[Event] 99er MTB Challenge

[MTBJoe]

I ride them trails all the time..This 45km felt incredibly tough, but perhaps I just had an off-day.

The entry fee really was over the top for what one got...or didn't get.

And every time I do one of these races I am astounded at the lack of skill of people when things go into the negative gradient. People must be going through brake pads at a hell of a rate Even the super tame decent into Hillcrest from the top of Contermans peeps were on their brakes constantly.

And why they put us on the top section of the blue at Contermans and then proceeded to cut out the bottom section in favour of more dirt road I don't know.

But alas I need to get used to racing and being tuck behind people as W2W is coming up later

Had my first crash after the first water point, being my first crash i was s... scared after that, i was wishing i had ABS after that. They say you not a true mountain biker unless you have fallen, well i fell thrice. Lucky no broken bones or fractures, just alot of bruises, but the ego took a big knock.

[Thermophage]

Had my first crash after the first water point, being my first crash i was s... scared after that, i was wishing i had ABS after that. They say you not a true mountain biker unless you have fallen, well i fell thrice. Lucky no broken bones or fractures, just alot of bruises, but the ego took a big knock.

Crashing is good for you man. I took one as well...300m from the end

If you didn't break anything or get seriously hurt then who cares.

Often though people fall because they are going TOO slowly to actually even roll over obstacles/etc, or break suddenly and get people (aka almost ME and 2 riding partners) riding into the back of them

[MTBJoe]

any other guys keen to share? The entry fee put off a lot of people - me included.Particularly since those trails are open anyway.

I'm new to the mtb scene, done triathlons, half marathons and road cycling races. For the entry fee I expected at least a goody bag. Big thumbs up for the water points.

[mikkelz]

Was the entry fee more than other races? Yes.

Was it any less enjoyable than other races? Not at all.

 

It was a seriously tough route, reminded me of the old Lourensford MTB races. Plus it was bloody hot! The singletrack was great and not everyone easily has access to these trails, so it was fun to experience them for the first time and have the added plus of water points along the way.

 

There were far too many people in front of me who just simply stopped going up a climb that was more than ride-able, but that's what happens when you get seeded badly. And yes, far too many people wearing out brake pads on the descents.

 

But all in all, it was a proper ride. ~1,300 m elevation gain in 45 km is never easy.

[Bub Marley]

And every time I do one of these races I am astounded at the lack of skill of people when things go into the negative gradient. People must be going through brake pads at a hell of a rate

We all have to start somewhere mate. Not everyone is as fearless as you.

[Skubarra]

We all have to start somewhere mate. Not everyone is as fearless as you.

 

What is even more astounding is that all those people are always ahead of him in races   

[dirtman]

People must be going through brake pads at a hell of a rate Even the super tame decent into Hillcrest from the top of Contermans peeps were on their brakes constantly.

 

And why they put us on the top section of the blue at Contermans and then proceeded to cut out the bottom section in favour of more dirt road I don't know.

 

 

 

You have answered your own question - if we had sent 500 riders through Cheeky Corners there would be nothing left of Cheeky Corners with all the braking and dragging of wheels. One must try and limit damage to the trails as much as possible.

Edited April 11, 2016 by dirtman

[Thermophage]

We all have to start somewhere mate. Not everyone is as fearless as you.

Lol...tis not about being fearless...

I am very very very far from fearless. But holy **** it was actually pathetic that people physically capable of riding that race had such little technical skill

 

What is even more astounding is that all those people are always ahead of him in races   

Yes cos all the dirt roadies climb hills like mountain goats or were better seeded