FNB Desert Dash 24hr 369km - Namibia 2013

[Helpmytrap]

A view from the front……….

 

One of the toughest races I’ve done in a long time….with a belting headwind right from the start I knew we were in for a long day. Do not get fooled by the race profile, one big climb in the beginning and that’s it – fat chance!

 

Stage 1 was obviously up Kupferberg Pass , windy and hot, but started at the back and set my own pace – Helpmytrap it’s always a gamble, go out in the front and hang on, or start at the back and you’re forced to find your own pace (or hunt those in front of you!)

 

Stage 2 would on a nice windless day be a great ride, but with the headwind (which in my opinion was stronger than last year), it became a battle just trying to keep momentum. Caught up with the solo front runners one by one, and eventually had a group of 5 solo riders out front (that’s the negative side of starting at the back, you going to drag the filed with you as you pass, but totally worth the company).

 

The water table at 100km, end of stage 2, is a welcome site, big hats off to the organisers, cannot praise them enough for a well-organized race with great water tables throughout the entire race.

 

After a short 5 minute break, re-lubing of the chain off we went again.

Stage 3 is a killer, especially when you have 100km in your legs already. Undulating, corrugated and thick river sand at the river crossings, anyone getting to the end of this stage with a sense of humour, hats off to you. By the time we reached the end of Stage 3, all solo riders were looking for their support vehicles, and probably a healthy dose of encouragement to continue.

 

At the start of Stage 4, landed up on my own again, had a look at the sign out table and saw all the solo leaders had left already. Damn, some hard work ahead. Stage 4 is “flat”, so managed to catch up with the guys up ahead and once gain form a small group. This stage suits the power riders with high FTP’s, so upped the pace and tried to apply a little hurt (as much as one can at this stage). Slowly but surely the group started whittling down. The jeep track leading into checkpoint 4, thick sand and rutted as hell, has got to be one of the hardest sections of the race. This was where the rest of the lead group split.

 

Stage 5 started all alone into the mist and saw blinking lights ahead, put the head down and used that as the “rabbit”, eventually caught them at the infamous pipeline, 2 riders in the 2 man event looking for a podium place. Going back onto the mine roads was a killer, the ruts were unbearable, so you just land up surviving at this point (still have limited feeling in my hands almost a week later).

 

Stage 6, for me is the highlight, through the moon landscape, makes the ride absolutely worth it, just a pity we only get to see half of it as the sun hasn’t risen yet (yes I know, ride slower!). Those last couple of climbs through there saps everything you have left to give, leaving you to suffer on the way into Swakopmund.

 

Finished in 16h02, wanted to go under 16h (makes me question starting at the back of the field!). Asked afterwards if I’m coming back – NO, never again, today, almost a week later – yes, maybe, definitely.

 

This race is brutal; don’t be fooled by the route profile thinking it’s a light pedal down to the coast.

 

Helpmytrap, well done, you were incredibly strong out there, for your first Dash it’s a brilliant achievement!

Congrats meneer, you were an absolute machine out there! Maybe one day when I am big I'll be able to ride like you did.

 

And thank you, I really appreciate it. And thanks for the tow on Stage 2 especially, there was a point where I was going to come past and help in front but as soon as I came out of your slip I was nearly blown backwards. Your win was well deserved.

[Helpmytrap]

Hi

 

I am not Mailot Jaune, One day when i grow up I hope to be able to race like Christo.

Just know him from Bloem

 

Thanks

Paul

Ahh, I didn't realise that Mailot Jaune was a guy on the hub. Thought it was you stating your name (as I didn't know the name of the guys I rode with.)

[sias]

Byron - very well done! I see you missed out on the 15 hours you set as target, but now you know what you're in for next time! I recall mentioning not going too hard in the first 2 stages...

Dion and Byron - you would have ridden with a friend of mine - Dana Schutte. He was rider 1019 on a black Felt Hardtail, tall guy and would have had a racing cap under his helmet. He came in with Byron and Christo in 17:20:39. He got lost at checkpoint 5 after missing the turn out of the river and rode for 6km before realising he was the only one going down the river!

Chris Lotter - ek dink ons was saam by die laaste waterpunt waar ons van die pyplyn afgeklim het - ek het ingekom saam met die ou met die moerse tires op sy oranje fiets.

Volgende jaar moet ons met Aidan praat dat hulle die paaie skraap, maar ek sal my Vipa bring met 2.4 bande vir die sand en sinkplaat.

O yes, I managed a "middle of the pack" 20:45...

[Helpmytrap]

Byron - very well done! I see you missed out on the 15 hours you set as target, but now you know what you're in for next time! I recall mentioning not going too hard in the first 2 stages...

Dion and Byron - you would have ridden with a friend of mine - Dana Schutte. He was rider 1019 on a black Felt Hardtail, tall guy and would have had a racing cap under his helmet. He came in with Byron and Christo in 17:20:39. He got lost at checkpoint 5 after missing the turn out of the river and rode for 6km before realising he was the only one going down the river!

Chris Lotter - ek dink ons was saam by die laaste waterpunt waar ons van die pyplyn afgeklim het - ek het ingekom saam met die ou met die moerse tires op sy oranje fiets.

Volgende jaar moet ons met Aidan praat dat hulle die paaie skraap, maar ek sal my Vipa bring met 2.4 bande vir die sand en sinkplaat.

O yes, I managed a "middle of the pack" 20:45...

Thank you. Although I did keep it sedated on stage 1, it was stage 2 that caused all the damage. But I agree, I'll be better prepared next year. And congrats on your performance.

Eish, Dana and I nearly hit the deck hard going down US pas on stage 2 after our bars touched coming out of one of the bends. It is a shame that he turned wrong though.

 

As for that 15 hour goal, it was only slightly ambitious.

However I did change my goals before the race, I told myself that I'd be happy with about 17 hours.

[rufus]

Final results of the Dash.

4man.pdf

solo.pdf

2man.pdf

[Warthog whisperer]

Byron - very well done! I see you missed out on the 15 hours you set as target, but now you know what you're in for next time! I recall mentioning not going too hard in the first 2 stages...

Dion and Byron - you would have ridden with a friend of mine - Dana Schutte. He was rider 1019 on a black Felt Hardtail, tall guy and would have had a racing cap under his helmet. He came in with Byron and Christo in 17:20:39. He got lost at checkpoint 5 after missing the turn out of the river and rode for 6km before realising he was the only one going down the river!

Chris Lotter - ek dink ons was saam by die laaste waterpunt waar ons van die pyplyn afgeklim het - ek het ingekom saam met die ou met die moerse tires op sy oranje fiets.

Volgende jaar moet ons met Aidan praat dat hulle die paaie skraap, maar ek sal my Vipa bring met 2.4 bande vir die sand en sinkplaat.

O yes, I managed a "middle of the pack" 20:45...

 

Jip , ons was saam daar!!

 

Well done toe all the winners, seconds and every one that made the dash!!

About the Desert Dash, I believe every one that have a full time job, and still do the Dash solo and made it to the end is seriaaas winners!! Wello done !!!!!

[Warthog whisperer]

A view from the front……….

 

One of the toughest races I’ve done in a long time….with a belting headwind right from the start I knew we were in for a long day. Do not get fooled by the race profile, one big climb in the beginning and that’s it – fat chance!

 

Stage 1 was obviously up Kupferberg Pass , windy and hot, but started at the back and set my own pace – Helpmytrap it’s always a gamble, go out in the front and hang on, or start at the back and you’re forced to find your own pace (or hunt those in front of you!)

 

Stage 2 would on a nice windless day be a great ride, but with the headwind (which in my opinion was stronger than last year), it became a battle just trying to keep momentum. Caught up with the solo front runners one by one, and eventually had a group of 5 solo riders out front (that’s the negative side of starting at the back, you going to drag the filed with you as you pass, but totally worth the company).

 

The water table at 100km, end of stage 2, is a welcome site, big hats off to the organisers, cannot praise them enough for a well-organized race with great water tables throughout the entire race.

 

After a short 5 minute break, re-lubing of the chain off we went again.

Stage 3 is a killer, especially when you have 100km in your legs already. Undulating, corrugated and thick river sand at the river crossings, anyone getting to the end of this stage with a sense of humour, hats off to you. By the time we reached the end of Stage 3, all solo riders were looking for their support vehicles, and probably a healthy dose of encouragement to continue.

 

At the start of Stage 4, landed up on my own again, had a look at the sign out table and saw all the solo leaders had left already. Damn, some hard work ahead. Stage 4 is “flat”, so managed to catch up with the guys up ahead and once gain form a small group. This stage suits the power riders with high FTP’s, so upped the pace and tried to apply a little hurt (as much as one can at this stage). Slowly but surely the group started whittling down. The jeep track leading into checkpoint 4, thick sand and rutted as hell, has got to be one of the hardest sections of the race. This was where the rest of the lead group split.

 

Stage 5 started all alone into the mist and saw blinking lights ahead, put the head down and used that as the “rabbit”, eventually caught them at the infamous pipeline, 2 riders in the 2 man event looking for a podium place. Going back onto the mine roads was a killer, the ruts were unbearable, so you just land up surviving at this point (still have limited feeling in my hands almost a week later).

 

Stage 6, for me is the highlight, through the moon landscape, makes the ride absolutely worth it, just a pity we only get to see half of it as the sun hasn’t risen yet (yes I know, ride slower!). Those last couple of climbs through there saps everything you have left to give, leaving you to suffer on the way into Swakopmund.

 

Finished in 16h02, wanted to go under 16h (makes me question starting at the back of the field!). Asked afterwards if I’m coming back – NO, never again, today, almost a week later – yes, maybe, definitely.

 

This race is brutal; don’t be fooled by the route profile thinking it’s a light pedal down to the coast.

 

Helpmytrap, well done, you were incredibly strong out there, for your first Dash it’s a brilliant achievement!

Well done on a great race!!

[Slowbee]

well done guys. Sias, you still at it ! The bug must really have you.

 

with so many rides to do one has to choose carefully how many you can enter. This year it is the TransB and TransKaroo for me.

 

But back to the dash, well done all you guys! Just a finish is impressive !

[DikBuffalo]

Byron - very well done! I see you missed out on the 15 hours you set as target, but now you know what you're in for next time! I recall mentioning not going too hard in the first 2 stages...

Dion and Byron - you would have ridden with a friend of mine - Dana Schutte. He was rider 1019 on a black Felt Hardtail, tall guy and would have had a racing cap under his helmet. He came in with Byron and Christo in 17:20:39. He got lost at checkpoint 5 after missing the turn out of the river and rode for 6km before realising he was the only one going down the river!

Chris Lotter - ek dink ons was saam by die laaste waterpunt waar ons van die pyplyn afgeklim het - ek het ingekom saam met die ou met die moerse tires op sy oranje fiets.

Volgende jaar moet ons met Aidan praat dat hulle die paaie skraap, maar ek sal my Vipa bring met 2.4 bande vir die sand en sinkplaat.

O yes, I managed a "middle of the pack" 20:45...

 

Sias, I actually met Dana the day after on Swakopmund beach. He told me about his missed turn. A real pity, I was expecting to see him on the podium.

[maddox]

How does this compare to trans baviaans? Obviously longer, and hotter but what else?

[sias]

I was expecting to see him on the podium.

 

According to our calculations he would have been 2nd. But that's the way it goes...

 

Maddox - this is much, much tougher than TB. It doesn't need anything else than the "longer and hotter". I can highly recommend it for a total mental and physical challenge you will not soon forget!