Tankwa Trek 2016

[Sidmouth]

WOW

what an awesome event, so well organised, great trails, great food, just a solid performance by Dryland, well done

[Slowbee]

this makes me so sad ... the hub is loosing the fine art of the race report. maybe its the new youth thing

 

Hubber 1: How was the ride?

Hubber 2: It was fine and nice.

Hubber 1: great that really inspires me to ride more and enter

Hubber 3: It was crap

Hubber 1 & 2: Did you post a 10 page hub thread detailing how you felt cheated, stolen from and demanding a response from the organisers, including a free refund and a better goodie bag.

 

sigh!

 

Yes, I miss the good old get a cup of tea for the Monday morning ride reports.

[Blackheart]

Well, I've never done it, and I'll never do it again.

Goodie bags were useless, didn't start on time, the waterpoints were too far apart - why did no one warn us that we needed more than one bottle, there wasn't enough singletrack, it was too technical, it was boring too, and worst of all I left one of my children to ride by themselves and not one of the organisers bothered to look after him on my behalf, not one!

[jcza]

this makes me so sad ... the hub is loosing the fine art of the race report. maybe its the new youth thing

 

Hubber 1: How was the ride?

Hubber 2: It was fine and nice.

Hubber 1: great that really inspires me to ride more and enter

Hubber 3: It was crap

Hubber 1 & 2: Did you post a 10 page hub thread detailing how you felt cheated, stolen from and demanding a response from the organisers, including a free refund and a better goodie bag.

 

sigh!

 

Yes, I miss the good old get a cup of tea for the Monday morning ride reports.

 

I'll help you guys out Slowbee, race report will be available by no later than lunchtime tomorrow 

[Slowbee]

I'll help you guys out Slowbee, race report will be available by no later than lunchtime tomorrow 

:clap:

YES !

[Slowbee]

Well, I've never done it, and I'll never do it again.

Goodie bags were useless, didn't start on time, the waterpoints were too far apart - why did no one warn us that we needed more than one bottle, there wasn't enough singletrack, it was too technical, it was boring too, and worst of all I left one of my children to ride by themselves and not one of the organisers bothered to look after him on my behalf, not one!

that reads like every one of the recent ride reports on the hub.... folks can now just cut copy and paste!

[MikeyB]

Great race organization, and a real challenge, especially if you not in Epic shape!

Was interested to see the "Doping Control" room looking very empty, wondered if any details how many riders were actually tested, and does it take 12 months for results to be known as in the case of Yolande de Villiers?

[cadenceblur]

Extremely tough. Really a true mtb event with tough trail conditions. Excellent organisation,food at the water points were okay,especially the ostrich! the service offered at the points was top class.

Awesome meals and catering in race village.

[jcza]

Better late etc....

 

Race Report - Tankwa Trek 2016

 

In preparation for the weeklong MTB event week after Argus we decided to enter Tankwa Trek and use as preparation. Heard good things about the event and having participated in other Drylands events I was hoping for the best. I have seen some of the terrain during the Tour de Boland last year as we rode up the Gydo Pass to Op Die Berg. 

 

Arrived on Thursday after enjoying lunch of Roosterkoek at Die Tolhius on Michells pass coming into Ceres. Registration took roughly 5 minutes and we received a Merino Monster T-Shirt and small carryon trolley bag. Both items appear to be quality. Each person got his/her own tent and you could pick your own.

 

We settled in and took the bikes for a spin around Kaleo to make sure everything was working. Received a SMS with start batch for Friday (last batch...grrr) and started preparing ourselves for what lay ahead. Saw some proper mountains earlier. 

 

Dinner and race briefing was at 18h00 and we enjoyed the following:

Roast pork and lamb, baby potatoes, salads, bread, butter, jams and cheese. For dessert we had carrot cake and marshmallow tart. Fresh fruit and fruit juices were included and there was a fully stocked cash bar. 

 

Henco Rademeyer and Paul Valstar did the race briefing and there were plenty nervous faces around. Day one promised to be tough, maybe even tougher than day two that included the Merino Monster. 

 

Day 1 

 

Breakfast was served from 05h00 onwards and we could choose from the following:

Cereals, homemade muesli, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, bacon, tomato, bread, muffins, butter, jams and cheese. With coffee (of course) and same selection of fresh fruit and juices. There was also a coffee stall near the start. We didn't use it but I don't think it was free. Batches were loaded and riders were scanned in. Seems like everyone else got there before us and we were pretty far back. The route started out on dirt road and a short climb and sand early on spread the field. We were making our way forward but going was slow. We dropped into the valley going down a steep wagon trail and into single track. There were plenty moments of eyes wide open with short sharp climbs and drop offs. At times it felt like we were riding down sheer rock faces. It was terrain unlike any other I have experienced and there wasn't much time to recover. There were one or two bottlenecks but we never waited for than a minute or 3. We then started climbing, back out the valley. First through a forest section with switchbacks, which was really cool. Then we hit the wagon trail, same one we came down on earlier. Very tough, technical climb and plenty people walking. Fortunately the weather was mild with temperatures in the mid 20s. Once we crested the views were fantastic, we saw towns but I'm not sure if it was Ceres or Tulbagh. From there it was more technical single track back to camp. Again concentration levels had to be high. There was also a short tar section somewhere in between. The water points were fantastic with 32GI, Coke and water. All served ice cold. There were also koeksisters, gels, barones and plenty other treats on offer. Youngsters grabbed and parked your bike while applying lube to the chain. We made it back in just over 5 hours for the 89km stage. It was tough but nobody missed the 9 hour cut. At the finish there was Coke and 32GI. Lunch was served at 12h00 and we enjoyed Chicken Pie, baby potatoes, mixed vegetables, sweet potato rolls and salads. Fresh fruit and juice as usual. The chill zone was now open where water, iced coffee, chocolate mousse, flanby, fudge, dried fruit and nuts and a selection of cheese and biscuits were available. 

 

Bikes were dropped at bike wash to be collected later. Results were available at the finish line on a computer screen and you received a SMS immediately after crossing the line with your finish time. Cellphone reception wasn’t great and I never managed to use the wifi (I think there was wifi) but it meant that we could relax and prepare for the next day. Besides the normal SAB/Namibia products there was CBC on sale which was a treat. Seating for meals and race briefing happened outside the dining room under a massive marquee with very comfortable chairs and less comfortable benches. 

 

Dinner was again outstanding. On the menu was Chicken Cordon Bleu, Oxtail potjie, rice, sweet pumpkin, salads followed by malva pudding and custard. With breakfast and dinner there was tea and coffee available. Race briefing was conducted as usual and the jerseys were handed over. Bulls team of Platt and Huber leading with Sauser and the young kiwi Sam Gaze (remember this name) close behind. Top local team was Lill and Woolcock. 

 

Day 2

 

Up at 04h45 and breakfast was served from 05h00. Same as yesterday but cheese grillers added for more variety. The Merino Monster awaits! We managed to move up to A batch which meant less congestion. Early on we would tackle the drop down into the kloof where we did encounter traffic. In 3 km you drop 300 metres down and the surface is very loose and blown out. The area hasn’t seen much rain and it was dry and dusty. Traffic was minimal and I probably caused some congestion by crashing 3 times in quick succession. First time avoiding another rider wiping out, second time over the bars as you do on a steep descent and third time front wheel wash out trying to make up time. The views were spectacular and again the weather was perfect. We rode more fantastic single track but soon enough the climbing started. Nowhere near the base of the Monster but this was slow poison. Up and up and up we went. Finally stopped at the water point at the bottom of Merino Monster and filled up. We would cover the next 8km in just under a hour. This took us to the top and the next water point. The climb was steep but I quite enjoyed it. The steep switchbacks are tarred and one can stand without losing traction. From the top of the Merino Monster one can see for miles. We refilled and hit the descent. It was paved at the top but that ended soon enough and the rest is rough and rocky and unforgiving. Managed to stay on the bike but it felt like we descended forever. Arms were pumped and fingers cramping. The final stretch was dirt road and jeep track and we were back in camp in just over 5 hours again. Covered 90km with 2200 vertical metres. Climb on day 1 felt tougher to me and definitely more technical. 

 

For lunch we had hamburgers and chicken burgers with potato salad and the usual selection of fresh fruit and juices. The chill zone was fully stocked again and the bike wash operating at full capacity. 

 

Spent the afternoon recovering and had a CBC Lager (or 2). 

 

Dinner and final race briefing started at 18h00 and we had the following:

Lamb chops, chicken kebabs, boerewors, mielies, salads, bread, butter, jams & cheese. Followed by chocolate mousse, yoghurt tart and ice cream. Was getting worried about my weight. 

 

Platt & Huber retained the lead but only just after puncturing after the top of the Monster. Sauser clearly still had it in him and the Gaze seems super strong. 

 

Day 3

 

Same breakfast as previous days but the start was a single batch with a 10km neutral zone at 20km/h. After that the clock starts and there is a section of dirt road where the sorting out will happen. This is followed by some single track and then a water point. Also a chance to make up places and hit the next section of single track first. Sandwiched between the water point and the second section of single track was quite a steep climb. The second section of single track featured dual track for overtaking and it was sublime. Carving our way through rock formations and over bridges it was great fun. We also did a steep climb that had tight switchbacks. After this was a steep rutted fast downhill section and I crashed heavily while trying to spot a gap but missed a rut and the front wheel washed out. Slight headache but we pushed on to the next water point where we found the usual, all ice cold and ready. What a pleasure. We then made our way through the orchards and dirt roads with a short steep climb on tar past warehouses. After this there was a rough downhill section and we climbed again. The final section was familiar as we did some of it on day 1 but I still managed to get some of it wrong with the drop-offs and soft sand in the corners. Finally we spotted camp and the welcome sight of the finish line. Distance for the final day including the neutral zone was 88km. 

 

Lunch was lamb shank in red wine, grilled chicken thighs, rice, pumpkin fritters and salad with various homemade treats for dessert. 

 

Well done to Team Bulls for taking the victory with Sauser and Gaze a close second and Lill and Woolcock third. Ladies race was dominated by De Groot and Stenerhag and another Team Bulls rider took the solo victory. 

 

An absolutely fantastic event, not too big, not too congested and terrain that I have never seen before. Make no mistake, its tough and technical and you need to be wide awake. The food and race village was fantastic. The only minor complaints I have is that the bike wash wasn’t great and the showers didn’t have enough hot water but this will not prevent me from entering this event again. Dryland is setting the standard and I have no doubt that others will aspire to deliver the same.   

[Skubarra]

Awesome race report!!

[Godzilla]

Better late etc....

 

Race Report - Tankwa Trek 2016

 

In preparation for the weeklong MTB event week after Argus we decided to enter Tankwa Trek and use as preparation. Heard good things about the event and having participated in other Drylands events I was hoping for the best. I have seen some of the terrain during the Tour de Boland last year as we rode up the Gydo Pass to Op Die Berg. 

 

Arrived on Thursday after enjoying lunch of Roosterkoek at Die Tolhius on Michells pass coming into Ceres. Registration took roughly 5 minutes and we received a Merino Monster T-Shirt and small carryon trolley bag. Both items appear to be quality. Each person got his/her own tent and you could pick your own.

 

We settled in and took the bikes for a spin around Kaleo to make sure everything was working. Received a SMS with start batch for Friday (last batch...grrr) and started preparing ourselves for what lay ahead. Saw some proper mountains earlier. 

 

Dinner and race briefing was at 18h00 and we enjoyed the following:

Roast pork and lamb, baby potatoes, salads, bread, butter, jams and cheese. For dessert we had carrot cake and marshmallow tart. Fresh fruit and fruit juices were included and there was a fully stocked cash bar. 

 

Henco Rademeyer and Paul Kaye did the race briefing and there were plenty nervous faces around. Day one promised to be tough, maybe even tougher than day two that included the Merino Monster. 

 

Day 1 

 

Breakfast was served from 05h00 onwards and we could choose from the following:

Cereals, homemade muesli, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, bacon, tomato, bread, muffins, butter, jams and cheese. With coffee (of course) and same selection of fresh fruit and juices. There was also a coffee stall near the start. We didn't use it but I don't think it was free. Batches were loaded and riders were scanned in. Seems like everyone else got there before us and we were pretty far back. The route started out on dirt road and a short climb and sand early on spread the field. We were making our way forward but going was slow. We dropped into the valley going down a steep wagon trail and into single track. There were plenty moments of eyes wide open with short sharp climbs and drop offs. At times it felt like we were riding down sheer rock faces. It was terrain unlike any other I have experienced and there wasn't much time to recover. There were one or two bottlenecks but we never waited for than a minute or 3. We then started climbing, back out the valley. First through a forest section with switchbacks, which was really cool. Then we hit the wagon trail, same one we came down on earlier. Very tough, technical climb and plenty people walking. Fortunately the weather was mild with temperatures in the mid 20s. Once we crested the views were fantastic, we saw towns but I'm not sure if it was Ceres or Tulbagh. From there it was more technical single track back to camp. Again concentration levels had to be high. There was also a short tar section somewhere in between. The water points were fantastic with 32GI, Coke and water. All served ice cold. There were also koeksisters, gels, barones and plenty other treats on offer. Youngsters grabbed and parked your bike while applying lube to the chain. We made it back in just over 5 hours for the 89km stage. It was tough but nobody missed the 9 hour cut. At the finish there was Coke and 32GI. Lunch was served at 12h00 and we enjoyed Chicken Pie, baby potatoes, mixed vegetables, sweet potato rolls and salads. Fresh fruit and juice as usual. The chill zone was now open where water, iced coffee, chocolate mousse, flanby, fudge, dried fruit and nuts and a selection of cheese and biscuits were available. 

 

Bikes were dropped at bike wash to be collected later. Results were available at the finish line on a computer screen and you received a SMS immediately after crossing the line with your finish time. Cellphone reception wasn’t great and I never managed to use the wifi (I think there was wifi) but it meant that we could relax and prepare for the next day. Besides the normal SAB/Namibia products there was CBC on sale which was a treat. Seating for meals and race briefing happened outside the dining room under a massive marquee with very comfortable chairs and less comfortable benches. 

 

Dinner was again outstanding. On the menu was Chicken Cordon Bleu, Oxtail potjie, rice, sweet pumpkin, salads followed by malva pudding and custard. With breakfast and dinner there was tea and coffee available. Race briefing was conducted as usual and the jerseys were handed over. Bulls team of Platt and Huber leading with Sauser and the young kiwi Sam Gaze (remember this name) close behind. Top local team was Lill and Woolcock. 

 

Day 2

 

Up at 04h45 and breakfast was served from 05h00. Same as yesterday but cheese grillers added for more variety. The Merino Monster awaits! We managed to move up to A batch which meant less congestion. Early on we would tackle the drop down into the kloof where we did encounter traffic. In 3 km you drop 300 metres down and the surface is very loose and blown out. The area hasn’t seen much rain and it was dry and dusty. Traffic was minimal and I probably caused some congestion by crashing 3 times in quick succession. First time avoiding another rider wiping out, second time over the bars as you do on a steep descent and third time front wheel wash out trying to make up time. The views were spectacular and again the weather was perfect. We rode more fantastic single track but soon enough the climbing started. Nowhere near the base of the Monster but this was slow poison. Up and up and up we went. Finally stopped at the water point at the bottom of Merino Monster and filled up. We would cover the next 8km in just under a hour. This took us to the top and the next water point. The climb was steep but I quite enjoyed it. The steep switchbacks are tarred and one can stand without losing traction. From the top of the Merino Monster one can see for miles. We refilled and hit the descent. It was paved at the top but that ended soon enough and the rest is rough and rocky and unforgiving. Managed to stay on the bike but it felt like we descended forever. Arms were pumped and fingers cramping. The final stretch was dirt road and jeep track and we were back in camp in just over 5 hours again. Covered 90km with 2200 vertical metres. Climb on day 1 felt tougher to me and definitely more technical. 

 

For lunch we had hamburgers and chicken burgers with potato salad and the usual selection of fresh fruit and juices. The chill zone was fully stocked again and the bike wash operating at full capacity. 

 

Spent the afternoon recovering and had a CBC Lager (or 2). 

 

Dinner and final race briefing started at 18h00 and we had the following:

Lamb chops, chicken kebabs, boerewors, mielies, salads, bread, butter, jams & cheese. Followed by chocolate mousse, yoghurt tart and ice cream. Was getting worried about my weight. 

 

Platt & Huber retained the lead but only just after puncturing after the top of the Monster. Sauser clearly still had it in him and the Gaze seems super strong. 

 

Day 3

 

Same breakfast as previous days but the start was a single batch with a 10km neutral zone at 20km/h. After that the clock starts and there is a section of dirt road where the sorting out will happen. This is followed by some single track and then a water point. Also a chance to make up places and hit the next section of single track first. Sandwiched between the water point and the second section of single track was quite a steep climb. The second section of single track featured dual track for overtaking and it was sublime. Carving our way through rock formations and over bridges it was great fun. We also did a steep climb that had tight switchbacks. After this was a steep rutted fast downhill section and I crashed heavily while trying to spot a gap but missed a rut and the front wheel washed out. Slight headache but we pushed on to the next water point where we found the usual, all ice cold and ready. What a pleasure. We then made our way through the orchards and dirt roads with a short steep climb on tar past warehouses. After this there was a rough downhill section and we climbed again. The final section was familiar as we did some of it on day 1 but I still managed to get some of it wrong with the drop-offs and soft sand in the corners. Finally we spotted camp and the welcome sight of the finish line. Distance for the final day including the neutral zone was 88km. 

 

Lunch was lamb shank in red wine, grilled chicken thighs, rice, pumpkin fritters and salad with various homemade treats for dessert. 

 

Well done to Team Bulls for taking the victory with Sauser and Gaze a close second and Lill and Woolcock third. Ladies race was dominated by De Groot and Stenerhag and another Team Bulls rider took the solo victory. 

 

An absolutely fantastic event, not too big, not too congested and terrain that I have never seen before. Make no mistake, its tough and technical and you need to be wide awake. The food and race village was fantastic. The only minor complaints I have is that the bike wash wasn’t great and the showers didn’t have enough hot water but this will not prevent me from entering this event again. Dryland is setting the standard and I have no doubt that others will aspire to deliver the same.   

Spot on bud. These guys know how to stock and manage water points. As you say, EVERY drink at the water points was ICE COLD. Incredible food at the waterpoints as well.And great smiles and service from everyone.

The route is tough as nails if you go in undergunned ito prep.

Just one correction -MC is Paul Valstar and not Paul Kaye. I sometime wish Paul Kaye was there.

[Slowbee]

snip snip

NOW THIS IS A RACE REPORT! Take notes chaps this is how it is done.

 

but the big question JCZA .. would you do it again ?? Cause this report sure makes me consider entering.

[jcza]

Spot on bud. These guys know how to stock and manage water points. As you say, EVERY drink at the water points was ICE COLD. Incredible food at the waterpoints as well.And great smiles and service from everyone.

The route is tough as nails if you go in undergunned ito prep.

Just one correction -MC is Paul Valstar and not Paul Kaye. I sometime wish Paul Kaye was there.

 

Thanks for the correction, fixed it! 

[jcza]

NOW THIS IS A RACE REPORT! Take notes chaps this is how it is done.

 

but the big question JCZA .. would you do it again ?? Cause this report sure makes me consider entering.

 

Coming from Jozi its loads of admin - flights, car hire etc but its no different to any other stage race we do except for 3 Towers where its a 3 hour drive and you're there and home. Saying that I recon its the best 3 day stage race in SA right now. Included is accommodation and meals on Thurs night which is not always the case and the route is something special. Yes I'll do it again without hesitation.  

[Godzilla]

NOW THIS IS A RACE REPORT! Take notes chaps this is how it is done.

 

but the big question JCZA .. would you do it again ?? Cause this report sure makes me consider entering.

Slowbee, i think you HAVE to do this race and certainly if you are based in Cape Town. Having said that it is by no means a doddle. The daily distances are meaty, as is how they dish up the vertical ascent.

The surfaces you ride on are mostly tough and treacherous.....with just enough district road thrown in.

This would make something like the W2W course look like nursery school.

Its as tough as it gets for a 3 day event.....but the service, food and race village vibe far outweigh the suffering !

[cadenceblur]

Slowbee, i think you HAVE to do this race and certainly if you are based in Cape Town. Having said that it is by no means a doddle. The daily distances are meaty, as is how they dish up the vertical ascent.

The surfaces you ride on are mostly tough and treacherous.....with just enough district road thrown in.

This would make something like the W2W course look like nursery school.

Its as tough as it gets for a 3 day event.....but the service, food and race village vibe far outweigh the suffering !

Spot on! The organisers had it correct when they said it's not for roadies. I might just consider doing it again next year.