walkerr

Have used something similar to those myself in past. My setup is basically dead simple - I can get 2x 1L bottles inside frame triangle. Then gonna wear a Camelbak Chase . Well thought out bit of kit and weighs next to nothing empty, I hardly notice it's there. Even with 1.5L in it sits very comfortable and is barely noticeable. Depending on how much heat we get I'll either travel with the min 500ml to be race legal, or more if super hot.

I grabbed some of these a while back, although haven't really used them yet and probably won't for Munga: http://www.bikepacking.com/gear/accessories/king-cage-manything-cage/ There's a few variations on the market, but none I have seen for sale direct here - all I have seen need (US / EU) orders. Maybe one of our newer bike packing supply sites is starting to carry them though.

Extreme Lights mailer just came in on Munga light suggestions: https://mailchi.mp/extremelightsmail/atx4sz12nm-529729?e=dfc59169f9 Actually quite similar to what I'm running. Discount info somewhere towards bottom of mailer also.

Thanks for the reminder. I think I read it before, but reading again has got the juices properly pumping ...

OK, cool, thanks for feedback.

Might have missed this (being lazy checking back). Anyone not what type(s) of lube the mechanics at the CPs are likely to have? Probably going to be running Smoove unless there is a forecast of significant rain. Prepared to carry own of course, but can take much smaller supply if the CPs offer a chance to re-lube and top up the carried bottle with same brand. Not a train wreck either way - usually carry wet weather brand on long winter/wet rides anwyay, so will have space.

It's definitely a crossover discipline. Those Randonneurs that want to qualify for PBP, Dirtdax is a tough way to do it - 15km/h Audax overall minimum (not moving, but total elapsed) on tar is very different to the same on corrugations and sand. Especially 40hrs and 600km of it! And those who want proper MTB, want single track. The gravel backroads cycling movement is still fairly small and nowhere near mainstream here yet. In fact 2 of the bigger gravel rides got cancelled as official rides due to lack of interest - Karoobaix and Trans Karoo. Edit - I should add, there's been at least 2x Dirtdaxes I've seen mention of in Gauteng this winter also. Haven't followed them much myself because they're not ACP rides, and I'm in the Cape, so don't get to see info on turnout and finishers.

There have been several Gravel Audaxes held in Gauteng

Ah - misunderstood. Yep, feel free to enjoy some with any of your mates who survive .... it has been known to happen ... but like someone said at the weekend Audax braai, it's like Fight Club ... 1st rule is ....

Pretty much all long distance events become as much about mind as the body - the longer they get, the more the mind is the governing factor for success. Edit: I can't possibly officially comment on beers while riding since I believe there may be some road laws around that kind of thing

100% - the only reason the Cape Audax series exists today is that a bunch of us wanted to qualify for Paris-Brest-Paris 2015 and got permission from the then country ACP co-ordinator to create the series. But you need to really understand what Audax is before taking this on: it is not a race and there are no prizes. The only thing you earn by completing one is self satisfaction at your achievement (OK, and some bragging rights if that is your thing)any route used has to meet certain criteria. The route planning process can be a time consuming and painful process initiallyabsolutely no outside support or help is allowed for riders on a route except at designated controls (approx every 60km to 80km)there will be no organised help at controls either (unless you arrange it). Mostly, what constitutes a 'control' is a 24 hour garage at 2am in the morning, with some dodgy pies and the wandering village drunk hassling you for change or more alcohol. Do not for a moment picture a nice cosy PPA water table laden down with supplies and a friendly face.Roads will not be closed or marshalled and you will occasionally get unpleasantly close fly-bys from idiot drivers on their cellphonesno one is coming out to fix your bike if it breaks. You need to know how to do that for yourself, and carry the spares to do so. Honestly, Audax rides are fabulous and you'll make life long friends and experiences doing them. But they are not for sissies or necessarily for those who enjoy the competitive side of supported cycle racing.

Wise advice. Your mind will want to give up way before your body is done. Keeping your head in the game is the real battle.

Does a new sponsor mean even more coffee/food/snacks/goodies .... (we can always hope) ....

Agreed!

Exact same cages I used on the last behind saddle bottle mount I tried. They are fairly secure, but if the hit is big enough then from my experiences, those bottles will be flying! If you're gonna go this way, I reckon the Velcro/Duct Tape is a must

Spent lunch yesterday with a buddy who competed last year. Have to say, hearing him speak of the ride has really got me fired up for the adventure. Our experiences are going to be very different as he's a fast rider up front and I'm very much a lanterne rouge. But it sounds an awesome experience. Some great snippets in his stories - including dodging Gemsbok in the dark through the Nature Reserve after CP1 (Van der Kloof Dam)

How did you find those on the corrugations? Last time I used a behind seat cage it was a rocket launcher - even on road. Spent my whole time stopping to pick up bottles. Did these survive well?

Look at the Camlebak Chase - considerably less bulky than a normal MTB pack. There are plenty other options of course. Fork mounts, handlebar bags, behind seat mounts (assuming not carbon post). I actually haven't quite decided on mine. I have a Chase and it's definitely an option. I don't normally ride with a pack on long events, and it's not my first choice, but I may use it. I'm on a hardtail though, so for race rule compliance I only need to find space for an extra 500ml since I can get 2x 1L bottles in the diamond.

Have entries closed? I thought they were still accepting

Welcome aboard Sam81 - look forward to meeting you in Bloem. Fear not on weight, by the time we all have 2.5L+ of water and a multitude of other cr@p on board, the differences are going be much more slight.

Great story, and useful insight - thx

Nice. Will prob skip aero bars - barely used them on TCR, except to hang stuff on. Being fewer days, should be able to travel with much less luggage also. 4 water bottles, feed bags for some food, few spares, dry bag under saddle with some spare gear. Will be minimal though compared to TCR - warm layer, spare short, toothbrush etc. Real basics

Against the advice of several people I respect, and who have ridden it before, I am going HT. I have my reasons .... and I won't be racing for a podium, which lessens the impact somewhat of the corrugations. It also does, at least, help in the water side of things. I can get 2x1L bottles in my frame triangle, and will prob sling 2x500 or 600s on fork mounted cages. I could of course stick 750s or even 1000s on there also, but I'm thinking/hoping at this stage that 3L or just above should be OK.

Looking forward to some of that vibe - buddy and I strictly riding in chill mode for both days, no racing or fast stuff. Enjoy the scenery, hospitality and gees

Haha - well I think you already know the answer there Tim. Bullet bitten - entry done. Edit: All part of a stealthy plan to have a crack at French Divide 2019. I know all the road miles under my belt don't really count for **** - I need to get some gravel ones in there ....