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Posted

Four of us have entered solo yesterday, and need some advice on what training to do in the three remaining months. I have a few 50k's under the belt, but not a single hundred as yet. Ouberg seems a daunting prospect at the moment - any advice from Trans Baviaaners or others?

Posted

I am no pro, but this is how we train for TB.

 

We do about 30 daily and then longer rides over weekends... If you are in Gauteng then hit Suikerbosrand for some good climbing although it is on tar... We also do from Schoemanskloof to Lydenburg in Mpumalanga... Some 2350m ascents over 100km. Great training... Also do long distances on bad dirt roads to get used to the surface and get some distance in your legs...

 

Try to find a balance between climbing and distance and to increase both on every weekend ride...

 

Pace yourself well during the race :)

Posted

I was very keen to ride the Trans Karoo until i realised that its the Karoo with little to no cover (trees) and very hot or very cold so i changed my mind :w00t:

Posted

Not entered yet, but thinking of maybe doing it. I'm doing the training program from the Trans Baviaans website. Don't think I'll be fit enough, but I'm gonna try. Anyway, don't count the km's you are doing - count the hours in the saddle!! Good luck!

Posted

Not entered yet, but thinking of maybe doing it. I'm doing the training program from the Trans Baviaans website. Don't think I'll be fit enough, but I'm gonna try. Anyway, don't count the km's you are doing - count the hours in the saddle!! Good luck!

 

Just had a look at that training program, even tried mailing the owner as I have a few questions:

 

Firstly, what to do you mean by cross training? Push-Ups, SIt-Ups & Running/Swimming?

 

Secondly, when you say 1h10 @ zone 2, can this be done on an Indoor Trainer?

 

Lastly, you set specific targets for weekend rides - can this be

increased as most of us typically have more time on weekends to ride?

Posted

I am no pro, but this is how we train for TB.

 

We do about 30 daily and then longer rides over weekends... If you are in Gauteng then hit Suikerbosrand for some good climbing although it is on tar... We also do from Schoemanskloof to Lydenburg in Mpumalanga... Some 2350m ascents over 100km. Great training... Also do long distances on bad dirt roads to get used to the surface and get some distance in your legs...

 

Try to find a balance between climbing and distance and to increase both on every weekend ride...

 

Pace yourself well during the race :)

The average pace is set at 14km/h.............I have learnt at a very early stage how important keeping your own pace is. I can probably work on an 1h30 riding in the mornings, with weekends about 2-4 hours Saturday/Sunday. I think that should do it.

Posted

Just had a look at that training program, even tried mailing the owner as I have a few questions:

 

Firstly, what to do you mean by cross training? Push-Ups, SIt-Ups & Running/Swimming?

 

Secondly, when you say 1h10 @ zone 2, can this be done on an Indoor Trainer?

 

Lastly, you set specific targets for weekend rides - can this be

increased as most of us typically have more time on weekends to ride?

About the cross training - yes, I think its lik push ups; running etc. I usually do a short run (not really a runner) and then I do my own "circuit" - arms; stomach; legs; bum etc...

About the indoor trainer - I'm not sure - as I said, its hours in the saddle, so I think indoor trainer will be fine, but not every day.

When I see that I can train some more hours "today", then I usually do it and cut back on the other days if you know what I mean. You must plan your week in advance - it make it a lot easier and you stay committed.

Now I sounds like I know very much - its just my opinion.

Posted

The average pace is set at 14km/h.............I have learnt at a very early stage how important keeping your own pace is. I can probably work on an 1h30 riding in the mornings, with weekends about 2-4 hours Saturday/Sunday. I think that should do it.

The average at 14km/h - is that with or without the "stops" at the checkpoints, (total riding time)

Posted

Think about it, think on should target to do it in 8 - 9 hours, so will have to be very carefull not to start to hard, best training is time in the saddle, not coffee rides but good solid long rides, if on your road bike try to do 150 to 180 km at average speed of 29 - 31 kph if riding on your own or 32 - 34 if riding in a group, remeber training is not socializing and social riding should not be considered training either

  • 1 month later...
  • 2 weeks later...
Posted (edited)

I'm entering solo on hardtail. Who else is doing solo?

 

Ditto !

 

My solo entry has just been made, not sure yet about 26 DS or Niner HT yet.

 

Neither seems perfect but they apparently won't allow a GS 650 Dakar even if I point out that 650 B seems to be the new 29". .............

 

 

 

Have done many road tours with multiple 200km+ days so hopefully will manage this one !!

 

I have not done more than 120km in a day, so I'm entering seriously uncharted waters.

 

I plan to go slow and steady, eating as much as I can and trying to stay aerobic all the way.

 

 

.

Edited by eddy
Posted

I think you are on the right track.. I have found from all my long distance cycling that regular eating &gentle pacing are the recipe for successful long distance cycling. Good company along the way is also a huge plus!!

 

I would however advise of a few longish rides on your mtb. I did 143km ride on Sat on my mtb &I'm going to do 2 more 140-150km rides on my mtb before TK. I live 7km from entrance to Kareekloof in Suikerbosrand area so may also go train there.

 

My biggest fear is not the distance but technical problems with the bike!

 

Anyways I really believe its going to be an awesome &special event for all of us competing..something that we going to remember &cherish for the rest of our lives!

 

I look forward to sharing the dirt roads of the Karoo with all of you that have entered :)

Posted

Good company along the way is also a huge plus!

 

Yes, I'm sure you are right. I still occasionally bump into someone I met on the Harrison Flats about 25 years ago heading for 'Marizburg. (incidentally the last time I spent +9hrs on the road). Each time we see each other we stop and have a chat. Last time was at the airport, and we ended up having a cup of coffee although I am not sure either of us knows the others name !

 

I hope to meet up with some slow riders for at least some of the ride otherwise it could get a bit lonely.

 

 

 

I live 7km from entrance to Kareekloof in Suikerbosrand area so may also go train there.

 

 

SBR in Gauteng, or is there one near Nottingham Road as your profile shows?

 

If you are up in the big smoke, maybe we could meet up for a circuit of the reserve closer to the time. It is my favourite weekend ride even though not my most regular.

 

 

.

Posted

Hey Eddy, I live in a place called Mount West..about 25km from Nottingham Road. Its in the mountains with only gravel roads...perfect mtb terrain! I have been staying on one of our farms here near SBR in Gauteng for a few months helping at our head office. I'm going back after Easter weekend.

 

I've also run 11 Comrades..fortunately only one over 9 hrs! But I've shared the road for hours with so many people that as you said..you don't even know their names!

 

Email me at dave@rpbfarms.co.za, maybe we can hook up for a lap around SBR. &to all the others doing TK, come &join us!

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