2014 94.7 route Change

[tombeej]

For me the interesting part of the race will be the last 8km with those 3 bumps at the end. Lots of opportunity for stronger riders to get away there. And lots of 'opportunity' for undercooked riders to cramp up with the finish line in sight...

[Sharkie 2]

I haven't done this race before; this year will be my first.

 

So I spent some time creating the route in Google Earth (the only part I'm not sure of is that little kink off the M2 E into the city centre and back onto the M2 E).

 

Total climbing is around 1500m according to GE, so others who are claiming 1450m sounds about right. It's in that range.

 

I've looked at all the 'climbs' and there's nothing really there. The altitude gain during the race is due to lots of small ups and downs - no serious gradients to kill the quads. I mean, that Pooks hill right at the start is around 97m altitude gain in 2.13km @ 4.5%. No need to come out of the big ring for that.

 

The constant ups and downs make for more honest riding I guess (easier to shed the wheelsuckers), but nothing in the race to really be called a climb.

No there are no TdF climbs but wait for the climb off the M1 and Witkoppen up to Malibongwe! What hurts are with both of these climbs you have been gunning big blade for a while and then all of a sudden you need to adjust, plus the speed being hammered up these climbs will hurt

[Cruz Addict]

I haven't done this race before; this year will be my first.

 

So I spent some time creating the route in Google Earth (the only part I'm not sure of is that little kink off the M2 E into the city centre and back onto the M2 E).

 

Total climbing is around 1500m according to GE, so others who are claiming 1450m sounds about right. It's in that range.

 

I've looked at all the 'climbs' and there's nothing really there. The altitude gain during the race is due to lots of small ups and downs - no serious gradients to kill the quads. I mean, that Pooks hill right at the start is around 97m altitude gain in 2.13km @ 4.5%. No need to come out of the big ring for that.

 

The constant ups and downs make for more honest riding I guess (easier to shed the wheelsuckers), but nothing in the race to really be called a climb.

while i cant disagree with you on the climbs statement i think you need to be very careful thinking its a cake walk. the altitude, and distance of this race is very deceptive. i personally think its tougher than the amashova as a race. no you dont climb as much but there is some thing in the race that makes it incredibly challenging.

sure a seasoned cyclist will do just fine but its 30k people, full of mixed fitness and skill, and as there is no pre race entry race requirement you have tons of people each year that get brave at a braai after a few beers and die on the day.

its going to be fun to watch, i cant wait.

add another 500m of climbing and there are going to be some very very sad and sore people.

[Ryan]

Good idea. 4-Ways mall is 6.9km, Monty casino is 8.2 km. I'm thinking I'll park at Epson Downs. That's 9.7km. (Since we starting with a uphill, I think a good warm up is necessary...)

 

That is my thought too, Ride from home. 10km warm up.

[Sharkie 2]

For me the interesting part of the race will be the last 8km with those 3 bumps at the end. Lots of opportunity for stronger riders to get away there. And lots of 'opportunity' for undercooked riders to cramp up with the finish line in sight...

The climb on Cedar Rd is going to be a killer, once you turn off the Lion Park road it is quite a down hill if I recall correctly and then a tough climb

[tombeej]

while i cant disagree with you on the climbs statement i think you need to be very careful thinking its a cake walk. the altitude, and distance of this race is very deceptive. i personally think its tougher than the amashova as a race. no you dont climb as much but there is some thing in the race that makes it incredibly challenging.

sure a seasoned cyclist will do just fine but its 30k people, full of mixed fitness and skill, and as there is no pre race entry race requirement you have tons of people each year that get brave at a braai after a few beers and die on the day.

its going to be fun to watch, i cant wait.

add another 500m of climbing and there are going to be some very very sad and sore people.

 

OK maybe I chose the wrong words - I wasn't trying to make out it would be a cake walk (I did say it looks like a race that forces more 'honest' racing - strength endurance will really count - not like Tour of Durban where you have people just sitting in the bunches doing nothing).

 

I'm really looking forward to this one. I should have said in my post what I really feel about this route: I really like the profile and will make for a challenging race, and some thought will need to go into where/when people want to burn their matches.

[tombeej]

No there are no TdF climbs but wait for the climb off the M1 and Witkoppen up to Malibongwe! What hurts are with both of these climbs you have been gunning big blade for a while and then all of a sudden you need to adjust, plus the speed being hammered up these climbs will hurt

 

Cool thanks. Will keep that one in mind.

 

Definitely a course profile where you need to spin as much as possible in the first 2/3 of the race to save the quads for the end.

[Cruz Addict]

OK maybe I chose the wrong words - I wasn't trying to make out it would be a cake walk (I did say it looks like a race that forces more 'honest' racing - strength endurance will really count - not like Tour of Durban where you have people just sitting in the bunches doing nothing).

 

I'm really looking forward to this one. I should have said in my post what I really feel about this route: I really like the profile and will make for a challenging race, and some thought will need to go into where/when people want to burn their matches.

lol ok cool no worries was just pointing out its tougher than it seems.

[tombeej]

The biggest sustained climbing I pick up is the section from the M1 just after the bridge next to the golf course in Melrose (where Kebble was shot) up to the highest point on the course behind St Johns.

 

5.48km climb with 168m gain @3.1% (steepest gradient = 8%).

[eddy]

Don't forget that the start last year was at the top of the Woodmead hill and the finish maybe 25 % of the way up it. one could take some speed into the last little climb and power it to the traffic light before the turn into the Estate.

 

This year we have to ride the whole hill and save our legs whilst doing it. A big difference I suspect...

[Frosty]

Anyone know if the section through Steyn City is open for the public (read: roadies) to ride through?

 

Failing that, a trip through Dainfern would have to make do.

[Cyclewizz]

So, who's doing 2 laps of the 94.7 this year ???

[pe3nguin]

So, who's doing 2 laps of the 94.7 this year ???

 

It's certainly on the to-do list.

[Ryan]

So, who's doing 2 laps of the 94.7 this year ???

 

Almost definitely. Great fun and good training for DC.

[GaryvdM]

Anyone know if the section through Steyn City is open for the public (read: roadies) to ride through?

 

Failing that, a trip through Dainfern would have to make do.

 

I'm making a video like I did for Argus, and since there are no street view images in Steyn City, I took a drive out there with a dash board camera. I spoke to the Steyn City COO, Mr Gary Lees. He gave no reasons, but I was not given access. Based on this interaction, I would phone them first.

[jcza]

I think this route is going to be very tough....if you're racing. So many bumps along the way.

 

Riding it should be great fun with the N14 no more. Very lonely out there without a bunch to hide in.