Uncleslow

Don't know the MT5, but I upgraded to MT7 (also 4-pot) front with 220 discs and MT8 rear. I had the Guide Ultimate before and there is no comparison. My other bike has XTR. Same story. To be fair the Ultimate and XTR are not meant to be downhill stoppers. The bite, modulation and sheer stopping power of the Maguras is amazing.

Thanks for the tips. Trying to stay motivated in the cold... I have fitted upgraded brakes with proper 4-pots up front and 220 discs, so stopping is sorted. Have fitted dropper so that box is sorted. I am climbing every day... Anyone know if it is gritty twisty single track, or is it more like a never ending Jeep track into the sky. Trying to get my head around 3000 meters in 65 Kms... the Merino Monster at Tankwa was doable, but that was "only" 1000 meters. Suikerbos is easy, but not really a MTB ride? Otherwise I'll just fit a 20-ring

bluewhite, Thanks a lot. Awesome review and thanks for the suggestions. I am good on all the points - except I cannot climb ... I have committed, so unless Corona saves me I have two months to prepare. What was the weather / climate like? Do we need to bring warm gear or is it summer riding? I have fitted dropper and upgraded brakes. Someone mentioned a mud-guard because of the rivers... good idea or waste of time? Tom

Might as well get the show on the road... 1) Any Saffers registered and signed up for Swiss Epic 2020? 2) Will the event go ahead? So far I have been told it will... If you have done it previously, what advice(s) do you have? Do we book an extra days accommodation prior to the race, massage, service, places to stay, transport and transfers, etc...? ????

Purchased a travel bag just before lockdown... got panicky and send them an email because the phone lines were busy. Received a phone call 2 minutes later with an update and the bag, with name embroidered, was delivered the next day. Happy as a pig.

This. Maybe people should try and be a bit more reasonable... Modder is a big green area and an outdoor nature reserve. We have had a LOT of rain and things tend to grow when it rains! What do you expect? Imagine having to cut and trim 30-40 Kms of weed every week just so a few handfuls of prima donnas can pop around and do their Sunday cruise... all for a few ZAR. I know I wouldn't do it for that money. Also, it is MTBing... so don't expect a hand trimmed snooker table laid out in a Zen fashion to accommodate your stylish attire... #CoronaQuarantine

That's a no brainer... used! I have bought two used bikes from Bike Market. Super service. Bikes come serviced and with some peace of mind against scammers and crooks. For Jnr. I got a Trek HT full carbon with tons of extras, upgraded DT Swiss rimes and tubeless, full XT and so forth... for R23k or thereabouts. Check their website. No affiliation - just a happy customer.

Ah, good... almost chocked on my turkey sandwich!

Ja, so it is Friday and I have washed down some leftover turkey with plenty wine... thus I am now in a position to pass a preliminary assessment... It shouldn't matter whether the fellow is skinny, famous or anything else... fact is that he probably didn't pay on entering the reserve, and if that is the case, he is as guilty as a fanatical bomber on an airplane. No matter the above, it is obviously a bit excessive to snap someone's limbs based on the severity of the alleged transgression, and it seems the matter is being investigated. So, because it is Friday, I suggest a truce btw the drama/conspiracy police and the aptly named three-sides-to-all-stories crowd, allowing for time to digest and pass judgment. In Joburg we would have stolen his bike, shot the camera man and misplaced the video evidence... so I consider this nothing more than a typical Cape mismanaged matter.

Would one still get the Discovery rebate? * Edit. Answered my own question... yes one does.

Can't believe no comments... I think this is awesome! Nice warm-up. Did the 2018 event and it is most definitely one of the best MTB rides in SA. Probably not ideal for 'beginners' but proper awesome riding, awesome track and nice setup. Definitely a step up on all the more manicured rides. A must do. Who wouldn't like an extra mini day when you anyhow have traveled far?

Was there this weekend. Track was great. Animals friendly. No hawkers... What do people expect from a MTB trail?

Race...

Thank you. Was hard. Went to a dark place a few times...

Week: 19-25 March 2018 Time: Almost 40 hours IF: 80 TSS: 2200