[Event] Imbuko Big Five MTB Challenge

[Gravel Travel Events]

Is there a time cut off for this event, I'd be happy getting it over in 7h!

 

Cut-offs are as follows:

 

Start time is at 7h00

Cut-off 1: 28km - 10h00

Cut-off 2: 45km - 12h30

Finish - 15h30

 

You have to average 9km/hour to make the cut-offs  

[Morne Veer]

Water points will be at the following distances:

 

18km

33km

46km

58km

69km

 

All water points will have the following:

 

Coke, Water, Endurade 

Potatoes, Bananas, Donuts, Banana bread, Jellies, Water melon, Simba chips

 

In addition to the above, the 5th water point will ALSO have boerewors rolls.

     

 

Any chance of getting my Boerewors Rolls earlier this week ? 

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

I am awaiting a response from email I sent to imbuko website. Wanted to know start procedures, start groups, number board collection, parking

[Gravel Travel Events]

I am awaiting a response from email I sent to imbuko website. Wanted to know start procedures, start groups, number board collection, parking

 

We will be sending out a comprehensive email to all entrants on Wednesday after entries have closed. The email should be going out at about Wednesday 18h00.

[Gravel Travel Events]

Any chance of getting my Boerewors Rolls earlier this week ? 

 

Nope! This might add to your body weight, and then how are you going to master all those climbs?? 

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

We will be sending out a comprehensive email to all entrants on Wednesday after entries have closed. The email should be going out at about Wednesday 18h00.

 

OK, thanks

[milky4130]

if you are not going for top 20 a dip in the mountain pool should be a must 

[milky4130]

1 more sleep can you feel it?

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

1 more sleep can you feel it?

 

Yes, I feel it in my legs already

[Morne Veer]

LIEWE OUERS !!!!!! 

[Hilton.]

Wow, that was tough! But g*damm beautiful. The singletrack never ends!

 

All in all, almost every element was organised perfectly. From the route, to the water tables (much more than just water), to the marshalls and signage, to the heaven-sent iced towel at the finish. All in all, I'm so glad I decided to do this.

 

I was really thinking of packing in the towel around 60km, but pushed through it. And it was so worth it. That last climb after WP5!!

[Morne Veer]

Got to agree !

 

Firstly let me just say, and I know this is post race with eina-legs, but I am sure I'll say the same thing in the morning :  This was the toughest one day event I have done, and I've done a couple of tough ones - and yes, I include the big daddy, The Attakwas as well - there was just hardly anything for free out there, It was either up or down.....and one had to keep your wits on the singletrack as well and could not afford to lose concentration, even though they were in very good condition.

 

The event had some of the best organisation and set-up I have seen of late - everything was flawless, and the very basics at the venue was catered for very well (being enough toilets and even showers), sufficient and secure parking, and out of the books chow and cold / warm drinks post ride. Really enjoyed the shade at the venue where we spent some good time sharing war stories after our ride.

 

Route marking was perfect, and flip, you had to really ride eyes-closed if you missed a marker today ! Have not seen that many marshals on a mtb route before, which showed the extra effort the organizers put in. 

 

Water-points were fully stocked, with a variety of drinks and snacks, and even some Ice offered for your bottles, which came in very handy in the latter part of the morning when the heat became a factor.

 

Lekker post ride vibes, proper timing, and the cherrie-on-top, that ice cold face towel at the end yes, last had one of those at the Epic, so well done again for that gesture, it was very welcome.

 

As for the route / race it was tough on the legs, and I do not recall ever doing 3000m elevation within such "short" distance, not that 75kms is short, but not even at national provincial champs do we see this. It was ladies winner, Candice Lill who in her post race interview answered the question of what she thought about the route, by saying : "they took like the toughest and longest 5 climbs in Wellington and just added them all together ...absolutely crazy !!" - lol

 

The ride home in the car was interesting as I went over the speed-limit a few times as my right leg got another onset of cramps, causing leg extensions of note, and me probably looking like a learner-driver behind the wheel, pulling ugly faces.

 

Well done to the organizers for putting on a superb event - can not fault anything and would argue no one out there would. Job well done !!

[mrcg]

I can only echo above sentiments. It was with a touch of trepidation that I entered, not being in great shape. So was a little apprehensive. But having ridden parts of the trails before, I was really looking forward to the amazing single tracks....well, more the descents. So there was only the small matter of the total ascent! A huge thanks to organisers for a fantastic event and special thanks to Ellane who arranged a locksmith to get my key out the boot!! The race went smooth as butter until just prior to waterpoint 3. A puncture didn't want to seal and 3 plugs later a new tyre was fitted. Lost 15min and made the mistake of wanting to catch up a bit of time. 2 lost water bottles, 2 corner slideouts and cramps on the last climb were the result. But overall the event, hospitality and gorgeous views and trails made up for it all. Thanks all, see you next year

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

Eina! Dit was lekker, toughest I have done.ST was great.I am of the old school that still ride aluminium frame and 2X setup, and so it will stay.well done to organisers, sponsors, superb job. Goodie bag was nice. And to those that have not done it before, start training, as said before no freebies handed out.

[milky4130]

To those that missed out, you missed out   . This was one of a kind, one for the history books, this war story is going to be on repeat at many get togethers for a very long time or until the next one. Take your toughest event to-date, now multiply that by 1000 

[Gravel Travel Events]

Well done to all the HARD-CORE      riders who finished (or even attempted  ) the first vertical challenge of the Imbuko Big Five MTB Challenge! From the 270 entries, 206 started, and 190 finished    .

 

Looking forward to 2020!!