[Event] Bestmed Jock Cycle Classique

[NordicElf]

I really enjoyed it. Enjoyed the stops way more than I expected to. the scenary was great and the hills super challenging. Definitely feel like I achieved something this weekend! I didn't do as well as I'd hoped. I trained quite hard, not sure what I was expecting, maybe it's just when it's your first time you don't have anything to go on and I'm trying to compare myself to other people. So chaffed on one hand and a tad disappointed on the other. but really glad I did it and will be back again next year to try and beat myself!

[Fat Boab]

6:05 for us in the Classique. Rode with some mates and regrouped at the top of Long Tom and rode back together; some photo stops and chill times.

 

Took the first stage quite easy. Found Spitskop harder than anticipated but it wasn't so bad. Long Tom seemed to pass quicker than expected.

 

Didn't see any Hubbers, that I was aware of. Did see an oke on a lekker bamboo bike though, with a monster rear cassette. Seemed to be making good time as well...

[WR 1.0]

Also came in just over 6 hrs. ITB started niggling after Long Tom, that climb hurt!

[Pure Savage]

Stage 1 report here:

 

http://teampuresavage.blogspot.co.za/2016/07/jock-stage-1.html

[Pure Savage]

Stage 2 report here, back to work so hopefully can post stage 3 report this afternoon:

 

http://teampuresavage.blogspot.co.za/2016/07/jock-stage-2.html

[Oxter]

Was my first time out and give the race a massive thumbs up, i really enjoyed it.  The last 4 weeks leading up to the event wasnt ideal training wise, but still managed a sub 6h. I do not have any complaints, but maybe ASG should think of supplying a bit more info (waterpoints, stopovers, etc.) on what exactly they will be providing during the race to make it easier for first timers to plan their race.  Before the race I wondered how my body would react to the long stops, but after a few km on every stage i felt ready to go again (i actually really enjoyed the stops with my fiance and friends). Will be returning next year!!!

[jcza]

ASG gets plenty flak but this was well organised and a great event. Brondal road still in bad condition but can't blame ASG for that. Bags at stops neatly arranged, enough to eat and drink and felt safe all the way.

 

See you next year!

[Oxter]

ASG gets plenty flak but this was well organised and a great event. Brondal road still in bad condition but can't blame ASG for that. Bags at stops neatly arranged, enough to eat and drink and felt safe all the way.

 

See you next year!

From all the reports i read before the event i really expected Brondal road to be worse than it was.  If that section of road (in the condition it was on Saturday) is the only thing people can complain about, then this must be a pretty good event

[jcza]

From all the reports i read before the event i really expected Brondal road to be worse than it was.  If that section of road (in the condition it was on Saturday) is the only thing people can complain about, then this must be a pretty good event

 

I think they patched sections along the left hand side and where we crossed the bridge at the bottom of the downhill after the right turn onto the Brondal road. Like I said, no complaints from me.

[Zatek]

I am not happy about the second stop. Last year we stop at a school. More than enough parking and flat space for the kids to run and play. Bumped about not being able to have a picnic with my family at stage 2 due to the parking.

[Big Phil]

Considering that I only started cycling less than a year ago, I was merely aiming to finish before the cut-off point and I achieved that. This medal will have a special place on the mantelpiece. Next year I will be back to focus on improving my time.

 

The organization of the race was really good, the water points were first class and many thanks to the many volunteers who contributed to a fantastic experience.

[Jay_B]

I am not happy about the second stop. Last year we stop at a school. More than enough parking and flat space for the kids to run and play. Bumped about not being able to have a picnic with my family at stage 2 due to the parking.

 

I agree, the school was a far better place to accommodate all of us than the golf coarse was.

And also limited toilets at the golf coarse compared to what was available at the school.

[Ryinc]

Race was fantastic as always. Well done ASG. Agree that old Sabie stopover was a better venue but minor point in what is otherwise fantastic event.

[Li Mu Bai]

enjoyed the race, the pace in VB was intense as is to be expected.

Poor road surface on stage 1, so had to be careful.

had some scary descending after Spitzkoppe into Sabie with my bike skipping around on the last corner at 81km/h.

stops were good, no problem with the golf course. food organization was much better than before.

climbed well and shed 18mins off previous time last year = satisfied

my only gripe:

The Staffie "Jock" medal was a great touch last year. Missed that bit of attention to detail this time round.

[nickgreyling]

Big thumbs up to ASG....I really enjoyed the event and will be back again next year.

[Dgas]

I agree, the school was a far better place to accommodate all of us than the golf coarse was.

And also limited toilets at the golf coarse compared to what was available at the school.

 

Great event and well organised apart from:

• Breakfast at first stop, I did not have it, but one of the guys on our team did,was not too complimentary. We were given breakfast packs by the guest house we stayed at so had those.
• Second stop at Sabi was too small for the number of people. Our team support (read wife coerced into supporting) had to park away from the venue, the second stop last year was a lot better and easier for supporters and riders.
• Second stop - my wife went use the toilet she said the female toilets were beyond disgusting.
• Lunch - both me my wife are on a vegetarian diet, there were more than likely a few more vegetarians in the race. My wife went to fetch me some lunch, they gave her a dry roll with a small piece of lettuce on it and some Nando's sauce. Really?  
• If the organisers want, I will pay extra to get some decent lunch, or more than likely next year will bring my own. The other guys in our group who do eat meat, looked at the lunch, in their opinion the greasy offering looked disgusting and had whatever food we had with. I am not expecting a al carte menu but at least something edible and at least a small consideration for those that do not consume donkey or whatever that was.

Edited July 18, 2016 by hotshot