But I didn’t DNF? Just kidding Myles... Yeah so I did my first W2W this week. What an awesome experience and I will definitely be back. I haven’t done a stage race in a few years now and the last one I did was the Knysna 200 where you stayed In Your own accommodation and there was a small race village. So experiencing a race village this size was a first and really enjoyed it. Registration was really well organized and Lourensford is beautiful. Day1 was a real toughie. I was well prepped for that first climb and took it really easy. I thought the first 20km was really beautiful with some really great views. The next 30 was moer tough with the temperatures rising and the climbs getting steeper. Mentally I was well prepped for the portage so I wasn’t to fussed about it. It was really scenic and enjoyed the historic site as well. Being slightly taller I found it quite easy to push the bike up there. Views were from up top there were breath taking. The next bit of single track though after the portage was really kaaaak (imho). Rocky and couldn’t really get going. From there on in it was a tough going for myself and partner but managed to limp in with a 6:10. I was also a little upset as the organizers mentioned day 1 would be shortened to 64km but ended up being 67km. Last 3km were dreadful. I also felt the organizers should of shortened the route due to the extreme heat conditions as they were at serious risk at having many health issues out there. Apparently it was the biggest fall out rate they had ever had on W2W Day 2 was really awesome but found it to be just as tough as day1 with the heat. Vissies Magic was my absolute highlight of the whole ride. Most stunning piece of single track I have ever ridden and it really stood out for me. I also enjoyed the “Sounds of silence” piece (ended up buying 7 bottles of the wine as well ????). The climbs also got a bit hectic up against the mountains with the heat rising again. Just before “poffadder” started we decided to join many others for a goof in the dam. This was also a highlight for me as I found the vibe there fantastic with many relieves riders enjoy the cool off. From there on myself and my partner limped back to the finish with another 6 hour ride. I thought the play park or whatever was slightly over rated. 10/10 for effort but my kids could ride that section. I heard great things about it. Day 3 was bloody awesome. It had everything and we finished the last bit with some magical single track. Probably the longest flowing smoothest single track of the whole race. I enjoyed it so much I even bought some property there with an OTB fall. Lost a bit of concentration mixed with racing to get to the finished ended up with me falling for the first time all week. It was a great day and didn’t “limp” home to get a time of 5:20. Over all the riding was phenomenal. I do suggest anybody wanting to do this race to brush up on their technical skills. On day 1 mainly there was a lot of waiting on the single track, and while you waiting you think there must be a very technical obstical in the way but however when you get there it’s a small rock or a tiny drop off less than the height of one step. It was slightly frustrating and when guys mentioned it on this thread earlier I thought they were being slightly arrogant however I now see what they referring to. Whilst waiting in one of these ques at one of these obstacles the one guy shouted what we waiting for now from the back and another guy replied “daar is ‘n klippie in die pad”. I burst out laughing but the sad reality is that some people were stopping for the silliest obstacles. Race village: Tents: awesome 10/10. (Had a luxury tent, thanks to my partner????) Ablutions awesome once again thanks to the luxury option Food: ya wasn’t amazing and did run out some nights but that **** doesn’t bother me. And I’m sure they will get it right again Prize givings at night: long winded Bike wash:2/10 got to my bike on day 3 and it hadn’t been washed and had another bike lying on top of it. Also don’t know if they lubed the chain up Beers: sorry CBC 2 or 3 of your beers are Lekker but not something I can drink all night. Vine in the tent was also lacking but I am sure that was due to the af *** everyone had Car transfers: 10/10. Was nice having my car move around with me and used it to store half our crap. Overall an awesome experience and will definitely be back. Loved every minute and I was pretty bummed to not go ride an awesome trail this morning.
