Riding at Suikerbosrand?

[The Ouzo]

Id suggest going there with someone until you are familiar with the route or if you going to go alone just take it really easy on the descent. I done two laps this past saturday, it was magnificent. You will love it.

I’ve done it once with a mate, have heard and read stories of the big offs so we took it easy on the downhills.

The long grass at the time made it difficult to see around corners, but following other riders does help.

 

I’ll more than likely not go alone

[Dirkitech]

I need to go ride there for MTB training uphills. Is it an all tarred road route, or are there some off road routes as well?

Like Blokman already answered, absolutely only tar, but the climbs can be gruesomely nice. if you want to train climbing power, its great, but technical climbing over rocks and stuff, not relevant to sbr unfortunately.

 

I have been tempted to ride at suikers on my own but those downhills are hectic and it is pretty isolated. 

 

So I would say rather go ride with a mate or if you really want to go ride by yourself, let everybody know where you are and how long you expected to be gone for.

 

I posted it somewhere but I had a mate come off badly there and he had to be airlifted to hospital.

I always go alone and find the downhill totally fine as long as I don't do erratic things like speed outside of my confidence zone or sit on the top tube on a turn with some loose sand.

If you can ride a bike and know simple things like be cautious over loose sand/gravel, then riding alone at sbr is perfectly safe - I'm more cautious over the baboons!

[TyronLab]

I did a number of training rides there as Trans prep, and I'd happily go it alone now. With that being said, I wouldn't do it alone if any of the following applies to you:

 

1. You aren't at least semi fit. Theres no facilities anywhere along the route, so you need to carry everything you'll need for a full loop with you from the start. If you have little to no fitness that can easily be a 5hr ride.

 

2. You thinking you're a downhill wizzard. Those downhills are intense, have lots of blind corners and zero to no margin for error. Skilled guys have come short often.

 

3. You haven't ridden it with someone else at least twice before.

 

If you have a partner its one of the most enjoyable rides you can do in Gauteng. Safe, no traffic, epic views, awesome climbing and descending training. I'm keen on getting a few double laps under my belt as 947 training.

 

If you can't find a partner, skip the long route and do a few laps of the short loop. Still a great workout but gives you more options to refuel or quit back at the car and not leave you stranded far from help.

[The Ouzo]

quick question.

Having only done it once, slowly with an unfit mate its hard for me to judge.

But I'm trying to figure out how much time I need when I go there on Sunday.

 

Lets say I'm a 4hour 947 rider, I'm assuming around 3 hours should be what it would take me around SBR ?

[EugeneS]

quick question.

Having only done it once, slowly with an unfit mate its hard for me to judge.

But I'm trying to figure out how much time I need when I go there on Sunday.

 

Lets say I'm a 4hour 947 rider, I'm assuming around 3 hours should be what it would take me around SBR ?

Yes, you can subtract roughly an hour from your 947 time. At least it applies to my times. 

[Karooryder]

quick question.

Having only done it once, slowly with an unfit mate its hard for me to judge.

But I'm trying to figure out how much time I need when I go there on Sunday.

 

Lets say I'm a 4hour 947 rider, I'm assuming around 3 hours should be what it would take me around SBR ?

 

It also depends on whether you head home straight after the Bone Breaker Climb ( a 50km ride) or do the additional 10km after the right turn back to the parking - totaling 60km. If you do the 60km ride 3 hours will be more than enough imo. 

 

Pity the gates only open at 7am as I always wish I could be out riding in Suikerbos really early morning.

Edited October 30, 2019 by Karooryder

[TyronLab]

I did a 4:06 947 last year, and being about 80% as fit I did a full SBR loop (57km) in 3h in May. I think it depends on how well you can climb. If you're a strong climber you'll sail through.

 

You should aim for under 3h. You'll be able to do it.

 

quick question.

Having only done it once, slowly with an unfit mate its hard for me to judge.

But I'm trying to figure out how much time I need when I go there on Sunday.

 

Lets say I'm a 4hour 947 rider, I'm assuming around 3 hours should be what it would take me around SBR ?

[riteshm]

quick question.

Having only done it once, slowly with an unfit mate its hard for me to judge.

But I'm trying to figure out how much time I need when I go there on Sunday.

 

Lets say I'm a 4hour 947 rider, I'm assuming around 3 hours should be what it would take me around SBR ?

SBR is a brutal place, especially with the heat and crosswinds. Make sure your gearing is appropriate, as those hills can drain your legs quickly if try to grind up the hills. 

[The Ouzo]

thanks guys

[kosmonooit]

I'm overdue for a sufferfest, just waiting for it to green up a bit.

 

Just make sure you pack spares and can deal with a flat.

[The Ouzo]

I'm overdue for a sufferfest, just waiting for it to green up a bit.

 

Just make sure you pack spares and can deal with a flat.

I was going to respond with a "dude I've been fixing flats for 30 years" comment, then I remembered the new bike is toobless and I dont carry a spare tube anymore. 

 

Riding partner will have spares though.

[TyronLab]

Riding partner will have spares though.

 

Yup, that's what we all bargain on. You're either the guy with the spares other people scrounge, or the guy scrounging the spares. I've never been on a group ride where everyone goes "here, use the spare (x) I have!" at the same time. 

 

Generally I've found there's an inverse relationship between number of spares carried and number of repairs required.

[Dexter-morgan]

I need to go there and finish after my accident, will take it slow down the decent.

[EugeneS]

It also depends on whether you head home straight after the Bone Breaker Climb ( a 50km ride) or do the additional 10km after the right turn back to the parking - totaling 60km. If you do the 60km ride 3 hours will be more than enough imo. 

 

Pity the gates only open at 7am as I always wish I could be out riding in Suikerbos really early morning.

That is correct - my estimation was based on the longer 60km route.

[kosmonooit]

...

 

Generally I've found there's an inverse relationship between number of spares carried and number of repairs required.

 

 

Think of it as an insurance policy - you only really need it when you don't have it!

 

I have been caught out the once I left my saddle bag at home and had a flat about half way, it was a long walk back to the parklng lot LOL

 

Since gone tubeless on my road bike but i still carry a spare tube, as I do on my mtb.

Edited October 30, 2019 by kosmonooit

[Grey Hubs]

I need to go there and finish after my accident, will take it slow down the decent.

Where did you have your accident? Serious?

 

I've come off at 45kph on the 2nd bend on the fast downhill a few years back. Overcooked the corner, back wheel slipped under braking and decide to rather exit the corner 90 deg to the rocky curb, OTB. Was very lucky to land on my back on soft grass...not sure how I missed the rocks.

Got away with shin scratches, a burst tyre and a cracked Chain stay...

 

Rode there this morning. Lots of wild life crossing the road, so please keep an eye out!

Saw a large blood stain on the road. Hopefully not human!