Paarl-Rotary-Backsberg MTB Challenge

[Dubber]

Are only PPA members names on the results list? If so why did I pay the extra R20 for my entry? My chip definitely went "peep"

 

 

Oh & well done to the dipshit wearing black ASG kit talking on his phone while entering one of the last single tracks & then basically crashed on to me... Idiot!!

 

Yep - that's how it is. I've been caught by this before. They even made me purchase a RaceTec chip before the race - then afterwards they tell me it was just for safety so they can track the riders.

I think they hope it encourages you to join PPA - it's just made me less interested.

 

In my opinion the PPA members are also getting outdone. They look at the results and think - 'great, I came in the top 100'. But in reality, there is a good chance there are 50 non-ppa members in front of them.

 

If PPA don't want to give the non-members times, fine. But at least publish the correct overall finishing place for PPA members .

[BrandonF_]

Yep - that's how it is. I've been caught by this before. They even made me purchase a RaceTec chip before the race - then afterwards they tell me it was just for safety so they can track the riders.

I think they hope it encourages you to join PPA - it's just made me less interested.

 

In my opinion the PPA members are also getting outdone. They look at the results and think - 'great, I came in the top 100'. But in reality, there is a good chance there are 50 non-ppa members in front of them.

 

If PPA don't want to give the non-members times, fine. But at least publish the correct overall finishing place for PPA members .

 

I agree with you, the timing method is hugely flawed. They should really consider a system used by Dirtopia, 1) Everyone must have a tag to enter, either a permanent tag or "rent" for the event, 2) That eliminates "shortcut results" showing when not passing through certain tag points. But this really just shows how much interest the PPA shows in the MTB events, they collect huge money annually from its members to just return a half-cooked effort, take it or leave it attitude. I might just aswell take my own time and measure my results accordingly, without racetec or PPA..

[Johny Bravo]

I agree with you, the timing method is hugely flawed. They should really consider a system used by Dirtopia, 1) Everyone must have a tag to enter, either a permanent tag or "rent" for the event, 2) That eliminates "shortcut results" showing when not passing through certain tag points. But this really just shows how much interest the PPA shows in the MTB events, they collect huge money annually from its members to just return a half-cooked effort, take it or leave it attitude. I might just aswell take my own time and measure my results accordingly, without racetec or PPA..

 

There are 2 reasons why I am a PPA member. We do get a nice discount on races, which is nice, but not essential. But the biggest bonus is that PPA start before the rest of the field, and if you have a nice seeding like myself you start in the first groups. No time wasting. Thats why i wil remain a member. Timing is *** though, they should post everyones results.

[Dubber]

I agree with you, the timing method is hugely flawed. They should really consider a system used by Dirtopia, 1) Everyone must have a tag to enter, either a permanent tag or "rent" for the event, 2) That eliminates "shortcut results" showing when not passing through certain tag points. But this really just shows how much interest the PPA shows in the MTB events, they collect huge money annually from its members to just return a half-cooked effort, take it or leave it attitude. I might just aswell take my own time and measure my results accordingly, without racetec or PPA..

 

:-) Agreed - and that's why I'm a Amarider member and not a PPA member. It's not that I'm a cheap a$$ and don't want to pay fees. But I don't want to pay fees for a half baked services - which seems to be the case more often than not with PPA. (To be fair, not always, but more often than not).

[Dubber]

There are 2 reasons why I am a PPA member. We do get a nice discount on races, which is nice, but not essential. But the biggest bonus is that PPA start before the rest of the field, and if you have a nice seeding like myself you start in the first groups. No time wasting. Thats why i wil remain a member. Timing is *** though, they should post everyones results.

 

Yep - seeded is a bonus!

problem is , when I was a member, it took me more than half a season to get my number - so I always started on a temp number anyway. Not sure if they've sorted that out yet?

[Johny Bravo]

Yep - seeded is a bonus!

problem is , when I was a member, it took me more than half a season to get my number - so I always started on a temp number anyway. Not sure if they've sorted that out yet?

PPA wont ever solve all of its issues, but i am fortunate to have a lovely seeding. No traffic and slower riders to pass. For R300 odd bucks a year I wont complain too much.

[ccc2]

i heard the guy that won the 30 k also came 2nd in the 45k. now work that one out.

[BrandonF_]

i heard the guy that won the 30 k also came 2nd in the 45k. now work that one out.

 

Cant see that on the results

[Johny Bravo]

i heard the guy that won the 30 k also came 2nd in the 45k. now work that one out.

Last guy did 11 hours and the second last guy over 10 hours. Good to know the PPA and race tec guys waited for them untill 8pm last night.

[BrandonF_]

Last guy did 11 hours and the second last guy over 10 hours. Good to know the PPA and race tec guys waited for them untill 8pm last night.

 

Are you seriaaas!! oh my word thats a loooong day on the bike! shame man, hope they had enough to eat!

[rpedro]

Robert Sim was the winner of the 45km.

[BrandonF_]

Robert Sim was the winner of the 45km.

 

Hows that consistency, Mr Sim did 2:26 last year and 2:26 this year

[Gideondv]

Yea it sucks to start at the back! Caught the two groups before us pretty soon.

But the least PPA can do is put my time up for the extra R20 I paid. Anyways...

[Rydogg]

Hows that consistency, Mr Sim did 2:26 last year and 2:26 this year

 

So the first 9 guys got disqualified? That means I came 10th LOL

[BrandonF_]

 

 

So the first 9 guys got disqualified? That means I came 10th LOL

 

Haha,..ok I'll take 8th then! What did we win what did we win!

[flymango]

Speaking to some of my mates after the 45 km race and reading some of the comments here, seems it is a tale of two races. The 30 km route was one of the best I've done in a long time. A truely beautiful setting with a great climb before the 45 km race split. I thought the route layout and pre-entry system both hit the sweet spot. And the floating bridge at the finish was a nice touch, not to mention the glass of Neil Joubert champers at the last water point. Overall I'd give it 9.5/10. But clearly the extra climbing and distance for the 45 km had little reward as most (if not all) couldn't ride down the steep and muddy descent from the top. I don't take part in events to race, so the whole Racetec/PPA debate is a bit lost on me, but there are some valid comments. I'll definately be back for the 30 km.