Musashi

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.

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.

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 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.

That's the truth! I was considering it, but was able to pick up a new RP23 for half the price. Easy decision.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!