[Event] Weekend Warrior Grabouw

[ChrisF]

thats a bummer ....

 

 

 

any idea what went wrong ?

[mrcg]

Just got a msg from my son. Said he did not really enjoy today's long route.

Reason?

I found the route good....although tough to get into a rythym. Some lekka single track esp toward the finish, last section. It was new to me.

BUT....some serious schoolboy errors by event management:

* we clashed with the 10km kiddies and parents route....going the opposite way!! Dangerous. Unbelievable. They were riding far too technical route, which meant single track. Was on my brakes all the time in case a kid was around the next corner. They all gave way and moved to the side but can imagine they were majorly pissed off.

* route markings - on bushes only. Double reds to indicate turn. Problem is, we're generally looking at the road ahead not at the bushes. Missed three turns, which were all hairpin turns. But got used to it. Not sure this is the best solution though.

* Marshalls not best placed in a few spots

* we passed the back of the location, and although beyond event control, there were a bunch of kids throwing stones and even a metal pipe at me. I jumped off and chased them and they dispersed, but I heard from rider further behind me they returned.

Still, going passed there is in my mind usually asking for trouble.

Otherwise top setup, organisation and lekka vibe.

Hope they learn quickly from today's mishaps

 

Edit for spelling

Edited May 11, 2019 by mrcg

[ChrisF]

ouch .... I would have been serious miffed I was riding the short route with Maritz ....

 

 

seen some "strange" stuff at the last two events - event previously managed by known entities .. but somehow the people are now trying alternatives .....

 

 

 

Today's event (in the Boland, NOT the Grabouw event) a lady had to be recovered after a "bad flat" .... should not take almost two hours !!   Previous management had sweepers and quads taking care of these things in minutes ....

[wessie12]

Reason?

I found the route good....although tough to get into a rythym. Some lekka single track esp toward the finish, last section. It was new to me.

BUT....some serious schoolboy errors by event management:

* we clashed with the 10km kiddies and parents route....going the opposite way!! Dangerous. Unbelievable. They were riding far too technical route, which meant single track. Was on my brakes all the time in case a kid was around the next corner. They all gave way and moved to the side but can imagine they were majorly pissed off.

* route markings - on bushes only. Double reds to indicate turn. Problem is, we're generally looking at the road ahead not at the bushes. Missed three turns, which were all hairpin turns. But got used to it. Not sure this is the best solution though.

* Marshalls not best placed in a few spots

* we passed the back of the location, and although beyond event control, there were a bunch of kids throwing stones and even a metal pipe at me. I jumped off and chased them and they dispersed, but I heard from rider further behind me they returned.

Still, going passed there is in my mind usually asking for trouble.

Otherwise top setup, organisation and lekka vibe.

Hope they learn quickly from today's mishaps

 

Edit for spelling

For me they dropped the ball completely.

From early on the trail run was a complete stuck up, mtb start was delayed and then delayed again. Route was poorly marked and people got lost big time. They said there was going to be fires and after buying a nice juicy steak they said no open fires allowed. I give them 2 out of 10. Not to mention 2 way traffic on single track wtf were they thinking

Edited May 11, 2019 by wessie12

[ChrisF]

Double ouch ....

 

maybe a few replies to the organisers ....

 

Western Cape

8 Repens Rd, Paradyskloof, 7600
P O Box 12083, Die Boord, 7613
Stellenbosch
Email: Cherry Team
or Shaun Glover
Cell +27 (0) 82 691 3515

[JB37]

I can honestly say it was not that bad. Yes, the short route clashed which was unfortunate but it will be corrected for day two.

 

Vibe was cool in the evening, hot water in showers, toilet swore clean and food stalls and drinks were plenty.

 

At 650 bucks including your tent, I think it’s excellent value and I’ll be back in 2020. The price of most stage races is ridiculous so let’s put this into perspective. The organizers apologized during the eve and the loads of freebies certainly improved the evenings festivities

 

The last 7kms of single track was also excellent

[mrcg]

Hey its just constructive criticism. There are a lot of positives which are very much appreciated. They are trying hard for sure. But as the main thing of an event is the actual run/mtb, that needs to be as close to 99% in order. For an outfit that does the PE to Plett (thus experienced), a route clash error is unacceptable.

The price of the event has no bearing on it to be frank. It is cheap and it's great....but if the route becomes unnecessarily dangerous for kids/participants then you can imagine what those parents will do next year.

[dev null]

My son said there was way too much sand and grassy, bumpy stuff on the route, and they missed all the nice ST out there that he know of, and he knows that area quite well since we race and ride there quite often.

 

My wife said she completely missed the first waterpoint. Not sure if she got lost temporary or not. And then the last well stocked waterpoint was only 10km before the end.

Edited May 12, 2019 by Moridin

[wessie12]

Day 2 feedback: Event organisers came to the party, they apologised for yesterday and promised a great day 2 which they certainly delivered. Race started on time and route was very well marked. Route had everything from open roads, single track and nice climbs. Could see that the organisers was relieved. I will be back

[InSearchofUP]

Does anyone know if the event was CSA sanctioned? Thanks 

[ChrisF]

Day 2 feedback: Event organisers came to the party, they apologised for yesterday and promised a great day 2 which they certainly delivered. Race started on time and route was very well marked. Route had everything from open roads, single track and nice climbs. Could see that the organisers was relieved. I will be back

 

Thank you.

 

VERY good to see that things improved.

 

We certainly do want to introduce Maritz to the "two-day" type event ... feedback from day 1 had me "dissapointed" ...

[wessie12]

Thank you.

 

VERY good to see that things improved.

 

We certainly do want to introduce Maritz to the "two-day" type event ... feedback from day 1 had me "dissapointed" ...

Looking back and after chatting to some of the people involved it was clear that it was " one of those days" where everything went wrong on day 1. For me good customer service is how you react to criticism and your attitude towards clients and fixing what went wrong. They did just that and with a smile. Despite day 1 the crew is very friendly and obviously they work hard to host a mtb event. I for one was negative yesterday and dished out criticism but I must admit that they stepped up big time and that is what impressed me.

[mrcg]

Well, unfortunately I must admit to being a bit disappointed in the day 2 riding experience. Again, this is about the riding experience - the guys were all super friendly, helpful and accommodating, so no complaints there.

So, not looking for the hair in the soup, BUT we are in Grabouw which is a track and trail heaven of sorts. In that respect, basically doing the day 1 (3/4 distance) in reverse doesn't do the event justice. First 7km was identical, then a big climb and different track, but then back to yesterday's route. IMO a bit poor, maybe even a tad lazy?

Anyway, I am sure the organisers will take the input to heart and put on a better show next year. With TruCape as title sponsors it can only go from strength to strength. Look forward to next year and the same glorious weather!!

Edited May 12, 2019 by mrcg

[SCD]

I rode the trails around Grabow during many events, eg the old Trucape, W2W, Appleblossum, PPA Elgin, Epic. What I always loved was the ruggedness and technical nature of the terrain, be it the rocky and washed out fire roads or the single track.

From a mix of terrain, trails and general route composition I loved the Saturday route. I was as expected. The trails here are rocky, grassy and sandy. You cannot make this go away, it is part of the region. And actually adds to the challenge. None of the sand strips were actually a problem. The sand was stiff enough to carry you through. 

 

Now here the things that were not great and should be improved:

• Route marking. The tape strips didn't work well for me. I am riding without my prescription glasses. Normally that is just fine but these are not easily spotted at the distance. If you are in the red zone focusing on the trail ahead they were too easily missed. We did a lekker detour right in the beginning and almost again later where it simply wasn't clear where to turn. Maybe it is a matter of getting used to them but big arrows on yellow boards are just easier too see.
• Route right past the township: not the best choice.

And lastly, a bit annoying even though not that important: the beer was cash only...come on...

 

But from a value for money point of view the event is an unbeatable offering. I liked that all that nonsense was omitted that is usually overloading our local events. Just good riding, some food trucks and a tent. All in a relaxed atmosphere. I like that concept and will be back. Next time I will bring cash for the beers

Edited May 12, 2019 by SCD

[dev null]

Does anyone know if the event was CSA sanctioned? Thanks 

 

I think so since they asked a day licence fee if you did not have CSA membership.

[InSearchofUP]

I think so since they asked a day licence fee if you did not have CSA membership.

Thanks