Pretoria to Knysna

[broncoza]

Depending on a few factors but not least of all the fact that touring is about the Journey more than the destination; I think your daily distances are a bit high. To stop and take a few pics and soak up the atmosphere of what you are riding through means you will have to chase high average speeds to reach sleep over. Doing a three day slack pack this coming weekend and 100 to 120 kms a day works well to accomplish and still enjoy the time

[VicanZA]

Done rides like this 200 to 250km u looking at 10 to 15 hours on the road bike, if u gonna do it on a MTB it's gonna be longer, after 2 or 3 days ur legs are gonna be jelly! If u wanna enjoy it do a bit less with a couple of days over 200..

 

Also if u have any problems like ITB over this type of distance it will become a problem, will follow this with some interest may even join for some of the first couple of days.

[porqui]

I'm going to stick my neck out here and say that your distances per day are not do-able if you carry your own gear and have no support vehicle.

 

There was a group riding from Centurion to Hermanus two weeks ago who were doing about 180 km per day on road bikes with no baggage and all super fit and they struggled with headwinds.

 

You need to take a good hard look at this trip.

 

Rather take your time and enjoy your journey.

 

(You are aiming to do a double century every day for a week)

[Rob Mortimer]

Thanks for the links guys

 

Judging by the large number of concerns regarding distance I think I might have to redo the route.

 

I will probably keep day 1 as is, want to get as far away as possible from people as quickly as possible 

[Bateleur1]

Not sure if you are cycling on tar road or dirt road but if you plan on cycling to Heilbron on day one just don't use that road between Sasolburg and Heilbron.  I am scared using that road by car, nevermind a bicycle.

[Rob Mortimer]

Not sure if you are cycling on tar road or dirt road but if you plan on cycling to Heilbron on day one just don't use that road between Sasolburg and Heilbron.  I am scared using that road by car, nevermind a bicycle.

 

No, plan was to ride on the R716 and then turn off onto what I think is a dirt road (marked S44 on Basecamp - Southern African Topo Map Ver 3)

[eddy]

We go to some expense to save a few grammes on our bikes and do so with good reason. Similarly, everybody from TdeF riders downwards try and shave a kilo or two off our body weight before the start of a targeted event as it can make the difference between a podium and a DNF.

 

Now add 10kg to you and your bike and see the effect it has on your ability to maintain any decent average. Rolling hills become a drag and any real climb takes it's toll.

 

Based on my experience, you can add 30% - 40% to your effort level and a similar reduction to your pace.

 

IMHO unless you are a Munga contender, your days are to long particularly if they are in any way hilly.

[Rob Mortimer]

Have decided to provisionally shelve my plans for a number of reasons:

• Think it is prudent to try a few shorter trips at varying distances with different kit to figure out what works, what doesn't and just as importantly, what distances are doable;
• Reckon the temperatures at the moment are prohibitive to really being able to enjoy the experience which is the main aim.  Thinking April/May might be far better timing for this sort of trip;
• And last, but not least ....... A little fall (non-cycling related) a week and a half ago has resulted in a small avulsion fragment (and I assume an avulsion fracture) in my foot.

The foot doesn't bother me doing my normal daily cycling distances but have no idea how it will respond to multiple long days in the saddle. I want the experience to be fun so no sense in taking a chance.  Can only see a specialist on the 13th.

 

Might try and fit in a short two - three day trip around Pta before we leave on the 15th or alternatively try a two day trip up to Uniondale and back (with kit to test). Might even be able to persuade the wife to join me for that!

 

I did try out the bike with probably around 80% of the kit the other day - man, it is heavy, but once the bike is moving it is less of an issue than I thought it would be.

[Pulse]

I think its a wise decision. No use in rushing into this, and detracting from the possible enjoymeny factor.

 

Perhaps keep us updated with your ideas/kit/etc..? I would be keen to follow this

[Jakkals.]

I rode EL to CPT, most days 130-150km, as much dirt roads as possible and cover as many passes as possible incl swartberg, 7weeks etc. took me 9days with backup vehicle. days get long and the weather was unfavorable, most days a headwind which made it extremely tough. even the road to Robertson from Worcester I could only manage 10km/h with full effort, ie 170hr.

 

Will I do it again...yes!

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

There is a nice write up in the Oct/Nov RIDE magazine of a guys trip from Namibia to Knysna.

He was doing 150-170km per day and kakking off so maybe your 200km is a bit ambitious.

Read the article, was a good read actually.

Makes you want to hit the road

[porqui]

Wise move

 

Long trips need serious preparation.

[cathmtb]

Hi there

 

I would be keen to join, I have done one or two trips before, please DM me if you are still planning to do this 

[Moriarty]

Anyone interested in planning a 10-14 day trip  (Pta to Knysna) in beginning April?

[andydude]

Sounds so tempting! But won't be ready with fitness or correct bike.

[Rob Mortimer]

Anyone interested in planning a 10-14 day trip  (Pta to Knysna) in beginning April?

 

If you could move it to the second or even third week in April I am keen as chips?