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I did MANY events years ago (before children), took a long break from them and then did the TransAugrabies two years ago. The whole family joined the trip (it's actually an easy drive from Cape Town, nice open roads). I can honestly say that this one is the most memorable. The vibe is just different and the scenery something else. There's something special about cycling across the Orange river with a fish eagle calling in the background.
Make no mistake, it's not an easy, flat and fast route. I took it easy and enjoyed the experience. And man, what an experience.
And camping at Augrabies is always worth it.
So the point is, I still need to see ANY riders form TBMTB swap out the boards as has been indicated that I should do. That is then effectively the same as me riding with my boards in my pocket.
I am just pointing out a fact.
Well, you won't see us. On the Tygerberg trails we display the Tygerberg MTB club board. On Bottelary, we display the Bottelary board and not Tygerberg. Etc etc. So it isn't the same, now is it.
I don't speak cyclist particularly well but if you can take a photo of these guys then you are close enough to actually talk to them directly?
They look happy and friendly enough.
These photos are screenshots from a video that was taken of the confrontation. They admit that they know they are trespassing and "rogue riding is fun" before brushing off the members that confronted them and continuing their trespassing ... I mean riding.
There is a nice, but short bit of jeep track from the air field to Melkhoutfontein.
One can then also ride up next to the river, across the low water bridge and then back across the river further north, before heading back along the rolling hills next to the river.
I'll be there the same time.
Mushashi.I agree crests are stronger than they get credit for .But with my total weight with bike at 110kg ,they dont inspire the same confidance going down a steep rocky decent at speed
Makes sense. The Crest is designed for lighter riders. The Arch rims are for heavier riders.
The 719.s.At your weight crest is fine,but not as stiff or strong as mavics.Putting it another way .I trusted the mavic combo for robust heavy riding like pioneer and they held up brilliantly .I will only trust the crests for flat type dirtroad riding .JB will tell you ,you can bend a rim on a flat road too ,and he is right .Continental protection tyres are as robust as they come .Let a local wheel buider build you a set and use and abuse them in this wonderful MTBing country of ours
I did the Pioneer and some way more technical riding with my Crest rims and absolutely no problems to date. Not even problems to true the wheels. The Crest rims are tougher than that.
I'm 73kg and ride that hub/rim combination. The weight is not bad at all and it really is very robust. It's been dealing very well with really technical terrain and long marathon rides. I reliable combination in my opinion.
If you're based in the CT area, I might be able to point you in the right direction for a wheel build.
Hi Guys
will it be possible to ride gravel or mostly gravel routes from Heidelberg to Stil Baai? or at least from Riversdale to Stilbaai?
You can head south to Vermaaklikheid and from there to Stilbaai via Blombos. This route is however fairly flat. If you're looking for something more challenging, stick with the roads a bit further north (closer to Riversdal) and approach Stilbaai from the north west next to the river. You'll have 12 km rolling hills before a flat 8km into town.
The noise of the Hope freehub is also great for warning animals (and snakes) that you're coming
And other riders in front of you on the single track.
I had a Scott Spark 50 and put on ZTR Crest rims with Hope hubs and Racing Ralph snakeskin tyres and I was very happy. I've sold the bike but still have the wheel set. If you're interested, drop me a PM.
Today I have a Scott 29r with the same spec wheels.
I need some help guys, sitting with a cracked arm and hip that's not lekker, also inside of my right leg sometimes hurt when walking, I took a tumble Saturday before last. I started yesterday on the IDT, but couldn't manage for too long, since there is only 8 weeks of training left and I am on about 30% fitness. Do you recommend I do intervals on the trainer till I can get back on the bike 2nd/3rd week in Dec, or should I just kiss my Atta entry good bye?
I suggest you see a specialist to find out what's wrong (especially injuries that affect your riding on the IDT), whether you can ride and how much. I don't think anyone can give advice without a thorough physical check-up. Even if it is only to get the go-ahead that you can train, you'll have peace of mind that you're not injuring yourself further by training.
I don't see the Cape Pioneer Trek on there?
I was thinking about doing this but man that CTD is expensive.
That's the truth! I was considering it, but was able to pick up a new RP23 for half the price. Easy decision.
ill swap out my shock for anRP32 they day there is a remote for it...not before
The Fox CTD with remote is available.
The DT Swiss rear shock was sent back 3 times for repairs (under warrantee) and I got fed up and upgraded to Fox RP23. Recycles in Bellville did the installation. I also turned the rear shock around so a bottle fits easier. Keep in mind that you'll still need the remote for the fork's lock-out.
The RP23 is an improvement, but I'd love to get feedback on the Fox CTD rear shock on a Scott Spark 29'r.
The accommodation at Leeuwenboschfontein is full. You have to arrange your own accommodation.
They have a link on their site to a few places. Gecko Rock is closed for renovation, Drie Kuilen and Kopbeenskloof didn't respond to email and there is no answer when you phone them. I had success at Karoo Adventures: www.karooadventures.co.zawww.karooadventures.co.za
And of course there will be hubbers like me around if anyone wants to join for a ride.
Apparently it is a very nice social event. The focus is not on racing, but rather doing a ride for the fun of it.
I (finally) managed to arrange accommodation this morning and will be entering later today.
What about intervals?
Intervals have their place in normal training to make you stronger. I do 4 minutes hard, 2.5 minutes recovery x 5 on a regular basis (not more than once a week). I'm riding stronger than ever.
Of course, intervals on their own won't give you the endurance for the Attakwas so LSD rides on weekends. It also helps a lot if you can ride technical terrain, especially technical uphills.
Doesn't there come a point where stopping power isn't as important as things like heat dispersion? I mean, I can always pull harder on the brakes and the wheels tend to break traction before the stopping power goes.
Incidently I am switching from Avid to Shimano after burning out both brakes on a long downhill.
That immediately sounds much better. How far did you tow your trailer?
Technically I didn't. My dad did (with my bakkie). And it is his caravan.
From Still Bay to all the overnight stops and back to Still Bay was 1100km.
Thanks for suggestion, Musashi. But, with all due respect to those who love caravaning, I would say that anything that involves routinely emptying out a toilet does not constitute as a holiday.
No emptying of toilets required. We're at the race village so use their facilities (and enjoy the vibe). But I can sleep tight in the worst of weather, I have a support "crew" that wash my kit and bottles and I don't have to pack up every day. Worked great for me!
As an alternative to B&B's, do what we did. I had a support vehicle with caravan and booked place in the "mobile home area". Worked like a charm as I didn't have to pack each morning and wherever I am, "home" is. Worked beautifully! And it's cheaper than B&B's each day.
It was my first Pioneer and I was pleasantly surprised.
The route was great. I love technical riding and climbs so the flat gravel sections got a bit boring, but the scenery certainly made up for that. And it is a great bunch of riders (except one a-hole who cut corners in switch backs in order to leap frog other riders).
I found the food fine, sometimes actually darn good. Scooters did get a bit old after 6 lunches, but I was too hungry to care. That said, there should be more food for the riders.
The tech zone saved my butt when I rocked up 15 minutes before the start with no front brake. JP and his team certainly looks well after the riders who bought packages.
The bike wash was not up to standard. On two days I took my bike back to be washed a second time and once they guy started washing my cassette with lube. Not his fault, he is just a local kid who didn't know what he was doing, but oversight should have been better.
The organisers did their best to look after the riders, especially when the weather turned bad. Their call to cut out the first 15km's on stage 5 was a good call and allowing stage 6 to continue when the weather turned out ok was also the right one. And the reaction with the bee attack was absolutely remarkable, to the extent that they probably saved a life or two!
The route was awesome. Oh wait, I already mentioned that.
The massages weren't the best I've ever had. I got the feeling these ladies work on getting circulation going and not working out the knots. And they chat away and forget about the job at hand. At one stage the girl was working the same muscle for 5 minutes while playing with her phone!
Value for money: way better than the Epic, if you consider that you pay twice the price for the Epic! Maybe there are a few glitches that needs attention, but overall, good value for money.
2
TransBaviaans entry for sale (12 August event)
in Events
Posted
Due to work circumstances, my brother-in-law won't be able to come to SA this year and our 2-person entry for the 12 August TransBaviaans is for sale. I'm open to offers.
Niel
082 437 8000