WrightJnr Posted November 3, 2018 Share re my 32T vs 34T conundrum: Part of the challenge is that where I live I have not found any comparable gravel type roads where I could to some "real world" testing ... on the road I do find I can occasionally spin out the 32T, hence started thinking about 34T. But at the same time, I think it is a whole different undertaking with 200km in your legs and potentially facing a strong head wind too ... so will err on the side of caution as Sias advises. Thanks All for the input!Too much unknown and facing a long time in the saddle. The choice is an easy one. 32T without a doubt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
partydave Posted November 12, 2018 Share Good times, I am back in. Stage 1+2 this time as it's the only open spot I could find. Dropping my 36 x 12-36t combo in favour of something a little more climb friendly this time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maidenmole Posted November 12, 2018 Share Noticed that this dropped into the news section of the website ... http://www.desertdashnamibia.com/news/images/news/Statement-doping%20AAF1811final.jpgThe strange XXXXX marks have already started appearing on the results page too. johannrissik and partydave 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
partydave Posted November 12, 2018 Share Good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
partydave Posted November 15, 2018 Share Morning Dashers.For stage 1+2 and an 11-46 rear, would you go 30t or 36t up front? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sias Posted November 15, 2018 Share Morning Dashers.For stage 1+2 and an 11-46 rear, would you go 30t or 36t up front?34 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
partydave Posted November 15, 2018 Share Thanks Sias Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maidenmole Posted November 16, 2018 Share t-minus 3 weeks. Disco man 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sias Posted November 17, 2018 Share And I haven't turned a wheel this whole week! And next week doesn't look any better either! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
partydave Posted November 19, 2018 Share I see you got a spin in this weekend at least Sias Hope the wind settles down in the next 2.5 weeks. If it continues like it did the last 2 months, we're in for a TOUGH stage 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
partydave Posted November 20, 2018 Share Less than 2 weeks of training left.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertWhitehead Posted November 22, 2018 Share Afternoon all I've added this race to my bucket list for 2019. Now I've been wondering about what sort of training the experienced riders have put in for previous races? Would a similar training program which I used for the Baviaans (between 12-15 hours of training per week) suffice or will I have to up the anti? My next question is about the bike, will I be able to ride on a steed with a 1x11 gear config? I have an oval 34T in the front with a 11/46T at the back. Much appreciated PS: I've not read the whole tread so please feel free to point out if the above mentioned have already been discussed CheersRobert Whitehead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
partydave Posted November 22, 2018 Share Hi Robert. Are you planning on doing a solo?I can't comment on training, but here's some insight I have on doing the various stages a few times before Stage 1: 2 big climbs, 34T upfront MAY be okay depending on how strong you are. Many riders push up the second climb. It's also stupid hot and if you're not used to riding at altitude, it will hurt. Stage 2: Climbs not as big, but ends with what they call the 12 apostles. They are a climbs at the end of the stage. Also consists of a massive drop down US pass, you need to make sure you're at the bottom before dark as it can be very sketchy. Expect a serious headwind on some sections Stage 3: Easily the worst stage of the dash with climb upon climb. Get ready to give up cycling for good at the halfway mark. Again, depending on how strong you are, get the smallest ring your comfortable with, you will need all the advantage you can get. This stage is completely in the dark, make sure your lighting is up to par Taking a breather on one of the climbs of stage 3: Stage 4: An easy stage, but mostly in the dark with serious corrugation. Don't believe anyone that says the road was graded, they are talking bollocks. If you can handle that, you can really push hard here Stage 5: Don't let anyone fool you by saying this is an easy stage. Kilometers of the same scenery roll by for days on end. What makes it worse is that you HAVE to cycle on the gravel next to a smooth as silk tar road. Awesome decent as you enter the checkpoint though Stage 6: The most technical stage of the lot in my opinion and not a lot of fun on tired legs. Most riders here end up in batches and the spirits are high which makes for a great vibe. Starts in soft loose sand that will drain all your energy....then it goes into a 3km climb that leads into an extremely steep, but short climb...just before another one. Few more loose sand patches here and there, but relatively easy going until you reach the plotte pat. This is the part that always breaks me, although most say it's fairly easy. Long tar road in headwind is not what I call fun, but it leads into Swakop where you coast through town to finish Final checkpoint: Beer and lots of it. Do not go home. Stay and mingle with the locals, you will not be sorry Of all the races I've done, the dash is easily the worst and the best. No amount of training I believe (unless you're Sias) can prepare you for it, so just go in and "enjoy" it Edited November 22, 2018 by partydave Eddie Stafford 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sias Posted November 22, 2018 Share Would a similar training program which I used for the Baviaans (between 12-15 hours of training per week) suffice or will I have to up the anti? You will have to up your game a bit! I did some 5 hour + rides on weekends, the longest being 8 hours last year. My next question is about the bike, will I be able to ride on a steed with a 1x11 gear config? YesI have an oval 34T in the front with a 11/46T at the back. How strong of a climber are you? This year I'm running with a 32 f and 10-50 r just to make it easier for myself in the first 180km and to have some legs left for the last 190km. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
partydave Posted November 22, 2018 Share Would a similar training program which I used for the Baviaans (between 12-15 hours of training per week) suffice or will I have to up the anti? You will have to up your game a bit! I did some 5 hour + rides on weekends, the longest being 8 hours last year. My next question is about the bike, will I be able to ride on a steed with a 1x11 gear config? YesI have an oval 34T in the front with a 11/46T at the back. How strong of a climber are you? This year I'm running with a 32 f and 10-50 r just to make it easier for myself in the first 180km and to have some legs left for the last 190km. Listen to this man, he breathes The Dash Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sias Posted November 22, 2018 Share Listen to this man, he breathes The Dash What can I say, I like the ride! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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