L.T.G

Rode the Hero Park trails at Heia Safari on Saturday. They've put a huge amount of work into them, they're really good. I'm just not crazy about the "noodle" effect they have, similar to those at Avianto, If you look at a map of trails, it looks like a bowl of noodles. They're trying to get more distance into a smaller area. Don't get me wrong, not saying there's anything wrong with that.. it's just not for me. I rode the blue and yellow route, I'll definitely go back some time to try the red, looks to be less "Noodle" like the venue is excellent though,beautiful place. rode past Zebras, Giraffe , all sorts of other game and the lake is stunning ... oh, and it's R30 to ride, (R20 board deposit)

My SS...

Whether you do 1 lap or a 100 laps, this is the best event of the year! Yeah, food issues last year and yes it wasn't the organizers to blame, but I'm not fussed... I take my own with me anyway. The route will be the same again, and that's AWESOME!!!! because it's brilliant! and as you ride at different times with different lighting it changes too, so it never gets boring. Best time of the day to ride IMO is the dawn one... start when it's still mostly dark and finish the lap as the sun's rising... second best is what I call VG's golden hour.... IF the sun's out at that time and not being smothered by clouds.... round 5pm, the colours in and around the river trail are amazing!! See you all there!!! PS takes lots of pics and add them to the VG Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/VanGaalenMountainBikingTrails

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/131950-van-gaalens-1st-time/

The trails span over 40 properties and Erik does a stellar job in maintaining/upgarding/adding on to them. in need of TLC??!! You'll be hard pressed to find someone who's as passionate about their trails as Erik is! He's always maintaining/upgrading/adding to the trails... once again I'll mention that the trails cover over 40 PRIVATE properties, that we're very fortunate to ride because of Erik's ongoing work and collaboration with the , sometimes very reluctant, owners! It only takes a little rain for a spurt in growth so one or two showers is enough to cause this "overgrowth" in places . leaves all over the place... same reason.. debris? plane parts? fallen satellite fragments? or a couple twigs and branches from nature ? perhaps a leaf blower , or WAIT ..,a Hoover will help sort that issue out! Rocks?? too many? the Hoover will sort that problem out! I'll pop it in the suggestion box next time I'm there! Do this next time you're there! http://connect.garmin.com/activity/155121192 no rocks. but wait a couple days after it rains, so the hoovering can be done. if you're detecting a hint of sarcasm here, you're bang on the money! it's not a easy job to maintain these trails, I'm in no way affiliated with VG as my opening post (http://www.thehubsa....-trail-updates/ ) states, but I love the place and without the job Erik does we wouldn't have this mountain biking heaven on our doorstep! Give me the rocks, leaves, hell, even the debris ANY DAY.... because after those couple 100m or even a km or two, you're gifted spine tingling, goose bump inducing beautiful trails! and views like this

if you enjoy technical rides... this has a bit of everything ... http://connect.garmin.com/activity/156456799

AND ...if the forecast is accurate after today's rains, the trails will bake dry tomorrow and saturday.. they'll be nice and and at their best to ride!

or this one that does both north and south banks of the river http://connect.garmin.com/activity/155121192

or http://connect.garmin.com/activity/106393292

No malice intended. But the OP doesn't mention being a noob, only a virgin to VG... perhaps this will be better then http://connect.garmin.com/activity/156456799

try this ... super fun route http://connect.garmin.com/page/activity/activity.faces?activityId=145272946&actionMethod=page%2Factivity%2Factivity.xhtml%3AuserSwitcher.switchSystem&cid=25713767

Hi all after the event next week, if you guys have any pics from phones, cameras, GoPros etc, please add them to the Van Gaalens Facebook page (which you can also "like" if you haven't yet....hint hint ) https://www.facebook.com/VanGaalenMountainBikingTrails Although the forecast is changing all the time... it looks to be a scorcher next saturday, so prep yourselves... LOTS of sunblock and enough hydration. 2 or 3 years ago ( can't for the life of me remember now which of the two it is) we had that major heat wave on the day and water became an issue at the water tables because a lot of people were cooling off by pouring it all over themselves. Please just fill up your bottles and hydration packs at these points, you need to share with a couple thousand others remember Good luck to all and enjoy some of the BEST riding we have on offer around here.

Thanks beautiful looking bike! importing it would cost a packet though?

No reason, just not familiar with all brands that make CXs.. I'd be a small

So I'm contemplating getting myself a CX bike, for various reasons. 1) i want one 2) to be used as the occasional commuter 3) the benefits of training on it, get fitter etc. I'd be prefer something that i can run geared as well as as a SS and with disc brakes.. any suggestions as to what I should look at? I've had a look at the Cotic, Surly and Kona so far.. but there're a couple models and not familiar with this type of bike at all. Thanks

https://www.facebook.com/events/453271234721150/

Hi all, VG has a facebook page https://www.facebook.com/VanGaalenMountainBikingTrails?notif_t=page_new_likes please go like the page and share pics and stories of your future and/or past rides there..

I had a great time!! Catering didn't bother me, took all my own stuff. Entered solo (SS), much better then team option of last year as I could ride with mates or alone. Route, just like last year was awesome! Rode my last lap on Saturday , round 8, in my Santa suit.... wasn't planning on stopping then, but I had a problem with the case of Guinness I took with... I just couldn't stop drinking from it! then started again just after 4 yesterday morning. Less rain would've been nicer i guess, but it wasn't that bad at all.. 10/10 weekend for me!

will do! Guinness draught all round!

Yip wiener fest... Hence just the visit .... My mom won't let me spend the night..

I'll definitely be visiting your camp!!

this sounds like SSWC.....

Apologies, I haven't read through the whole thread..... is this a list of hubbers participating?

"Camping for the Bicycling 24 Hour event is strictly Saturday evening only. No camping is available on the Friday evening at all. If you wish to set up/demarcate your site on Friday afternoon it will be allowed." got this off the facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/24Hourmtb