The Munga 2016

[Kranswurm]

So the riding has been going sort of average. Life is throwing lost of curve balls.

 

But I must say the confidence levels are a bit low. During the week it is IDT for an hour, but it is getting to the stage where I dont feel like there is any progression. Things do not seem to be getting better, only slow. No matter how much effort I put it in, it still seems like I am only able to ride at one speed and am not getting any faster/stronger/fitter. And hence the low confidence levels.

 

But on to another dilemma.

 

My 26er Titus Racer X, needs to have the drive chain replaced. It is currently a 3 x 9 speed set up running on X9 equipment, with a shimano hollowtec crank. But I need a new chain, possibly cassette and for sure some new blades. Is it worth going 2x10 and doing a big upgrade? Is there any value in that?

 

and the last thought for this friday, do the Munga on the Titus 26er, or the 650b anthem with new flow ex wheels built on hope 4 hubs?

SB

What distances are you doing on Sat and Sun?If you are not doing big numbers you will have a problem.This thing is 1000kays and is in 3 months time

['Dale]

Go go go Slowbee

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[Wadem]

Planning a double header in the South from Lido to Vereniging and back starting at Midday and riding though to complete +- 180 km

Going to do on a Saturday and then go back on Sunday to do a 90km

If you are interested please let me know so that it can be planned and a date scheduled.

[Slowbee]

SB

What distances are you doing on Sat and Sun?If you are not doing big numbers you will have a problem.This thing is 1000kays and is in 3 months time

distances I am currently doing on the weekends, ja well no fine. 80km or there abouts.

 

I am trying to do these at about 13/14km/hr, so usually a 6 hr ride. The problem I have is a holiday for 3 weeks over August/Sep. The plan is to then use the rest of Sep to get back into riding again. Then for the week day riding in Oct and Nov to be interval type ride to get leg strength (50km distance in 2.5 hrs if I use my Sani training) and on the weekends to take it over 100km/day at the 13-14km/hr. That means 8 hr rides on Saturday and Sunday. Is this maybe to little?

 

I am trying to fit this in with everyday life, family, work etc. I want to try show that anyone can do this ride with just a bit of training and nothing out of the ordinary. So whilst it is a priority I need to be flexible to accommodate other things. But I am fast realising that this may not be possible.

[Kranswurm]

distances I am currently doing on the weekends, ja well no fine. 80km or there abouts.

 

I am trying to do these at about 13/14km/hr, so usually a 6 hr ride. The problem I have is a holiday for 3 weeks over August/Sep. The plan is to then use the rest of Sep to get back into riding again. Then for the week day riding in Oct and Nov to be interval type ride to get leg strength (50km distance in 2.5 hrs if I use my Sani training) and on the weekends to take it over 100km/day at the 13-14km/hr. That means 8 hr rides on Saturday and Sunday. Is this maybe to little?

 

I am trying to fit this in with everyday life, family, work etc. I want to try show that anyone can do this ride with just a bit of training and nothing out of the ordinary. So whilst it is a priority I need to be flexible to accommodate other things. But I am fast realising that this may not be possible.

Not sure because I have never tackled something like this.

1000kms is a moer of a way and the accumulated fatigue is the big question

The best one to speak to is David.He rode to Jhb and back a number of times.getting in at 11 at night.There is no technical riding.Its just gravel so big wheels will go a long way.

[Slowbee]

I have quickly realised that it is not fitness that is the major hurdle - it is getting your body used to being on a bike.

 

As silly as this sounds, I have now started to wear my helmet while on the IDT.

 

The night time riding I will have a light on the bike and on my helmet (tikkina petzl). I will need to get used to the extra weight on my neck and shoulders. So as silly as it looks and feels - it is what I am doing.

 

However my current thoughts are around the bike. The titus or the giant anthem. Or maybe I can ask Admin if I can test a new spez 29er (ja, one has to live in hope).

[walkerr]

It might be a bit late for you or clash with your vacation - but we have a 300km Cape Audax on 10th Sept.

 

Although it's a a road ride - in my experience the endurance aspect is quite similar between gravel and road. You travel faster on one than the other, but in terms of managing the physical and mental suffering of very long days in the saddle, they're not all that different.

 

We have an October one also - a 400km, starting 9pm on Friday 7th. That one will give some solid experience of managing yourself through an entire night of riding when already somewhat sleep deprived when you start out.

[Slowbee]

inspiration

 

http://audaxsa.co.za/cape-1000-ride-report/

[Slowbee]

Need some input guys, ride a 26er or a 650b ? Both are dual suspension.

[vroommm]

Need some input guys, ride a 26er or a 650b ? Both are dual suspension.

Bigger wheels roll easier over corrugations. It's a simple choice. 29er even beter ...

 

Sent from my SM-J500F using Tapatalk

[Monark]

I would go with the 650b, that is the Anthem right?

[walkerr]

Need some input guys, ride a 26er or a 650b ? Both are dual suspension.

 

As the others guys have said - in general, bigger wheel will be better so 650b .... BUT ..... for a ride of this length, the most important factor above pretty much everything else is which one fits you better and you are most comfortable on. Over 1,000km the slightest niggle on fit will become a major pain in the butt (sometimes literally). Fitness / leg strength is one of the least reasons for DNFing these beasts - hydration, nutrition, physical stress (bums, knees and achilles especially, but also neck too for some), upset stomachs, and just pure mental or physical exhaustion are the biggest scratch reasons. Start with a comfortable well fitting bike and you can help mitigate a few of those off the bat.

[Slowbee]

@monark, yes it is the anthem that i bought for the mrs. also put hope 4 flow ex wheels on so I was thinking of using her bike as it is also a medium

 

I will get a bike fit done without a doubt. going to book it now come to think of it !
 

[walkerr]

@monark, yes it is the anthem that i bought for the mrs. also put hope 4 flow ex wheels on so I was thinking of using her bike as it is also a medium

 

I will get a bike fit done without a doubt. going to book it now come to think of it !

 

 

Sound plan - I regretted not having a full fit before 36One, right knee was taking some strain towards the end.

 

The thing that got me (being a roadie) was the wide bars. Over the last 100km or so I found myself holding them very narrow over the inside of the levels in towards the stem. My arms and shoulders just weren't used to holding such a wide bar for so long, whereas on a road bar they hardly bug me at all.

[walkerr]

Just one other tip on the bike fit

 

Be sure to tell the fitter it's for an endurance ride. Unless you have an extremely strong core or are very fit, I'd suggest going for a bar position which is much higher and closer to you than you'd normally ever consider. On my Audax bike I use a short 80mm, 17degree stem flipped upwards (normal stem for me is standard 90 or 100, 7 degree). I look like a postman and am about as aero as a brick, but it takes a massive amount of pressure off my hands, shoulders and neck.

[Slowbee]

Just one other tip on the bike fit

 

Be sure to tell the fitter it's for an endurance ride. Unless you have an extremely strong core or are very fit, I'd suggest going for a bar position which is much higher and closer to you than you'd normally ever consider. On my Audax bike I use a short 80mm, 17degree stem flipped upwards (normal stem for me is standard 90 or 100, 7 degree). I look like a postman and am about as aero as a brick, but it takes a massive amount of pressure off my hands, shoulders and neck.

thanks Rob, will for sure tell Renay. Going for the ergofit with Renay (well dropped him an email now).

 

when we get back from the holiday it is the intention to hit the gym to do some core work (mainly plank type exercises) and circuit work to get a bit of all round strength. Also going to do that 100 push ups in 6 week routine you can download.

 

EDIT: my saddle bag courtesy of hubber Sepia is on the way. As soon as I get it it will go on the mountain bike. I am wanting to get all my training done on the mountain bike with all the kit I intend to ride with. Hopefully come the day the Munga starts it will be just like another training day. Well that is what I keep telling myself anyway.