- Active Topics
- Forums
- Create Topic
-
A short trip to the E Cape high country over the weekend.
22
4 minutes ago, Skubarra said:Very interesting concept... In my biased personal opinion I would not be too keen to do the unsupported bikepacking thing in the area (if I am going to do 10,500m climbing over 530km I prefer not to carry lots of extra stuff on my bike) + there are basically nowhere to resupply outside of the larger towns so it will take careful planning - but I am sure there are a few nutjobs willing to take on a challenge like this.
There are certainly loads of scenic options, far more than what we could cover in 5 days at a generally leisurely pace.
One event to look out for for people interested in riding in the area is the Maloti 100 miler in September, didn't happen this year but might be resurrected next year. You ride from Barkley East to Maclear via Rhodes and the Naudesnek pass. Certain its proper tough but beatiful route.
I've done this 'nutter' route twice and am going back again this weekend. The area is simply stunning, but the climbing does make it tough. There is a surprising amount of accomodation at convenient distances along the way and the hosts, being farming people are very special. Planning is definately pretty crucial for bikepacking in remote areas. Most probably better to not do alone in case of a fall, but certainly one of the safest areas to ride a bike in South Africa in terms of traffic and security, in my opinion.
17 hours ago, Skubarra said:
My Strava profile - all the rides should be public (let me know if its not)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/2996653
Chris - in short we made Rhodes Hotel our base, left our cars there. We had one support car for the ride. Nice old platteland hotel, very cheap. The town is also stunning with other accommodation options
Day 1 we cycled from Rhodes up to to the top of Naudesnek, there is a lodge called Tenahead (was the only expensive accommodation of the tour), a buddy & I felt energetic and cycled down & up the Natal side of Naudesnek as well.
Day 2 We cycled from Tenahead to Tiffendel along the Tiffendel-Teneahead-Traverse, a 30km contour jeeptrack along the Lesotho border (the only day a 4x4 was needed for the support vehicle). Tiffendale is unfortunately closed at the moment (think its bankrupt), but the guard at the gate was happy for us to take the track up to Ben McDhui, about 8km from the Tiffendell turn-off but give yourself about 2 hours to go up & down. From there we cycled back to Rhodes down Carlislepass - ridiculously steep, don't think its really possible to cycle up there without walking, was happy to go down it
Day 3 We cycled from Rhodes to Wartrail, we stayed at Frosty Peaks, a self catering farmhouse but the farmer provided food for braais & breakfasts
Day 4 we did an out and back from Wartrail over Lundean's nek pass to Telle, a town on the border of Lesotho - if one feels like it you can extend the day to cycle to the border post or up in Dangershoek
Day 5 we cycled from Wartrail to Barkley East, via Balloch, a stunning farm (looks a bit like a Disney movie setting) where the Sky Run from Lady Gray stops over, was about 60km in total. Also nice scenery and some interesting historic bridges & railway tracks. Stayed over in Barkly East.
On average we did about 50km a day, which doesn't sound much but between the high altitude (you are almost always above 2500m on day 1 and 2) and the climbing it's quite draining, I worked in a few extra breakfast rides and in total I did more than 7000m of climbing with just over 300km of riding.
There are very few people (and no shops & restaurants) along the road, so make sure to take all you need along. Always felt save, no chance of taking a wrong turn and ending up in a dodgy area. Roads are in a good condition (except for the tracks on Day 2)
Other alternatives would be to find time to ride Volunteershoek pass between Tiffendell and Wartrail which we didn't have time for (preferably down), stay over in Balloch farm which is picturesque and find a way to incorporate Joubert's Pass to Lady Gray which I understand is also very scenic.
If anyone wants to do this area and the passes as a bikepacking ride, pop onto the massive adventures website and download the route from there. Their route is a circular one starting and ending in Lady Grey. Awesome place to ride (sometimes push) a bike.
This is sad.
Very interesting.
Did some bikepacking up into Limpopo Province recently. Beautiful, but extremely hot.
.jpg.3781ec2cb9a6216764c243159c6578e6.jpg)
21
16 hours ago, Sepia said:Thanks Dusty, Rabubi.
Have spoke to Dave as Droo suggested and am waiting on a recommendation from him.
Unfortunately I find this saddle the best I have ever used by a large margin and I have tried most including the Freedom Saddle.
This Brooks just does it for me. My second choice is a Rolls which I have fitted on the interim and was happy with it until I discovered Brooks. It feels like I am riding on a brick now and should I get a new one, it will still have to be worn in.
If nothing happens I may just try my welding skills and slide a ferrule of sorts over the welded bit.
Heart breaking pic attached.
A pratleyed ferule sounds like it may well work.
15 hours ago, Sepia said:Gooday All
My skinny backside has just gone and broken my Brooks saddle rail. Any ideas as what can be done and if repairable?
Thanks in advance.
I had the same issue and did some research. New rails can be put on by Brooks UK, but with postage, covid etc I was disinclined to go that route and managed to pick up a 2nd hand one.
13 hours ago, sucramuk said:Hi
Anyone used or has one of these, can give some feedback (https://thermowear.co.za/product/back-on-track-saddle-pouch/).
I have the Apidura top tube bag that I used for the 36One, the equivalent Apidura seat post bag around 3K, the Thermowear R1150, quite a saving for something that might be used once or twice a year.
Thanks for any feedback
@sucramukThey are first class bags. Good materials and the sevice is quick and efficient. They have made custom frame bags for us and no issues at all.
8 minutes ago, NotSoBigBen said:This looks pretty promising for easy conversion of MTB bikes to gravel...
News24: Handlebar breakthrough for gravel riders.
https://www.news24.com/ride24/gear/handlebar-breakthrough-for-gravel-riders-20210720
Very interesting
56 minutes ago, Thug said:A new saddle bag for an upcoming trip.
Nice. Is this for Kygyastan? Is travel from SA allowed there at the moment?
15 minutes ago, Andymann said:Maybe just check on running with a Malinois - we have a Golden Shepherd and the Trainers at puppy school recommended we do the running thing really really slowly to help the joints in later life - it's taken us about 2 years to get her up to 10km - we only started running after 12 months and it's taken another 12 to get her up to 8km. My Wife trained her like she would if someone approached her and asked for a program to do a 10km run from zero!
Grace (the one in my pic above) was a rescue and obviously didn't have the correct nutrients when she was a puppy - we've had two knee operations done and her hips are toast - she really struggles in Winter, and it's really sad to see. We didn't want a similar thing to happen with Lucy-fer the Devil dog!
This is good advice. No puppy/young dog should be running any distances.
47 minutes ago, Thug said:What's happened to Axel?
Has he finished as his tracker hasn't updated for past 6 hours and it appears he's still in Stettyns?
Spent a night out there. Must have been chilly!!
Very interesting tussel going on in Stettynskloof today for the RASA win. Axel went in with about a 45 minute lead over Fjord. Will come down to who picks the better lines. They will not be able to see each other in the kloof. You can pass within 10m of someone there and not know it.
16 minutes ago, Thug said:Looks like Fjord, Axel and Gavin should be leaving Kudukaya tomorrow morning all together.
Think Gavin is going to do Mordor in the dark. Could be interesting.
It has the potential to end badly. Hopefully it doesn't.
I've gone through this process recently. I avoided the Ford because it is right up there in terms of vehicle theft stats
I would not touch the GWM personally.
Isuzu it is.
10 minutes ago, MTBeer said:was -17degC a day or so ago somewhere along the trail. Yes that's MINUS SEVENTEEN.
At Brosterlea apparently. Proper cold!
Cycling when there is lightning
in Share Your Ride & Travels
Posted
I think your fear of lightning is well founded. I don't start a ride when there is lightning around, but the big challenege is to what to do when it arrives and one is riding already. The bicycle unfortunately does not work as a Faraday Cage. Obviously getting indoors is first prize, but when this is not possible my research has shown that you should keep riding and at least 50m away from other cyclists. That way only one cyclist gets struck at a time!