Grondpad

Jip, I really enjoyed it. The first part of the run was hectic climbing but it was worth going downhill at the end. I think the beginners were very happy with the M.T.B. route as it wasn’t to technical. The swim was hell as always. I’m just a bit disappointed in my time. I hoped to have done a bit beter but playing in the mud is always fun. What times did you peeps do?

On your marks, get set and ..............

Jip, my first bonk ever was at the Sabie classic last year. The month before I did the Barberton marathon which was my first marathon ever. So I got a bit cocky and didn’t focus. 12km into the ride and I started swearing at the climbs and got a back ache. When I was a my bitter end I thought my polar was broken as it showed that I only did 47km. I couldn’t believe it! My camelback was dry, 3 gels used and I was absolutely miserable. I started looking for on route medics, but no luck. At every incline I got off and pushed just to stop and sit next to the road halfway up the smallest hills. Eventfully I found some help and the dude showed me a map indicating I had only 9km left and most was downhill. I eventfully finished in almost 6hours. After the race, I could sit, stand or sleep. Its the worst I felt and if I had the energy to talk I would have told my wife to take me to a doctor. Sabie is in 6 weeks time, so this year I will definitely be beter prepared. I still get nauseous and a chill just thinking about it. Hectic!

Hey rouxtjie, why do say this? Dont you think that you actully need the maps more for mtb? Just asking as I am also looking at getting the 800 but dont want to waste my money

Where is this? Do you maybe have some contact info?

The cadence sensor is handy when you start out but later on you get use to a 85/90 cadence. I only use mine when I do high cadence workouts and to ensure that I dont push to hard early on in a ride/race. If I go below a cadence of 85 I usually drop a gear just to make sure.

Last night I downloaded the movie Macaframa. Did anyone else see it? It really cool! It convinced me to go shopping for an old school bike in the pawn shops and start a 'little art project'. Watch this space

I got it from Running Inn in Brooklyn PTA

I just bought a tri short (TYR for about 300) and a sleeveless cycling jersey (capestorm). I works well. The short is really comfy and the jersey is easy to get on after the swim. Most people wear tri shorts and a tri top

Xterra as a cool down? Seriously Hardcore! I think I'm over my head here.

On the swimming subject, does anyone know of a dam close to PTA where we one can train. Swimming in the pool is just not the same and I really need the training!

Yip me too. I have only done 2 short sprint triathlons. Even in the short ones the 600m swim is hectic. Im really not looking forward to the 1500m swim. But even the 12km run wont be a joke after the swim and bike.

Using the Xterra as Training? Now thats what I call hardcore!

So, its less than 4 weeks till Xterra Buffelspoort. Who’s doing the big one and who’s doing the lite? What times are you aiming for?

+1

I dont know the area very well, but I know that the MTN Barberton had a climb of 14.5km in it last year. It wasn't that steep but still very hard work.

I went to Groenies this morning after two weeks away and in my opinion, it just keeps getting better and better. I ride there every week and it never gets boring! It really a privilege to have such a place in PTA. I didn't do the Fountains part this morning so I cant comment on it. Enjoy!

Will be there on the 16th. Great prep for the xterra 2 weeks from there

I dont have files but the map at the office is really good. Just watch out for the purple route as we got lost and phoned Mark. He then informed us that the route is closed due to logging in the area. Other that that there were no issues with route markings etc PS. This was on he weekend of the 18th.

I got my first puncture on about 2500km as well. I think the crossmark is a brilliant all round tyre. Rode them at mankele this weekend in wet conditions and the werent to bad as well. You wont make a mistake by getting the crossmarks.

Gansbaai is really going to suck! I broke my chain twice at Mankele so now I have to replace my chain, cassette and chain blades. Its time anyway seeing that I have already done about 4000km on it. I am flying down to CPT and my bikes lift to Gansbaai left today. So I wont have a bike in Gansbaai. That really sucks! 8 days without riding. Mankele was brilliant! I have never ever rode such perfect singletrack. Those climbs were brutal but the view was awesome. The first day we got there we did the orange XC route twice. The second day we did the purple route but unfortunately we got lost and heard later the reason for that was that the route was closed due to logging in the area. But up till we got lost we had a great time. The next day we did the red route and I have to admit that it was my favourite. The bush tunnel and the downhill’s after the climb up to the radio tower was unbelievable. Yesterday we did a quick greed route before we went home and that too was great. In-between there were some trail running and river tubing. All in all, the best weekend ever! I'll post some pics tomorrow or tonight

Here is the link: http://www.mankele.co.za/

Just one more day then me and 2 buddies are off to Mankele for 4 days of MTB'ing heaven! Whoop Whoop. I have never been there but I heard awsome stuff about the place. Cant wait!

Is the club running every Wednesday and how may people are there? Looks exciting. Am am looking to get into adventure racing as from next year as well

Thanks ww. I'll check out their site.