Knysna cycle tour 2023 - 48 KM Green route

[Xtrail]

Hi All

Firstly, please excuse my lack of MTB etiquette!

I am 55 years old male who purchased a soft tail recently and find myself cycling on tar most days. It's now getting a bit dull and  would. 

like to explore greener pastures and some mud. I will be visiting Knysna over the festival period in July and would like to enter one of their MTB events.

My heart is set on the 48 km green route. (01 July 2023)

1stly the site states that all skill levels are welcome - "Moderately fit or super fit" (Here I'm getting sort of worried)

I have cycled 3 MTB events here in WC in the past. That was tough, however I survived.

Presently I cycle 20 to 30 km on "tar" every 2nd day. I will be going off road from next month. 

My question: Is this route very technical, single tracks, jumps etc.

Your knowledge of the route/event will hopefully boost my confidence in entering the event.

 

 

[Theunissa]

I don't know that route bit what I can tell you tar and dirt is very much different. From going up hard, going down easy. To recovering your balance quickly when you slide over loose on hard. To stopping dead in mud and getting splashed. These xc type stuff is Normally mixture of hard pack mountain, mud, sand. Your cycling effort is normally like a sign wave hard/easy/hard/easy. I would recommend some bike parks and ride the 48km atleast once a week. And get a technical route.(single track) mtb races seem to work the whole body. Where road is mostly legs and fast amd repetitive. 

[Xtrail]

Thanks for the reality check! I will be joining the local MTB club and take stock of my fitness level by the end of June before encountering the 48km! 

 

[Wayne pudding Mol]

9 hours ago, Xtrail said:

Thanks for the reality check! I will be joining the local MTB club and take stock of my fitness level by the end of June before encountering the 48km! 

 

Hi, it’s not technical and you’ll be fine - practice going uphill though as there are some decent climbs - if you feel out of your depth here and there, just push but it’s mostly smooth and fun 

Edited May 1, 2023 by Wayne pudding Mol

[Xtrail]

Thanks Wayne. Much appreciated! Just confirm are you a local 'Knysna resident' or did you cycle the event in the past. 

[Skubarra]

I cycled the event in the past - unless something changed in recent years its very much geared towards catering for the masses. Mostly gravel roads, forestry roads, some jeep track and the odd short section of single track.

From what you describe you pretty much fit the profile they are targeting with the festival - practice some off-road and non-technical trails in the coming 2 months and you will be more than fine.