Musashi

No it isn't. Tackling the pass after having already climbed 1700m was brutal. The last 3 km's can easily take 30 minutes.

Probably, but that can be put down to ignorance on his part. He probably never had a sport that he enjoyed so much, he was willing to take certain risks for it. But that still doesn't justify the name calling. In my opinion, by being plainly insulting we are stooping to a new low and reinforcing his point of view of cyclists. I do not wish to be associated with a group of people who revert to name-calling when they can't argue a point. It is childish behaviour also looking for a reaction (so not so different to Mr 4x4). B.t.w. Dangle, I know you did not partake in the mud sling contest so this is not directed at you. I just hope to lift the level of discussion on this forum out of the gutter. We'll be taken more seriously then.

As far as I know, there is an entry point to the Bottelary trails from Zevenwacht. Should suit you perfect. Bottelary consists of several loops. If you're short on time, ride one loop. If you want to ride longer, add other loops. And Bottelary isn't very technical which should also suit people new to the sport.

I noticed. And the answer is, not much. (But did we really bother to see things from his point of view?) But if we can't have a constuctive debate, then what's the point? In a mud slinging contest, everybody gets their hands dirty.

I'd say Tygerberg has more climbs and more single track (various degrees of technical). Bottelary is more cross-country type training. I don't know Schapenberg, but Welvanpas is also great for weekends. I think both Tygerberg and Bottelary offer discounts on their permits for the rest of the year. If you enjoy Majik and ride it often, Tygerberg would probably be most convenient with the corridors linking Majik, Hillcrest, Contermanskloof, Kliprug and Meerendal (and of course Hoogekraal is not far away). But there isn't really anything like "best". It depends on what you want to do. I think Tygerberg offers the most variety.

Nobody had any respect for him on this thread. Just saying, maybe we should practice what we preach. (Talking to everyone, not you in particular.) I simply don't see how this mud slinging contest is in any way constructive. In fact, it encourages further hate and might, just might, result in an rage-induced accident and injuries/ death. Is that really what the hub is about? Have we stooped so low?

My 2c's: Try to ride every day, even if it is only for 1 to 1.5 hours. It will teach your body to recover overnight. Aim for 3 days, 1 day rest. If you can manage to ride more than 3 days in a row, that will of course be better. Practice long, steady climbs. On the day, enjoy the views!

I'm driving to Still Bay tomorrow and Oudtshoorn on Saturday. Technically still a full day at the office, but practically...

Being closer to the time, it seems we're in for a perfect Saturday and bit of rain on Sunday evening through to Tuesday.

You can get overall average and moving average when you upload your activities to GarminConnect.

I found Accuweather to be quite inaccurate. But whatever the weather, I'll be there and I will ride!

Gerhard, wave as you come past me. I start a minute before you.

Blitzer, what time are you landing in George?

If the 60km route is like last year, most people can do it. I remember last year, the bunch heading out to Paardeberg and I'm just waiting for the climbing to begin. Next thing we turn back to Wellington. No climbing whatsoever. That is actually part of the reason I'm giving it a skip this year.

I think you'll have to arrange accommodation for the Saturday and Sunday. Saturday is registration, Sunday the prologue and the race really start the Monday. Accommodation for that Sunday is not included.

Scott is good value for money. I ride a 2012 Scott 29'r and find it very competitive and a great ride. Scott's after-sales service is quite good. I'd know, I've sent the rear shock back 3 times. It might be a dud shock (DT Swiss M210), but they are not getting it fixed. A Fox RP23 goes on next week. The remote lock-out is very useful but don't let that sway your decision. The cables get finicky quickly. Whether the rear shock is a dud or a general problem, I don't know. But I love my Scott as a competitive bike (given my level of ability). That said, if I had the money I would seriously consider the Santa Cruz Tall Boy. But I don't.

Numbers are not mailed out. I collected at their office but you can arrange for pick-up at the event. The numbers are handle bar numbers so remember zip ties, not pins. That's for the MTB at least.

The weather can be anything. Last year there was one day with a howling wind, so bad that the little tents didn't stay down and they had to arrange accommodation in a local school. But we've had our first taste of summer as well down here in the Cape. But whatever the weather, I will be there and I will ride.

I still need to do a few long rides, but there are a few weeks left for that. The long weekend in the Cederberg will be a huge riding weekend and then easier from there.

I'm doing it solo and really looking forward to it. The route looks great. Time to up the training a notch!

No one?

Apparently this is now available in SA. Has anyone tried it? How does it compare to the Propedal and unlocked settings on the RP23? http://www.foxracingshox.com/product.php?m=bike&t=shocks&p=99102&ref=filter

I enjoyed the 64km last year. It was pletty fun with a few technical sections to keep things interesting. If I remember correctly there should not be lots of mud as the drainage is quite good and the soil is mostly sand and rocks. Last year the south easter was the biggest challenge from mother nature's side. Unfortunately I'm not in the Cape this weekend so can't make it, but have fun if you do!

The only trails in De Doorns that I know of is the Twee Tonnel route used in the Autumn Splendor MTB race each year. http://www.mtbroutes.co.za/two-tunnels-mtb-trail-closest-citytown-de-doorns.html

Bos, I did that gravel road to Sanddrif in April and would believe you nearly died. It is pretty much dead quiet, but awesome beautiful. With regards to the Sanddrif trails, you really don't need gps routes. There are several loops with short cuts so you can decide how long you want to ride. And if you like technical terrain, you'll have fun!