FNB Desert Dash 2014 - Advice

[sias]

I take it you meant the end of November? I would be wary of doing a very long ride so close to the race as it takes a bit of time to recover and you might just put yourself at risk of overtraining or injury.

At this stage I try to do 12-14 hours per week with the long rides over the weekends of 4-6 hours per day. I take one day every week to rest with every 4th week an easier week. If you wanted to do a long ride, I think its best to do it now. My longest rides up to now have been 140km and I wouldn't go much further than 150-160km in the next month. 

If you can do 150km without dying, you should be ready.

[Disco man]

Let's talk lights, I've got the 1400 Cree XM-L2 and a 1200 Cree XML T6 both from Extreme light. Will they do the job?

[sias]

They will definitely do the job! It would be a good idea to have a back-up battery for your main light - I have a battery at CP3 and CP4. I use the Magicshine MJ880 on my bars with a small Lenzer H5 (I think) on my helmet. I don't run the 880 on full power all the time as the roads are quite good and there are no technical sections. It should not be very dark as it will be between full an half moon. I use the Lenser just to look at my monitor/GPS or to look around. It's also for back-up should the main light fail. 

[GlockG4]

Ok so its almost go-time!!!!! Had a bit of bike trouble, but I am sorted now, but unfortunately on a hardtail, but is fine.

I am doing the race on a Momsen 329. Using an exposure light strada, 900lm on my handlebars and another less powerful light on my helmet just to look at my gps, and gears. I am using a bryton rider 60. For extra power I am taking a 6000mAh powerbank with solar charging which I am mounting on my 2l camalbak. This should supply me with enough power for my light, gps, and mp3 player. I am not going to change my bib, but I am changing shirts. Not taking any warm clothes. I am taking spasmend painkillers and transact plasters. I am planning to only use water in my camelbak and FIT CarboSupreme for my 2 water bottles. I am also going to take eyedrops and chainlube. Planning on eating hamburgers when I get to my support and taking droewors with on the bike. Taking 2 buffs for the dust. I am not sure if I should take Gu with, I am kind off scared that my body wont be able to handle taking a gu every 45min for 24h, what are you guys doing?

[sias]

 

 

I take a thermal top as it gets chilly from 03H00.

They are forecasting rain for the start and probably deep into stage 2.

I take gel just as an emergency measure when I'm really flat and need to get to the waterpoint or checkpoint. 

1 Buff should be fine...

 

Hahaha, checked the weather again - now it's sunshine!!!

[Warthog whisperer]

Yes, take a jacket for it will get very chilly in the morning. 

[GlockG4]

Leaving for Namibia tomorrow morning at 2 o'clock. We will be the guys in the 2tone khaki shirts, Captain charles glass! See you guys there, have a safe trip.

[johannrissik]

Good luck to all the Saffers doing the Dash. Heat, dust, wind, hills, ..choose four

 

For the first time in four years I'll be missing the fun. Damn.

[Warthog whisperer]

Ok Dash number 4 solo in the bag, and yes, all the elements we expected were spot on , Heat , dust, sand, snot, wind, gu, tears and stars! well done to each an every one that succeed and a Respect for the guys who did the Real Dash ( Solo)!

[Slowbee]

this thread is useless without pictures and a decent ride report

[IH8MUD]

I did support for 4 Saffers doing solo Dash. 

Congratulations  to all the solo Dashers on your efforts on a very hard and tough Edition of the DASH. 

Till next year. 

 

(sorry . .  was to busy to take pics)

[Pulse]

Congrats all!

[Warthog whisperer]

 

 

[Warthog whisperer]

[Warthog whisperer]

[Warthog whisperer]