life after Argus

[Guest Omega Man]

Yup, that's what I decided too. We're planning our own 3-day mtb "tour" including the above.

Gonna do a trip to Mark Gordon's new project on the garden route soon.

[milky4130]

Where can I get a definitive list of all the MTB races in the Western Cape from small races to the large ones. Possibly Road as well?

this road league but there is category for all levels

 

Lights by Linea Series

May 3 Riverside Franschoek 162km.

May 10 Windmeul Wellington 152km

May 17 Riverside Franschoek 162km.

May 24 Criterium Worcester

May 26 Road Race Worcestor to Riverside Franschoek. On Handicap (Vets Masters open 25minute start on Elite). Come first & win the race.

[MTBeer]

Strava?

[Tankman]

Funny how things come to a halt after the Funride World Champs but I dont understand why ... there are still at least 10 weeks worth of good warm weather?

 

Why not have some more roadie races, the Champs are mos all fit right now?

[Mr X]

Vineyard race

 

I have done parts of the route and it has changed since the Epic is coming in down at the river this year again. Some serious climbing in this years route, but also since the Epic will not be using the singletracks this year, yes there will be lots of singletrack!

[Bianchisti]

Why s it so quiet on the road bike scene?

[emme]

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This is my first year of doing races and done the Argus MTB and Argus Cycle tour<br />

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what is the next MTB race to train for in Western Cape that very popular? and as good as these Argus races?<br />

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Also look at mtb-adventures.co.za.The Cape Country Tour is a "must do".Riding all the way to Knysna Oyster event on backroads!

[camelman]

Explore trails with mates - Welvanpas / Jonkershoek / Schapenberg / Oak Valley-Thandi / Tygerberg

 

Ride to enjoy as well, or make that your top priority. Put a backpack on and go for a 3 day tour with the bare essentials.

 

Riding for enjoyment will do wonders for your skill levels because you are not in a hurry and can challenge yourself and do techie sections over and over(yes I sometimes do carry my bike back up the downhill and around the switchback). Something a lot more riders should actually do as skill levels are appalling from what I have seen.(putting the fire suit on)

[Greybeard]

Go do the MTN Tulbagh race on Saturday, a very nice challenge

 

April - June is kind of quiet, mostly smaller local mtb races, quite a few worth doing.

 

Next really "big" one is Knysna Cycle Tour early July (mtb and road)

And far less sand traps!

[Pure Savage]

In terms of road, for some its been a long and expensive season. If you rise the DC you start training in june/july, do the spring league and some lights by linea in your face windy races. Then the one or two PPA rides before DC. Then you go klap DC. Then road races really kick off, lbl and PPA almost every weekend. Then the new year and there was almost a race and a lbl every weekend!!!

 

I think a massive junk of payslip has gone towards road races. There are now lights by linea races in may, there is a social category, I suggest everyone tries make it. Lights by linea are doing a lot for road riding in western cape. I know I rode a lot more road and got better on the bike due to their series.

 

So if want to ride on the road cone do the lights by linea in may, the distances may be long but they might cater a 100k ride if the turn out is there.

[dev null]

Something a lot more riders should actually do as skill levels are appalling from what I have seen.(putting the fire suit on)

 

Guilty as charged.

 

Fell my ass off yesterday on a rocky descent. Front wheel slipped and next moment I was sitting down on my bum real hard. I also struggle on sandy inclines. My back wheel just spins, so when I eventually crest the incline I am almost stuffed.

 

I need a lot more MTB training.

[Thomo]

... the distances may be long but they might cater a 100k ride if the turn out is there.

 

Those 150k+ distances are definitely a bit steep for the 'less serious' cyclist ... but I'm sure there are many who would like to remain active during autumn/winter.

[Pure Savage]

 

Those 150k+ distances are definitely a bit steep for the 'less serious' cyclist ... but I'm sure there are many who would like to remain active during autumn/winter.

 

 

If there is a demand I am sure they could do some shorter distances.

 

 

[DJR]

Years ago I used to ride from November through to March and did gym through winter. Then one year I decided gym was boring and that I was going to ride right through winter, making my permanent goal to keep my fitness level roughly high enough to comfortably ride an Argus any day of the year. That's what I've done ever since. I found riding through winter in Cape Town was much easier than expected if you get the right gear. If the weather is bad I ride on the mountain. I used to do some mtb races in winter but got frustrated by the crowds, so I now mostly ride with mates. If we have one of those beautiful sunny winter days, I hit the road around the Peninsula. From November to March I ride most of the PPA road races as I ramp up the fitness level for the Argus. All this get thrown for a loop if I aim for another specific event like the DC, W2W or Sani. I haven't yet discovered any down side to my riding plan.

[MadScientist]

Vineyard race it is a nice race but i have to admin for me it's a bit on the pricey side. And then of cource there is always the 100miler (on my to do list) and if you can find a team and need something to train for the DC in nov