New to MTB, female and not MTB fit as yet ;) Morningside/sunninghill and surrounding areas

[Ulfa]

Hello,

 

Is there anyone out there that is starting MTB? I am looking for a patient partner or group of people that are starting out. My goal is to improve my fitness level to be able to enjoy MTB at an advance level. I live in Morningside - so anywhere in and around sandton region.

 

thanks

Ulfa

Edited April 18, 2014 by Ulfa

[Uni]

I'll let you know when our group next heads to pwc or northern farms, though we're usually out east. Enjoy, it's good fun, even with the falls and bruises

[Ulfa]

thank you Uni

[mtbDobby]

Why not join Cyclelab - they have mtb rides every Saturday for varying levels, great way to get fit and better your skills, they leave basically from design quarter at 7am in winter and 6am in summer.

[Pusher]

Have you ridden the Spruit at all?

[Ulfa]

Cycle lab sounds like a great idea, thanks I didn't think of something like that, thanks for the idea.

 

I have been to Modderfontein Reserve the past two weekends, once with a lovely group of people who have been riding for a while, they did the Red route, I had no choice but to do green as I couldn't keep up my supportive friend patiently joined me, i felt terrible that i was so slow and out of breathe on a simple climb lol.

[Ulfa]

where is the Spruit? sorry for sounding clueless

[mrbaker]

The Braamfontein Spruit. Runs from Emmarentia to Witkoppen rd in Sunninghill (or the other way round).

Safer area is the Emmarentia to Fratellis (Blairgowrie) section.

As a newbie I wouldn't reccomend riding it alone.

 

You can also incorporate Alberts Farm and Delta Park into the 'Spruit' ride.

[Bonus]

You'd be quite ok riding on your own at Northern farm early on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

 

The trails are easy to follow and we'll sign posted.

[Larry M]

Cyclelab is a great place to start. Take a look at www.treadskills.co.za. Sean runs incredible skills courses, I did his last one and it helped my skills and confidence tremendously.

[Ulfa]

thanks, I'm going to give northern farm a bash and cycle lab.

 

I think I will replace my cardio which i do during the week at gym with spinning! Hopefully this will help me.

[Uni]

I have been to Modderfontein Reserve the past two weekends, once with a lovely group of people who have been riding for a while, they did the Red route, I had no choice but to do green as I couldn't keep up my supportive friend patiently joined me, i felt terrible that i was so slow and out of breathe on a simple climb lol.

First beginners ride I went in with one of the friendly hubbers, after 200m I was convinced I was gonna die.

First time on green at modders, I walked most of it. Our group are weekend riders, we have one guy that's mad who's doing the freedom challenge, two du/tri athletes, the rest of us just enjoy being on our bikes, trying to get better, fall less, shred more

We still on green, we do it in 1:20 - 1:45 so slow.

We probably doing northerns on Sunday 7am, meeting up with some roadies from twitter. 25km. PM your number if you keen.

 

I've only ridden the spruit once properly with a group of guys that know the place well. I was there last week and I bailed about 2kms in. The amount of people whizzing past freaks me out, there's forks here and there and I'm never sure which way to go when I'm dropped by the guys (which happens a lot) , and the fact that the fairies are always changing things up, you get unexpected obstacles that mean panic breaking and some choice words from ppl behind you.

Also the fact that it's two directional, general public with kids, dogs etc. just my experience.

Edited April 21, 2014 by Uni

[Ulfa]

I just had a look at your link Larry - looks awesome. I will contact them. Thank you!

[Ulfa]

Hi Uni, i also thought i was going to die on my first ride - i felt sick trying to keep up with my group. I also walked a lot of it LOL. I would love to join you sometime. I will inbox my number to you and we can discuss on whatsapp if thats ok.

 

thanks a mil

[Ysterman]

Hi Ulfa, this may sound a bit "paranoid", but please don't ride on your own, not even at "safe" places like Northern Farms or Groenkloof.

 

There are a couple of clubs around, of which CycleLab is one, check in your area & join them on their beginner rides until you get to know your own limits on the bike, as well as the "safe areas".

 

If you would like to explore areas north of Jburg - there are places like Red Barn & Groenkloof. Awesome riding at your own pace. I can show you around after s2c if you want.

 

Then if you've found your Cycling legs, there's also Suikerbosrand close to Heidelberg in the south

[goya-goya]

Hi Ulfa, this may sound a bit "paranoid", but please don't ride on your own, not even at "safe" places like Northern Farms or Groenkloof.

 

There are a couple of clubs around, of which CycleLab is one, check in your area & join them on their beginner rides until you get to know your own limits on the bike, as well as the "safe areas".

 

If you would like to explore areas north of Jburg - there are places like Red Barn & Groenkloof. Awesome riding at your own pace. I can show you around after s2c if you want.

 

Then if you've found your Cycling legs, there's also Suikerbosrand close to Heidelberg in the south

 

Dude!! How you can direct a noob to suikerbosrand!!! They will give up cycling!!!-Unless they are a masochistic idiot like the rest of us!