JohanLotter

I didn't do it last year but I did do it this year and on a hardtail. The only real technical part I can remember was after the Cliffhanger through the trees. My hands somehow survived it but the descent was quite long. I was one of those wishing it to end until the climb started again. The rest was mostly smooth single tracks or jeep tracks and most of them was going up.

Nope, this is the Postberg area. The 2 activities are from Postberg residents. You can basically ride anything before the blue line.

You are allowed to cycle on the tar roads and mtb routes but not allowed to go into the Postberg area which is only open to public during flower season.

Louvain Guest Farm have a few mtb singletracks but a month ago they weren't maintained at all. Wouldn't recommend these singletracks. The ox wagon trail is your best bet on the farm. Just watch out if you want to go down the other side of the mountain via Bergplaas. The road down is rocky and technical with no cellphone signal for emergencies.

The part between the Theewaterskloof Dam and Viljoens Pass is a hiking trail as far as I know. Here is more realistic route altough I do not know the route from Viljoens Pass to Han se Kop well: https://www.strava.com/routes/2939519109304482104 Feel free to message me if you have any questions about the Banhoek/Boschendal/Plaiser or Berg River dam trails.

I have a dropper on my 2016 Alu Anthem. Cable is routed through the down tube and exits just before the BB at the bottom and goes externally around the BB where it enters the seat tube again.

Think they are closed at the moment. They removed the mtb website so can't see what's going on. Last when I check they scheduled to close on 1 Jan for maintenance.

The Matoppie Loop and bottom Matoppie single track is in it's best condition at the moment as well as Snake Alley. Don't bother with the other trails which are overgrown and eroded. You can park at the gate where there is a map and snapscan barcode I believe. Have never felt unsafe parking or riding there.

Not sure if this is the correct model and if they still have stock, but the price is very close to 4000. https://www.specialized.com/za/en/power-cranks-shimano-ultegra-upgrade-kit/p/157392?color=234674-157392&searchText=48118-2402

I ordered one via email from Specialized Stellenbosch today. They will keep it for me until after lockdown at the sale's price.

Only saw the Ultegra and 105 on sale on Specialized's website.

Anyone who have used the Specialized power meter? Seems like it is based on 4iiii one and currently on sale for R4500 for Ultegra and R3500 for 105.

Will there be a fantasy league this year?

Maybe try Zwift, but I can't comment whether it feels the same.

"PORCUPINE MOUNTAIN BIKE CHALLENGE. It never rains but... We are hugely grateful for the fantastic winter rains that broke the horrific Western Cape drought. However the downfalls played havoc with our much loved Franschhoek Trails, leaving us with a mountain (or at least a chunk of it) to move in order to make these trails rideable and more importantly safe for an event such as the PORCUPINE LIONS MTB. As a self funded organization large scale trail rebuilds such as these require a level of funds we simply do not have. It is with great regret that we have to postpone the 2020 event particularly since the Franschhoek Lions greatly depend on the injection of funds that this event brings us. We are actively working on funding and welcome all donations to ensure we restore these trails as soon as possible. Watch this space!" From their Facebook community page.