Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge 2014

[kosmonooit]

Hey Buddy, Distant weather predictions seem  to be in your favour. Max 25 with early morning showers expected.

 

But we all know that what they weather gods predict and what actually happen aren't always the same thing

 

 

 

Yup this time of the year it can blow hot and cold: last week Wed and Thursday it was KOOKING, this weekend I was getting chilly. Might get a bit milder once the rainy season sets in.

 

 

http://www.pcb.co.za/technobeat/images/jacaranda.jpg

[Gornilla]

Our ride yesterday was a club one, so we had a mix of all capabilities, and relevant feedback according to their experience. Given we had to stop at many intersections the continual stop/start didn't help, but at least they got to ride some of the climbs without momentum from the downhills, making it just that little bit tougher.

 

One common comment was "that was harder than I thought it would be" and "I'm glad I've seen the route today and not for the first time on race day". Psychological battle won. Parking was also mentioned (or the uncertainty of it) as we cycled on William Nicol towards Mnandi drive.

 

Obviously there aren't many of us that can comment on the Steyn City bit, but considering all the climbs are rideable in the big blade, I don't think it's going to make much (time) difference to the seasoned riders, as much as it will for the weekend warriors and of course the first timers (the perennial "only do this event are included as first timers).

 

And then there is the weather... under ideal conditions, I think the Vets racing categories will be just as quick as before, but perhaps more thinned out over the route. The regular top contenders will be there and the guys struggling to hold on over an undulating route will be dropped. Perhaps the same for the early alphabet seeded groups. For the rest, well... must just enjoy the roads closed to traffic once a year.

 

Weather conditions yesterday were ideal, a bit of a breeze, overcast, low temperatures, etc.

Entrance and exit to Steyn city have 6 gates each which will be open however they are narrow with islands separating each gate. The exit gates are on a very fast down hill it is going to be fun watching the brake lock ups as you approach. Be extremely cautious. Halfway through Steyn City is a bridge with speed humps before and after be very aware of this there are going to be a few serious offs there.

[ScottCM]

Entrance and exit to Steyn city have 6 gates each which will be open however they are narrow with islands separating each gate. The exit gates are on a very fast down hill it is going to be fun watching the brake lock ups as you approach. Be extremely cautious. Halfway through Steyn City is a bridge with speed humps before and after be very aware of this there are going to be a few serious offs there.

 

Any photo's of these hazards?

[Gornilla]

Any photo's of these hazards?

Sorry no photos, believe me drove the route yesterday.

[tombeej]

OK I know I've posted some tongue-in-cheek questions recently, but I did ask a serious one as well that seems to have got lost among the others:

 

If the road is not built in time, what do you think the organisers plan 'B' would be? They can't be sitting on their hands expecting everything to come right in time. What if it doesn't? They're not going to send 30,000 people through an unfinished construction site, surely?

 

So what do people reckon the alternative route could look like?

[Patchelicious]

Whats the ruling on doing a second lap with slower friends? (sorry if this has been covered)

[jcza]

Whats the ruling on doing a second lap with slower friends? (sorry if this has been covered)

 

Make sure you start second lap before or with last batch start.

[Honkdonk]

OK I know I've posted some tongue-in-cheek questions recently, but I did ask a serious one as well that seems to have got lost among the others:

 

If the road is not built in time, what do you think the organisers plan 'B' would be? They can't be sitting on their hands expecting everything to come right in time. What if it doesn't? They're not going to send 30,000 people through an unfinished construction site, surely?

 

So what do people reckon the alternative route could look like?

Its a very pertinent question. Its not like they have 4 lanes of smooth tar available anywhere close by unless they make use of the newly completed sections of William Nicol between the Indaba and Steyn City.

I know the race director and one of her latest status updates was about a replan and all change in the venue.. whether that's from Waterfall to Riversands or from Riversands to ??

[NotSoBigBen]

Make sure you start second lap before or with last batch start.

 

And without your timing chip?

[BigT4]

What is everyone's view for the race on what crank to use.....I changed my compact crank 50/34 to a 52/39 and I seem to enjoy it a lot better and been training with the crank for the last 3 months.......on super cycling they suggested using a smaller crank........what would you guys think is best for the race???

[jcza]

OK I know I've posted some tongue-in-cheek questions recently, but I did ask a serious one as well that seems to have got lost among the others:

 

If the road is not built in time, what do you think the organisers plan 'B' would be? They can't be sitting on their hands expecting everything to come right in time. What if it doesn't? They're not going to send 30,000 people through an unfinished construction site, surely?

 

So what do people reckon the alternative route could look like?

 

Start the race on Mnandi road with finish still in Riversands.

[jcza]

And without your timing chip?

 

Correct

[CAAD4]

What is everyone's view for the race on what crank to use.....I changed my compact crank 50/34 to a 52/39 and I seem to enjoy it a lot better and been training with the crank for the last 3 months.......on super cycling they suggested using a smaller crank........what would you guys think is best for the race???

 Some would say that many of us have been "battling along" with 53/39 for years, before Compact came along. If you are chasing a sub 2:40 you might want to use your compact on what some would say, is a flat route. Well, that is what my firends who ride sub 3 on their Single Speeds say....

[Zatek]

You can go mid compact 52 36.

[bmw1za]

Some would say that many of us have been "battling along" with 53/39 for years, before Compact came along. If you are chasing a sub 2:40 you might want to use your compact on what some would say, is a flat route. Well, that is what my firends who ride sub 3 on their Single Speeds say....

im riding 40/54 eliptical ... not fiddling with setup so close to a race , not that daring (hands over eyes)

[Frosty]

Start the race on Mnandi road with finish still in Riversands.

How do you get to Mnandi drive from the designated parking area without riding up William Nicol?

 

Traffic from PTA/West Rand off the N14 will be coming down William Nicol to the parking.

 

Simply put, the road under construction has to be completed in time. It looks less than 500m to complete, yet the culvert over the stream is still showing.