Is a gravel road stage race viable?

[thisismyotherbike]

Would be the excuse I need to pull the trigger on a cyclo-cross bike, so all for it

[the nerd]

Tour of Ara is a little different though as you have to use a road bike... whereas something where the use of gravel bike or CX bike would be quite popular I think. 

 

I am planning to do Cullinan to Tondeldoos next year where I think a gravel bike would work quite well

[NotSoBigBen]

Tour of Ara is a little different though as you have to use a road bike... whereas something where the use of gravel bike or CX bike would be quite popular I think. 

 

I am planning to do Cullinan to Tondeldoos next year where I think a gravel bike would work quite well

 

Busy arranging a pink slip and then will do it on my MonsterCross for sure!

[the nerd]

Busy arranging a pink slip and then will do it on my MonsterCross for sure!

 

Im in, just gotta find the entry fee and a willing chump eeerrr support crew operator! 

[Help.Me.]

So i am not the only one that goes bananas about a single track?? I might just as well get out of the closet  i must admit sometimes single track just gets to me? Or am i on the wrong fred...........??

[Sepia]

Would be the excuse I need to pull the trigger on a cyclo-cross bike, so all for it

Desperately trying to buy a bike and the cash is burning  a moerse hole in my pocket.

Most difficult thing to do.  Nobody is keen - no response, even from the UK.  

Having a HUGE problem here.

Maybe buy the one advertised on the Hub and be done with it.

I never knew it would be so difficult to buy a frame?

[Skubarra]

So i am not the only one that goes bananas about a single track?? I might just as well get out of the closet  i must admit sometimes single track just gets to me? Or am i on the wrong fred...........??

 

Try to find one person who appreciates the singletrack section near the finish of Transbaviaans... 

[Help.Me.]

Try to find one person who appreciates the singletrack section near the finish of Transbaviaans... 

You beat me to that !!!! Absolutely hates it...........

[arendoog]

I rode Van Gaalen,s gravel express this year and will do it again next year .Stage race ??? .I think the one day event,s will become increasingly popular .I think a 3 day event on the high veld with 150km every day will  be popular 

[Sitting slip]

Pretoria guys watch the space...

[eddy]

I rode Van Gaalen,s gravel express this year and will do it again next year .Stage race ??? .I think the one day event,s will become increasingly popular .I think a 3 day event on the high veld with 150km every day will  be popular 

 

 

Loved van Gaalen's Gravel express. As hard as you make it but by the end harder than you thought it could be.

 

The problem for me with 3 day stage races is the increased logistics for organisers and thus the cost attached to it.

[Jewbacca]

I like the thought od a 200 plus km gravel grind where the organiser finds every bit of climbing in the area and makes you sweat blood and curse his name until you finish and have a swim in a river and crack open a beer....

 

Multi day/stage races take up more than a weekend and are often not as challenging/fulfilling as a slogfest grand fondo type.

 

The Swartberg 100 miler is a gem. I think people should look at that. OR.... have a 1 day slog fest and another day pure CX race with boards and obstacles and portages etc to mix it up and keep it fun.....

[eddy]

I like the thought od a 200 plus km gravel grind where the organiser finds every bit of climbing in the area and makes you sweat blood and curse his name until you finish and have a swim in a river and crack open a beer....

 

 

 

 

A ride to test you out.

 

In a road race you can sometimes hide in the pack and finish with people must stronger than you.

 

In a single track strewn MTB race you can be caught behind slower riders or even be slowed down by your own technical limitations and so end up not having ridden to your max.

 

A good, long grind shows what you are capable of.....

[RocknRolla]

I can not think of anything worse....

 

Ok, maybe not being able to cycle is worse. But I will not be rushing to partake in an event such as this.

[Odinson]

A ride to test you out.

 

In a road race you can sometimes hide in the pack and finish with people must stronger than you.

 

In a single track strewn MTB race you can be caught behind slower riders or even be slowed down by your own technical limitations and so end up not having ridden to your max.

 

A good, long grind shows what you are capable of.....

 

Fitness-wise yes.

 

Now, just for a second, imagine having fitness (strength and endurance) AND technical abilities during a race.

 

*MIND = BLOWN*

[Jewbacca]

A ride to test you out.

 

In a road race you can sometimes hide in the pack and finish with people must stronger than you.

 

In a single track strewn MTB race you can be caught behind slower riders or even be slowed down by your own technical limitations and so end up not having ridden to your max.

 

A good, long grind shows what you are capable of.....

Exactly... Races like this are a true test of your legs plus mental fortitude.

 

I love it!