Wez-O Posted March 16, 2015 Posted March 16, 2015 I think this is the year I make my debut at the race
StevieL Posted March 16, 2015 Posted March 16, 2015 Best race of the year IMO.It's downhill the whole way.
khm4252 Posted March 16, 2015 Posted March 16, 2015 I think that's all that needs to be said. BTW, there are other events that are older than this one. I think you have a point and like your positive attitude but to be fair Cadre has a point. The organization of the race is poor compared with the Argus, 94.7 and smaller races like the Berge en Dale etc. It was extremely frustrating when they ran out of water with more than 50% of the field still had to ride through the water points. The route is stunning and so different to say an Argus but beautiful nonetheless and a good cycling test even though you think it is all down hill. The one poster is right, Cato Ridge to Kloof is a solid challenge. It was a mission to get out of Suncoast for a short while but let me say it was nothing compared to getting in or out for the 94.7 last year. Durbanites are not used to traffic and congestion especially in that wonderfully central precinct which has such great accessibility. The goodie bag was poor, but really who cares. I would prefer a slightly bigger/better expo to buy top end gear, hopefully on "show specials" but then again it is a smaller race of only +-12,000 cyclists in a price sensitive market. Looking forward to the Tour Durban, this will be my 1st and should be great fun. Awesome route. I think the Durban coastline and riding experience is under rated compare to Cape Town.
StevieL Posted March 16, 2015 Posted March 16, 2015 Full road closure is a far bigger drawing factor for me than a packed goodie bag. Just saying.
TK-Sp3cialiSt Posted March 16, 2015 Posted March 16, 2015 I have enjoyed all three i have competed in, very challenging for a "down" ride, more climbing than most would expect, and it is enjoyable all the way
Harryn Posted March 16, 2015 Posted March 16, 2015 Its a fantastic race, always worth the journey down to the coast. Last year I got bronchitis in the week before the race, and was very disappointed to stay home after shelling out for flights and accommodation etc. looking forward to making up for it this year. I'm also hoping to be able to come down for The Tour of Durban next month - another really awesome race.
Frosty Posted March 16, 2015 Posted March 16, 2015 I can't comment on the lack of water issue, as 2x500ml bottles is just enough for me on this route. But I must say that 2014 was hotter than I can remember from years before. If you haven't addressed it directly with the organisers, then it's not going to be resolved. For me an event is about the route (incl. Safety) and the challenge it presents and not the sideline stuff (goody bag or expo, or the lack thereof). If it's there, then it's a bonus. Full road closure is limited to a few events, and both Tour Durban and Amashova deserve recognition for getting it right. You'll be surprised how many people keep to the left when we have the roads to ourselves (force of habit, I guess). For me, the Amashova is a rewarding route, long(ish) climbs and some fast descents. If your bike handlings skills are fairly good you can get some amazing speed down Inchanga and after Bothas Hill into Hillcrest as well as down Fields Hill. My only gripe is the format of a point to point race. Makes for reliance on family/friends to drop us off in PMB. Will be back again this year, probably on a single bike.
Spoke101 Posted March 16, 2015 Posted March 16, 2015 Fox hill gets me every time. The focus of my training this entire year is quite simple. Get to the top of Fox hill and turn left with the bunch. Two years ago I broke the cable to my rear dérailleur at the top of Fox hill and did the rest of the race in my 11. A lot of uphills I soon discovered. Ja, Fox hill is a real selector so early on. A pretty gentle climb when you're out training, but on race day everyone is fresh and nervous and eager, so the pace up to the top is murderous. 'A' batch took a little under 18 minutes for the climb @ 25 - 26 km/h. So I guess your training will be to do similar 18 - 20 min hard intervals in a big gear. If I remember right, you used to cycle down from JHB for the race? Last year was a good one for me, just managed to make it over the top in the first bunch which was the goal. Avg was 36 km/h from the bottom to the turn in 18 min's with an Avg HR of 172bpm.
tombeej Posted March 17, 2015 Posted March 17, 2015 Last year was a good one for me, just managed to make it over the top in the first bunch which was the goal. Avg was 36 km/h from the bottom to the turn in 18 min's with an Avg HR of 172bpm. I was wondering when you were going to join in You pros are way out of our league. As you know, the Fox Hill segment is not the full distance from the start of the climbing at the bottom of Alexandra Rd to the Thornville turnoff, so you would have done the segment a lot quicker than 18 minutes. Looking at the Amashova 2014 leaderboard on Garmin Connect, I see that the top U23's did it in a shade under 16:00. So I'm sure you guys in the pro bunch did it quite a bit faster than that.
Cadre Posted March 17, 2015 Posted March 17, 2015 I can't comment on the lack of water issue, as 2x500ml bottles is just enough for me on this route. But I must say that 2014 was hotter than I can remember from years before. If you haven't addressed it directly with the organisers, then it's not going to be resolved. For me an event is about the route (incl. Safety) and the challenge it presents and not the sideline stuff (goody bag or expo, or the lack thereof). If it's there, then it's a bonus. Full road closure is limited to a few events, and both Tour Durban and Amashova deserve recognition for getting it right. You'll be surprised how many people keep to the left when we have the roads to ourselves (force of habit, I guess). For me, the Amashova is a rewarding route, long(ish) climbs and some fast descents. If your bike handlings skills are fairly good you can get some amazing speed down Inchanga and after Bothas Hill into Hillcrest as well as down Fields Hill. My only gripe is the format of a point to point race. Makes for reliance on family/friends to drop us off in PMB. Will be back again this year, probably on a single bike.In an earlier post you deleted my comments to suit yourself. I also do not agree with some of your comments but will refrain from deleting them. It is a respect thing. If you need to show authority be my guest, delete all, and live out you Drama-Queen fantasies.
jimmycool Posted March 17, 2015 Posted March 17, 2015 I was wondering when you were going to join in You pros are way out of our league. As you know, the Fox Hill segment is not the full distance from the start of the climbing at the bottom of Alexandra Rd to the Thornville turnoff, so you would have done the segment a lot quicker than 18 minutes. Looking at the Amashova 2014 leaderboard on Garmin Connect, I see that the top U23's did it in a shade under 16:00. So I'm sure you guys in the pro bunch did it quite a bit faster than that. Looking at strava, the fastest time from last year on the segment that starts just before Alex road where you cross the river to the top of the hill just before you get to Thornvillewas 25 minutes exactly. The distance is 13.3 km and the climbing is 331m. I'm sad to say that it took me 37 minutes but at least it was a 4 and a half minute improvement on the previous year
jimmycool Posted March 17, 2015 Posted March 17, 2015 I must say the water tables were a bit of a non issue for me. My 2 bottles were sufficient to get me to the Hillcrest water table where I filled up one of them and that was enough to see me home. And I am usually one who drinks twice as much as other people.
tombeej Posted March 17, 2015 Posted March 17, 2015 Looking at strava, the fastest time from last year on the segment that starts just before Alex road where you cross the river to the top of the hill just before you get to Thornvillewas 25 minutes exactly. The distance is 13.3 km and the climbing is 331m. I'm sad to say that it took me 37 minutes but at least it was a 4 and a half minute improvement on the previous year OK I don't use Strava, just my Garmin. So Strava and Garmin Connect don't agree on how long that segment is. Strava recognises that whole section, even though the first couple of kays are hardly climbing at all (in fact lots of flat stuff).
Jay_B Posted March 17, 2015 Posted March 17, 2015 Full road closure is a far bigger drawing factor for me than a packed goodie bag. Just saying. Agree with this.... will be my first one this year and this was a serious factor in making the drive down worthwhile.
Fruity Posted March 17, 2015 Posted March 17, 2015 I think this is the year I make my debut at the race It really is a great ride. I think most people doing it for the first time will enjoy it.I did it for the first time 2013, when I was built like a "racing snake", lol.. now that I've put on a bit of weight, I'm sort of put off doing the longer rides - although I've lost just on 6kg's in the last 6 weeks, so at this rate hopefully I'll do another 'Shova next year.
jimmycool Posted March 17, 2015 Posted March 17, 2015 OK I don't use Strava, just my Garmin. So Strava and Garmin Connect don't agree on how long that segment is. Strava recognises that whole section, even though the first couple of kays are hardly climbing at all (in fact lots of flat stuff). Here is the segment I am talking about: https://app.strava.com/segments/alex-road-to-thornville-climb-6966517
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