CleatsnCleavage

you could always hitch a lift with me but I might get stuck drinking on a friend's farm in wellington afterwards and then you'd have to cycle back to CT

Planning on doing the 65km but slight concerned because the Welvanpas white route alone is 28km and its so technical that by the end of that I was quite ready to hit the coffee shop! But, whatever, I will somehow make it to the end.

you had best find me before GT - I will be unable to walk/talk after 1500m and 65km - my longest MTB race yet.

Argus changed the route this year and it was incredible, so you absolutely lost out by reading previous year's race reports. The Burger last year was really beautiful and one or two bottlenecks do not ruin an entire race, surely?

too dirty? Are you gay or just allergic to a little dust? If money was no object i would do every race! Also...time off work to travel there.

what happened in Clarens?

Well that was an interesting two days! Well done to Milky who "won" today, beating Schalk home in a 2-man sprint. Today was much easier in my books, I definitely didnt get enough sleep on Friday night and the 4.30am wake up finished me. Massage and swim at Arabella yesterday arvie was a highlight Passed the young guy who had the crash and he was sitting up with a space blanket on him. Hope he heals soon. Copperhead - we went to Shunting Shed for pizza last night and were pissed off they charged us a "G.S Charge" which we guessed was R40 in lieu of corkage, but they dont have their own bloody licence anyway. Should have refused to pay. It was more enjoyable than Arabella. Onwards to 65km Gravel Travel next weekend!

i'll be the grumpy but excited one at registration....waking up at 4.30am FML

It's almost time Rain for Sunday apparently

Great event, well organised. Can highly recommend it although it is not cheap.

Keen to do this race as there are no logistics about getting back to your car at the end. Anyone in Cape Town area want to share petrol costs?

Brilliant event last year, did the 30km event as a newbie and loved every minute, plan on making a comeback in 2014. And then spend the afternoon trying to find a farm which isnt too overpopulated with horribly drunk people, ugh.

So pathetic that the organisers still havent updated the 2014 route profiles. It looks like Arabella Challenge is tougher since Houw Hoek organisers say its similar to previous years, so that is under 1000m climbing on both days?

Im not an expert but my take on it would be that Axis selling point in all their marketing material is "the cheapest 29er on the market" or "the cheapest duel sus on the market" whereas Silverback's offering is about being value for money and with quality components which are up there with the cool brands. No-one will dispute that Silverback isnt a good option.

First...Arabella Challenge next weekend whohoo

am staying at triactive lodge, in the cabins. Very basic but heard that it is ok.

umm YES i need to learn to jump up curbs and over ****. Its one of my serious challenges in mtb. also to jump down over obstacles without your back wheel popping up....

its very beautiful above the dam. Can we still enter online, doesnt look like it?

location location location....Northgate Island might as well as be in a location for all the success ANY shop has had here.

I took friends who dont MTB at all to Oak Valley in December and they managed. There will be bridges over fences that she will feel more comfortable walking and also you cannot be scared of cows as you ride into the herd occasionally. Also...cow poop. Try roll your eyes less than I did as the newbies pushed their bikes up the hills

you have enough great (and free) riding in somerset west. i wouldnt head all the way to Tokai unless you are dropping the wife off for the race and staying in the area. Otherwise do Bottelary Hills, the G-spot in Stellenbosh, Jonkers. Maps online. Ask om a forum for people to ride with and im sure you can find someone

Avoid reading Bicycling's latest issue on winter gear because you might have to sell your bike to afford the outfit.

Anyone doing this race and driving from Cape Town? Got a free entry but already staying in Grabouw the following weekend for Houw Hoek tour so would prefer to not stay over. Looking for someone to share driving with (for Arabella)

I did it last year in my third month of mountain biking and the 40km was a breeze. The only "technical" bit is the one and only climb, which is quite rocky. And there will be a lot of sand because this is Franschhoek. Considering doing the 60km this year but will also watch the Paarl MTB site and see what group rides are planned, or maybe just go to Franschhoek and ride with my local friends above the dam and on Matoppie.

well judging by my time for this race, you can start at the back of K2C with me haha