Mojoman Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 The more I read this thread the more I worry. Doing the marathon I got a 26er hardtail ( Momsem Al126 - so not light and terrible fork), It is on 1x9 and I am not as fit as I was a few months back (new baby takes training time) But I entered and I am committed so guess its bite my tongue and get some time in the saddle in the next few weeks. I may shave my legs to get me a few seconds on the downhills. If any of you have supporters please ask them to keep a chilled beer for me on the climbs. I will probably be walking faster than I could ride it Done the marathon distance twice on my GT hardtail (about 15kgs!), the first year I had some muppets in the start pens tell me I would never make it on my HT, but I did... granted it was over 6hrs but it can be done if you want to do it.
DIPSLICK Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 in sa i think we are in general just used to manicured pavements, and we forget that we are supposed to be mountain bikers, ruff and tuff it is do able, but if you think something like northern farms is technical i suggest you stay away from the monster
Paulst12 Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 The first climb in the reserve is more difficult than the monster. Thats the one that has the loose rocks and knarly tracks. The monster has some concrete strips which helps, so imo its not that bad... watch the descents near the end. You will be mixed between the long and short distance riders, and thats where it can get interesting. Very hard race overall but a great test of mtb skill.
Gen Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 in sa i think we are in general just used to manicured pavements, and we forget that we are supposed to be mountain bikers, ruff and tuff it is do able, but if you think something like northern farms is technical i suggest you stay away from the monster Yip that is true. The terrain is like what we have here by us rocks sand, so that didn't big me too much I expected that.. also Rouxjie gave us such a detailed race description that i knew exactly where I was and what was coming next.
Paulst12 Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 Yip that is true. The terrain is like what we have here by us rocks sand, so that didn't big me too much I expected that.. also Rouxjie gave us such a detailed race description that i knew exactly where I was and what was coming next.Biggest problem is the monster is after Sani... from manicured slopes and beautiful scenery to the harshness of Magaliesburg... they should do it between Epic and Sani and then fewer people would moan about how technical it is?
RocknRolla Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 i know that description: Start, shuffle for position, climb, ride....climb.. walk.. climb loose rocks...portage...rocky downhill...climb..sand climb....climb...walk...climb...climb Oh F@ck climb... Portage donwhill...climb..ahh district road, climb..waterpoint..wohoo...i see puking at the waterpoint..some people are laying around...why is there an ambulance... downhilll woooh..oh F@ck thats fast..... steady climb...ahh... seat rail snap...damnit... clmb...cramp....crawl, watrpoint.... climb...cramp..climb.....cramp....rocky downhill...cramp. Hear music... the must be the end.....turn away from music... climb...cramp....climb..cramp...cramp cramp finish...woohoo...cramp cry inside...icebath massage beer....beer...beer...
DIPSLICK Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 Biggest problem is the monster is after Sani... from manicured slopes and beautiful scenery to the harshness of Magaliesburg... they should do it between Epic and Sani and then fewer people would moan about how technical it is?its def. no sani
arendoog Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 Keep cash handy .Plenty Sani riders want to sell their new bikes just at the top satellite section before the really rocky descent
RocknRolla Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 Let me just state for a fact, I have tested this practice, and Sani is not enough training for this ride!!!!
Gen Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 i know that description: Start, shuffle for position, climb, ride....climb.. walk.. climb loose rocks...portage...rocky downhill...climb..sand climb....climb...walk...climb...climb Oh F@ck climb... Portage donwhill...climb..ahh district road, climb..waterpoint..wohoo...i see puking at the waterpoint..some people are laying around...why is there an ambulance... downhilll woooh..oh F@ck thats fast..... steady climb...ahh... seat rail snap...damnit... clmb...cramp....crawl, watrpoint.... climb...cramp..climb.....cramp....rocky downhill...cramp. Hear music... the must be the end.....turn away from music... climb...cramp....climb..cramp...cramp cramp finish...woohoo...cramp cry inside...icebath massage beer....beer...beer...[emoji23] [emoji23] [emoji23] [emoji23] [emoji23]
Gen Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 I actually think hubby was relieved that he had a sidewall cut that he could not sort out so that he could have an excuse not to finish it.. the concerned husband was just an act.
Mike Bike Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 Done the marathon distance twice on my GT hardtail (about 15kgs!), the first year I had some muppets in the start pens tell me I would never make it on my HT, but I did... granted it was over 6hrs but it can be done if you want to do it. Hardtail is just fine for monster....
Mike Bike Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 i know that description: Start, shuffle for position, climb, ride....climb.. walk.. climb loose rocks...portage...rocky downhill...climb..sand climb....climb...walk...climb...climb beer...There are only 2 times you need to walk....portage, and over the rock to get onto breedts nek road. The secret is to race thru the parking area so you are in a good postion to go thru the orchard, however they say this year will be seeded, which will make it much better.. Another secret is save some matches for the satellite climb, 10k from the end, and hold on tight for the lekker descent from it!
Gen Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 There are only 2 times you need to walk....portage, and over the rock to get onto breedts nek road. The secret is to race thru the parking area so you are in a good postion to go thru the orchard, however they say this year will be seeded, which will make it much better.. Another secret is save some matches for the satellite climb, 10k from the end, and hold on tight for the lekker descent from it!Have to and need too... 2 different things.. [emoji23] [emoji12]
Pikey Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 I did this race (the 45km) 4 years ago as my one of my first MTB races the year I started MTB'ing. Man this race messed me up solid. I had no idea it could be that tough. I will be back this year in much better shape and actually able to handle the technical climbs. Cant wait.Ditto my first race ever last year 80km...and convinced mate to do it as well. He hated it and me and I had to keep waiting for him after every climb ( that was the deal) Took us just over 6 hrs. But we finished and cherish the medal. Has tainted my view of the race some what but will be back this year,fitter & stronger and a lot more technically inclined (peaches lessons). Hopefully will enjoy the race this year even if only a little bit ????
Pikey Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 Yip.. I think 9 stitches later.. [emoji31] even scratched one out 3 weeks after the fall .. brain farts happen when you try chase your husband downhill[emoji35] the pic of the arm I won't post again.. unless you are planning on giving up food for the week[emoji23]But ur hakahana skills will have you chasing him again this year ????
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