pacing was always going to be tight for the 75km cut-off. In the end I missed the cut-off but such is life and mountainbiking. The poor guy that had to cut my number off and thus disqualify me looked so apologetic! Although I told everyone at the office today that it was a travesty of justice that I was not allowed to continue I must admit that there was quite a bit of relief from the quads when I was denied that final 45km. I will be back to try to conquer the beast - hopefully next year. I must also say that I enjoy the "small race" feel - not too many people, most of them willing to help with punctures etc., encouragement and cheering from all - I think Barberton still has that old school mtb feel. Good one guys!

Any camping options? At a stage I thought there was camping at the school grounds but I can't seem to confirm so I may have got my events muddled.

I know this comes too late to inform your decission but in case anyone else searches and finds this thread: vbikes are legit (I bought a Scale 940 from them). I EFTed them on a Thursday and when I got home on Sunday my new bike was waiting for me. Just remember for anyone who orders any brand new bike over the net (especially if you are new to the sport): you don't have the luxury of popping into your LBS to get all the little teething probs sorted out as an after sales service.

Not as ugly as someone pushing their bike home... Just saying.

I did a tubeless conversion on my GF's bike. I took the OP's video's method and rouxtjie's advice of leaving the tyre in the sun to get all the kinks etc. out of it. It worked like a charm! No mess, no fuss. I didn't even get to drink beer or swear and usually I like doing both of those just for the ******* fun of it. Thanks for all the advice!

Karkloof rocks. FACT. I rode there ages ago when I lived in KZN and last year a group of us made two long weekend trips to the area specifically to go ride. My opinion is that Karkloof has the most awesome trails. They differ from most of the stuff we have here in Gauteng in that they are exceptionally flowy and that there is some serious gradient to work with (up and down ). +1 for the 30km and 15km loops. Also go have a look at the Howick trails - they are also awesome!

Get a few more quotes. I was able to get a Scott Scale 940 (2013 model) for R14,900 in November last year.

Awesome! Thanks. I usually do these things at about 11 at night after a few beers so if someone pitches up to your place smelling of beer, covered in Stan's and weeping it's either me or someone who's had a really rough night! I'll post my win or fail verdict later during the weekend.

Thanks - will definitely give that a bash next time.

@rouxtjie - thanks! I will need to follow that soon as I need to start at step 8 again as after the work at the Engen this morning all my pre-invested sealant was all over the forecourt and surrounding cars. Sealant looks bad at the best of times but when it's all over your clothes and hands and you have a happy but guilty look on your face things can be taken the wrong way...

Agree. Much swearing and sobbing last night before supper, after supper and this morning before a helpful petrol attendant gave me a hand. You can learn something new anywhere!

The small bike makes it look bigger and scarier... Perhaps I should get me one of those bikes to look more impressive!

I would like to join a group that rides at say ~6:00. I say group so that I still have an option to woes out and over sleep...