The I-Team

[GaryvdM]

What group did you start in Gary?

 

D

[Frosty]

Last year I had my worst race in years (arrived injured and then had full leg cramps forcing me to get off my bike twice in the last 5 climbs) and came in at 2:58.

 

I got to the top of Witkoppen in 2:16 already deep in trouble (after having to get off my bike for a bit on that climb) and then doddled along from there to the finish.

 

So if the group gets to the top of Witkoppen in around 2:16 - 2:17, there's still an excellent chance for someone who's completely blown to make it inside the 3 hr cut-off. It will be a breeze for anyone else who still had OK legs.

 

I think a time of 2:23 would require a relatively strong finish. You'd need to still be feeling relatively fresh at that stage and the team will have to stay together.

 

Edit: My target time for the group at the top of Witkoppen is 2:20.

It was mentioned a few posts back that a sub-3 is not a walk in the park, but that everyone will need to work hard to keep the pace going.

 

I'd say you'd have a challenge on Pooks Hill (the first drag) to ensure you stay out of trouble with the rest of the bunch, and that everyone can maintain a "suitable pace" up that first hill. What is a suitable pace? You're looking at just over a minute difference between the Vets/A and a few from E/F & G groups for the first climb, according to the data I have. A minute doesn't seem long, but it adds up on every drag.

 

"A" bunch got to the top of Witkoppen in 2:03 and the front group finished in 2:34 - 2:35.

That means 31 minutes to the finish for a strong bunch. A 2:20 gives you 39 minutes, which is 8 minutes slower than these guys.

From the 70Km mark, 8 minutes on 4 drags from the finish @ 1 min slower allows 4 minutes buffer - there's your make-or-break there.

 

Sorry to dampen your spirits, but it has been said it's not easy - BUT IT IS DOABLE! 

Wish I was a part of it - but I have my own bunch to look after in the charity group.

Edited November 3, 2015 by geraldm24

[tombeej]

It was mentioned a few posts back that a sub-3 is not a walk in the park, but that everyone will need to work hard to keep the pace going.

 

I'd say you'd have a challenge on Pooks Hill (the first drag) to ensure you stay out of trouble with the rest of the bunch, and that everyone can maintain a "suitable pace" up that first hill. What is a suitable pace? You're looking at just over a minute difference between the Vets/A and a few from E/F & G groups for the first climb, according to the data I have. A minute doesn't seem long, but it adds up on every drag.

 

"A" bunch got to the top of Witkoppen in 2:03 and the front group finished in 2:34 - 2:35.

That means 31 minutes to the finish for a strong bunch. A 2:20 gives you 39 minutes, which is 8 minutes slower than these guys.

 

Sorry to dampen your spirits, but it has been said it's not easy - BUT IT IS DOABLE! 

Wish I was a part of it - but I have my own bunch to look after in the charity group.

 

If i was racing properly, my own target would be in the 2:30's for the 94.7. So I'm not thinking of me, but of the team's time.

Edited November 3, 2015 by tombeej

[shaper]

Sounds like we need a yellow motorbike with a chalk board 

[Frosty]

If i was racing properly, my own target would be in the 2:30's for the 94.7. So I'm not thinking of me, but of the team's time.

Just trying to explain that the pace from the 70Km mark to the finish is still quite high.

Covered by the racing guys in 30-31 minutes, compared to 38-39 by the I-team.

 

If you get to that point in 2:20, you're averaging the same as the finish time. It means a 31-32 average to the finish with those 4 nasty little bumps/drags/climbs.

[tombeej]

Just trying to explain that the pace from the 70Km mark to the finish is still quite high.

Covered by the racing guys in 30-31 minutes, compared to 38-39 by the I-team.

 

If you get to that point in 2:20, you're averaging the same as the finish time. It means a 31-32 average to the finish with those 4 nasty little bumps/drags/climbs.

 

Ja cool, I get you, so what do think is a reasonable target for the group? We need one that has just a little bit of wiggle room for those last 20 km.

 

2:17?

[Frosty]

Ja cool, I get you, so what do think is a reasonable target for the group? We need one that has just a little bit of wiggle room for those last 20 km.

 

2:17?

It's a hard question to answer - as it depends on how everyone feels on the day, as well as their physical ability. Reality check - can everyone finish a race with an average speed of >31km/h?

 

I'd pencil in 2:17 as a best-case and 2:20 as a worst case. As this is a new route, with only one year's history, it's difficult to get a real feel for the final section, especially the climbs (Cedar, Steyn City and the finish).

 

Take stock after the descent on Jan Smuts (when passing the Zoo). Ride time should be 1:41 - 1:45 (which is at 52Km). At least you'll know by then if you're ahead/behind schedule.

 

I ride with members of my club week in and week out, and I can't get everyone to stay together in a race. Some guys are capable of riding well on the hills but get dropped on the descents (they're too light, can't get aero enough, or they're scared of fast speeds). Some have an off-day while others forget to eat/drink and bonk as a result.

[BarHugger]

It's a hard question to answer - as it depends on how everyone feels on the day, as well as their physical ability. Reality check - can everyone finish a race with an average speed of >31km/h?

 

I'd pencil in 2:17 as a best-case and 2:20 as a worst case. As this is a new route, with only one year's history, it's difficult to get a real feel for the final section, especially the climbs (Cedar, Steyn City and the finish).

 

Take stock after the descent on Jan Smuts (when passing the Zoo). Ride time should be 1:41 - 1:45 (which is at 52Km). At least you'll know by then if you're ahead/behind schedule.

 

I ride with members of my club week in and week out, and I can't get everyone to stay together in a race. Some guys are capable of riding well on the hills but get dropped on the descents (they're too light, can't get aero enough, or they're scared of fast speeds). Some have an off-day while others forget to eat/drink and bonk as a result.

Very good logic here .

It's easier speaking a sub 3 language than actually doing it.

Let's hope this group gets a few guys on strong horses 

[StevieL]

Reality check - can everyone finish a race with an average speed of >31km/h?

 

Best question of the thread so far...

[tombeej]

It's a hard question to answer - as it depends on how everyone feels on the day, as well as their physical ability. Reality check - can everyone finish a race with an average speed of >31km/h?

 

I'd pencil in 2:17 as a best-case and 2:20 as a worst case. As this is a new route, with only one year's history, it's difficult to get a real feel for the final section, especially the climbs (Cedar, Steyn City and the finish).

 

Take stock after the descent on Jan Smuts (when passing the Zoo). Ride time should be 1:41 - 1:45 (which is at 52Km). At least you'll know by then if you're ahead/behind schedule.

 

I ride with members of my club week in and week out, and I can't get everyone to stay together in a race. Some guys are capable of riding well on the hills but get dropped on the descents (they're too light, can't get aero enough, or they're scared of fast speeds). Some have an off-day while others forget to eat/drink and bonk as a result.

 

OK that's what I was looking for - I think this is a good time frame to have in mind. 

 

Personally, I think our group - if still together at Witkoppen - is going to start splintering from that climb onwards.

 

There will be people in our group who's target isn't realistically sub 3, but if they beat their target it will still be a successful day. Some will probably head off from there, while others will just settle into their own comfortable pace to the finish.

 

That's why - for me - Witkoppen is a good time for each person to be able look down at their Garmin and see what's realistically doable from there, based on how they feel and how the group is doing.

Edited November 3, 2015 by tombeej

[Escapee..]

I came in with 3h06 last year.

 

Hit the Zoo at 1h48

Turned off Witkoppen at 2h26.

 

So like Gerald said, 2h20 as you turn off Witkoppen is a good target time

[BarHugger]

I came in with 3h06 last year.

 

Hit the Zoo at 1h48

Turned off Witkoppen at 2h26.

 

So like Gerald said, 2h20 as you turn off Witkoppen is a good target time

Excellent, what group were you in ?

[clivem]

Have you got some spots available in your group?  I'd like to join in and don't mind working up front.  Have a C seeding but I'll never stay with those snakes.  The target time at "turn left into Witkoppen" is what I did last year but faded after to get 3H02.  So in the group we can save the legs for the last 22.  What time does I group start?  Thanks 

[tombeej]

Have you got some spots available in your group?  I'd like to join in and don't mind working up front.  Have a C seeding but I'll never stay with those snakes.  The target time at "turn left into Witkoppen" is what I did last year but faded after to get 3H02.  So in the group we can save the legs for the last 22.  What time does I group start?  Thanks 

 

Added to the list 

 

Start time for 'I' is 07h05, but we're meeting beforehand (go back a few pages for the details).

Edited November 3, 2015 by tombeej

[BarHugger]

Added to the list 

 

Start time for 'I' is 07h05, but we're meeting beforehand (go back a few pages for the details).

I heard a birdie sing that apparently a certain Lawman (he who shall not be mentioned) forgot to enter and purchased an entry from someone else and it holds an I seeding.

He might just make his appearance 

[tombeej]

I heard a birdie sing that apparently a certain Lawman (he who shall not be mentioned) forgot to enter and purchased an entry from someone else and it holds an I seeding.

He might just make his appearance 

 

It would be flippin brilliant if he joins us.