Musashi

Hellwarp, I may have gotten lost or missed a sign (it wouldn't be the first time), but at the spot marked in the red circle I went up straight (all the way to the top). I didn't spot a sign indicating that I should go left, but like I said, I may have just missed it.

Lost my way on the blue route today. I got to the top (at the substation/cell tower) and was presented with 2 options and no signs. Where did I go wrong?

Personally I think if you're cruising on your bike at night in 120km/h traffic, you're looking for trouble. But then again, one can't always pick the route (or the drivers). I've got the light on the back of the helmet. I can't see it so I can't really comment on it's effectiveness, but no close shaves yet.

Sounds like us two years ago. We took way too much stuff. You don't have to carry much food - the tables are well-stocked. But a few energy bars or whatever you prefer won't hurt. Remember, you get containers for checkpoints 2 to 4 so put some stuff in there and don't carry it all from the start. Here is my list: Plugs Regulator Masterlinks Tyre levers Multitool Bombs Hangar 2 bottles Cellphone Cable ties Lights Spare socks (container/ support vehicle) Arm warmers (container/ support vehicle) Jacket (container/ support vehicle) Clear lenses for sunglasses (container/ support vehicle) Lube Rehydrat Stuff to eat Stuff to drink You shouldn't need spare brake pads unless it rains.

Great ride! I love the climbs and fast downhills, the technical bits and the single track. Great signage and marshalling and the views were great. Well done!

Excuse my ignorance, but why do you need to clean them? I've never cleaned my rotors with anything other than water and a cloth. Should I?

Sounds awesome. First time and I can't wait!

They were supposed to issue a replacement for our Wild Card (bought under Infinity) and I updated our details online. Nada. Like with PPA I try my best not to overestimate Sanparks, but they make it so difficult.

Phew, that's cold. I found that the Baviaanskloof doesn't get quite that cold so you should be ok!

It all depends on the weather. If it rains, I don't know what can save you, but usually arm warmers and a shirt under my cycling shirt works well.

I used the trails to ride home after work on Thursday and then to work on Friday and it was great! About 50km one way of which half is MTB trails.

I run Race Kings front and back. The rear does wear quicker and 6 months sounds about right. I like grip up front so in order to keep the tyre with the most wear on the back, I move the front tyre to the back and replace the front tyre with a new one. Works well.

167.7km. Last year: 165.7km (same route).

To give you an idea, last year I did the TB in 10:48 and the DD in 16:51, training averaged 10 hours a week. I'm out in the northern suburbs if you're interested in some evening night ride/ weekend training.

Maybe we can make use of that guy with the rifle...

Die neverender is die ergste. Mens dink jy's klaar en dan kom daai lang bult wat nooit ophou nie.

Two years ago I went in four months from 15kg overweight and zero exercise to completing the TB (17.5 hours). If you ride 8 to 10 hours a week with a few long rides inbetween you should be fine (and even enjoy it!).

Excellent race. IIRC last year the mountains were snow-capped, but it was a cool sunny day and no wind. Absolute brilliant!

Yip. Finished 21:00, in bed by 23:00. In 2009 we finished at 3:30 - longest day of my life.

I can't remember the wind either. In fact, I remember pretty much perfect conditions. But it was hot!

Got the permit and hit the trails on Friday. The routes are very cool and well marked, but the signs are a bit small and easy to miss if you're not looking out for them. Then again, if you don't see any signs, backtrack a bit and you'll soon see where you went wrong. One thing though: did you guys know there is a target shooting range ON the trail. It was quite disconcerting coming around a corner and there's a guy pointing a rifle in my direction!

According to the website, entries close tomorrow, but on the entry website "ONLINE ENTRIES CLOSED". What's going on?

How hectic are the tests? Will I be able to go back to the office without a shower?

Post your target time for the TB to make sure you get people more or less as strong as you are.

I hope the weather is as good as last year.