TransBaviaans 2025

[Spookie]

Anyone know what the conditions of the roads are like along the route at the moment? 

[Robin]

On 7/11/2025 at 8:42 AM, Nancy Drew said:

I noticed that riding solo is no longer an option. I was quite sure that a couple of years ago they opened solo entries to 5 year trophy holders. Did that not work out? anybody know?

I think they allowed it last year where you had to have done a certain amount of events prior but not sure of other years

[Dicky DQ]

Not sure what a 36 will help you with unless you are going for a sub 10 hr ride a 32 will be fine.
I have used 36 - 11-50 , 34 - 11-50 and 32 11-42 and in not one of these instances have I run out of gears sticking with the bunches. But I have run out of gears on the climbs.

If I was fit and under 90kg I think 34 - 10 -50 would be the shizzel for a 10 to 11 hr ride.

['Kaze Pete]

How do TB climbs compare to Rooiberg on the36one?

[Skubarra]

2 hours ago, 'Kaze Pete said:

How do TB climbs compare to Rooiberg on the36one?

I would say Big Mac and Rooiberg are similar climbs (and the descent after Bergplaas is similar to the Rooiberg downhill ).  Big Mac somewhat trickier because of the broken jeep track cement sections you have to negotiate while climbing.

The other TB climbs not comparable to Rooiberg

[Mook]

8 hours ago, Skubarra said:

(and the descent after Bergplaas is similar to the Rooiberg downhill )

At night the Big Dipper could be daunting due to exposed bedrock in the bends, water runoffs across the width of the road, AND zero barricading on the open side(left side when descending).

No need to panic here. Keep your speed in check since the rocky turns could catch you out.

This is a magic event in every aspect. Enjoy the ride 👊

[HdB]

So... who do we bribe to lock this in?

[Koos Likkewaan 2]

I see we have to carry a medical kit and space blanket.

Any suggestions on what to carry and where to buy it from ?

I am not planning on wearing a hydration pack. Only 2 bottles in the frame, and a tool bag on the bike, so I will probably need to add another bag to the frame to carry this.

[hboli4]

7 minutes ago, Koos Likkewaan 2 said:

I see we have to carry a medical kit and space blanket.

Any suggestions on what to carry and where to buy it from ?

I am not planning on wearing a hydration pack. Only 2 bottles in the frame, and a tool bag on the bike, so I will probably need to add another bag to the frame to carry this.

Medical kit should be very basic, to fit in a ziplock bag(couple of bandages,plasters etc.) One of us carried it in a back pocket and the other one the space blanket(also very small - can get at any Outdoor shop like Cape Union etc.)

[Wynando]

On 7/22/2025 at 9:47 AM, HdB said:

So... who do we bribe to lock this in?

That does look lovely...

[Nancy Drew]

On 7/13/2025 at 8:33 PM, 'Kaze Pete said:

If you’re looking for a TB partner, I have a rubber arm

Tempting, but I think my TB days are over.. I was just curious about how the solo event panned out 🙂

[Nancy Drew]

On 5/15/2025 at 1:01 PM, Koos Likkewaan 2 said:

Was coming here to find this exact info. Thanks !

Just found out I am doing my first TB this year, and very nervous about the climbs.

Any one know where I can find the profiles of these climbs ?

Lastly, would this be hardtail friendly ? 

The climbs are mostly manageable. Like others have mentioned, MAC isn't too bad, it's just very long.. imagine doing the long side of Breedts Nek for 10kms (if you're in Joburg)

The fangs are a different story, 18-20% in some sections, but honestly short enough to get off and push if necessary (and if you don't care too much about your ego, which I personally don't)

I can send you a link to my last TB on Strava if you want to see the profiles.

Oh and the fangs used to have a terrible loose surface, I've heard that they've been paved now? 🤷‍♀️ which will definitely make them easier. 

[DavidOWright]

Hey everyone

Doing my first TB - very excited, especially given the predicted weather!!!

A couple of questions:

- Camelbak or not? We should be around 12 hours 

- What do you need wrt 1st Aid - it states you must carry one but dont think it specifies what is must include

- Do you need a 1st Aid Kit and space blanket per team or per individual?

Any other hints or tips welcome 

Edited August 1, 2025 by DavidOWright

[HdB]

I'd say if your bike can take two bottles, then a Camelbak is not needed.

We did just over 12h last year, and I rode with mine, but with the bladder empty - I stuffed mine full with my tools, extra clothes, extra drink mix and bars (and when its straps broke, my saddle bag). My more experienced partner rode without a Camelbak, just the two bottles on his bike, and his medkit and tools etc in his pockets.
We also didn't bother with the crates, we started with our lights already on our bikes.

I'm expecting a few hours slower one this year, so my dad and I will probably use the Bergplaas crate for some stuff just in case.

Edited August 1, 2025 by HdB

[Koos Likkewaan 2]

27 minutes ago, DavidOWright said:

Hey everyone

Doing my first TB - very excited, especially given the predicted weather!!!

A couple of questions:

- Camelbak or not? We should be around 12 hours 

- What do you need wrt 1st Aid - it states you must carry one but dont think it specifies what is must include

- Do you need a 1st Aid Kit and space blanket per team or per individual?

Any other hints or tips welcome 

Also doing our first one !

Going with 2 bottles only. 

Medical kit will be 2 x small bandages ; 4 x small plasters ; 1 x space blanket. I will carry it, but it will be for the team (both of us).

['Kaze Pete]

21 hours ago, Nancy Drew said:

Tempting, but I think my TB days are over.. I was just curious about how the solo event panned out 🙂

I'm willing to settle for a new years sunrise from the top of Breedtsnek again ...  😁