Advice: Sani2C December 2020

[aquaratza]

Hi all

 

I've been very graciously sponsored to ride the upcoming Sani2C, this coming December 2020. I'm looking forward to it but I'm also apprehensive haha  . My main concerns are the altitude, heat and humidity, but generally I just don't know what to expect.

 

Could anyone share some advice on the event? Like anything you think one should take with them that might not be obvious?

- Would you recommend any specific bike spares?

- How difficult are those floating bridges?

- How easy is it to charge a phone?

- What is cellular coverage like en-route and in the villages?

- Do water points have low sugar stuff like baby potatoes? 

 

I've shored up my bike setup with a new saddle (which I've spent a few hours riding now - it RAWKS) and a general bike service. I'm also planning on carrying an USWE backpack for water (3L).

 

I'm thinking of carrying a first aid kit in my backpack and a satellite tracker.

 

Any advice really or just say hi so we can share in the excitement (or fear) 

 

EOF

[Pieterlab1]

I'm also in for the Hot Dezemba 2020 Sani, but don't stress too much.

Pace yourself, and make sure you hydrate properly - but most importantly remember to ENJOY yourself!

 

- I only take spare brake pads, but service my bike before the race

- Those floating bridges are fun! Keep it steady and you'll be fine. And if the heat gets to you, make sure to fall in.

- Very easy to charge your devices, but I take a power bank with

- The coverage at villages are more than adequate 

- There will be more than enough potatoes.

 

And make sure to enjoy a few cold ones at the race villages!

[Stretch]

This actually going ahead? I'm honestly amazed

[Jono Waddell]

I am really jealous, i wish i was riding this year. 

 

The floating bridges are really easy, they are well secured and although they move a little when you ride over them they are nothing to stress about. They about 1m wide, so if you cant keep the bike on the bridge then you will have bigger problems over the 3 days. 

 

You will probably get a power bank in your goodie bag, but good idea to take spare with you if you have a spare one. You need to charge your phone as well as your garmin/gps unit so you need a good one to last the 2/3 charges. 

 

Water points in the past have been properly stocked, so no need to stress there. I don's know what COVID will have done to that though. 

[Spinnekop]

I've done it a couple of times now.

 

Most fun you will ever have on a bike!  

 

Hi all

 

 

Could anyone share some advice on the event? Like anything you think one should take with them that might not be obvious?

- Would you recommend any specific bike spares?  Normal stuff.  Spare tube, chain link, plugs.  I have, touch wood, never had a mechanical on Sani.  The routes are pristine.  But when it gets muddy, you will have issues.......... 

- How difficult are those floating bridges?  Very easy.  

- How easy is it to charge a phone?  Take a battery pack with and you'll be sorted.

- What is cellular coverage like en-route and in the villages?  Coverage is good enough to tell the family you are still alive and surf one or two porn sites

- Do water points have low sugar stuff like baby potatoes?    Sani water points are legendary.  Imagine it and it is there.  Baby potatoes......yes.
If the redbul girls are there this year....stop.....have a drink.  

If Nandos / Spur is there.....stop.....have a burger.

 

I've shored up my bike setup with a new saddle (which I've spent a few hours riding now - it RAWKS) and a general bike service. I'm also planning on carrying an USWE backpack for water (3L).

??  3liters?  Quite a lot?  But each to his own.
We normally just fill up at the water points which are about every 20-30km.

 

I'm thinking of carrying a first aid kit in my backpack and a satellite tracker.
Always a good idea.  It will take real "skill" to get lost on the Sani tracks.        But still it can happen.  As long as you stay on the breadcrum trail your Garmin spits out, you'll be fine.

 

Any advice really or just say hi so we can share in the excitement (or fear) 

It's an awesome event.  I love it.  
Just go out and ride your bike and you'll be fine!
 

 

EOF

 

 

 

[Gerhard765]

Hi, no need to fear this event.

 

1. I would recommend to take derailleur hanger along. Most other things you can buy at the villages (there are normally a few stalls with common spares and they can do some servicing also).

 

2. Floating bridges are easy. A few bends but very rideable. Not easy to fall off if you pay a bit of attention. Just watch out for the crocs.There are a few medium technical sections but nothing serious.

 

3. They have phone and gopro charging stations. Very organized. You hand in the phone and charger and collect later.

 

4. Cellular cover is  good. Not saying you can watch netflix on your phone but you should have cover along the entire route, maybe not as much in Umkomaas on day 2, but there are a lot of riders on the route so you wont be alone.

 

5. Yes. Good variety.

 

Take some basic first aid stuff along.No need for neck braces and such, just the basic ouchie and booboo kit. Its your choice for satellite tracker, I wouldn't.

 

Lastly, enjoy it. Don't go there to just race. Ride hard but enjoy it also. Stop and enjoy scenery, take some photos.

[arendoog]

Hi all

 

I've been very graciously sponsored to ride the upcoming Sani2C, this coming December 2020. I'm looking forward to it but I'm also apprehensive haha  . My main concerns are the altitude, heat and humidity, but generally I just don't know what to expect.

 

Could anyone share some advice on the event? Like anything you think one should take with them that might not be obvious?

- Would you recommend any specific bike spares?

- How difficult are those floating bridges?

- How easy is it to charge a phone?

- What is cellular coverage like en-route and in the villages?

- Do water points have low sugar stuff like baby potatoes? 

 

I've shored up my bike setup with a new saddle (which I've spent a few hours riding now - it RAWKS) and a general bike service. I'm also planning on carrying an USWE backpack for water (3L).

 

I'm thinking of carrying a first aid kit in my backpack and a satellite tracker.

 

Any advice really or just say hi so we can share in the excitement (or fear) 

 

EOF

You have nothing to worry about except the heat in the Umkomaas valley .Hydrate before and during that stage 

[AdamA]

Hi all

 

I've been very graciously sponsored to ride the upcoming Sani2C, this coming December 2020. I'm looking forward to it but I'm also apprehensive haha  . My main concerns are the altitude, heat and humidity, but generally I just don't know what to expect.

 

Could anyone share some advice on the event? Like anything you think one should take with them that might not be obvious?

- Would you recommend any specific bike spares?

- How difficult are those floating bridges?

- How easy is it to charge a phone?

- What is cellular coverage like en-route and in the villages?

- Do water points have low sugar stuff like baby potatoes? 

 

I've shored up my bike setup with a new saddle (which I've spent a few hours riding now - it RAWKS) and a general bike service. I'm also planning on carrying an USWE backpack for water (3L).

 

I'm thinking of carrying a first aid kit in my backpack and a satellite tracker.

 

Any advice really or just say hi so we can share in the excitement (or fear) 

 

EOF

 

I last did Sani2C in 2012 so somethings may have changed

 

It will be great! 

 

Floating Bridges are fine, keep your momentum and as Pieter says, you may actually want to have a swim. make sure you Phone in in a waterproof bag ( or 5 Ziplock bags)

Take lots of water ( 3L is fine) and Sunscreen ( apply every 2 hours) 

Spares: Brake pads, Derailleur Cable and bike specific Derailleur hanger, lube

Each day wash your bike and lube the chain and it should be good to go.

First aid Kit: Plasters for Blisters,Disprin for headaces, Rennies for Cramp. use a Buff as a bandage if absolute necessary. Anything else would need a medic anyway.

GPS Tracker: If you already have one you can take it so you loved ones can experience some of the race with you. If you don't you can send them you location at the water points via WhatsApp

The water points are like an all you can eat buffet. 

 

CellPhone charging - not sure

 

In the race village:

 

Ear Plugs (for sleeping next to a snoring tent)

Pillow

Tabard

[aquaratza]

Thanks for all the responses, that was fast!

 

We'll have plenty of time to take in the scenery

 

Okay, so definitely taking:

- USB power banks powerrrr

- Brake pads

- Sunscreen

- Hydration (backpack in my case)

- First Aid, Ibuprofen, Rennies

- Ear plugs (yesh! hopefully my friends are over practical jokes...  )

- Tabard/Anti-Mosquitto

- Pillow (!!) - did not think of this

- Ziplock bag for phone (good idea)

 

Should possibly take:

- Derailleur hanger

 

Thanks again!

 

 

[Headshot]

On my one and only Sani many years back I jumped in the pool near the start with my old Nokia banana phone in my pocket... It dried out and worked again but it was cra@p not having a phone for 24 hours...

 

I suspect you will get rained on in December and if that's the case, it will be very muddy. Fit a simple front mudguard - they are good for your fork and your vision.

[RocknRolla]

Dont get caught up in the fast dirt roadie sections on day 1 ( I say this every year, and I dont have any matches left for the last couple of hills (Every year) 

 

Enjoy the first part of day2. Pace yourself out the valley. Personally I think 3l of additional water may be excessive due to the added weight, but I drink little. (water, not beer.)

 

I have been very lucky not to have had any mechanicals on a sani, so have become a bit complacent with only carrying what I would on a normal ride. (Plug kits, tools co2 cartriges, masterlink)

 

There are enough waterpoints along the route with plenty to snack. 

 

Big factor in december is the heat and humidity, so try and get some mid-day rides (short at first, and then a bit longer each time, to acclimatise and mentally prepare yourself for the warmer temps you may experience.

 

Pack more beer money that you think you will need...

[ajnkzn]

If your bike can handle 2 bottles I’d possibly rethink the backpack.

 

There are 3-4 waterpoints each day so plenty places to fill up if I remember right. They always have a mix of sweet and savoury stuff.

 

A pack traps so much heat and it will be damn hot out there. Bike shirt with rear pockets to carry a few snacks, puncture plug and bomb and your phone is all you need.

 

Best part of my Sani experience was a bike service prebooked after each day with a reputable (not “will take you for a ride”) service provider.

 

Personally not keen to be fiddling with my bike when the tent and beers are calling.

 

In the past there’s always been charger lockers for phone, gps etc.

 

I wouldn’t worry about GPS tracker or extensive first aid kit the support and route marking is top notch.

[eddy]

Thanks for all the responses, that was fast!

 

We'll have plenty of time to take in the scenery

 

Okay, so definitely taking:

- USB power banks powerrrr optional

- Brake padsoptional

- Sunscreenoptional

- Hydration (backpack in my case)optional

- First Aid, Ibuprofen, Renniesoptional

- Ear plugs (yesh! hopefully my friends are over practical jokes...  )IMPERATIVE

- Tabard/Anti-Mosquittooptional

- Pillow (!!) - did not think of thisoptional

- Ziplock bag for phone (good idea)optional

 

Should possibly take:

- Derailleur hangeroptional

 

Thanks again!

 

Fixed

[Dexter-morgan]

Last year we actually got a RED-E power bank in the goodie bag, so we ended up charging, Garmins and Phones of the power banks, I took a 4000mAh and they have us a smaller one but they all worked perfect.

[Underachiever]

And for this year - pack a few N95 masks....

[Gerhard765]

Fixed

I sense a bad experience here...