Musashi

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!

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.