Prep for 2015 Freedom Challenge / Race to Rhodes

[dirtrider]

Ok I will not need all the stuff for gears etc so I can pack an extra bag with sense of humor I suppose .

[tombeej]

• Spare rear gear cable and an end housing.
  
• Brake pads x 1 pair
  
• Chain links x 2
  
• Tube
  
• Hanger
  
• Chain ring bolts x 2
  
• Cleat + 2 screws
  
• Tube of super glue
  
• Duct Tape / Fiber Fix / Insulation tape
  
• Patch & gaiter kit
  
• 2 x co2 bomb's
  
• Different size cable ties
  
• 1 x Extra set of humor just in case you loose yours on the way
  
• BB spacer?
  
• Grease
  
• Chain lube
  
• Spare bearings for the BB and rear hub (Edit)
  

Tools

• Multi tool that has a chain breaker
  
• Spoke spanner
  
• Leatherman
  
• Small hand pump or bomb connector (both)
  
• Nail clipper for grooming in SS
  
• Bags of good luck
  

Other:

• Bog roll - for 'bossies'
  
• Pepper spray?
  

 

I've added a few above...

 

Re. the Fiber Fix, amazing stuff. I haven't used it before, but have a look at this:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrWHTHPFAnQ

[Dusty]

tombeej, what is the bb spacer for?

[G.S.W]

I use a similar product for repairs to high pressure irrigation pipes,10 bar plus, and it works like a charm. Wraptech I get it from the local Agri at R300 for a roll to fix a 150mm to 250mm pipe. It sticks like baby s#*!t to a blanket, just be sure to wear gloves or you may end up stuck to your bike!

 

Contact:

011 822 5288

wraptech@mweb.co.za

www.wraptech.co.za

[tombeej]

tombeej, what is the bb spacer for?

 

I've put it in as a 'provisional'. Because it's been a maintenance issue for me in the past re. water/mud getting into the BB bearings because a spacer has split/cracked.

 

I guess if you've got a high-end BB that uses metal spacers, not those plastic ones, or you install a new BB before the race, then this is maybe a non-issue.

 

But the main reason why I included it in the above list, is because I'm wanting to create one comprehensive checklist that covers everything. Then, when people are doing their final packing, they can use the list to make sure they've got everything covered. And they can leave off any item that doesn't apply to them (like stuff for gears, like dirt-rider).

 

On that note, I'm going to include spare bearings for the BB and rear hub on the checklist...

[tombeej]

Wraptech

 

Contact:

011 822 5288

wraptech@mweb.co.za

www.wraptech.co.za

 

I'll check it out, thanks

[dirtrider]

i will be replacing ALL bearing a week before the race . New pedals , headset , BB , complete rim set .

[Moriarty]

Lots of brown paper and string.

[G.S.W]

i will be replacing ALL bearing a week before the race . New pedals , headset , BB , complete rim set .

 

A month before would be better, you need to test all new equipment properly before taking on RASA.

[dirtrider]

Brown paper and string ?

[Marnitz Nienaber]

Replace the bearings a couple of week before the race, then you won't need grease, if however you might need grease you would be able to get from the farmers.

 

You only need pepper spray to give the Vuvu chicken a better taste.......

 

Chain lube are supplied at certain SS, big bottle of Squirt, for sure the best lube, if you're not convinced now, you will be after the Freedom Challenge.......

 

Bog roll you can get from the SS, or you can use the Bushmen method, you use grass and then cover the last bit with sand, which will fall of when it has dried......water also works quite well if not frozen.....

 

Buy you're self a Chris King BB, the you don't have to carry a spare and it come with metal spacers.

 

If you replace the bearings a couple a weeks before then you don't have to carry spare bearings, the headset might need some tightening. The important thing to remember is to tighten bearings according to manufactures specs then you ain't suppose to have any problems......

 

Best of luck for next year, I won't be racing because of the very wet weather forecast.....

[dirtrider]

Wet weather ?!!! Was this predicted by Nostradamus ? . I see that Peper spray can also be used against some dogs in there . Hear somebody got attacked by a dog and got a few teeth marks in his leg as reminder !

[tombeej]

Marnitz, I've been looking at Lehana's pass today. The FC map shows 2 routes to the top:

 

1. The direct route straight up (hike-a-bike)

 

2. A longer route around to Philipsrust and then up Naude's Nek. Looks like a decent enough jeep track up to the top, ridable most of the way.

 

My question is, even though the route around Philipsrust and up Naude's Nek looks ridable most of the way, is it really still worth the slog straight up with your bike on your back? How much time is saved?

[Barklyboy]

Hi tombeej,

The alternate route to Philiprust is probably an hour or two longer depending on how strong a rider you are. (If have stong legs and weak shoulders, definatly a good option) Some of the ladies prefer this as the steep parts of this route you can push bike instead of carry. However it has more altitude gain as you have to drop off Philipsrust before ascending Naudes Neck.

Personaly I prefer the hike up Lehanas. Its spectacular. One of those "wow" moments when you look back from the top.

If weather is bad however do Philiprust.

[MTBeer]

Marnitz, I've been looking at Lehana's pass today. The FC map shows 2 routes to the top:

 

1. The direct route straight up (hike-a-bike)

 

2. A longer route around to Philipsrust and then up Naude's Nek. Looks like a decent enough jeep track up to the top, ridable most of the way.

 

My question is, even though the route around Philipsrust and up Naude's Nek looks ridable most of the way, is it really still worth the slog straight up with your bike on your back? How much time is saved?

that ride around and up Naude's I reckon will take you a k@k long time if the wind is howling. We did the hike-a-bike up Lehanas this year (did the R2R route a week before the actual race) in the howling wind and it was lekker, with some magic views.

[Ryanpmb]

Marnitz, I've been looking at Lehana's pass today. The FC map shows 2 routes to the top:

 

1. The direct route straight up (hike-a-bike)

 

2. A longer route around to Philipsrust and then up Naude's Nek. Looks like a decent enough jeep track up to the top, ridable most of the way.

 

My question is, even though the route around Philipsrust and up Naude's Nek looks ridable most of the way, is it really still worth the slog straight up with your bike on your back? How much time is saved?

As chaps have said - the ride around is longer (much). This year saw some hectic winds in that area, making for tough going up Lehanas and on the round trip. The round trip sounded worse in the wind - with riders having to lie on the road with their bikes in the heavy gusts. Granted Lehanas was no joke either (with some riders wanting to turn back and do the round about route) but you could at least run for cover when needed. Lehanas was definately quicker too - riders opting for the round trip (strong riders) arrived at Rhodes hours after we did, having left the turn for Lehanas at the same time. The road sounds a lot more exposed with no option to hide. We felt this on the decent down Naudes to Rhodes having climbing up Lehanas - winds blew us off our bikes on the open road. I'd take the hike up Lehanas in the wind over this anyday.

 

Lehanas is a must - it's really spectacular up there. Something only a few people get to experience. And the coffee at Tena Head tastes awesome after the hike .