2017 Wines2Whales

[edgarblount]

Having done W2W last year, people should be focusing more on their technical skills (or in general TOTAL lack thereof) instead of so much on fitness.

It was bloody pathetic the things some people had no clue how to ride.

Let me guess. You won the race didn't you? Is that you Fabian Giger?

[Thermophage]

Let me guess. You won the race didn't you? Is that you Fabian Giger?

Mountain biking is about more than being the best at pedaling up a hill. And yes, this is Fabian, what do you want?

[LeoKnight]

Having done W2W last year, people should be focusing more on their technical skills (or in general TOTAL lack thereof) instead of so much on fitness.

It was bloody pathetic the things some people had no clue how to ride.

So a lot of stopping and riders getting off their bikes? or riders laying on the ground next to their bikes?

[Thermophage]

So a lot of stopping and riders getting off their bikes? or riders laying on the ground next to their bikes?

A bit of both, but mostly people stopping on switchbacks (both up and down) or people in the dangerously slow zone.

Just as a whole it really ruined the experience for me. Having faster climbers race past you on uphills to sneak into a piece of ST before you and then hitting anchors and not pulling over if not mu idea of fun.

We were in b-batch on day one and even starting there it was bad. Even saw some dude go OTB on a flat section at 15km/h or so for no apparent reason.

Our MTB skills ITO baseline technical ability in RSA is really bad.

Many people are plenty fit for these marathon stage races, but should really focus a tad more on their skills as it'll make it overall more enjoyable for them as well as others around them.

Anyway, my 23c worth

[dev null]

Having done W2W last year, people should be focusing more on their technical skills (or in general TOTAL lack thereof) instead of so much on fitness.

It was bloody pathetic the things some people had no clue how to ride.

 

Luckily I know me and my wife's technical ability is fair. She won the Piket-Bo-Berg 27km Ladies race, so I know she should be able to handle most rocky stuff and drops. Also, we ride Helderberg Red Route weekly, and do it comfortably in 1h10 up and down.

[dev null]

A bit of both, but mostly people stopping on switchbacks (both up and down) or people in the dangerously slow zone.

Just as a whole it really ruined the experience for me. Having faster climbers race past you on uphills to sneak into a piece of ST before you and then hitting anchors and not pulling over if not mu idea of fun.

We were in b-batch on day one and even starting there it was bad. Even saw some dude go OTB on a flat section at 15km/h or so for no apparent reason.

Our MTB skills ITO baseline technical ability in RSA is really bad.

Many people are plenty fit for these marathon stage races, but should really focus a tad more on their skills as it'll make it overall more enjoyable for them as well as others around them.

Anyway, my 23c worth

 

I hate it when someone stop on a switchback in front of me. 

[Thermophage]

I hate it when someone stop on a switchback in front of me. 

lol yep it's somewhat frustrating. Would have expected people spending the money on the race would be capable of riding the stuff seeing as it's touted as having technical sections. Nobody should be walking a switchback on a marathon race...sheesh

[GLuvsMtb]

Having done W2W last year, people should be focusing more on their technical skills (or in general TOTAL lack thereof) instead of so much on fitness.

It was bloody pathetic the things some people had no clue how to ride.

Race organizers are as much to blame for the lack of focus on skills. At the recent Greyton Mtb tour the organizer actually discouraged riders riding the A frames, all of them structurally sound, all be it not as straightforward as the ones on Oak Valley. The message to riders should have been that if they struggled with any of the structures and obstacles on the route that they should consider a few sessions with a skills coach. Furthermore organizers have an obsession with putting caution signs up everywhere. On BCBR there are no warnings ad you are expected to have sufficient skill to ride the trails.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[dev null]

The problem is this: most people do their W2W training on the road to build the distance into their legs. Some don't bother to do technical rides because they are scared of having a fall that will injure them and thus prevent them from riding the W2W.

[Thermophage]

The problem is this: most people do their W2W training on the road to build the distance into their legs. Some don't bother to do technical rides because they are scared of having a fall that will injure them and thus prevent them from riding the W2W.

I get this for sure. But man...I honestly wouldn't have considered an of the singletrack on W2W technical even a year after having started riding

Anyhoo, have decided I'll likely pay my own money to do that race again after those experiences.

[dev null]

Will we be able to purchase W2W bags at registration?

[Jackhorner]

Just putting a feeler as I have to make decision this evening to possibly withdraw due to injury. At this late stage are there still guys looking to do the Adventure either as a partner or to take over the entry ?

[ClydeB1]

Will we be able to purchase W2W bags at registration?

They did have them for sale at registration last year

[Fox3]

I see on a map at the address below that there are bike storage points, does this mean that you can leave your bike there until the start?

 

https://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://wines2whales.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/5W2W-2017-Lorensford-Registration.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwjfuoLsuIfXAhVGD8AKHcDOBV4QFggxMAI&usg=AOvVaw2rnswlTkGcYdK2Y_hH_AwT

[marcfr]

I see on a map at the address below that there are bike storage points, does this mean that you can leave your bike there until the start?

 

https://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://wines2whales.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/5W2W-2017-Lorensford-Registration.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwjfuoLsuIfXAhVGD8AKHcDOBV4QFggxMAI&usg=AOvVaw2rnswlTkGcYdK2Y_hH_AwT

 

 

This from the latest W2W newsletter:

 

Overnight and secured storage facility is available for bikes at the Lourensford Start (walking distance from Registration); 

[lerouc]

A bit of both, but mostly people stopping on switchbacks (both up and down) or people in the dangerously slow zone.

Just as a whole it really ruined the experience for me. Having faster climbers race past you on uphills to sneak into a piece of ST before you and then hitting anchors and not pulling over if not mu idea of fun.

We were in b-batch on day one and even starting there it was bad. Even saw some dude go OTB on a flat section at 15km/h or so for no apparent reason.

Our MTB skills ITO baseline technical ability in RSA is really bad.

Many people are plenty fit for these marathon stage races, but should really focus a tad more on their skills as it'll make it overall more enjoyable for them as well as others around them.

Anyway, my 23c worth

 

First off, it was WAY faster than 15km/h more like 18-19km/h, secondly it might have been flat but there were rocks...just joking.