DieVlieg

I agree mostly with the sentiment of anti trespassing but off late I have seen an increase in land owners not having any fencing. If there is no boundaries then it is difficult to establish where you are allowed to be or not to be. For instance the western teretories of PTA/ Northen territories of JHB. I mostly do not know where I am supposed to be. Sometimes a district road ends and just becomes a tweespoor up a lovely koppie. Between the decisions of safety, returning back to tarr I came from 5km back or going for it, sometimes I just do not know whether I am allowed to or not as there is no gate and no fence. Sometimes I just follow wheel tracks and see where I end up. But purposely crossing boundaries are uit soos beskuit.

I could only dream.

Nice If I am not dead by then this is my next race.

I had one this morning too. Infact not a week goes by without one but mine involves Nokia and only R195 000. I actually phoned them 4 years ago (Facepalm) But MTN had a recharge reward in the past year whereby some chubby guy got to take a friend with to europe and they got to ride a race with the MTN Qhubeka team van.

Hmm Phoned my wife the past weekend to fetch me after a ride. Between MTN and her phone skills I had to peddle an extra 15km after an initial 85Km. Well I was actually not upset as I got the push I needed. The wife is nesting for our soon to be expected daughter. My friends do not even make it past the laptop when it comes to sport. If I made it interesting and set a bet at what interval of the race I will eat dirt they all be there.

I'm starting to wonder how I'm going to get myself home. If the race don't claim me it seems those beers will push me over the edge.

That extra tyre around the waist makes for great traction going up loose rocky climbs. But that is the only advantage.

Yup I am doing the full marathon. I have been training on my own for the past 6 months. I stay next to Groenkloof and Klapperkop and have done most the technical stuff and climbs. My fear of edges is the only worry I have and straight down drop-ins scare me. I have also done longer rides (80 to 100km) on gravel with some small stretches of single track in them but never have I ridden long distances with lots of technical trails in it. I looked for a race close to this date and entered only after that did I actually read this forum or the race profile. Anyway one has to find out one way or the other what this sport is about. I wanted to do another 55 km race two weeks ago but they canceled it. My wife is expecting so this was the last opportunity when I could race and still have done decent training beforehand.

lol... Thanks guys I did say it is my first race. I won't be wearing earphones thanks for the advice. Anyway last time I took earphones to groenkloof I busted my knee at the first drop in. I need all the blood sweat EGO and dirty words I can assemble to finish

I also loved their store in Lynnwood. I always walk out there being able to bargain down on a price or two when I buy more than one item. They also try to be knowledgeable on their stock items rather than just employing bike riders that is more interested in telling you what they have on their bikes than what you really need to buy. But every shop out there has a different purpose. I like some shops only for certain things. But I absolutely hate shops where people treat you like you know nothing.

Band : The Automatic - Song: Monster - Lyric: Whats that coming over the hill. Is it a monster? Is it a monster. Already in my playlist for the race. I did 100 km this weekend but I do not think I am ready at all. What a stupid thing to chose this race as my first ever cycle event. I'll still be going for a sub 5 hour race which is even more stupid. I'm staring to think cycling reduced my ability to reason. Anyway what is a good time to finish the big climb and still have time to aim for a 5 hour end time?

Glad to report back that I had a very satisfying ride on Sunday through a contact on this thread. 85 km on the eastern Pretoria farm roads. Thanks to MTN and/or my wife's lack of phone skills I could not reach her to fetch me. I ended up pedaling a 100 altogether. Please use this thread to look for riding partners. If we keep one Pretoria thread the chances are more likely that someone will find a riding partner.

A lot to read through but I sure am starting today.

Use a goo pro-Biotic and use some re-hidration remidy and you will be pedaling in a day or two.

Layering is the best. Buy long sleeve under layers and wear your summer bib over that and then as an outer use a good quality jacket. That can give you 2 layers of fleece with a layer in the middle. Just remember shoe covers. I start riding 04:30 in the morning and these days the average temp is 4 to 7 C. For those of you wanting to import remember custom duties on clothing is hectic.

Anyone training for this event who wants a partner over the weekend please let me know.

Anyone in for a ride this weekend? Any time is fine with me but Saturday will be best. I want to do 80% dirt with a good amount of climbing involved. The ride must be at least 4 to 5 hours long and cover 80 km. I can set up the route or I am up for any suggestions.

I am doing 3 early rides this week. Please contact me if you want to come with. I can meet you anywhere from Rooihuiskraal to Hatfield but preferably closer to Monument Park if we actually want to spend time riding together. I'll send you my contact details or give you a call if you are interested. Please inbox. Alex

Where does one start Breeds Nek. And more importantly where does one park safely. I desperately need to that as part of my training. Alex

That is a very good idea. I will definitely make use of it in the future. I do not know that area too much and would love to go riding there with someone who can show me around. Alex

Still no one said much about De Wildt, Should I skip it in favour of local Groenkloof, Klapperkop ...

I guess that is about 9 km, to simulate the monster i'd need to almost do 9 laps. Laps create confidence and confidence causes connections with the trees. but my speed around that track is not the fastest out there so maybe confidence is what I need.

I did klapperkop as I stay next to it. The climb to the lower radio tower on the back of the trail is harsh but manageable. The golf club side is nice but I can see has potential to cut some tyres. Maybe next weekend I'll do Klapperkop, Groenkloof and Voortrekker Monument in one go. After that it should be "easy rides" to save the legs for the 24th. That right only two weeks to prepare.

Hi Although De Wildt got canceled I am still riding there this weekend as they are offering some peace ride on the race route. My question is except for the actual monster and extra distance is this good training for the monster? Then I have one weekend before the Monster to train some more skills. Where is a good place in Pretoria/Johannesburg to do Monster technical training.

Hi, There will still be marshals and free entry to the route. The event is SEMI on but wont be timed and no prize giving. The next race is 08 November. Well that is what I got told. I made plans to go there so I guess I will still rock up and enjoy the ride.