Karoo To Coast 2012 Training

[Brian Fantana]

The Karoo to Coast profile looks a lot more daunting than the actual route. The climbs are long but not steep at all, and once you get a good rythm the climbs are actually quite easy. There are many downhills, where you can recover before the next hill starts.

 

Althought the route is a bit boring, the event has a nice vibe, and it is a good fitness guage as the route is very similar each year.

 

This year I will play chauffeur for a few friends who helped me out with lifts at K2C a few times. Time to return the favour.

[HDW]

The Karoo to Coast profile looks a lot more daunting than the actual route. The climbs are long but not steep at all, and once you get a good rythm the climbs are actually quite easy. There are many downhills, where you can recover before the next hill starts.

 

Althought the route is a bit boring, the event has a nice vibe, and it is a good fitness guage as the route is very similar each year.

 

This year I will play chauffeur for a few friends who helped me out with lifts at K2C a few times. Time to return the favour.

 

Cool, thanks a lot for the info!

 

What kind of training would you suggest if I'm aiming at about 5:30 finishing time? How is the nutrition at the water points? Any good?

[Brian Fantana]

Cool, thanks a lot for the info!

 

What kind of training would you suggest if I'm aiming at about 5:30 finishing time? How is the nutrition at the water points? Any good?

 

Water points will have water, energade/powerade, coke and maybe some baked patatoes.

 

It is difficult to say what training to do, as it will differ for each individual. I never really prepared specifically for the event as I only used it as a training ride to guage my fitness.

[HDW]

Think I might approach it in the same way. Thanks again for the info!

[MTB_Roadie]

I done this last year for the first time in 4:56, lets first of all say that the route profile is all lies, it looks a lot easier on paper than doing the actual riding....it was hard climbing, especially the last 40km's. Also the weather was super hot which made it even harder. Training wise I would say a good preperation race is the Staalwater, as it was a tough race, just stay hydrated during the K2C, I will be back this year, a lot fitter than last year, but overall a awesome race.

 

There has been changes to the route though, sounds like it is about 5km longer but a bit less climbing.

Edited August 2, 2012 by MTB_Roadie

[chrism123]

Did a 5.30 last year. Going for a sub 5 this year. Proper long training rides start this weekend!

[Mads]

I did 7h and some minutes.

 

At least I know I am going to do better.

 

 

Touch wood.

[flymango]

serious amount of climbing!

Have a look at the Tip Trans Cederberg Xperience as training ride, less climbing but 15km's longer.

 

Hijack on. And closer to Cape Town and easier logistics!! Looking forward to the challenge. Hijack off.

[HDW]

I done this last year for the first time in 4:56, lets first of all say that the route profile is all lies, it looks a lot easier on paper than doing the actual riding....it was hard climbing, especially the last 40km's. Also the weather was super hot which made it even harder. Training wise I would say a good preperation race is the Staalwater, as it was a tough race, just stay hydrated during the K2C, I will be back this year, a lot fitter than last year, but overall a awesome race.

 

There has been changes to the route though, sounds like it is about 5km longer but a bit less climbing.

 

Thanks! Most of the finishers I've talked to agree that the race profile is an understatement of the actual race

 

I was actually thinking of doing the Staalwater if I can fit it in, so I hope it works out well

[JGR]

How does Die Berger compare to these races as a comparison or guideline on fitness compared to Staalwater and K2C? It had about 1500m of climbing?

[Brian Fantana]

Thanks! Most of the finishers I've talked to agree that the race profile is an understatement of the actual race

 

I was actually thinking of doing the Staalwater if I can fit it in, so I hope it works out well

 

That is quite strange, because in my experience the route profile looked a lot more daunting than the actual route. I guess it depends on the hills in the area your do most of your training.

[fandacious]

How does Die Berger compare to these races as a comparison or guideline on fitness compared to Staalwater and K2C? It had about 1500m of climbing?

 

burger was ~1600m of climbing in 60km, this is 1800m in 100km, so overall slightly easier i would imagine. But its also 40km longer, so bear that in mind

[petatodd]

burger was ~1600m of climbing in 60km, this is 1800m in 100km, so overall slightly easier i would imagine. But its also 40km longer, so bear that in mind

But there is no single track, all just gravel roads with long steady climbs and long fast descents. Not comparable at all to Burger MTB, more like BurgerSanlam or Argus on gravel.

Edited August 6, 2012 by petatodd

[Scott2luvit]

Doing my first K2C this year, Struggling with fluenza for the second time this season, weather not helping either, guess I should have taken up that Gym contract,

I am doing the AL 2 HEZ on the 8th, 1600m accent 92km, that should give me a decent idea of what time to expect, although at this stage I should only be riding to finish it,

[SuikerBossie]

I just got a late entry so I'm also in ! Just need to sort out accomodation *&**&^%!

[JGR]

I just got a late entry so I'm also in ! Just need to sort out accomodation *&**&^%!

I bought 2 x tents from a hubber who had three so he might have one left. Let me know and ill dig up his details