jcza Posted March 28, 2017 Posted March 28, 2017 IN!! Hope I have enough for the Swartberg pass, never been up there. Underachiever 1
Prince Albert Cycles Posted March 28, 2017 Posted March 28, 2017 Hubbers I live in Prince Albert .The route for the Gran Fondo is awesome and a good challenge and due to the variety of tar/dirt/flat/Pass is a great equalizer .The roads are quiet , the scenery is fantastic .Just do it ! MBMtbGirl, milky4130 and Sepia 3
Skubarra Posted March 28, 2017 Posted March 28, 2017 Hubbers I live in Prince Albert . Not sure what gave it away but I had a gut feel you might... Phatman and emme 2
Nick Posted March 28, 2017 Posted March 28, 2017 I've also signed up. Something a bit different to my usually riding. Really looking forward to it! The Bike Brew and MBMtbGirl 2
nomorepic Posted March 28, 2017 Posted March 28, 2017 Did it last year. Brutal if you are going to be "racing". Swartberg is a monster at the end of the day. CX / Gravel bike def the way to go. In short - must do event. Underachiever and MBMtbGirl 2
TomR Posted March 28, 2017 Posted March 28, 2017 I'm really looking forward to this event. A little terrified of the distance and climbing involved, but can't wait. I have a CX bike (Santa Cruz Stigmata), but think I'll be using my SC Highball hardtail. I have heard that the surface of the Swartberg Pass is quite loose and rocky at the moment. Can anyone confirm this?
eddy Posted March 28, 2017 Posted March 28, 2017 I suppose it is time to start training Underachiever 1
@BigJohnSwan Posted March 28, 2017 Author Posted March 28, 2017 Hi AllThe descent of Swartberg Pass has a few sections that are rocky and loose, this year but are still rideable on a gravel bike, it is a small percentage of the overall descent. The first two gravel sectors are incredibly smooth, have a look the footage on youtube it's at the end of the first gravel sector https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toSDegI8bkw The footage is taken on board a Santa Cruz Stigmata. It would be a mistake if you already have a gravel bike to change to a full sus simply because of 1 or 2km of bumpy descent. The time you will lose is minimal by slowing down for that section against the overall time you will lose by riding a mountain bike. This event is fantastic on a endurance road bike / Cyclocross Bike / Gravel Bike. I will be chatting to the Prince Albert municipality to grade the pass if possible before the race. Enjoy the trainingJohn Swanepoel - Race Director Underachiever, Zatopek, openmind and 1 other 4
@BigJohnSwan Posted March 28, 2017 Author Posted March 28, 2017 (edited) The entries passed the 250 mark today, thank you all for your support.We will be organising a fun ride and breakfast/brunch on the Sunday after the race.. a little flat leg loosener and social just to get rid of the lactic acid from the day before. The route will go North into the serious desert terrain. Entries close in a few days, get your mates to come and be pioneers on SA's new racing format. The scenery and water-points will not disappoint. Sections of the fun ride in video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2HtNeb5Wy4 Edited March 28, 2017 by @BigJohnSwan
Mamil Posted March 28, 2017 Posted March 28, 2017 My bike couldn't handle that.... do I need another bike? Don't answer that. Geronimo 1
@BigJohnSwan Posted March 28, 2017 Author Posted March 28, 2017 I'm really looking forward to this event. A little terrified of the distance and climbing involved, but can't wait. I have a CX bike (Santa Cruz Stigmata), but think I'll be using my SC Highball hardtail. I have heard that the surface of the Swartberg Pass is quite loose and rocky at the moment. Can anyone confirm this?Check my post on the Pass, you must definitely ride your Stigmata
@BigJohnSwan Posted March 28, 2017 Author Posted March 28, 2017 My bike couldn't handle that.... do I need another bike? Don't answer that.I'm answering anyway. Mike Posthumus won last year on a Cannodale Synapse with 32C tyres.I think the Domane has enough clearance for 32C so you should be fine Underachiever 1
TomR Posted March 28, 2017 Posted March 28, 2017 Check my post on the Pass, you must definitely ride your StigmataThanks John. Your videos look awesome. Looking forward to getting down to that part of the country.
Patchelicious Posted April 5, 2017 Posted April 5, 2017 Hi AllThe descent of Swartberg Pass has a few sections that are rocky and loose, this year but are still rideable on a gravel bike, it is a small percentage of the overall descent. The first two gravel sectors are incredibly smooth, have a look the footage on youtube it's at the end of the first gravel sector https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toSDegI8bkw The footage is taken on board a Santa Cruz Stigmata. It would be a mistake if you already have a gravel bike to change to a full sus simply because of 1 or 2km of bumpy descent. The time you will lose is minimal by slowing down for that section against the overall time you will lose by riding a mountain bike. This event is fantastic on a endurance road bike / Cyclocross Bike / Gravel Bike. I will be chatting to the Prince Albert municipality to grade the pass if possible before the race. Enjoy the trainingJohn Swanepoel - Race DirectorGet them to grade the pass and I will make sure you get a bottle of Bells Underachiever 1
Patchelicious Posted April 5, 2017 Posted April 5, 2017 I'm answering anyway. Mike Posthumus won last year on a Cannodale Synapse with 32C tyres.I think the Domane has enough clearance for 32C so you should be fineJust to be honest here. Dr Mike won it, his bike didn't The man is a machine and he would have done pretty damn well on any bike.
Underachiever Posted April 5, 2017 Posted April 5, 2017 IN!! Hope I have enough for the Swartberg pass, never been up there. leave something in the tank for the last 3 km..... the 1st 8 km is a con in making you think this is easy peasy...
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