dirtypot Posted February 11, 2019 Posted February 11, 2019 I would like to ride the Swartberg GF on it. I'm fit enough but I'm a quitter. The thought of riding up Swartberg pass after 140km in the saddle is daunting. The longest time ever spent on a bike is just under 6 hours on day 2 of the Sani. I would have quit but had a partner. I have entered.......didn't make the start line last year for no reason other that my mental frailty The Swartberg Pass really isn't that bad. Once you've made it there you know that you just need to get to the top and then it's all downhill back to the finish. You just slot it into granny and keep those pedals turning. It may feel like it's taking forever, but you'll get there. It's mostly not too steep and can all be ridden. Plus, the descent down the other side is epic! I managed to snag 4th position overall on Strava going down and haven't ever been down there before. I can like to go fast Listen to your body, not your head. If your body is not cramping and and your legs are still able to turn the pedals then tell your head to shut it. Long rides like that are a mental game. Play it well.
Wayne pudding Mol Posted February 11, 2019 Author Posted February 11, 2019 The Swartberg Pass really isn't that bad. Once you've made it there you know that you just need to get to the top and then it's all downhill back to the finish. You just slot it into granny and keep those pedals turning. It may feel like it's taking forever, but you'll get there. It's mostly not too steep and can all be ridden. Plus, the descent down the other side is epic! I managed to snag 4th position overall on Strava going down and haven't ever been down there before. I can like to go fast Listen to your body, not your head. If your body is not cramping and and your legs are still able to turn the pedals then tell your head to shut it. Long rides like that are a mental game. Play it well.I've been up and down Swartberg Pass many times and I enjoy it - I have however never ridden further than 109km - 140 seems very far but then to climb the pass from the tougher side ? Madness. I would imagine for me it's a 9.30 ride if all goes well. I ride about 8 hours in a week! - I'm going to try and do a few long rides soon but the Munga is never going to to be in my future - I have no BMT
Me rida my bicycle Posted February 11, 2019 Posted February 11, 2019 Very rude question I weigh 95, yes I could be 5kgs lighter but I'm not giving up beer and I love cooking and someone has to eat it!just wanted to know if someone of my weight could ride something like that without it jumping into pieces. I weigh little more than you. How does the movement of the fork feel? Sorry for hurting your feelings only been cycling for a short while and thought the guys were tough.????????
ChrisF Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 .... I would like to ride the Swartberg GF on it. I'm fit enough but I'm a quitter. The thought of riding up Swartberg pass after 140km in the saddle is daunting. ..... Wayne Swartberg pass is NOT "that bad". Three years back I could hardly walk two flights of stairs .... not just unfit, but severe arthritis yada yada .... It has been a slow road to recovery, well some semblence of recovery for somebody that still has to take weekly injections for arthritis ..... And yet, I DID ride up the steep side of Swartberg pass a few weeks back It was MUCH more mental than physical. Granted, I did not have a 140km in my legs at the time .... Getting my distances longer is my current "mental game", and yes, it is much more of a mental game than physical limitation ... Wayne you have have one lovely bike there !! Now go and ENJOY that ride !
Wayne pudding Mol Posted February 12, 2019 Author Posted February 12, 2019 Wayne Swartberg pass is NOT "that bad". Three years back I could hardly walk two flights of stairs .... not just unfit, but severe arthritis yada yada .... It has been a slow road to recovery, well some semblence of recovery for somebody that still has to take weekly injections for arthritis ..... And yet, I DID ride up the steep side of Swartberg pass a few weeks back It was MUCH more mental than physical. Granted, I did not have a 140km in my legs at the time .... Getting my distances longer is my current "mental game", and yes, it is much more of a mental game than physical limitation ... Swartberg-5.jpg Swartberg-10.jpg Swartberg-11.jpg Swartberg-12.jpg Wayne you have have one lovely bike there !! Now go and ENJOY that ride !Hi Chris, I know the Swartberg pass well and have been up from the Prince Albert side half a dozen times. I enjoy climbing. I'm pretty sure I'm fit enough to do the Grand Fondo and I definitely have the bike. My mental game is the problem. For me the K2C is a big ride and my favourite. I also enjoyed the around the pot in Swellendam but 100km was far enough. I've entered, but I already know I won't do it. For me 147km is huge! Now with that in my legs, you want me to ride up Swartberg.
Wayne pudding Mol Posted February 12, 2019 Author Posted February 12, 2019 just wanted to know if someone of my weight could ride something like that without it jumping into pieces. I weigh little more than you. How does the movement of the fork feel? Sorry for hurting your feelings only been cycling for a short while and thought the guys were tough.Personally don't think you could break it but in my opinion these forks are great on gravel and take a bit of getting use to on the trails. I have had no bounce issues on very rutted gravel flying downhill. I will ride it on a trail later today and report back but if you are ever around the garden route, give me a shout and you can give it a try
Me rida my bicycle Posted February 13, 2019 Posted February 13, 2019 Personally don't think you could break it but in my opinion these forks are great on gravel and take a bit of getting use to on the trails. I have had no bounce issues on very rutted gravel flying downhill. I will ride it on a trail later today and report back but if you are ever around the garden route, give me a shout and you can give it a trycool just wondered they look awesome and weigh next to nothing. Working on flex rather than damping I was just curious to how they feel.
Wayne pudding Mol Posted February 13, 2019 Author Posted February 13, 2019 cool just wondered they look awesome and weigh next to nothing. Working on flex rather than damping I was just curious to how they feel.I did a short ride, a little more technical than I usually ride - more like loose rocks and rutted jeep track. Bike was fast and comfortable uphill. Downhill took a bit of getting used to but it didn't feel bouncy or out of control. That's saying something because my technical skills are not great. It doesn't feel as controlled as my fox 32sc but that's on a dual sus Pyga. The downhill section I tested it on is one I've ridden a lot - I wasn't far off my quickest time. Great fork but personally it couldn't be my only bike. But then no hardtail could be with my skills. Seriously thinking of touring the CTCT tour on it.
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