[Event] Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails

[Mamil]

I thought the trails were way nicer on day 2 than on day 1 although from right at the back of the field I shortened the routes somewhat by taking a shortcut home with a batch of other overheated riders on day 1 and on day 2 the sweeper offered me a ride over helshoogte in the ambulance which allowed me to finish before everyone else had eaten all the lunch.

 

I made the ambulance driver and paramedic laugh by swearing them to secrecy about their role in my race and promised I'd repay their help by telling everyone how they'd miraculously cured me and got me out on the road again.

 

On reflection, although I loved the trails - skyfall, Banhoek in particular and had good fun on the descents but I think I'm too early in my mtb career to be tackling two such hectic and hill filled routes in 36 degree heat and back to back. My suffering notwithstanding I think next year I will take my friend Thor's advice and get faster at the shorter distances and build up more strength in my legs. Definitely underprepared and this lack of strength made technical climbs like those insane switchbacks before skyfall and the murderous singletrack climb on day 1 unenjoyable.

 

But be back I will - I will have a serious pang of conscience if I wear the T shirt having cut out 20 odd ks over the two days riding.

[GLuvsMtb]

I know its been discussed on here before, but how would the participants feel about some sort of qualifying criteria to do the long route on an event like this?

 

I am not sure as to what the circumstances are with the cyclist that passed away during the event, but it could very likely have been someone that was not fit enough to tackle the race, and from Mamil's account above, it seems like the short route would have been a much better fit for him.

 

Races like 2 Oceans and Comrades have entry criteria which adds a bit of admin hassle, but surely is in the event and the participants' interest?

 

Thoughts please.

Edited December 6, 2016 by GLuvsMtb