rudi-h Posted May 25, 2015 Posted May 25, 2015 To be honest, I won't ride this "race" again. Is it supposed to be fun or an unending sufferfest? Was ANY preparation of the course done by the organisers? I have never seen so many people walking DOWNHILL, which should be a clear indication that the route needed some work.We rode the 45km and we caught the 75km guys in a few minutes; guys were already walking within the first few km's. The routing was completely horrendous - I understand that the same route needs to be shared between the various distances but WHY double a race back on itself?We faced 45km race guys coming UP the same jeeptrack we were descending - that's really not good enough - and then we crossed over their path to ride along the dam.Due to all the confusion and poor marking, I had to stop more than once and try figure out where the heck the route was. In addition, I got lost after taking a simple wrong turn close to the finish - this was due to having outbound and inbound route markers within 25m of one another. Surely, you should not be able to see the outbound markers while riding the inbound route? Lastly, the sponsors at the finish did a fantastic job, particularly fnb, rehydrate etc. A truly crappy day on the bike was almost made up for by the great finish and post-race atmosphere. I thought it was a great ride. Entered the 75 and had to abandon just over halfway when a rock jammed between the spokes of my rear wheel and literally ripped my rear derailleur into 2 parts. Chain was so badly bent I couldn't even make a single speed. None the less, I thought the route was awesome up to the 40km marker where I had to throw in the towel. I didn't experience the issues that you describe of descending down sections where others were going up on the 45km route, so cannot comment on that part but for everything that I rode the quality of the route and marking was top notch. Everything (up to 40km) was perfectly ridable and the downhills were really awesome (including the section where they urged us to portage at the top of monster). If you walked downhill, you should look at your own abilities before blaming organizers. The Monster is advertised as a tough race, and just by reading this thread its clear that this was never intended to be a cruize in the neighbourhood. I'll be back next year and will be holding thumbs for better luck!
Odinson Posted May 25, 2015 Posted May 25, 2015 This is a PROPER MTB race, nice technically challenging at times and good hard climbs and descents with a good amount of ascent over the 80ks.If you are looking for your first race, go and do the trailseeker at Tygervalley or Cornwall or even Cullinan (flat, fast and district or district type road most of the way). This is not for beginners or whingers or the unprepared. I have found that if you are unprepared for a proper race you are normally the first to complain afterwards (not always but very often). So if you did not enjoy it, due to the route being too tough or "unprepped" I suggest you get some training and skills practise in before attempting it again. I can luckily say that I had no issues with unskilled riders. I didn't see anyone dismount for technical sections - quite the opposite in fact. It was a hoot racing the downhills with everyone else.
Musketeer Posted May 25, 2015 Posted May 25, 2015 To be honest, I won't ride this "race" again. Is it supposed to be fun or an unending sufferfest? Was ANY preparation of the course done by the organisers? I have never seen so many people walking DOWNHILL, which should be a clear indication that the route needed some work.We rode the 45km and we caught the 75km guys in a few minutes; guys were already walking within the first few km's. The routing was completely horrendous - I understand that the same route needs to be shared between the various distances but WHY double a race back on itself?We faced 45km race guys coming UP the same jeeptrack we were descending - that's really not good enough - and then we crossed over their path to ride along the dam.Due to all the confusion and poor marking, I had to stop more than once and try figure out where the heck the route was. In addition, I got lost after taking a simple wrong turn close to the finish - this was due to having outbound and inbound route markers within 25m of one another. Surely, you should not be able to see the outbound markers while riding the inbound route? Lastly, the sponsors at the finish did a fantastic job, particularly fnb, rehydrate etc. A truly crappy day on the bike was almost made up for by the great finish and post-race atmosphere. This is my 5th Monster but first full Monster (78km) and to be honest it is still one of the toughest and most challenging races out there. I had no issues with finding the correct routes, only one hold up due to some unskilled riders but all in all the new route was awesome. Facts are, this race has something of everything and you WILL pay if you are not prepared. There are a lot of races out there so we are spoiled for choice really, but this is a proper race. It reminds you constantly that this is MOUNTAIN BIKING... not golf. Big up to the organisers for an awesome vibe once again. Will need to return next year to pick up my legs an ego...
Re::Cycling Posted May 25, 2015 Posted May 25, 2015 I just noticed something in the 45km results that I haven't seen before. 2 of the top 20 finishers were born this millennium. 2 more years until "they" start creeping into the marathons.
Richard29 Posted May 25, 2015 Posted May 25, 2015 Also had a good Ride and weekend.A Roadie myself so opted for the 45 km due to the talk about the difficulty and Technical route. Unfortunately had a slow puncture causing me to stop at 35 & 40 km and took a wrong turn at the section where we were going down with the other batches coming up and followed them for a bit until it just looked to familiar and the guy next to me told me he only had halve my distance on the clock.Still did 2:28 , so will be back for the 78 next year but will need some work on the hills to attempts a sub 5. Received VIP treatment in the FNB tent as well so had a blast of a day.how does one get into that "vip" section.......private banking with fnb?
TALUS Posted May 25, 2015 Posted May 25, 2015 To be honest, I won't ride this "race" again. Is it supposed to be fun or an unending sufferfest? Was ANY preparation of the course done by the organisers? I have never seen so many people walking DOWNHILL, which should be a clear indication that the route needed some work.We rode the 45km and we caught the 75km guys in a few minutes; guys were already walking within the first few km's. The routing was completely horrendous - I understand that the same route needs to be shared between the various distances but WHY double a race back on itself?We faced 45km race guys coming UP the same jeeptrack we were descending - that's really not good enough - and then we crossed over their path to ride along the dam.Due to all the confusion and poor marking, I had to stop more than once and try figure out where the heck the route was. In addition, I got lost after taking a simple wrong turn close to the finish - this was due to having outbound and inbound route markers within 25m of one another. Surely, you should not be able to see the outbound markers while riding the inbound route? Lastly, the sponsors at the finish did a fantastic job, particularly fnb, rehydrate etc. A truly crappy day on the bike was almost made up for by the great finish and post-race atmosphere. My 5th done and dusted (4 x 45 with best result last year 11th and now my first 80) and must say love the new route no more waiting at the river or big delays and bottlenecks. Due to not doing any racing for the last year and only having one easy event counting towards my seeding I started in D and still managed a well sub 5 and just over 100th overall (not a great result I know but still with all that traffic the route still allowed me to get through to where I finished).My only gripe is the late start but also understand that there are lots of people only driving through on the morning of the event. This is a PROPER MTB race, nice technically challenging at times and good hard climbs and descents with a good amount of ascent over the 80ks.If you are looking for your first race, go and do the trailseeker at Tygervalley or Cornwall or even Cullinan (flat, fast and district or district type road most of the way). This is not for beginners or whingers or the unprepared. I have found that if you are unprepared for a proper race you are normally the first to complain afterwards (not always but very often). So if you did not enjoy it, due to the route being too tough or "unprepped" I suggest you get some training and skills practise in before attempting it again. I loved it and will be back next year to shave some serious time off this year's. Well done to all involved in organising another cracker and also to all who finished!Early Friday!! Ding ding.
CleatsnCleavage Posted May 25, 2015 Posted May 25, 2015 To be honest, I won't ride this "race" again. Is it supposed to be fun or an unending sufferfest? Was ANY preparation of the course done by the organisers? I have never seen so many people walking DOWNHILL, which should be a clear indication that the route needed some work.We rode the 45km and we caught the 75km guys in a few minutes; guys were already walking within the first few km's. The routing was completely horrendous - I understand that the same route needs to be shared between the various distances but WHY double a race back on itself?We faced 45km race guys coming UP the same jeeptrack we were descending - that's really not good enough - and then we crossed over their path to ride along the dam.Due to all the confusion and poor marking, I had to stop more than once and try figure out where the heck the route was. In addition, I got lost after taking a simple wrong turn close to the finish - this was due to having outbound and inbound route markers within 25m of one another. Surely, you should not be able to see the outbound markers while riding the inbound route? Lastly, the sponsors at the finish did a fantastic job, particularly fnb, rehydrate etc. A truly crappy day on the bike was almost made up for by the great finish and post-race atmosphere. Ahh I see...your location is listed as "The Spruit". That explains, SO MUCH.
JJDT Posted May 25, 2015 Posted May 25, 2015 Had a bad day out on the 45km. Just over the first climb on the descent broke my derailleur hanger. Decided I will convert to single speed and just finish. This was my first attempt at such a concersion mostly only reading in posts that guys are doing it as an emergency. I struggled quite long and finally the chain was shortened but as luck would have it the chain was not properly tensioned and kept falling off. Two guys stopped (If they were Hubbers, thanks again for your assistance again) and also tried to see if they could assist. The chain was as such that it was either a wee bit to small or to big (no tension). We decided that we try with a cable tie to get some sort of tension on the chain just as another guy stopped (If you are also a Hubber thanks again) and he gave us a piece of rubber elastic that he had with him. Both the elastic and cable tie did not work and off these guys went as they could do nothing more. Limping on came to the first dropoff and with little confidence in the bike and choosing the wrong line, falling twice within a few meters and some words walked to the bottom. In this time the chain decided to stay in place and I managed to finish in 5 hours. My fastest speed on level strecthes was about 12km/h. Have found new respect to the single speed guys, I admire the determination. Will be back again.
TK-Sp3cialiSt Posted May 25, 2015 Posted May 25, 2015 I found the event tough, but purely due to cramping, the event was well organised and clearly marked, just a bit beyond my capabilities on the day, downhill sections were awesome, walked the portage(assumed we had to as per other events with portages, although no marshals or anyone in site) Sadly the photographers had left before we got to most of the sections so only got pics taken early on in the day and at the finish.
Odinson Posted May 25, 2015 Posted May 25, 2015 Ahh I see...your location is listed as "The Spruit". That explains, SO MUCH. Ooooh, burn!
Gen Posted May 25, 2015 Posted May 25, 2015 double postYou came past at a stage.. I still wanted to say hi.. but between my coughing fits and you were clearly on a mission. I thought nah.. I'll just watch you ride away.... yes that's how slow I was going. . I'll probably be back next yr.. hell my luck has got to change, right?
CleatsnCleavage Posted May 25, 2015 Posted May 25, 2015 You came past at a stage.. I still wanted to say hi.. but between my coughing fits and you were clearly on a mission. I thought nah.. I'll just watch you ride away.... yes that's how slow I was going. . I'll probably be back next yr.. hell my luck has got to change, right?Ahh damn, you should have! Only been in JHB since Feb and I miss knowing all the Hubbers at events. You are brave for even attempting to start the full, never mind being sick.
Gen Posted May 25, 2015 Posted May 25, 2015 Ahh damn, you should have! Only been in JHB since Feb and I miss knowing all the Hubbers at events. You are brave for even attempting to start the full, never mind being sick.Next time I will.. I don't do many events but if I see you again I'll grab onto your back pocket[emoji6]
DJ84 Posted May 25, 2015 Posted May 25, 2015 Had a bad day out on the 45km. Just over the first climb on the descent broke my derailleur hanger. Decided I will convert to single speed and just finish. This was my first attempt at such a concersion mostly only reading in posts that guys are doing it as an emergency. I struggled quite long and finally the chain was shortened but as luck would have it the chain was not properly tensioned and kept falling off. Two guys stopped (If they were Hubbers, thanks again for your assistance again) and also tried to see if they could assist. The chain was as such that it was either a wee bit to small or to big (no tension). We decided that we try with a cable tie to get some sort of tension on the chain just as another guy stopped (If you are also a Hubber thanks again) and he gave us a piece of rubber elastic that he had with him. Both the elastic and cable tie did not work and off these guys went as they could do nothing more. Limping on came to the first dropoff and with little confidence in the bike and choosing the wrong line, falling twice within a few meters and some words walked to the bottom. In this time the chain decided to stay in place and I managed to finish in 5 hours. My fastest speed on level strecthes was about 12km/h. Have found new respect to the single speed guys, I admire the determination. Will be back again.Glad to see you finished,i was one of the two trying to help out. My mate fell and damaged his hand so i helped him limp home but must have passed you along the way somewhere. Must be honest,didn't find the 45km difficult/technical at all,the climbs were steep and slippery at times and my gearing didn't help, but other than that everything was rideable.
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