[Event] THE CANOLA ROLLER

[Jbr]

5 minutes ago, MongooseMan said:

Just don't miss the turn this year 😆

There was also a turn that was missed on the descent, that did not help me getting back to the group 😅

[guidodg]

I do suggest loading the gpx track on your gps unit so at least you get an audible warning before a turnoff if your head is down… I try my best to put at least 2 if not 3 red arrows at critical turns but some riders still miss them🤪

[MongooseMan]

39 minutes ago, guidodg said:

I do suggest loading the gpx track on your gps unit so at least you get an audible warning before a turnoff if your head is down… I try my best to put at least 2 if not 3 red arrows at critical turns but some riders still miss them🤪

Same routes as last year?

[guidodg]

1 minute ago, MongooseMan said:

Same routes as last year?

identical

[Donovan Le Cok]

@guidodg Have you guys ever considered incorporating that single track in the forest into the event? I know it was supposed to be at the end of the race, but it was taken out.

Could you not hold a Friday "Strava Prologue" where the top 10 fastest times on a gravel bike get to start at the front of the bunch on the Saturday, or something like that?

It is a really fun little piece of riding on a gravel bike.

[avatar]

17 hours ago, Jbr said:

There was also a turn that was missed on the descent, that did not help me getting back to the group 😅

you must first start a race before complaining...:P

[Jbr]

Just now, avatar said:

you must first start a race before complaining...:P

ouch

[guidodg]

15 minutes ago, Donovan Le Cok said:

@guidodg Have you guys ever considered incorporating that single track in the forest into the event? I know it was supposed to be at the end of the race, but it was taken out.

Could you not hold a Friday "Strava Prologue" where the top 10 fastest times on a gravel bike get to start at the front of the bunch on the Saturday, or something like that?

It is a really fun little piece of riding on a gravel bike.

yes...it was my dream from the beginning but then luckily a forum member pointed out the logistical nightmare of a frontrunner in the 130km race coming up on 30km and 80km riders in the forest right before the end of the race....

[guidodg]

but you are welcome to enter the forest at the end and ride that if your race time is not important...will probably add 2-3 minutes if that:)

[Donovan Le Cok]

1 minute ago, guidodg said:

yes...it was my dream from the beginning but then luckily a forum member pointed out the logistical nightmare of a frontrunner in the 130km race coming up on 30km and 80km riders in the forest right before the end of the race....

Yes I 100% agree with that. It would be good to do it as something separate from the main race somehow.

[guidodg]

that sounds awesome...perhaps a friday prologue on the gavel bluebench route...will chat with the committee about it...maybe even a sunday morning funride for those that stay over

[guidodg]

https://www.greytonmtb.co.za

check out the bluebench gravel route I created

[BuffsVintageBikes]

Looking forward to being back there on Fri, this was such a lekka weekend last year 🤙

[MongooseMan]

1 hour ago, Donovan Le Cok said:

@guidodg Have you guys ever considered incorporating that single track in the forest into the event? I know it was supposed to be at the end of the race, but it was taken out.

Could you not hold a Friday "Strava Prologue" where the top 10 fastest times on a gravel bike get to start at the front of the bunch on the Saturday, or something like that?

It is a really fun little piece of riding on a gravel bike.

I think the main issue is the front of the 130/80k will run into the back of the 30k, and that could get very messy through that section (I was the forum member who originally pointed it out, mainly because I know for certain one of the back-markers in the 30k will be my mom on her e-bike cruiser 🤣)

But a prologue could be fun (though if you're doing that, I'd advocate for a combination of the bench climb and that single track)

 

Edit: hehe, I see @guidodg has similar ideas  

Edited September 16, 2025 by MongooseMan

[bleedToWin]

21 hours ago, MongooseMan said:

Just don't miss the turn this year 😆

That was me... 😭

[bleedToWin]

3 hours ago, guidodg said:

https://www.greytonmtb.co.za

check out the bluebench gravel route I created

Can this (fully or in part) be used as a cooldown lap, or are these permit only trails?