HappyMartin Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 I would love to have a go at this. Perhaps next year. But I'm getting a bit long in the tooth perhaps.
GaryvdM Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 I would love to have a go at this. Perhaps next year. But I'm getting a bit long in the tooth perhaps.Tin van Coller finished last year. He was 63. In many ways, this is a mind game more than it is a physical game.
HappyMartin Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 Tin van Coller finished last year. He was 63. In many ways, this is a mind game more than it is a physical game.I just got permission. I am going to have a go. Next year I will be 55. Now for a bike. Last time I toured I used a rigid Cannondale. Perhaps this time a hard tail with a rack.
GaryvdM Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 Would be interesting to hear a summary of your training for such an event? For me, my training is not that much different to say training to get a good time at 94.7. But training is only 1 small part of ones preparation. Chris White (a TCR finisher) is putting together an "unofficial advice page". http://www.murray-white.net/ultra/ There is a section on training, but I'm sure you will find the entire thing an interesting read.
GaryvdM Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 Now for a bike. Last time I toured I used a rigid Cannondale. Perhaps this time a hard tail with a rack. Awsome!!!! Now for a bike. Last time I toured I used a rigid Cannondale. Perhaps this time a hard tail with a rack. Keeping the weight down is very important. My baggage only weighed around 4kg at the start (less once I'd eaten the food in it), and the more experienced riders were telling me it was still too heavy. Once the weight of the contents of the bags comes down, so should the weight of the bags. A rack will add too much weight.
Dusty Posted October 8, 2015 Posted October 8, 2015 Massive Adventures who organise Trans Afrika have some awesome events lined up for next year. Check out there website. All the details are there already for 2016. Great events to push your personal boundaries. I did 2 of them this year and they are well organised and professionally run.
_freak_ Posted October 8, 2015 Posted October 8, 2015 Awsome!!!! Keeping the weight down is very important. My baggage only weighed around 4kg at the start (less once I'd eaten the food in it), and the more experienced riders were telling me it was still too heavy. Once the weight of the contents of the bags comes down, so should the weight of the bags. A rack will add too much weight.I rode a part of the Trans Afrika laste year, take it from me, FORGET about using a rack, that just gives you an excuse to take along too many stuff..., had to give it a skip this year with changing jobs and all that, BUT2016 ill be there again!
Fat Boab Posted October 8, 2015 Posted October 8, 2015 Chapeau Gary - much respect. Turning up at the start line, in my eyes, would be a massive mountain, physical and mental, already climbed. As you seem to be suggesting, take the positives and come back next year - a little wiser, a little smarter.
Moriarty Posted October 9, 2015 Posted October 9, 2015 Man, I'm very sad that I'm out. But I really enjoyed what I road, and I've sure learnt a lot. I'm sure I will be back next year (with the right passport, and 36 spoke wheels) for redemption.My 2 cents worth is that it's stronger rims and slightly bigger tyres that you need. It might be worth your while to investigate putting cyclocross type tyres on tubular rims. It must have been very disappointing for you when the border guys turned you back, after going so well, I can only begin to imagine your feeling on riding back down. I personally think your race strategy was very well thought out, if you had survived Swaziland I think you would have given Steffan a good run for his money, so don't be discouraged!! Next year is waiting!
GaryvdM Posted October 9, 2015 Posted October 9, 2015 My 2 cents worth is that it's stronger rims and slightly bigger tyres that you need. It might be worth your while to investigate putting cyclocross type tyres on tubular rims. It must have been very disappointing for you when the border guys turned you back, after going so well, I can only begin to imagine your feeling on riding back down. I personally think your race strategy was very well thought out, if you had survived Swaziland I think you would have given Steffan a good run for his money, so don't be discouraged!! Next year is waiting! Nah, I don't think I could have gotten even close to Steffan. That oak is a machine! I do think I would have been giving Collin and Andrew a run for the money though. Yes, I definitely will have a wider tire next year (which means a different frame), and also lower gearing too. And you? Will you be back next year for revenge on the beast?
cat-i Posted October 9, 2015 Posted October 9, 2015 Gary how did you cope with that heat of the first 2 days?
GaryvdM Posted October 9, 2015 Posted October 9, 2015 Gary how did you cope with that heat of the first 2 days? Lol, I suffered. I had 3x700ml bottles on the bike, and often carried extra in my back pockets. And refilled them at every opportunity. I was putting Rehydrate in to everything I drank. On the 2nd day, I drank about 16 liters in total. But even if you make sure you are hydrated, the heat still slows you down.
Moriarty Posted October 9, 2015 Posted October 9, 2015 Nah, I don't think I could have gotten even close to Steffan. That oak is a machine! I do think I would have been giving Collin and Andrew a run for the money though. Yes, I definitely will have a wider tire next year (which means a different frame), and also lower gearing too. And you? Will you be back next year for revenge on the beast?Planning my preparation already!
GaryvdM Posted October 9, 2015 Posted October 9, 2015 We had endless issues with Nevarest Nevarwork so they given the remaining riders dedicated tracking units and trackmybike so can see the remaining riders here: http://trackmybike.co.za/index.php/live-track?so=1&in=300&ti=43&sd=2015-10-07%2005:00:00&ed=2015-11-20%2008:00:00 Steffan is giving us locals a big lesson!!!
_freak_ Posted October 12, 2015 Posted October 12, 2015 Steffan is going through Robertson as we speak... if i was him, this would be the home streach...
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