Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve - Gauteng

[Shangri la]

Hey, what sort of gearing on a road bike would the mid pack rider need for SBR.

 

I have a compact 50/34 with a 11/25 at the back. I suspect that this should be enough. Would hate to run out of legs halfway through the loop.

Hey, what sort of gearing on a road bike would the mid pack rider need for SBR.

 

I have a compact 50/34 with a 11/25 at the back. I suspect that this should be enough. Would hate to run out of legs halfway through the loop.

 

Your gearing is fine!

[Baaisikilist]

Hey, what sort of gearing on a road bike would the mid pack rider need for SBR.

 

I have a compact 50/34 with a 11/25 at the back. I suspect that this should be enough. Would hate to run out of legs halfway through the loop.

 

Yeah that's fine. I've ridden a non compact 53/39 with an 11/23 and survived.

 

The only hiking trails open are the day trails. Think max is a 14 or 16km. The overnight huts and trails have been closed for some time.

 

To my knowledge there aren't any MTB trails, so if you saw MTBaaisikilists off the tar they were probably riding 'illegaly'...

[Blue Monster]

Hi all,

Out of interest, where do you park at SBR. I have never been there, but want to go through on Sunday, net weekend?

Is the route well marked?

anything else to know about SBR for the first time?

Cheers

[scotty]

Enter on the R550 side, park at the main building, route is one way round the reserve. Ride from the parking over the grid then left up a short but $%$££ steep climb, left at the top and follow the road.

 

Total 1 lap is around 58km. Note - you go past that short climb but don't ride down it as it a 1 way only up.

[Blue Monster]

Thanks Scotty

[Henley 1]

Just an update:

I ride (alone mostly) 2 to 3 times a week. Since I am retired I wait till middle of the day for warmer weather. One loop of 58km takes me about 2:30 to 2:40. I sometimes add another short loop (northern end) of 10km, or do the same 58 again.

Max inclines are 10%, with few 12% over short distances. My bike has 39 up front and 28 at the back, but I can also do it easily in second gear which is 24. MTB with hard tyres is the best option for nice gearing of course. Descents are dangerous with animals not respecting rights of way so I go slow on the downs

I always follow up my rides with a short run up the first hill and back.

PM me if you want to join

[Quick Peddler]

I do not think it is a good idea to ride the Suikerbosrand route alone. It may be safe but my concerns are about a fall or other health problems or even mechanical problems. Cellphone signal is weak to non-existent so should you develop a serious problem no one is going to come to your rescue and the car might be far away. Just consider this. It remains a lovely route though.

[Madmac]

Will certainly look into doing this 2 X 17km laps with good climbs could be a good training ride.

Marc, i got a nice training ride for you off Kloof road, Bedfordview. 5km which includes mountains, technical climbing, descending and heart thumping riding. Ride that a couple of times and you could become the best master!

[Shangri la]

Madmac, are you prepared to share - sounds just what I am looking for coming from Benoni

[Richard29]

I do not think it is a good idea to ride the Suikerbosrand route alone. It may be safe but my concerns are about a fall or other health problems or even mechanical problems. Cellphone signal is weak to non-existent so should you develop a serious problem no one is going to come to your rescue and the car might be far away. Just consider this. It remains a lovely route though.

 

 

you sir are talking the truth, 1 day in my humble wisdom decide to go have a quick afternoon lap by myself, 22km into the loop i hear my back tyre pop, no problem i say i packed my spare tube, i stop , start unpacking my goods, ummm no spare tube....i forgot it in the car... my heart sank, so i reckon dont panic, lets make some phone calls, that was a disaster, no signal, and when i did get signal i lost it again moments later, but finally got hold of some one to come assist, that was an interesting monumental f%&* up, ive ridden there time after time, you become so complacent and you think "it will never happent to me" i now carry 2 tubes, bombs, levers, patch kit. but still doesnt minimize the danger of possibly falling when taking those descents, if one had to have a major fall, it could be some time before some one passes, and if they see you.

 

but this is by far a awesome place to ride , best hill training id say

[DirtyFrank]

you sir are talking the truth, 1 day in my humble wisdom decide to go have a quick afternoon lap by myself, 22km into the loop i hear my back tyre pop, no problem i say i packed my spare tube, i stop , start unpacking my goods, ummm no spare tube....i forgot it in the car... my heart sank, so i reckon dont panic, lets make some phone calls, that was a disaster, no signal, and when i did get signal i lost it again moments later, but finally got hold of some one to come assist, that was an interesting monumental f%&* up, ive ridden there time after time, you become so complacent and you think "it will never happent to me" i now carry 2 tubes, bombs, levers, patch kit. but still doesnt minimize the danger of possibly falling when taking those descents, if one had to have a major fall, it could be some time before some one passes, and if they see you.

 

but this is by far a awesome place to ride , best hill training id say

 

100% I have assisted quiet a few pushers and have twice ridden past some very nasty liedowns( broken collar bone / arm ) and have also been caught in the mother of all thunder storms underneath the power lines where I did feel rather `vulnerable` with nothing but a double condom width of rubber and a virtual lightning conductor stuck between my legs, so if you can, ride with company or in the very least ride prepared because the walk/crawl back to any form of help can be a loooooong way, especially during the week, week-ends are better because there are more cyclists to lend a hand. It is a lovely place, best place to cycle in relative peace and train some hills in Gauteng. Worth taking the braai along for an after ride steakroll too. If it were any closer to Joburg it would be the perfect roadie spot but that would also spoil the tranquility one can experience there.

[Speed Racer]

It's HTFU day for me at SBR tomorrow. Any Hubbers heading out?

[fabs]

Just an update:

I ride (alone mostly) 2 to 3 times a week. Since I am retired I wait till middle of the day for warmer weather. One loop of 58km takes me about 2:30 to 2:40. I sometimes add another short loop (northern end) of 10km, or do the same 58 again.

Max inclines are 10%, with few 12% over short distances. My bike has 39 up front and 28 at the back, but I can also do it easily in second gear which is 24. MTB with hard tyres is the best option for nice gearing of course. Descents are dangerous with animals not respecting rights of way so I go slow on the downs

I always follow up my rides with a short run up the first hill and back.

PM me if you want to join

 

I would love to try this route out. I love uphills, and have a compact setup, not as compact as yours though.

Only available on the weekends though as i'm still slaving away during the day

Edited August 22, 2013 by fabs

[Wonder Woman]

I would love to try this route out. I love uphills, and have a compact setup, not as compact as yours though.

Only available on the weekends though as i'm still slaving away during the day

 

You will fall in love the first time you meet it

[Bateleur1]

You will fall in love the first time you meet it

 

Snapshot has been begging me for years to join her on a training ride there before. I always have a problem as it is far from us. I think this year just before the 94.7 I must do two laps there in preparation.

[Bateleur1]

Are there facilities to keep your non-cycling family members entertained there?