Just did my First U This weekend. WOW WOW WOW Trails: I'm not kidding when I say this, these are the best trails we have in SA, they are incredible. The route and topgraphy was mind blowing. Nice rough technical trails that had it all. I will never forget these trails it was a privilege to be healthy and able to ride trails like this. Proper MTb that makes it hard to do other races as these trails are so superior 10/10 for route. Race Village: Incredible location, comfortable tents, lots of chill area and a stunning setting. Also I must add the staff that manned the toilets, the bike wash, the tents and the village were brilliant. Always smiling, everything was cleaned, the place ran like clockwork. 10/10 for Village and staff The organisers had a tough call to make as winds were hectic on day 1, but they pulled through and a special mention for Rikus for the best pre-race briefing I've ever heard. Organisation 10/10 Here is the only BUT. The food! The food was very disappointing. After spending 5 hrs and climbed 1650m of brutal track one needs to eat and replenish. The food served was basically just broccoli salads, couscous salads and not much else. No meat dishes, no pasta, nothing with substance. Dinner was even worse. We got tiny portion sizes. Although the kitchen did their best the choice of food was wrong. We needed more variety and more substance, hard to do a stage race on rabbit food. Not asking of fancy food just more variety and more substantial meals. My only gripe I have about the event was the food. Food 3/10 In summary, THE U is simply the best race I've ever ridden, it is head and shoulders above any other stage race. Yes, it's expensive and exclusive but worth it. Only gripe was catering. Well done to all involved for providing a wonderful experience.
