Musashi

I have the same problem. Initially I used a saddle mount and neatly launched bottles into the air when I hit a bump hard. Now I have a system that works. The seatpost mount consist of two seatpost clamps, not one. That way there is not way the bottle cage can flex/pivot. I think Specialized makes these brackets. Then I use a Lezyne Power Cage (http://www.lezyne.com/bottle-cages) The shape (open "neck") of the cage makes it fairly easy to remove a bottle, but it also holds it tight. If you still loose bottles, wrap a piece of duct tape around the edges of the cage - it act like rubber and keeps the bottle from moving. If you find that the saddle is in the way when you need to remove the bottle, add a few spacers between the top bracket and bottle cage to rotate the cage backwards. Rubber washers work great for this.

3 years ago I went from riding a desk all day and zero exercise to riding the TransBaviaans 4 months later. But I really suffered for 17.5 hours long. So anything is possible, but will you enjoy it? If I may add a few tips: try to get long rides in now. A long ride a week before the CPT will probably not help much. Build your ability to ride for hours as soon as possible. The secret is to not ride like you've only got one hour. Start easy (heart rate under 70% of HRR) even if you feel strong. Closer to the time (2 weeks before) you should reduce the length of the rides gradually. Also try to find out what nutrition works for you as early as possible as this may take time. Remember, what works for you may not work for someone else. If all goes well, I'll see you at the Trek!

In 3 years I've never had this conversion leak. In fact (and I might be wrong), if the tape shrinks it should sit tighter on the rim and seal even better. I'm not saying it's not the case, but it hasn't been my experience yet.

I enjoyed the race. Although I really am a rider for more technical terrain, the scenery on this ride makes it special and there is something mysterious about the Knysna forrest. And I enjoy the Simola climb because it means a fast downhill later!

I've been doing all my conversions with electric insulation tape, both 26" and 29". Wrap around rim twice or three times and make a hole for the valve. It's cheap and the main cost is the valves. Tip: use a bit more sealant on a 29" set-up than 26", especially with a new tyre.

I was there about 3 weeks ago. Lekker ride, but there is one area that is a bit flooded with long grass and you have to walk it. You might get your feet wet.

I didn't want to believe that 29'rs are really significantly faster than a 26 inch bike, but in February I went from a 26" Spark 50 to a 29'r Spark Elite. My experience: The 29'r is faster over technical terrain as you simply ride over whatever is in your way. With the 26" you have to pick your line more carefully. The 26" does feel more in touch with the terrain. That does not make it faster, but it is fun! The 29'r isn't quite as nimble as the 26" around tight switchbacks, but as soon as you get the feel for the 29'r, it is just as fast. The additional grip of the 29" wheel makes climbing steep inclines ridable. The 26" breaks traction quicker. Similarly the 29'r is more forgiving around corners due to the additional traction. The 29" takes more power to climb. For beginners I would recommend a 26" bike for that reason or alternatively they should take their time and build their strength on a 29'r. (Read: avoid knee problems) Although I didn't want to believe it, a 29'r is faster in my experience. On a section of technical, downhill single track close to home I did 7:20 on the 26" one week and the following week did 6:42 on the 29'r. On gravel roads I'm about 7% to 9% faster (based on the same level of effort and fitness) and all my race times are faster than last year (by at least 4%). That is my experience. It might be useful for someone else.

I understand completely. The best way to loose trails is to let erosion get out of hand. But I'm interested in the black route...

I guess, all the more reason to go ride regularly and get to know the trails!

But the rocky climb on the red route will still be available? It's great training for technical climbing.

Rode the trails on Saturday morning and what a great experience! Well done, you guys can be proud! Only comment: the arrows on the sign boards are very small and it's only when I'm right at the sign that I see which way they're pointing. Granted, my eye sight isn't what it was 10 years ago.

Spotted you at the start and it was nice seeing you at a MTB event. Now sell the road bike and invest in a sweet 29'r! You won't be sorry. Well done on surviving your first MTB race and the sky diving!

I always enjoy this event. With the rain, I was sceptical about the route and how much fun it will be, but it drains very well and again I enjoyed every minute. Well done to all involved. The route markers seem to be permanent. Are these trails open throughout the year?

Knoblies will make you strong. And after they wear down in the middle, you'll have exactly what you're looking for.

I actually enjoy this race. There's quite a bit of single track and technical bits although, IIRC everything is ridable. Mostly the terrain is jeep track with some ruts. There is a bit of a climb towards the end. The 42km is a slow race as there aren't many downhills to make up time. Check the results of last year's race to get an idea of finish times.

How good is the drainage of the route? I see we're in for a lot of rain on Thursday and Friday, but Saturday looks good!

I suggest selling the 26" wheel set and getting a second 29" wheel set (unless you're actually keeping the 26" bike of course). Road tyres fit on the 29" MTB rims without a problem (I use 28mm to be safe) and although it looks strange, it works well enough. When necessary, I have a dual suspension road bike with disc brakes

Not much. It should be fine.

Man, I'd love to, but I haven't dived in quite while and will have to redo the course. You guys enjoy!

Yip. For some reason road events aren't used for MTB seeding but MTB events count towards road seeding. Don't ask me why, but events like this does give one a great opportunity to improve the road seeding!

I hope you like technical terrain and single track! It is all ridable, but there are a few nice surprises. And, in the past, a beer at the halfway mark (the most difficult obstacle of all)! Arrange a MTB number from PPA prior to the event. You can't use your road number.

Yip, that's the plan! And hopefully with a better seeding I'll start earlier and have less traffic on the single track.

Rode the trails again yesterday. Well done on excellent trail maintenance! What a pleasure to go riding here. {A certain other club can learn something about maintenance from you guys!}

Which one? The one to Steytlerville or the 4x4 route south over the mountain to Joubertina? Both have awesome views!

The road from the Steytlerville side to the Kloof, was that the Doringkloof 4x4 route? That is quite a hectic drive.