SSCC

I wrote that drafting does not help much for this specific event because of slow speeds, corrugated roads, extreme fatigue etc. Drafting has multiple variables. Aerobars don't and provide a small but constant benefit, even at slow speeds, for the duration of the event provided the rider uses them. The drag reduction on very high stack aerobars is marginal but the saddle pressure reduction and comfort resting position is substantial.

For sure. More relevant is being a USA cycling certified coach and having used power metes for field tests for over 20 years. Chung type testing road / TT bike position, clothing, wheel sets etc for a couple decades is a good start. Munga experience is an added but important reference point as specificity is a thing.

Me? Yip. 75hrs something. I mention that because if my slow ass avg moving speed was good enough to be faster than 86% of the field I know what the real moving averages are for each sector. That’s the reason for my view on drafting in this race.

However, in a 1998 paper entitled “Cycling Uphill and Downhill” David P. Swain wrote: “At very slow speeds (on the order of 16 km/h or less) air resistance is negligible, and drafting becomes nearly meaningless.” >>> Plus holding the line on corrugated rough roads is more effort than it’s worth. if you disagree what year did you do the Munga and what was your moving time?

Drafting in this race is mostly of little benefit for almost all riders. Speeds are really slow for almost everyone so drafting doesn’t help much. The group dynamic can help a lot but that’s more for motivation / connection rather than draft. Where it does help is if you get two “pros” riding a fast section fast and swopping turns. That applies to about 2 people in the whole event and only happens every couple of years.

There is nothing technical or tricky in the race it’s just very rough in parts. Rideable on a rigid gravel bike if you have the fitness. Min tire size of 55cm is probably wise.

Do you keep your money under your mattress?

Don't have the link but google has all the answers. Maybe on bicycle rolling resistance dot com but can recall.

There is a test somewhere online - inserts are only 1 to 2 watts slower than no inserts. So basically they make almost no difference to rolling resistance.

If anyone entered and booked accommodation for this years event but is not going please let me know. Thanks.

The Evil was the worst gravel bike I’ve ever ridden on fast rough descents. Nothing comes close in terms of bone jarring ride feel. The designer really had no idea what he was doing. He’s an excellent MTb designer and has made some great frames but this one was a flop. Pity because they are great guys with a great brand.

Evil CH gravel bike. I did. Horrible.

This will surprise you. It actually climbed well but was a complete dog on the downs. Opposite of you would expect. Except on super smooth single track Then it was ok.

There is lots of data that shows that for off road riding that lower pressure is faster and obviously more comfortable. Basically as low as possible without pinch flatting or damaging a rim.

There are road rides that you can add a few really nice dirt bits to. But for actual gravel roads you need to go to the farmlands in the northern suburbs. The dirt along Rhodes drive, down to the Green Belt trails, through to Peddlers on the Bend then onto dirt all the way to Bootleggers in Tokai. You can actually ride on dirt all the way from the city bowl to Toaki but some of it is pretty chunky for a gravel bike. Doable for a challenge but it gets old if it's your regular ride.

I really would not waste money on the Rene Herse Fleecer Ridges. I have a few thousand Km's on a pair and they are ok but not worth the price. Overall the Mezcal is a better tyre. Just as fast, better grip, last way longer and they are about half the price if you get them on sale.

Totally agree with the less moaning comment. Events are hard to organize and run and **** goes wrong. BTW there are very few places in the world where riders are spoilt for off road race choices like they are in the Western Cape. For comparison a gravel event like this would cost R3k to R4k to enter in the States based on exchange rate. If you calculate it on actual cost of living in both countries it's more like R1,600 so R590 is pretty cheap. So forget about trying to get a free entry because you had to wait on the start line and support the people that put on these events.

You’re right. The 2nd hand market has certainly slowed. A lot. That’s not my opinion but comes from the largest used bike reseller worldwide - The Pros Closet.

Are you talking about the Look MTb for sale? That’s a discontinued Lauf MTB fork not their gravel fork. Worth? Probs R7 to R8k. They ride really well on gravel but are absolutely terrible forks for actual mountain biking.

Good article Stan. Dave is such a great guy and skilled craftsman. Dave built me a gravel frame designed for a 50mm suspension fork about 4 or 5 years ago. I've built up a lot of rigid and suspension gravel frames over the last 8 years and both can be great.

I'm not a big fan of Dryland as they seem to lack imagination and stick to their predictable formula. But they are an excellent logistics company and run events very well. This race has 6 water points and is really good value IMO. They have to staff an event like this for 24hrs on race day. Let alone the lead up to the event.

That seems to be the feeling of some regulars. Why do think that is? Some of the regulars riders were missing, the introduction of teams, drafting, less vibe…?

You can fly to Scotland and back and pay for 6 nights accommodation for R12,500??

Tour Divide is just one example. Free entry but the average rider will spend R35k just for food, drink and the some nights in cheap hotels on the route. Rest of the nights are in your tent or bivy.

Ambulance, food, beds are all essential services paid for by the race organizers from the entry fees. They are not sponsored. Prize money was sponsored. Some people that don't do these events don't seem to understand that almost no one is doing it for the prize money. Dot watchers and forum members seem fixated on the money but it's pretty much irrelevant. None of the big self supported or supported ultras have prize money. Silk road, Atlas, FC, Tour Divide, RAAM, RAA, PBP, CTR....zero prize money. And yes some of the "free" events will cost you more to do than the Munga. So if you link prize money to prestige you really don't understand these types of races or the people that do them.