[Event] The Munga MTB 2017

[Vetseun]

Thanks Slowbee and good luck. Can't be an easy decision

Im waiting for you Giant

[Slowbee]

Vettie, I know this is an assumption - but it is from looking at the pics you post of the set up.

 

I would suggest you start to ride with full kit of your bike. Pack you bike with all the kit you plan on taking. Everything, including water. Also include the food and snacks. Try get your bike to what will be your full riding weight. If you can, try and ride with all your kit all the time. I have seen guys ride with lights on their helmets for an hour or two in the morning and then take them off. If you can ride with it on all the time.

 

I remember a few years ago, when I first put the el chepo petzl light on my helmet, my neck got hammered! Now the light never comes off, its just a part of the helmet and its switched on all the time when I ride. Those batteries last forever.

 

I know when I was training and it was me and the bike, things went well. The moment I was full loaded the bike handled differently, and I got aches and pains in funny places. It took me a while to get used to it, and in the end I am sure it contributed to my issues that got me to pull out.

 

The other thing I started doing was shoulder and core work. I downloaded a 100 push up app in 6 weeks. That made all the difference, together with building up to doing 2 minute planks (arms extended) on a yoga ball for core.

 

But then you are Vettie, so you most properly know all this.

 

Sooooo ....  pictures or it doesn't count!

[TrailWarrior]

Slightly off topic, I wonder if Kevin Benkenstein will be doing Munga this year again. He's getting some good training whilst currently doing the Race to the Rock in Australia. He seems to be doing pretty well I think....   3000kms is nothing to scoff at.

https://racetotherock2017.maprogress.com/

[Vetseun]

Vettie, I know this is an assumption - but it is from looking at the pics you post of the set up.

 

I would suggest you start to ride with full kit of your bike. Pack you bike with all the kit you plan on taking. Everything, including water. Also include the food and snacks. Try get your bike to what will be your full riding weight. If you can, try and ride with all your kit all the time. I have seen guys ride with lights on their helmets for an hour or two in the morning and then take them off. If you can ride with it on all the time.

 

I remember a few years ago, when I first put the el chepo petzl light on my helmet, my neck got hammered! Now the light never comes off, its just a part of the helmet and its switched on all the time when I ride. Those batteries last forever.

 

I know when I was training and it was me and the bike, things went well. The moment I was full loaded the bike handled differently, and I got aches and pains in funny places. It took me a while to get used to it, and in the end I am sure it contributed to my issues that got me to pull out.

 

The other thing I started doing was shoulder and core work. I downloaded a 100 push up app in 6 weeks. That made all the difference, together with building up to doing 2 minute planks (arms extended) on a yoga ball for core.

 

But then you are Vettie, so you most properly know all this.

 

Sooooo .... pictures or it doesn't count!

Hi Slowbee,

 

+1 to all that you have mentioned above.

 

At this stage the plan was to get used to riding on these horrifically corrugated roads on an aero bar. It has been an adjustment. The plan is to go fully kitted by mid September. The bags are stuffed full of t shirts and are ready to be mounted. I took a test ride the other day and have to agree that ity changes everything. The bike weighs 9.8kg. there is a massive difference wthen it is loaded.

 

As far as training is concerned, I do 5 sessions with my gym instructor each week. We concentrate on core strength and conditioning.

Eugene my trainer consults with Gavin Horton to keep him informed as to what we are up to. For anybody who is interested, Eugenes training can be viewed on You Tube by searching Eugene Daamen Perfect Pulse. The oke has a pretty straight forward system. Either you want to do it or you dont. When you walk through his doors, you train hard you train serious. If you dont want to, please train elsewhere.

 

I cannot describe the difference that I have noticed in 3 months training with him.

 

My major issues and concerns at this stage.

 

Hydration - I rode 100km last Saturday on one bottle, I rode the second 100km on 5 bottles. I fear running out of water in the middle of nowhere in that incredible heat.

 

Sleep, Mental - My head has to be right. I think it is, but will it be in 43 degree heat with headwind, a lack of sleep and 120km to the next race village?

 

I really have to complete this ride. There is an enormous target on my back.

Edited September 7, 2017 by Vetseun

[Wet Ears]

I ride my first (and only) 100km on 5 bottles!

[taito]

+1 on the training and  riding with all kit on it takes getting used to.

 

Are you planning on a Backpack??

[Shebeen]

Vettie, I know this is an assumption - but it is from looking at the pics you post of the set up.

 

I would suggest you start to ride with full kit of your bike. Pack you bike with all the kit you plan on taking. Everything, including water. Also include the food and snacks. Try get your bike to what will be your full riding weight. If you can, try and ride with all your kit all the time. I have seen guys ride with lights on their helmets for an hour or two in the morning and then take them off. If you can ride with it on all the time.

 

I remember a few years ago, when I first put the el chepo petzl light on my helmet, my neck got hammered! Now the light never comes off, its just a part of the helmet and its switched on all the time when I ride. Those batteries last forever.

 

I know when I was training and it was me and the bike, things went well. The moment I was full loaded the bike handled differently, and I got aches and pains in funny places. It took me a while to get used to it, and in the end I am sure it contributed to my issues that got me to pull out.

 

The other thing I started doing was shoulder and core work. I downloaded a 100 push up app in 6 weeks. That made all the difference, together with building up to doing 2 minute planks (arms extended) on a yoga ball for core.

 

But then you are Vettie, so you most properly know all this.

 

Sooooo .... pictures or it doesn't count!

100 push ups in six weeks? That's like just more than 2 a day, even my granny could do that

[Slowbee]

Hydration - I rode 100km last Saturday on one bottle, I rode the second 100km on 5 bottles. I fear running out of water in the middle of nowhere in that incredible heat.

You are so seriously setting the bar on this thing Vettie! Dammit dude, not going to get any sleep watching your dot for 5 days!

I had a look at the rules again. There are water points every 60 km. But perhaps check with Alex.

 

In all my planing and training, everything revolved around the water points. My intention was to carry 3l of water in a hydration pack, and then one water bottle of hydrolytic fluids (aka go go juice, aka a weak solution of flavoured rehydrate). The go go juice would be used to help keep cramping at bay and make sure my electrolyte levels are fine.

 

Mentally this meant I only had to ride 60km at a time. A whole bunch of little 60 km rides. Somehow it made training for the ride that much easier.

 

My biggest fear was the eating. In all my rides I took food with me, but you are never sure what kind of food you will get at the feeding stations and also how your stomach is going to react. I know I can handle many things and keep going - but stomach issues is just a game ender.

 

And much respect Vettie. Take a bow.

[Slowbee]

@rider35, eish you getting old. Build up to doing 100 push ups in one go over 6 weeks!

['Dale]

For your information

For those with budget and one foot in the pre-Munga purchase market ????

 

*just add drop bars*

 

Edited September 7, 2017 by 'Dale

[Calculus Bikes]

For your information

For those with budget and one foot in the pre-Munga purchase market

 

*just add drop bars*

 

Very nice!

[Escapee..]

Hi Slowbee,

 

+1 to all that you have mentioned above.

 

At this stage the plan was to get used to riding on these horrifically corrugated roads on an aero bar. It has been an adjustment. The plan is to go fully kitted by mid September. The bags are stuffed full of t shirts and are ready to be mounted. I took a test ride the other day and have to agree that ity changes everything. The bike weighs 9.8kg. there is a massive difference wthen it is loaded.

 

As far as training is concerned, I do 5 sessions with my gym instructor each week. We concentrate on core strength and conditioning.

Eugene my trainer consults with Gavin Horton to keep him informed as to what we are up to. For anybody who is interested, Eugenes training can be viewed on You Tube by searching Eugene Daamen Perfect Pulse. The oke has a pretty straight forward system. Either you want to do it or you dont. When you walk through his doors, you train hard you train serious. If you dont want to, please train elsewhere.

 

I cannot describe the difference that I have noticed in 3 months training with him.

 

My major issues and concerns at this stage.

 

Hydration - I rode 100km last Saturday on one bottle, I rode the second 100km on 5 bottles. I fear running out of water in the middle of nowhere in that incredible heat.

 

Sleep, Mental - My head has to be right. I think it is, but will it be in 43 degree heat with headwind, a lack of sleep and 120km to the next race village?

 

I really have to complete this ride. There is an enormous target on my back.

 

Respect Vetseun

 

From the website

 

There are medical officials that patrol the route on all five days. Race villages are equipped with rest, food and mechanical stations, and water points are available every 50 to 60 kilometres.

[Slowbee]

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/268174-munga-2017-entry-for-sale/

 

       

[dirtypot]

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/268174-munga-2017-entry-for-sale/

 

     

Such a good price!  

[Slowbee]

Well Vettie, its all on you now! My entry is sold :(

[Eddie Stafford]

I chatted to some guys who did the Munga about the use of an aero bar and they had mixed views, some said it is critical and some said that you do not get the full benefit as the road is to rough.

 

What is your view?