hboli4 Posted July 19, 2011 Posted July 19, 2011 This will be my last question regarding the Baviaans If you are riding in a two man team and your partner falls out, can you still continue on your own?Cause I've heard from someone that you can go on but another team must be willing to take you in. On the Baviaans site it says: "During the race, if one of my team members fall out, can the rest of the team still finish?Yes, each individual can still finish and receive a medal and certificate. The team will however not be eligible for any team prizes." Yip, you're allowed to finish but cannot continue on your own in that you have to hook up with other riders. Your team will not appear on the 'official' finishing list but individual riders will be credited seperately.
Polo Posted July 19, 2011 Posted July 19, 2011 Does anyone know what the status is of the roads in the Baviaanskloof? It seems like road conditions is going to be tougher than usual and I'm guessing that riders will not be allowed to have support vehicles drive through the kloof either. http://sabcnews.com/portal/site/SABCNews/menuitem.4db0398e8cee80702ea12ea1674daeb9/?vgnextoid=4adb8d7bfc831310VgnVCM10000077d4ea9bRCRD&vgnextfmt=printWe cycled through the Baviaans 2 weeks ago, did the first 160km of the race. There's a couple a of badly rutted sections at the bottom of MAC, but nothing too hectic on a MTB. The biggest problem is the water crossings. Every little ditch in the road has water flowing through it. Probably about 10 to 15 water crossings, varying from 30cm deep streams to one thats close to a meter deep in some sections and stretches for about 200m.I tried to ride through some of the deeper ones, but my gears and chain did not like that at all. I reckon its probably best to carry your bike, because your feet are getting wet regardless. Hopefully the water levels are lower in the actual race. Bottom line, be prepared for wet feet and carry some Squirt in your Camelback. Cant wait!
Nancy Drew Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 I'd even recommend popping the tub of Milko Balm in the Berg Plaas crate and reapplying on top of the mountain. It's also a good place to change your kit as the rest of the route is dry (depending on the overhead conditions). The only downside is the lack of privacy, but by the time you get to Bergplaas, modesty is the last thing on anyone's mind.Yip, I had milko balm in our container at BergPlaas, as well as a change of clothing. It was sooooooo nice to put warm dry clothes on... and at that stage, I didn't really care about who saw me getting changed or not, I don't recall my level of modesty, but I probably asked my partner to hold something up to cover me... it's all a bit vague now
Velouria Posted July 22, 2011 Posted July 22, 2011 Yip, I had milko balm in our container at BergPlaas, as well as a change of clothing. It was sooooooo nice to put warm dry clothes on... and at that stage, I didn't really care about who saw me getting changed or not, I don't recall my level of modesty, but I probably asked my partner to hold something up to cover me... it's all a bit vague now I'd bonked halfway up MAC, so all I can really remember about Bergplaas was bum cream and the coke I had. The rest is all a haze of cramp, hot soup, and a chilly breeze. My teammates were taking turns babysitting me... I did pay them back on the road to Kondomo once the coke had kicked in though.
Musashi Posted July 22, 2011 Posted July 22, 2011 I don't know whether a full change of clothes is really necessary, but a pair of fresh socks does wonders! Last year was fairly dry, but it looks like we can expect some serious water crossings this year where you'll have to get your feet wet. Once out of the Kloof (Bergplaas), dry sock will be great!
Wil6 Posted July 22, 2011 Posted July 22, 2011 (edited) I don't know whether a full change of clothes is really necessary, but a pair of fresh socks does wonders! Last year was fairly dry, but it looks like we can expect some serious water crossings this year where you'll have to get your feet wet. Once out of the Kloof (Bergplaas), dry sock will be great!So the water crossings pretty much end after bergplaas which is checkpoint 4? Edited July 22, 2011 by Wil6
Nancy Drew Posted July 22, 2011 Posted July 22, 2011 I don't know whether a full change of clothes is really necessary, but a pair of fresh socks does wonders! Last year was fairly dry, but it looks like we can expect some serious water crossings this year where you'll have to get your feet wet. Once out of the Kloof (Bergplaas), dry sock will be great! My clothes were wet with sweat just from climbing MAC. I put a dry vest and jersey on, long leggings, dry socks and full finger gloves. I was glad that I had otherwise I would've frozen on the descent..The warm dry clothes also went a long way in that wind that we had after komdomo.I don't recall the last water crossing, but I'm sure that my socks got wet again after Bergplaas ?
Musashi Posted July 22, 2011 Posted July 22, 2011 So the water crossings pretty much end after bergplaas which is checkpoint 4? Yes, if I remember correctly. It's downhill and then flat/rollings hills along the river to Komdomo. From Komdomo you head out to the never-ender, through the unmanned and manned checkpoints and home-free to the end. No water crossings. My clothes were wet with sweat just from climbing MAC. I put a dry vest and jersey on, long leggings, dry socks and full finger gloves. I was glad that I had otherwise I would've frozen on the descent..The warm dry clothes also went a long way in that wind that we had after komdomo.I don't recall the last water crossing, but I'm sure that my socks got wet again after Bergplaas ? If you hit Bergplaas much after 18:00, it can be cold. Dry clothes would make sense, but I really don't remember any water crossings after Bergplaas. And I've done the Baviaanskloof twice with the MTB, once with a motorbike and once with the bakkie.
Underachiever Posted July 22, 2011 Posted July 22, 2011 Anyone looking for 2 team members at this late stage? Anyone that cannot race. Please pm me. PLEASE!!
kezzahains Posted July 23, 2011 Posted July 23, 2011 Training for the Trans Baviaans? Need a sports massage to freshen up the legs! Please do not hesitate to call and book with Kerry Hains on 041 3635835.
Chappies Posted July 23, 2011 Posted July 23, 2011 I always put on a clean set of clothing at Berg-plaas. It just feels so lekker.
Velouria Posted July 25, 2011 Posted July 25, 2011 Yes, if I remember correctly. It's downhill and then flat/rollings hills along the river to Komdomo. From Komdomo you head out to the never-ender, through the unmanned and manned checkpoints and home-free to the end. No water crossings. If you hit Bergplaas much after 18:00, it can be cold. Dry clothes would make sense, but I really don't remember any water crossings after Bergplaas. And I've done the Baviaanskloof twice with the MTB, once with a motorbike and once with the bakkie. There are a couple water crossings after Bergplaas, but they only really show their true colours if it has been raining. Lots. When we crossed the concrete bridge at Kondomo at the bottom of the NeverEnder during the "Wet" Baviaans, we had the water up to our hubs. Also - nothing like a pair of fresh cycling shorts with some clean bum cream. Arm warmers and gloves (and a wind jammer if it is cold) are a good idea for the top of BergPlaas.
TitusTi Posted July 25, 2011 Posted July 25, 2011 Don't forget, about 4 (or 5) years ago, there was a waist deep river crossing right after the unmanned checkpoint, didn't matter much becasue we were totally soaked at that point anyway.
DaLoCo Posted July 25, 2011 Posted July 25, 2011 We have had flood warnings in the area again...I suspect the TB will be a rough ride this year. I am also not too sure of the state of the roads, as heard from farmers in the area. Apparently traversing by car is almost impossible, and they do not know when the road will be fixed. If the current rainfall continues it will almost definitely become a 4x4 only road, if that much. It might only be bikes and 4-wheelers that will be able to ride the road (support vehicles) I would make sure with the organizers, who would scout the route closer to the time, just so you guys are prepared better. Sorry
SFDT Posted July 25, 2011 Posted July 25, 2011 do anyone know if there are still accomodation availible in the Willowmore area for the friday night and were I can look for accomodation? 4 people
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