New PPA Mtb event at Paul Cluver Estate in Grabouw

[Aaron_B]

Enjoyed the ride. The pace was frantic in MA group - got dropped after 5km but found a rhythm and managed to claw my way back. Finished 29th overall. Very fast race with deceivingly steep short climbs. Looking forward to next year's edition.

[StevenDimond]

Awesome event and a good prep for day 2 of W2W. Like Aaron_B said, the pace in MA-MB group was quick from the start. Up the first hill we were almost dead last. Fortunately knowing a bit of what was to come from last years W2W we could pace ourselves. Somewhere we passed you then Aaron_B a we finished a bit ahead of you. Anyway, big up to the organisers for the route, markings and vibe. Will be doing this one again.

 

Anybody know where we can view photos taken on the event. There could be a good one of me and my riding budy.

 

PS: Bring on Groenlandberg. Last time I rode the icon was during an Epic.

[Hilton.]

  On 9/15/2014 at 10:37 AM, kandui said:

From the feedback received at the event , by email and seen on this thread, the Elgin Mtb was a success. There were some minor hiccups behind the scenes, but nothing that impacted on the race. I am aware of a route marker or two having been turned around and/or removed. The route marking team had been out more than once to check all the arrows and were satisfied before the start that everything was in place.

Having driven the route on a quad bike and looking at the markers from a rider perspective, I can't fault the signage. It was all there and clear to see from a distance.

We will sit down and have a debrief in the next week or two to look at all the input received, positive and negative.

I will check this thread from time to time, but I would prefer it if you could email me with your comments at ride@tablemountainbikers.co.za

Extending the route into Oak Valley is the obvious choice, but I prefer to think a little more laterally. There is a big mountain that dominates the valley. Why not go up the Groenlandberg? It was on the cards for this race, but track conditions were not suited to get medical vehicles on to the route.

Hence the medal in the shape of a monster: The Green Monster. It's going to bite you! Next time.

 

@Kandui:

For me, the race was brilliant. Started in D for 42km route, passed many on the uphills, was grinning from ear to ear from the awesome bridges, single track rollercoasters, uphill and downhill switchbacks etc etc. Route marking was great. And the vibe amongst riders and race staff was really great. Will definitely be back next year, hopefully with mates.

[polymercycling]

WOW WOW WOW is basically all I can say.

I did the 30km and it was awesome! I have never experienced so much single track and bridges in a race, BRILLIANT.

My brother and I are slow pokes, so we basically almost finished last, probably due to that we didn't have too much congestion on the single track, everyone else was already finished. :-)

There were one or two people who walked all the technical things, and were complaining about the race being too technical, please do not change it, I LOVED it!!!!  I am not sure if it was because we were last, but there was only waterpoint, at 10km, it was an AWESOME table, but another one would have been appreciated.  Especially because I had a HUGE facepalm moment, I forgot that I cleaned my camelbak before the holiday and the stuff inside is not just water, so I only poured out the "water" without washing it before adding more water, needless to say, after I realised that the chlorine levels in the cape water did not increase during my holiday I stopped drinking it and dehydrated a bit (My own fault). 

But back to the great race! First time riding there, I was so proud that I rode the bridges, scary switchbacks and everything in between, I even impressed some marshals who thought I have rode there before!  Awesome monster medal, pretty sure it can double up as a bottle opener, still have to try it.  I still have a smile on my face from that race, we are coming back to ride it again next year, and in between as well.

O yes and thank you for giving the slow pokes a change to also be at the lucky draw, I even won something!!!

[boristheblade]

how about that one low thick tree branch (or it may even have been the actual tree) on the single track ?!

almost banged my head  helmet !

hahaha

maybe just a sign is needed there saying "duck" or something.

[Juanhein20]

Have anybody tried the bike skill park afterwards. It is awesome to challenge yourself on the balancing beam, see saw etc. I am already planning my next trip to the Estate to enjoy the endless single track and to build on my riding skills.

[kandui]

The event debrief starts next week and we will be booking the venue asap for 2015.

We are looking at Saturday for an additional route and possibly bigger trail run, which means a weekend of cycling if you like.

Entries will open earlier and substitutions will be allowed. But, I am guessing that nobody will want to get rid of their entry once the full programme is announced.

 

Until then, go back to Paul Cluver and enjoy the trails and fun park.

[Piston ZA]

Man, reading all the great feedback for the event makes me really sorry I was asleep and missed entering. I will definitely be there next year.

 

Until then, looking forward to the event at Oak Valley next month, and will go give Paul Cluver a go as soon as I can.

[Donovan Le Cok]

The seeding index for this race is now available on saseeding. They have given it such a high index it almost negates using it to improve your W2W seeding. I finished 12th and I have got an index for the event of 45. Craig Boyes the winner got an index of 40... To all those that were worried about getting a good seeding for W2W don't worry, it wouldn't have helped...