HdB Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 I also did my first one last year, and really enjoyed it.A pretty and challenging route, the organisation was pretty good, with my bike carefully packed and transported to the start, the buses taking us to the start were well organised and on time. And if you stay at the Suncoast hotel like we did, it is incredibly convenient. The finish is right at the hotel, the buses to the start picked us up 500m from the hotel, plenty of restaurants at the casino complex. I'm actually surprised that this and the Herald do not attract much larger numbers.
mecheng89 Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 Cycling from Germiston down to PMB in three days, then doing the race on the Sunday. #keen#superlongdistancevirgin#durbantour#butdidyoudie
mecheng89 Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 Great race but the road surface in the middle part of the race is super sketchy - bring your climbing legs53/39 FTW
hilton_ Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 Did my first one last year and found it to be the best-organised race in SA, especially among the 'bigger' ones... ps. Details for the event's Bicycle Transport aren't yet up on the website. But, basically, bikes can get dropped in Durban near registration on the Saturday for collection at the Carbineers Hall in Pmb the following morning. There are a number of buses from Durbs to Pmb (and the two other starts for the shorter routes) at staggered intervals early on Sunday morning.For those based in Pmb, there are buses + bike transport back from Durbs after the race. Prices were reasonable last year (R410/R470 per bike (wrapped/boxed), incl. bus transport. (Buses – excl. bike transport – are R190). I'm expecting a slight increase in 2017. Edit to add transport info.
Jurgens Smit Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 I'd love to do it, it's just pricey. I think I worked out around 5k last year on travelling, lodging and shuttle/bike transport from the Durbz to Maritzburg.
s14phoenix Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 I'd love to do it, it's just pricey. I think I worked out around 5k last year on travelling, lodging and shuttle/bike transport from the Durbz to Maritzburg. Worth every penny. I drove from Jhb to Durbs and stayed on the package deal @ the South beach. Stayed Sat and Sun and drove back the Monday. Put our Vaalie feet in the sand and surf and get to ride a great race and enjoy a fantastic breakfast the morning before - Under R5k - it really was a no brainer - Wife dropped me in Pmb and went back to wait in Durbs. The parking and approach to the start can be trickey with the road closures but not a big deal. Oh and also full road closure. Not missing it this year.
Jurgens Smit Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 Worth every penny. I drove from Jhb to Durbs and stayed on the package deal @ the South beach. Stayed Sat and Sun and drove back the Monday. Put our Vaalie feet in the sand and surf and get to ride a great race and enjoy a fantastic breakfast the morning before - Under R5k - it really was a no brainer - Wife dropped me in Pmb and went back to wait in Durbs. The parking and approach to the start can be trickey with the road closures but not a big deal. Oh and also full road closure. Not missing it this year. I'll try and budget for it this year.Doing the jock tour as well though, and TOGH entries open up again around that time. Was your entire trip under 5k or just the lodging?
s14phoenix Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 I'll try and budget for it this year.Doing the jock tour as well though, and TOGH entries open up again around that time. Was your entire trip under 5k or just the lodging? Entire trip. Hotel 2 nights R2000petrol and tolls there and back R2000Dinner 2 nights R800a bit of spending for lunch etc makes the R5k. This year I might share with a buddy on accommodation which should make it much cheaper but excl breakfast.
Karooryder Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 Ok so who's doing it etc? After the CTCT disappointment I'm looking for another "highlight of my cycling year" and this looks a likely option. Thoughts? Do it. This year will be my 4th Shova and after last week’s disappointment I’m looking forward to this event even more. We (a few buddies, including a “second” to drop us off in PNB) usually make up a car, rent a place along the coast (Umhlanga, Ballito, Umdloti) take the Friday and the Monday off and turn it into a short but sweet North Coast breakaway. The route is beautiful but hard work in places – a bit of everything and some amazing downhills. The vibe is great, from meeting the hundreds of riders along the various N3 stops down to Durbs on the Friday, up to race day and afterwards at the stadium. I agree with Slowbee, considering its offering this race might just take the place of the CTCT as the “away” event of choice for us binnelanders and many others.
Frosty Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 Cycling from Germiston down to PMB in three days, then doing the race on the Sunday. #keen#superlongdistancevirgin#durbantour#butdidyoudieUnless you're doing it on your own, or with another group, the club won't be riding down to Durban on that weekend. It's the week before our race, so we riding to Durban in September (long weekend). Edit: it doesn't stop us racing this event.
Veebee Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 I agree with Slowbee, considering its offering this race might just take the place of the CTCT as the “away” event of choice for us binnelanders and many others. Quite surprised that this race doesn't already attract a bigger crowd. Full road closure on some great roads, ending at the beach. What more could one ask for ?
Monark Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 One has to admit that the vibe is not nearly as electric as the 94.7 or Argus. The Shova route is quite rural, I still enjoy it though. The point to point nature also doesn't allow a second loop.... I might ride up to the start this year... who knows...
Jase619 Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 One has to admit that the vibe is not nearly as electric as the 94.7 or Argus. The Shova route is quite rural, I still enjoy it though. The point to point nature also doesn't allow a second loop.... I might ride up to the start this year... who knows... For most people one lap is enough, but I do like the idea of racing the first one and then enjoying the 2nd trip. . . Does Tour Durban do a 2nd lap?
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