Grondpad

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.

Wat is assitport club?

I saw on supercycling last night that Andrew Neetling is leaving the team as well.

Take a look at this topic. https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/90518-holiday-rides-gansbaaioukraalpeart-beach/page__p__1233511__fromsearch__1#entry1233511

I am heading there for the first time on the 16th. Saw the hightlights of the 3towers race and it looked awsome. The camping is really cheap as well.

Cycle house (but its in PTA)

Hey gents. I will pm you my e-mail. I am keen on any riding as well. Are there any gravel roads from Gansbaai to Hermanus? Its gonna be great!

Im in Gansbaai from christmas untill new year. Me and a buddy are keen to join for a ride or 2. What distances are you lookig at and waht speed do you do. We dont know the area at all.

What type of triathlons? You get 'off-road' triathlons like the sasol series, so with a MTB you can do them and ride some trails?

I see that the multisport athlete did very well at this years 94.7. Brand du Plessis took the vets on the road race and Conrad Stoltz won the M.T.B. yesterday. I saw that super cycling spoke to Burry and Conrad during today's road ride and they made a remark that events like the Xterra should get more TV coverage. I think this is great news! SA should realize that we have not only a great rugby, soccer, cricket etc. teams, but we do really well in other sports as well. Thumbs up to Conrad and Brand for being excellent ambassadors!

I dont think MTB'r are very judgmental. A great example is: At this years Sabie Classic I was about 20km into the ride (marathon) and was going at the same speed as two other okes. I could hear them chat. A that moment an older gent (about 55 to 60 years) came past us on his 19... bike, no suspension (not even the fork), cheepie helmet and tekkies on flat pedals. The one oke next to me said to his buddy 'Now that is respect!' whilst pointing to the older gent.