Amashova 2016 first timer advice

[jimmycool]

Oh ok,why do they choose e & f ?

Beats me. Probably roughly in line with the average ability of those riders. Also, they wouldn't put them too high up where they would get in the way of the seriaaas riders and not too far down where the pace is too slow.

 

Perhaps the organisers could comment? I seem to remember them participating on the amashova threads in previous years.

[s14phoenix]

BL 7:25 hope I don't get BLaddy dropped on my A...

[Pikey]

Beats me. Probably roughly in line with the average ability of those riders. Also, they wouldn't put them too high up where they would get in the way of the seriaaas riders and not too far down where the pace is too slow.

Perhaps the organisers could comment? I seem to remember them participating on the amashova threads in previous years.

makes sense...

[Veebee]

Guess I am very lucky then to start in EL... almost an hour earlier than last year.

[Frosty]

Is this race a lot harder than the tour of durbs ? That also had that undulating sections. Luckily was in a group. And the only climb was near the beginning coming into pine town or something, I think. But must say did enjoy the race immensely .

 

Way better than the other 2 races I have done at present. Looking forward to it.

From a racing snake point of view, it's about the same (ave speed). I've only ever raced Tour Durban (3 times) so I'm basing it on direct comparisons between the two.

 

There are a lot more climbs and decents on the Shova compared to the Tour Durban, so although the speeds are down a bit on the ascents, the downhills bring the average speeds back up. My best time is on a tandem, so that should tell you "it's all downhill"  .

 

If you enjoy the climbing, then Amashova is probably one of the best short, one day races on the calendar. A mix of climbing, sweeping descents and full road closure (so you can use the full width of the road on the descents).

 

My favourite race of the year (excluding the one event I can't race/ride, of course).

[Veebee]

$ 

 

I'm hurting already

 

Nice dude. Good to see you and rivers mixing it up with the Pro's.

[Veebee]

Is this race a lot harder than the tour of durbs ? That also had that undulating sections. Luckily was in a group. And the only climb was near the beginning coming into pine town or something, I think. But must say did enjoy the race immensely .

 

Way better than the other 2 races I have done at present. Looking forward to it.

 

It's not A LOT harder, but it is harder...

Climb out from the start, with a few sections to recover, then some nice rollers where you pick up the pace.

 

Save some in the tank for the section between Cato Ridge and Hillcrest. Inchanga and Drummond will definitely hurt.

 

Here's something that Tombeej put together...

[Pikey]

From a racing snake point of view, it's about the same (ave speed). I've only ever raced Tour Durban (3 times) so I'm basing it on direct comparisons between the two.

 

There are a lot more climbs and decents on the Shova compared to the Tour Durban, so although the speeds are down a bit on the ascents, the downhills bring the average speeds back up. My best time is on a tandem, so that should tell you "it's all downhill" .

 

If you enjoy the climbing, then Amashova is probably one of the best short, one day races on the calendar. A mix of climbing, sweeping descents and full road closure (so you can use the full width of the road on the descents).

 

My favourite race of the year (excluding the one event I can't race/ride, of course).

Does anyone enjoy climbing . My mate reckons i get a semi when I see a hill ???? I just suffer it better then he does. But sounds very cool am looking forward to it. Just must hold on to my group ,at least if there is a climb at the start should be ok. Am NOT very good at fast out the gates. Takes 15/20 min to find my legs . So the climb might actually be ok . Let's hope ,it's all school fees for me.

[Veebee]

the sections between the "High Point" and "Cato Ridge" are all fast rollers, don't lose your bunch here.

 

The road is also in poor condition here, more just on the left so stay in the middle or towards the right.

[Pikey]

the sections between the "High Point" and "Cato Ridge" are all fast rollers, don't lose your bunch here.

 

The road is also in poor condition here, more just on the left so stay in the middle or towards the right.

cool thanks????

[Frosty]

Does anyone enjoy climbing . My mate reckons i get a semi when I see a hill I just suffer it better then he does. But sounds very cool am looking forward to it. Just must hold on to my group ,at least if there is a climb at the start should be ok. Am NOT very good at fast out the gates. Takes 15/20 min to find my legs . So the climb might actually be ok . Let's hope ,it's all school fees for me.

Oh, and it depends on the group you start in.

 

Anything after BL/CL and the strong riders will be riding away from the bunch - or rather say there is no (big) bunch. 

[Pikey]

Oh, and it depends on the group you start in.

 

Anything after BL/CL and the strong riders will be riding away from the bunch - or rather say there is no (big) bunch.

 

am in cl hence my hesitation to hang on.

[Frosty]

VB for me, but it's a long 560km to get to PMB in 3 days.

 

Will be "riding" the Shova rather than racing it. Probably with my fellow tour riders in the alphabet soup.

 

Highlight of the year for me. Great race made even better because we ride there first.

10 more sleeps...

[s14phoenix]

10 more sleeps...

 

I share your excitement... my first one and cannot wait...

[pe3nguin]

Does anyone enjoy climbing . 

Yes   Going up is fun. Going down is the shitty bit. I'm like a Kite

[jimmycool]

Yes [emoji317] Going up is fun. Going down is the shitty bit. I'm like a Kite

For me it is quite the opposite! The only reason I slog up the hills is cos I know that the downhill is coming on the other side.