Issue 01/2013
EPIC 10
Interview: Christoph Sauser Events: Namib Quest Attakwas Extreme Challenge
GEAR
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BIKE REVIEW
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NUTRITION
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TRAILS
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FS EPIC 10
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Photography courtesy of www.oakpics.com 1
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It’s dubbed the Untamed African Mountain Bike Race – an enticing pay-off line that alludes to raw African beauty and unpredictable, ruthless terrain. And it’s exactly that, writes Nick Pawson.
A
lthough the routes are carefully mapped out and the majority of riders complete the gruelling seven stages, Africa has claimed her fair share of victims over the past 10 years. As South Africans we like to brag about hosting the most televised mountain bike race in the world, but few of us understand how tough the Cape Epic really is. Over 1200 riders are tasked with roughly 700kms of off-road track over eight days, in late summer heat. Around 16kms of that are straight vertical climbs. Each year route designer Leon Evans aka ‘Dr. Evil’ leads cyclists through vast distances
of virgin territory, admitting that this year’s course had shorter but more intensive stages. ‘I have to make sure the route lives up to the reputation that the Cape Epic has developed, which is that it’s the most challenging mountain bike stage race in the world,” he told the Cape Epic website. The route as a whole however has evolved immensely since the inaugural event in 2004. The brainchild of Kevin Vermaak, the Cape Epic concept was born in his mind while riding the 10th edition of the La Ruta de los Conquistadores, a multiday mountain-bike stage in Costa Rica. At the time South
Africa had a limited mountain biking scene, with riders participating in shorter one-day races which many had completed multiple times. They wanted more. And so in 2004 the Cape Epic unleashed itself, then a 788km stage-race from Knysna to Spier Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. It represented 20 countries and was won by Karl Platt and Mannie Heymans. In 2005 the Cape Epic was awarded UCI status and surpassed 2500 hours of global TV hours, making it the most televised mountain-bike race of all time. Swiss Cristoph Sauser won the Epic for the first time in 2006 with partner Silvio Bundi. The Amabubesi club was also introduced that year for riders who have completed the event three times. In 2007 Lourensford Wine Estate was announced as the new finish venue, while in 2008 Team Absa was launched which featured South African celebrities and sports stars riding for various charities.
2009 was the year that saw a new route concept which had multiple days in one stage location. For the first time, the race started in Cape Town and ended in Lourensford. In 2010 the men’s floating trophy was introduced, as was the outcast jersey – a jersey given to any UCI pro-elite category rider whose partner has withdrawn from the race, allowing them to continue riding. By 2011 up to 50 countries were represented at the Cape Epic. The Ladies’ race was finally awarded UCI and HC status that year, while nine current and former world champions took part in the 2011 race. It was also the year that produced the first South African winner in the men’s category – the late and great Burry Stander, who had formed a formidable partnership with Sauser. Last year the duo defended their title, and would more than likely have made it three in a row were it not for Stander’s tragic death in January during a training ride in KZN.
EPIC 10
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Results
5
2013
MEN 1 Burry Stander SONGO (29:40:44.9)
Christoph Sauser & Jaroslav Kulhavy
2 Bulls (29:47:55.3) Karl Platt & Urs Huber
3 Bulls 2 (30:07:35.9) Thomas Dietsch & Tim Boehme
LADIES 1 Energas (38:58:51.9) WWW.OAKPICS.COM
1 Mark Bridges enjoying the ride along the Helderberg. 2 The RE:CM team of Eric & Ariane Kleinhans defended their Mix Category title. 3 Christoph Sauser & Jaroslav Kulhavy Epic 10 victors. 4 An exhausted Jose Hermida half of the stage 7 wining combo. 5 Brandon Stewart & Neil MacDonald taking in the views. 6 The HCL Harvest Foundation, William Simpson & FedGroup-Itec teams still racing on day 8. 7 Ladies winner Yolande Speedy battling manfully.
6
Yolande Speedy & Catherine Williamson
2 Pragma Volcan (40:32:56.3) Hanlie Booyens & Ischen Stopforth
3 C-Bear (41:11:13.5) Sara Mertens & Laura Turpijn
MIXED 1 RE:CM (34:59:54.4) Erik Kleinhans & Ariane Kleinhans
2 Target TREK-Moronis (37:18:49.4) Peta Mullens & Jarrod Moroni
The 2013 Ladies Cape Epic winner Yolande Speedy overcame serious adversity on the final day to claim the title with her English partner Catherine Williamson. Speedy had a nasty fall on the way into Stellenbosch on stage 6 and broke her collar bone and a couple of ribs, but still managed to finish the stage and start stage 7. She then rode through the pain barrier, losing only 26 minutes to Hanlie Booyens and Ischen Stopforth in the process, to claim the victory by over an hour and a half.
7
3 Exxaro Cycle Lab 1 (37:27:29.8) Johan Labuschagne & Yolandè De Villiers
ABSA AFRICAN 1 SCOTT Factory Racing (30:47:43.2) Philip Buys & Matthys Beukes
2 Cannondale Blend (31:44:51.4) Darren Lill & Charles Keey
3 FedGroup-Itec (33:55:03.6) Brandon Stewart & Neil MacDonald
H E RO
MASTERS 1 Bridge (32:27:38.4) Nico Pfitzenmaier & Abraao Azevedo
So in 2013, when Sauser patched a call through to Olympic champion Jaroslav Kulhavy, saying ‘let’s win the Cape Epic for Burry’, their subsequent win was every bit as appropriate as it was poignant, highlighting the true grit and teamwork required to succeed in this event. ‘This [2013] is one of my most special victories ever,’ Sauser told Full Sus after stepping down from the podium as the overall winner. ‘When I’ve won the Epic previously we claimed the yellow jersey from day one and it was just a matter of riding it through. But this year we lost a lot of time and on day three when we were nine minutes back, I didn’t really ride for me anymore, but also for Burry’s family and the Songo kids – they sent me messages, saying ‘we believe in you’, and you can’t let them down. As soon as you start peddling, you’re into it the first climb. We’re racers.’ Partner Kulhavy echoed his sentiments, saying that winning the
Epic was one of his goals for the season. ‘Today we rode carefully, and didn’t take any risks,’ the Czech rider said. ‘We had a lot of problems early on, but we showed we were consistently the strongest team throughout the race. It’s one of my biggest victories – the Epic is one of the biggest races in the world – it’s like the Tour de France.’ Yolande Speedy and Catherine Williamson claimed the ladies’ title, while the mixed category winners were Eric and Ariane Kleynhans. ‘It’s a huge relief,’ Ariane told us after wrapping up the final stage with her husband. ‘It’s such a long, long way with so many challenges. We had such amazing support from our team, RE:CM. I’m super, super happy!’ South African pair Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes had a stellar final day, finishing the stage in second place, sixth overall and claiming the coveted African champs’ jersey. ‘We were second on the stage
and we got here fairly, it wasn’t a luck shot,’ said Buys. ‘From the first 10kms I thought my legs were a bit dead, what with seven days of racing in them! But I got used to the pain. When we saw we were away with the guys from Merida [stage 7 winners and fourth overall] it ended up in a sprint finish. First would’ve been awesome but second is great. At the beginning of the race I said we were here for the African jersey, and anything else would be a bonus. We got two podiums and a top 10 finish which is 20 times better than what we had anticipated, so all in all it’s been a great Epic!’
“FEW OF US UNDERSTAND HOW TOUGH THE CAPE EPIC REALLY IS”
2 Superior-Brentjens (33:28:57.5) Bart Brentjens & Robert Sim
3 HCL/Harvest Foundation (34:04:22.0) Neil Bradford & Tim Osrin
GRAND MASTERS 1 Songo.info (35:01:16.3) Bärti Bucher & Heinz Zoerweg
2 Genesis Capital (37:31:29.6) Paul Furbank
& Chris Brand
3 Cape Style Wines (38:34:00.9) Izak Visagie & Peter Stopforth
SUS THE STATS Distance: 698km 1 258 Starters 15 650m of Climbing 1 082 Finishers 496 Teams finished 90 solo Outcast finishers R2 468 897 raised for charity so far in 2013
Q&A
WWW.OAkpICS.COm
FS Interview withChristoff Sauser
Christoff celebrating the 2012 ABSA Cape Epic title with the late Burry Stander.
Time out with Christoph Sauser
Q 2013 has no doubt been
the leaders, and when you cross the finish line with them you know it’s a winning day. Claiming the leader’s jersey on day five was obviously the turning point for us. That was a huge mental relief. They say things happen in threes, and we knew our bad luck was over after the first three stages. After that we just rode through and everything went smoothly. I think that’s what made us a good team this year, as every time we crossed the finish line we savoured the lead very briefly, and then went straight into planning our strategy for the following day. Today was the first day when we could really take it all in.
an emotional one for you, after the passing of former teammate Burry Stander and now another Epic win?
A
Finishing today...I didn’t actually realise it before [the final stage] and it occurred to me that this was my last race with Burry, here at Lourensford, during Wine2whales in the off-season. So it was like closing the circle finishing here – that’s very, very special for Burry’s family and the fans. Hopefully we’ve given something back this week.
Q What does winning the Cape Epic mean to you?
Q How were you able to pick yourself up, adapt to a new riding partner and still be successful?
A Yesterday [stage six] was my 30th stage win, and this is my fourth win
overall. I’ve said it before, but what makes the Epic so special is that it’s eight days... you can’t go home after one good race
A The most important thing at the Epic is having a strong partner. With Yaro this year we complemented each other just as well because he’s really strong on the flats. Often when Burry and I broke away, we had to dig so deep on the flats and often got caught again, and could only make the difference on the uphills. This year, over both the rolling hills and in the flats, Yaro and I had the edge.
day. I would say it’s the biggest mountain bike race in the world – if you look at the media, the fans... you almost feel like a superstar with the amount of TV coverage! To see how the Epic has grown in the last few years is incredible. The World Cup and World Champs gets a bit monotonous, but to see how much potential the Cape Epic has in terms of organisation and media coverage is impressive. I mean, today there were four helicopters circling above us – you’re lucky to get even one helicopter at a World Cup!
Q You’ve equalled Karl Platt’s record now of four Cape Epic wins. Are you done yet?
A
Absolutely not! I’ll be back next year and when I take to the start line I want to win. But what’s past is past. I’m not a guy who dwells on records. The present and future is all that matters to me.
WWW.SpOrtzpICS.NEt
With his 4th ABSA Cape Epic title in the bag, Christoph Sauser, granted Full Sus’s Nick Pawson a few minutes of his time to talk about Burry Stander and what winning the Epic means to him. On the 3rd of January 2013 Burry Stander’s life was cut tragically short. He was 25 years old and still had so much to offer as a world class cyclist, role model, son and husband. Like Christoph Sauser and the Burry Stander – SONGO team, Full Sus would like to celebrate Burry’s life and achievements.
SUS THE STATS 1st African man to win the Cape Epic Double Cape Epic winner with Christoph Sauser 23 Cape Epic stage wins UCI U23 World Champ 2008 Double Olympian (2008 & 2012)
You can do your bit to make the roads of South Africa safer for cyclists by supporting the Burry Stander Foundation for more go to www.burrystanderfoundation.org.
Q In the past when you’ve been that far behind [an 8’49” deficit after stage four] you haven’t managed to come back. Yet after stage five you lead by over a minute. How did you manage that?
WWW.OAkpICS.COm
A
It’s been very tough... my toughest Epic win yet as we’ve always defended the leader’s jersey from day one. It’s hard to describe, especially when you’re still chasing the leader’s jersey... you have to go on the attack and make up time. When you have the leader’s jersey and you have guys attacking you, you just stick with
2013 ABSA Cape Epic overall champions: Christoff Sauser and Jaroslov Kulhavy of Team Burry Stander - SONGO.
Editorial
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Getting introductions out of the way,
So we can go riding... W
editorial team Publishing Editor: Shayne Dowling shayne@integratedmedia.co.za Content Editor: Seamus Allardice seamus@integratedmedia.co.za Art Director: Megan Knox megan@integratedmedia.co.za Advertising: Shayne Dowling PR & Promotions: Julia Andrade julia@integratedmedia.co.za Photography: Julia Andrade, Jacques Marais, Oakpics.com – Fanus Oosthuizen and Thinkstock.com. Regulars: David George, Meurant Botha, Stirling Kotze Snr & Jnr, Alex Blair, Jacques Marais. Contributors: Emma Pienaar and Nick Pawson. Printing: Paarl Coldset (Pty) Ltd Published by: Integrated Media
Head Office | Cape Town Tel: 021 685 0285 Suite WB03 Tannery Park 23 Belmont Road, Rondebosch, 7700 Postal Address: PO Box 31649, Tokai, 7945
ON THE COVER Lukas Emberger (Austria) team Carbon Voyage. Overall position: 128 www.oakpics.com
elcome to the first issue of Full Sus. I have just watched the end of the 10th Absa Cape Epic and once again find myself appreciating how tough and how much guts and determination the competitors have but most of all it reaffirmed what a fantastic sport MTB is. Congratulations to all those that finished the race you are all heroes! particularly Well done to my good mate Justin Basson, who filled in with just two weeks to go and who rode for his passion, which is conserving the Renosterveld and saving the rhinos! I have without a doubt seen more of our wonderful country since climbing onto a mountain bike, it’s allowed me to find a sport that in my middle age that is as challenging as one wants it to be, provides heaps of adrenalin, encourages great camaraderie and ultimately is brilliant fun. And just like any ride Full Sus begins at the bottom of the mountain and I have no doubt we are going to be facing a number of steep inclines but with the team we have and also your support and contributions I am sure that Full Sus will soon be part of the MTB landscape. There are a lot of “introductions” in this launch issue and one that doesn’t need introduction but perhaps an explanation is David George: we approached David because we feel that there are probably few people in SA who know as much about cycling and that have been through as much as he has. We are not giving David a soapbox to put a spin on his drug ban nor do we condone cheating in any form and
Left: Shayne and ‘Big O’ out on their home turf of Tokai. Below: Full Sus scribe Seamus Allardice.
yes David will broach the subject, but primarily his column will give us insight into the world of professional riding and also give us advice, information and instruction that will ultimately make us better riders. Welcome to Seamus Allardice our surfing, skateboarding, and now mountain biking Copy Editor (see guy who does all the work!). Seamus is the pivot point around which Full Sus rotates, thanks for your hard work on what has been a manic time getting this first issue out. Thanks also to all our writers for their excellent columns and contributions. Finally welcome to all our readers. Full Sus is for you and while we acknowledge the race snakes our primary focus is the weekend warrior, the regular rider, the newbie. You guys that fill the rides, make up the
numbers at the events, keep the local bike shops going and that ultimately ensure that MTB in SA is as strong and healthy as it is. So please give us feedback and let us know what you want more, or less of. If you have had an experience that you would like to share, this is exactly what we are after, so get writing and don’t forget to send us your pics too! Ultimately we are a team who are publishers, trail builders, bike shop owners, nutritionists, trail fundis who all have a passion and love for mountain biking. Full Sus is hopefully a reflection of this. “Big Orange” and I look forward to seeing you on the trial!
Cheers
SUS the LETTERS
Letters
FS
Full Sus would love to hear from you. If you’ve got a MTB story or anecdote, a new favourite trail or bike, a bit of gear that’s made your riding experience better or just a gripe drop us a mail at sussed@fullsus.co.za. Or if you’re still in the dark ages and like it that way, write us a letter and send it to: Integrated Media, P.O. Box, 31649, Tokai, 7945. The letter of the month will get a fantastic hamper from GU Energy Products valued at R1500 – Pure Performance Energy!
Get writing!
s w e n
FS News
MTB World Championship in South Africa
Here’s something to look forward to: Maritzburg is hosting the UCI, MTB World Championship from the 26th of August to the 1st of September this year! It’s an opportunity which is only likely to come round every 15 years or so. The best MTB riders from around the world will be taking part in four cross, downhill, trials, and cross country events and to top it all, Greg Minnaar will be looking to defend his World Title on home soil.
Socialise with You can pick up a free
For more information Call Tiaan on 082 419 4171 RRP: R7 000
Cancellara was accused of having a motor in his bike, now you actually can.
A Bike for the Lazy
For all the lazy, or style conscious, Full Sus readers here is a little treat: a motorised bike, which due to a legislative loophole is technically a bicycle. Featuring a peddle start motor in either 67cc or 49cc,
a top speed of 45kph and 50km per litre it’s the ideal short distance commuter. Just think, nip into work without breaking a sweat or cruise up to the Tokai mast while your riding buddies slug it out in your wake.
Classic.
The World’s Best MTB Destination? American adventure and travel magazine Outside declared the Whitehorse, in far North West Canada as the best place for mountain biking. The area might be best known for the 1890’s Klondike Gold Rush, but it also features over 800km of MTB trails in spectacular scenery. That’s Outside’s Americentric opinion though, where do you rate is the best MTB destination in SA?
copy of Full Sus every month in your local bike shop, but to keep you going in-between connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest News, Videos and Photos from the MTB world. We’ll be running competitions and asking for your input on your favourite events, bikes and gear. Like us, follow us and get involved.
Twitter C bestheck out SA c MTB tr the a omp on pgil in 11
FS Kia SA MTB Rankings News
To check out the launch video go to redbull.com/en/bike
SASeeding have joined forces with Kia SA to compile the Kia SA MTB Ranking System. Since late 2009 they’ve been crunching the numbers from over 500 races and 36 000 participants. The 2013 rankings will be compiled from 265 events, including races like Joburg2C, the Nissan Trailseeker series events and MTN National MTB Series. Kia say it will generate the first accurate ranking system for mountain bikers in South Africa. At the time of writing, Matthys Beukes was the leading the pack of 4 043 riders, with Candice Neethling sitting in 7th overall and leading the ladies category. As an added incentive, for the riders to keep an eye on the rankings, Kia have put a R40K cash prize up for grabs to the top Man and Woman in the pro-elite categories.
do wn hill
in the city
N EW
The adventure province of South Africa has just got a new attraction in the form of the Three Silos MTB Adventure Trails. Located off the N6, just 8km outside of East London it’s within easy cycling distance from town or if you prefer, a short drive. The trails are purposefully built by avid mountain bikers who made a huge effort in planning and building them to ensure the best possible riding experience. The 20km main trail is made up of nearly 15km of single track complete with climbs, long winding descents, some tricky but fun switchbacks, tight river bush sections, bridges and fence jumps.
WWW.OAKPICS.COM
In March Red Bull announced that they’d be taking to the city for downhill MTB events. The City Downhill World Cup will begin in 2014 and they’ll be running a pilot event in Bratislava on the 22nd of June this year. 2012 Downhill World Champion our very own Greg Minnaar is set to take on all comers in this exciting new format.
Current rankings leader Matthys Beukes was the highest placed South African at the Epic.
MTB Trails open near East London SUS THE STATS Location: Three Silos Farm East London,
Security: Secure parking at farm stead and
Eastern Cape.
CCTV cameras on the trail for rider safety.
GPS Coordinates: 32° 54’21.44”S and 27° 52’ 25”E
Other activities: Hiking and trail
Trails: 20km, 15km & 8km options.
runners are welcome too.
Difficulty: Moderate technical difficulty, perfect
Sus Bonus: Game viewing with plenty
for training rides or outdoor enthusiasts.
of antelope from the large (nyala) to the
Corners & climbs to look out for: Little
tiny (blue duiker), birdlife and warthogs.
Hoggsback, Nyala Corner, Wild Olive Alley and
On the cards: Three Silos is also
Oberem’s Afkak Hill.
planning a kiddies’ adventure trail
Cost: R10 on weekdays and R20 on Fridays
for the younger MTB enthusiasts and
and weekends, using an honesty box or
possibly a restaurant for those post-
purchase a pass from Cycle Torque cycle shop
ride energy replenishment needs.
(043 748 3309) R500 per annum or R250 for
Contact: Mark Oberem –
six months.
cell (076) 1784 696,
Maps: Route maps and profiles are available at
office (043) 726 1442 or
registration point or from Cycle Torque.
email markoberem4@gmail.com
FS Trails
As part of Full Sus’s plan to get you out and riding Jacques Marais will be profiling MTB routes around the country. First up is the Eastern Cape mountain biking hot spot, Hogsback.
Photography by Jacques Marais.
Hogsback Cycle Roots
Trails
FS
footpaths, and after nearly a decade of neglect, it is once again becoming the grail of MTB single-track.
TRAIL LOW-DOWN
Jacques Marais is the author of Top MTB Trails, and will be keeping you up to speed with the best rides in SA. You can find out more at www.jacquesmarais.co.za
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inter’s pretty much on the horizon, so now’s a good time to hit The Hog before things gets all wet and muddy and oozy. This fantastical little corner of the Eastern Cape totally encapsulates Hobbit Country, making it the perfect MTB escape for the whole family. Everything goes, from leisurely forest cranking to super-tubing a booming selection of local singletrack being crafted by a few fattrackers living within this peaky region of the Amathole Mountains. Hogsback itself is a lazy village perched upon an escarpment rising around 1400m above sea level. A combo of this altitude and the resultant rainfall means you can bet your bucks on cool summers, abundant water and forests lush with ancient trees, ferns and bramble. Eco bunnies, artists, crafters, outdoor folk and an eclectic mix of rural characters come here to chill at the altar of the Great Outdoors, but it is mountain bikers who arguably rule the roost. The ridges and valleys are overrun with forestry roads and
Neels du Toit is not a dude to hog the limelight, but if anyone has been putting in serious overtime on the Hogsback singe-track production line, he’s the man! Over the past year or so, he has single-handedly tackled the area below Hog 1 to shape some kick-ass rides along the wooded slopes here. Most of the single-tracks wind and dip past streams and waterfalls, blasting into sections of tranquil forest to form a great cross-country course where all the trail segments eventually interlink. The easiest way to get to know the trails are to join Neels for a guided tour of around 3-4 hours, where you will meander past eight waterfalls along an 18km circular loop. If you’re gung-ho enough, you can include the exhilarating ‘Puffadder Run’, passing along bridges built over the streams. All in all, it’s an eye-bleedingly scenic ride, with exceptional views across the Tyume Valley below. Solo riding is the next step, and most of the single-track sections are clearly marked with yellow ‘Cycle Roots’ arrows. A great hand-drawn map is easy to read, with detailed descriptions of the various Hogsback ‘Cycle Roots’ routes and points of interest.
SO, YOU’RE A BIT BORED WITH THE REGULAR HOGSBACK RIDES? HERE’S A TRAIL THAT IS SURE TO PUT THE COWABUNGA BACK INTO YOUR CRANKING, BRU. 39 Steps Waterfall
Pine Plantations DO NOT ENTER WITHOUT GPS!
to Kettlespout Falls Hobbiton
Bridge Bridge
OAK AVENUE
Hogsback Inn
W OL RO FRID AD GE
Woodlands Supermarket HYDRANGEA LANE
Hogsock Fairy Realm
Striders
Upper Tuyme Falls
Gate
River
Bridal Cycle Veil Roots Falls Madonna & Child Falls Cliff Path
Away with the Fairies Backpackers
Robinson Dam
Robinson Waterfall
Trig Beacon
HOG 1
Small Dam
➎ BERG ADDER
BASED ON MAP FROM NEELS DU TOIT, NOT TO SCALE.
TE E ROU NATIV ALTER
Dirt Road Single Track Hiking Trails Waterfalls Amathole Hiking Trail sign DO NOT take road
AD E RO IDG LFR WO
Bathtub on a cliff
➊ Veld Fokus! ➋ Boulder Run ➌ Wattle Alley ➍ Slipstreams ➎ The Interlink
Waterfall
➊➋ ➍ ➌
Viewpoint Deck
MAP KEY
Gate
Blackwood Run Pine Run Paradise Falls Puffadder Run
CRANK CASE ALLEY
to Alice
View of Kettlespout
Holy Cypress
Flat Rock
SUS THE STATS Grading: Intermediate/Expert (technical in places) Duration: 3-4hrs Configuration: Circular/Return Options of 18km-plus Start point: Hogsback Information Centre (GPS: 32°35’52.1’S / 026°56’17.9’E) Terrain: Gravel road, jeep-track and superb single-track Post-Ride Beer: Wizard’s Sleeve Inn - www.awaywiththefairies.co.za Must-Do Event: Lord of the Chain Rings Stage Race - www.ecmtb.co.za Access: Permits cost R30 from either Hogsback Info or Neels du Toit Cell Reception: Reasonable reception along route Accommodation: Try the Arminel Hotel – www.katleisure.co.za Local Contact: neelsdutoit78@gmail.com or 073 567 9487
Kettlespout Falls
Bench
to Wolf River
4X4 Trail to Zingcuka ViewQuarry point
FS AmaRider
Mountain biking is still an In AmaRider, Meurant Botha’s, first column for Full Sus he talks trail safety and points out that you shouldn’t kid yourself – mountain biking is a dangerous sport.
Meurant botha is the founder and director of AmaRider and he will be writing a monthly column for Full Sus where he will be sharing his broad range of MTB knowledge on subjects like trail etiquette and what goes into trail construction with you. AmaRider is a South African non-profit company with the aim of improving mountain bicycling opportunities on the African continent and is affiliated to the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). To find out more, visit www.amarider.co.za.
What are trail designers’ responsibilities? According to the international Mountain bike Association Mtb trail owners have four duty of care tasks. design and construct the trail appropriately inspect and maintain the trail appropriately Address unreasonable hazards and post warnings Anticipate foreseeable activities and take • reasonable steps to protect users
• • • •
What are your responsibilities? but that doesn’t mean you can bomb recklessly down a mine shaft descent with no thought of consequences, you are ultimately responsible for your own actions and should therefore always: know your own skills push your boundaries slowly so you will live to ride another day Always wear a helmet exercise common sense
• • • •
the AMARideR teAM hARd At woRk on AnotheR gReAt tRAil
M
y first introduction to mountain biking was a 1989 TV-clip of a downhill mountain biker hurtling down a fire road somewhere in the USA. He lost control and proceeded to ‘rag-doll’ down the trail. I was hooked and started saving for a bike the next day. Through much of the 1990’s and early 2000’s, mountain biking was considered an extreme sport. While growth far exceeded that of any other niche activity, it was not until the endurance angle was added that the sport really exploded in South Africa. (On a side note, growth in the USA and Canada is primarily driven by the lure of the trail and eventing is comparatively small compared to this country.) Whether for good or bad, South Africa’s acceptance of mountain biking as an almost mainstream sport has led to an interesting dynamic on our trails, as a very large proportion of riders score very low in the technical proficiency department. This is not a broad swipe knocking your skills! Most riders will admit this to us. Instead of my introduction, based on thrill and risk, riders are predominantly attracted by the
potential of achievement – the how far, how long, how tough. The trails community (builders, managers, operators) are faced with a fairly large challenge as the influx of riders to our trail systems obviously increases the liability situation. This is compounded by the fact that many of our trail systems are operated by third parties on private or state lands. In many cases, these ‘uninvolved’ land owners are oblivious to the risks of allowing trail activity, while trails are operated by enthusiasts (bless their souls!) without whom we’d probably sit with less than a 3rd of our current trails infrastructure. While we are not in the USA, legislation like the Consumer Protection Act is a nasty piece of literature taking us swiftly in that direction. What if a newbie decides that “this broken collarbone is not what I signed up for” and decides to sue everyone in the value chain?
So why would AMARideR tAlk to RideRS About thiS topic? SuRely the tRAil opeRAtoRS Should Step up?
Well, yes, in some respects this would be correct and to this end AmaRider has worked extensively with major land owners like SAPPI to ensure best practice is employed on trail sites. Behind the scenes, a 3 year process has resulted in the first SA Trails Management Program, now systematically being rolled out via a series of workshops. Many trail sites are approaching us directly, due to pressure from their land owners. On the other hand, the riding community, brands and advertisers must do their bit to ensure that the sport is accurately represented. In our sport we wear helmets not because it is the law, but because you fall on your head. Tokai forest alone is probably the cause of the most sports related fractures in Cape Town, with multiple fractures reported every week. Our sport’s worst consequence, the broken neck or back, is very real and in tragic instances, has led to deaths. As riders it is critical that we adhere to IMBA’s 3rd Rule of the Trail: “Always Control Your Bicycle.” Riding out of control not only places yourself at risk, but also compromises the safety of other trail users.
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Staying safe on the TRAIL Taking to the trails is definitely safer than cycling on the roads of South Africa, but even when you’re not haring down a switch-back descent it still pays to be safety conscious.
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he first rule of thumb when venturing off the beaten track – and out of earshot where no one is likely to hear your screams – is to use the buddy system. It’s pretty obvious really, safety in numbers, having someone to phone for medical assistance for you, or an extra body to deter muggers. Muggers aside crash induced medical emergencies are understandably the primary concern for most riders. Blunt force trauma from a sudden halt against a tree or large rock is sure to cause a bit of damage and in light of this, riding with a first aid kit, medical aid details and a means to communicate with the civilised world is always a good idea. The best advice is fairly common sense, but it’s easy to become lax about these things and Murphy’s Law dictates that the day you leave without your first aid kit is the day you’ll need it, so a reminder is always in order. Having a first aid kit on you is only the first step – it’s not much good if you don’t know how to use it though, so familiarise yourself with its contents and with the most common MTB injuries. Given the nature of mountain biking the most likely injuries are cuts and scrapes from close encounters with gravelly surfaces, broken bones from abrupt unintentional stops, overuse injuries and cardiac arrests. Most of you I’m sure will be able to treat a minor cut without any problems, but if you ride often signing up for a basic first
aid course is the sensible thing to do. Sadly on Table Mountain your ability to navigate tricky descents isn’t the only risk to your health. This is where the excellent work by the Table Mountain Bikers (TMB) to keep regular Mother City riders safe comes in. Along with highlighting emergency numbers they have a group sms system which alerts subscribers to incidents on the mountain. Perhaps the most important innovation, though, is that SAN Parks has allowed TMB to place marker signs, each indicating a number, on the jeep tracks and trails above the city. These signs are indicated on the Table Mountain MTB Route map, and act as points of reference should you need to explain to the emergency services where you’ve come a cropper or had an encounter with someone who relieved you of your possessions. The most important number for all riders on the front of Table Mountain, from Signal Hill to Tokai, to programme into their phones is 0861 106417. This is the number should be your first port of call. If you’re not riding Table Mountain the number above will be of little use to you but I would suggest that aside from the general cellular emergency number (112) you make a note of your local Fire and Rescue number. This will get you through to the local disaster manager’s switch board and they’re used to rescuing kittens from trees so saving you off the side of a mountain shouldn’t be too difficult.
✚ Most common traumatic MTB Injuries Aside from the usual minor cuts and bruises the following are the most common trauma induced mountain biking injuries: Broken Collarbone – Your clavicle isn’t particularly thick and is relatively easily broken in a fall. Broken Elbow – Fracture of the larger of the two bones in your forearm were it joins to form the elbow. Dislocated Collarbone – It sounds weird but it’s common when falling with outstretched hands to break your fall.
Dislocated Shoulder – Whatever you do don’t try to pop your mate’s shoulder back in, you could do more harm than good. Concussion – If you land on your head and don’t know what day of the week it is you’re in trouble.
✆ Table Mountain Bikers ER numbers: • Table Mountain Emergency: 0861 106417 • Metro EMS (incl Mountain Rescue): 021 937 0300 • SAPS Cape Town Central: 021 467 8001/2 • SAPS Mountain Patrol Vehicle: 082 411 2401 • General Emergency Number: 021 480 7700 www.tablemountainbikers.co.za
Competition COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS Competition submissions should reach us no later than 20 April 2013. The Prize/s is that indicated, no alternatives or cash will be provided. The decision of Integrated Media will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. Under no circumstances shall Integrated Media, Adidas, Moscon Optics or its appointed representatives and the prize donors be liable to anyone who enters these Prize Draws for an indirect or consequential loss howsoever arising which may be suffered in relation to the Prize Draws. By entering these competitions you make yourself subject to receiving promotional information. Entrants are deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions. Prize Draw Rules: The prize draw is only open to residents in South Africa. Employees of Integrated Media and Adidas and their respective advertising, media and PR agencies, as well as the family members, consultants, directors, associates and trading partners of such organisations and persons are ineligible for the draw.
Responsibility
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win
What is your favourite MTB trail in SA? Let us know and stand a chance of winning one of two pairs of Adidas Evil Eye halfrim pro sunnies.
Go to
www.facebook.com/ FullSussa, LIKE the Full Sus Facebook page and double your chance of winning!
THE PRIZE: The Evil Eye range features Adidas’s Quick-Change Lens System, TRi.FIT, Double-Snap Nose Bridge, Auto Fit, a superbly designed Ventilation system and is fully Helmet compatible. All Evil Eye lens can also be fitted with the Adidas eyewear optical insert or direct glazing can be fitted by an optician. Evil Eye Halfrim Pros are now available in large, small and extra small sizes.
HOW TO ENTER: Send an email with the subject line “SA’s best MTB Trail Comp” containing your favourite South African MTB trail, your name, ID Number, physical address (not a P.O. Box please!) and a contact number to comp@fullsus.co.za, in order or qualify for the lucky draw.
FS Centre Event
Windhoek Lager Expand your mountain biking boarders and take up the challenge of the Windhoek Larger Namib Quest. Ride from Namibia’s capital Windhoek on the Khomas Highland plateau to Swakopmund, on the coast, through the Kupferberg Pass, the Khomas Hochland mountain range and the Namib Naukluft Park.
About the ride Now in its 3rd year the Windhoek Larger Namib Quest is undoubtedly one of Southern Africa’s toughest mountain bike stage races. The course has been designed to cater for both the social and elite riders. The Quest is a challenge to any mountain biker who has the desire to test himself against the elements and his own physical and mental endurance - certainly not for the faint hearted.
Scenic Highlights The route takes in the spectacular Khomas Hochland fold mountains in Namibia’s semi-arid bushveld interior before sweeping down into the oldest desert on earth, the Namib. One of the major draw cards of the event is the fact that it will pass through areas essentially closed to the general public.
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Race Village Competitors will be accommodated in rustic overnight race villages throughout the event. Although very isolated and “in the middle of nowhere”, these villages will provide all the basic comforts required, including hot water showeres. The race village features a “Beat the Heat” zone that will cater for all those competitors that would like to socialize and enjoy a few well-deserved refreshments after each day’s stage.
Additional adventure activities: Clay-pidgeon shooting, hunting and bungee jumping
Windhoek Lager Namib Quest
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Namib Quest L OFFER SPECIA ot on a luxury
Book a sp el to and from bus and trav yle. Namibia in st d om Joburg an Departing fr k oe r Windh Cape Town fo May and of th 17 e on th d Swakopmun returning from s bu ry the luxu on the 25th,
Note: Due to the linking of the Namibian currency to our own, there is a 1 – 1 exchange rate between the Namibian Dollar and the South African Rand. So your Rands will go just as far across the Orange (in fact you can use your Rands there too).
SUS THE STATS Dates: 19th – 24th May 2013 From: Windhoek to Swakopmund Days: 6 Distance: 472km Total Climbing: 6 600m Price: N$ 18 000 per team of 2 Entrants: Limited to 100 teams
•
boo k acco ing inc lude mm s the day odation execu tive befo and on a r t Swa hen ag e the e rrival, v a k spir opmun in on a ent, rr it the of the d. Get in ival in eve has to th n s up t his l le of dri t and sa e v i Cos v m t: N$ ited speing by ta e on 4 50 cial off king er. 0
Route profiles & distances Stage 1: Distance 78.2km Total Ascent 1294m Total Decent 1286m
Categories: Men (Open) Women (Open) Veterans Men (35 – 49 years) Veterans Women (35 – 49 years) Masters Men (50+ years) Masters Women (50+ years) Mixed (Open)
• • • • • •
Stage 2: Distance 77.1km Total Ascent 1534m Total Descent 1514m
Stage 3: Distance 61.6km Total Ascent 1387m Total Descent 1767m
Stage 4: Distance 70.8km Total Ascent 1393m Total Descent 1422m
Stage 5: Distance 60.6km Total Ascent 223m Total Descent 776m
Namib Quest Route Map
Stage 6: Distance 106km Total Ascent 190m Total Descent 944m
For more info on the Windhoek Larger Namib Quest and to register for the event, please go to www.africanextremepromotions.com or check out their Facebook page to view the 2011 & 2012 photo galleries www.facebook.com/AfricanExtremePromotions
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Attakwas Experience
FS MTB from a lady’s perspective
In the first of our looks into mountain biking from the perspective of the fairer sex, the protea amongst the dubbeltjies, Emma Pienaar recounts her experiences on the notoriously tough Attakwas Extreme Challenge.
Photography by www.oakpics.com
With 2 900m of climbing there were plenty of reasons to take a break and enjoy the views.
MTB from a lady’s perspective
T
he time had arrived for The Attakwas. I was standing on the starting line, with my trusty steed, ready to take on what has become known as the Comrades of the mountain biking world. My stomach was in a knot and thoughts rushed back and forth through my head: Am I ready? Can I do this? Am I seriously mad? Where are all the ladies? After telling myself that my training was done and that I was ready to take it on, I set off at a steady pace, remembering what I had been advised. My Attakwas training was not just physical; it also consisted of chats with friends who had ridden similar routes and races. Their guidance and advice proved invaluable. I was clearly informed to start the race at a slow, consistent pace, ensuring that there was no urge to race. I’d been told that if I got to the 60km mark and felt tired I would be in trouble and in for a long day in the saddle. I really did not want that to happen. The terrain over the first half of the race also helped as the fast jeep tracks were less straining on the body than the rocky sections which were still to come. I’d been warned that the stretch between kilometres 60 & 80 was particularly tough, with stony trails which would tax tired bodies and arms. But from there on, if I had the power left, I was assured that I could start increasing my pace until I saw the finish line. The Attakwas Extreme MTB Challenge, now in its 6th edition, is a one day event which covers a distance of 121km with 2900 gruelling meters of climbing and features an 11 hour cut-off time. The morning of the race, which started at the Chandelier Game and Ostrich Show Farm, was clear and cool, however I knew, being in the Karoo that the sun would be out soon and by the time we reached the finish line, at Pine Creek Resort, in Great Brak River, we would be sweltering. The race was not for the feint hearted, the fact that only 60 ladies took part, out of nearly 800 riders certainly told its own story. I knew that a race of this difficulty would be used by many professional riders for training purposes, which meant that I spent many days going back and forth on the event’s website looking at the route description and speaking to people who had completed it. For me, the decision making process to ride this race was certainly a process in itself! The reason for this was not the distance, but the terrain it covered. I knew I could ride 121km, but what I doubted my ability to master was the terrain given how hard it would be on my body. I am by no means a super strongly built lady, but I do have the stamina and power. My problem however was that
I lacked the confidence that I could finish such a race. In the back of my mind I was always concerned that I did not have enough training hours in the week, because I knew I needed serious mileage in my legs. What really helped me prepare was that the route maps were divided into four quarters, each clearly describing what terrain awaited riders. With MTB though, even the best preparation can be undone, you can never guarantee that you won’t have any mechanicals. Fortunately I was one of the very lucky ones who did not experience any. The first quarter started off fast, with riders bunching closely together moving quickly through farmlands on relatively smooth farm roads but I stuck to my race plan and went for the slow and steady approach. The second quarter of the race was the most interesting visually as the roadside terrain was covered by fynbos, waboom and proteas. This section featured the first big challenge of the event a steep climb up a consistent gradient to the head of the Attakwas Kloof. This was where I began to feel my legs taking strain! The third quarter of the race, with technical sections, steep descents and a tired body really exhausted me. Remembering to refuel and rehydrate all the time, I made it through into the fourth quarter which was now uncomfortably hot. But I knew that long district roads with tough climbs still awaited me before seeing the finish line. With 20km to go, I took an energy gel and kept telling myself that I had nearly completed one of the hardest mountain bike challenges in my life. That helped me remain focused. Still all I could do was put my head down and ride until I saw that medal! The feeling of crossing the finish line is indescribable. Knowing I was one of the 48 ladies who actually completed the race was overwhelming! It’s an exceptionally tough, but excellently organised event that I would recommend as a challenge for any keen mountain biker. I have a full time job and I’m no professional in the making, but I have a passion for mountain biking and was adamant to complete it. And I’m proud I did. To be able to say you have completed the Attakwas will definitely get you the respect of your fellow mountain bikers. Looking back on my Attakwas experience realise that I questioned my preparation. But on race day I put my mind to it, remained focused and completed one of the most challenging obstacles, the 2013 Attakwas Extreme Challenge. So if you, like me, focus on the training, put the time in and picture yourself achieving what you have set out to I’m sure you’ll be surprised by what you’re capable of.
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Emma Pienaar will be offering Full Sus readers unique insights into the world of MTB from a woman’s perspective. She is a committed amateur, holding down a day job while putting in the kilometres in preparation for a number of major 2013 races. Along with her husband Jason, Emma claimed podium places in the mixed categories for the 2012 Sani2C Trail, and the Wines2Whales Adventure. Emma rates the 2013 Attawkas Extreme Challenge as her greatest personal achievement in MTB thus far. She completed the race in a time of 08.46.47, in 13th position in her category.
KNOWING I WAS ONE OF THE 48 LADIES WHO ACTUALLY COMPLETED THE RACE WAS OVERWHELMING! If you’re a keen MTB rider like Emma and have a story to tell get hold of Seamus at seamus@ integratedmedia.co.za to get your story told.
SUS THE STATS Route: Traversing the Attakwas Mountains from Oudtshoorn to Mossel Bay Distance: 121 km Altitude Gain: 2900M Date & weather: 19 January 2013, the Karoo summer is notoriously hot, but it is also the ‘rainy’ season, with most of the area’s 400mm of annual rain falling then too. Organisers: Dryland
Contact: Carel Herholdt - carel@dryland.co.za
2013 Winners: Ariane Kleinhans – 05:42.29 and Christoph Sauser – 04:56.29
Attakwas Extreme Challenge The Attakwas has quickly established itself as one of the toughest, if not the toughest, 1 day MTB race in South Africa. Traversing the Attakwas Mountains from Oudtshoorn to Great Brak River, the region is said to have got its name from a Hessequa chief named Attaqua. The race is not just about sweating it out in the blazing Karoo sun the scenery is breath-taking and the camaraderie on route is more than a match for the comrades of mountain biking.
FS Nutrition
Fuel your performance In the first of our nutrition pieces, Full Sus’s resident Dietician, Alex Blair, takes you through the basics of what you need to know before setting out on a training programme.
N Alex Blair is a Registered Dietician, working out of the 360 Specialized Training Gym in Woodstock. She specialises in Sports Nutrition, Diabetes, Hypertension, High Cholesterol, and Weight Loss. In the coming months she’ll be informing the readers of Full Sus on how to eat to lose weight without sacrificing energy on the bike and demystifying the no carb craze. You can find her on Facebook at Alex Blair Dietician or email nutrition@fullsus.co.za.
utrition plays a very important role when it comes to fuelling your body during exercise. Mountain bikers require additional energy to fuel physical activity and additional liquid to cover fluid losses. Food and fluid intake should be determined on an individual basis, taking into consideration the duration and intensity of the workout, but here is a basic guide to get you started.
FUELLING BEFORE: Eating before you exercise can improve your overall sporting performance. Mountain bikers who train early in the morning before eating or drinking are more likely to develop low glycogen stores (source of carbohydrate that maintains your blood glucose levels). During the night, you can deplete your liver glycogen. Starting exercise with a low blood sugar can cause you to become more tired than you would have if you ate a meal or snack. This can in turn impair performance (especially if you are training for endurance events). Carbohydrate loading before exercise can help to restore liver glycogen stores which may be needed during prolonged training. Limit fatty foods as they take longer to empty out of the stomach and longer to digest. Exercising on a full stomach can cause indigestion, nausea and vomiting, bloating, heartburn, stomach pain, and diarrhoea. Smaller meals should be consumed closer to the event to
SUS THE STATS Full Sus MTB super food of the month: Bananas Bananas are a rich source of carbohydrates and potassium (> 400 mg). Potassium helps with muscle and nerve function. Your body converts the carbohydrates into sugar which then travels to your cells to provide energy. Include a banana as a snack 2 hours before exercise, during your ride or within 30 minutes post exercise.
allow for gastric emptying. Larger meals can be consumed when more time is available before exercise. If you had a large meal the night before, you do not need a large meal in the morning.
Ideal Pre-exercise meals include one of the following:
• Two slices of toast with jam • A medium sized baked potato • Dry cereal such as muesli • Fruit smoothie with whey powder FUELLING DURING: It is important to fuel your body if you are exercising for more than 60 minutes. Fuelling during exercise helps to maintain normal blood sugar levels in order to supply your brain with glucose. It also improves your mental stamina and gives your muscles added fuel.
Foods to include on the bike (every hour after the first hour):
• Sports drinks (Drink 150 – 200 ml/hour) • 1 – 2 sachets of sports gel (60 – 70 % carbohydrate) • Jelly beans (50 g) • Raisins (60 g)
• Energy bars (1- 1 ½ bars) • Banana (2 medium sized) Drink 150 – 350 ml of water every 15 to 20 minutes during exercise. Try a sports drink and a banana or an energy bar and water. Practice eating during training sessions to see which foods and fluids work for you. Riders taking part in a multi-day stage race need to make a nutrition plan far in advance of the event, but I’ll cover this in a later column.
FUELLING POST: Fuelling after exercise is essential in order for your body to restore its glycogen stores in the liver and muscles. Don’t delay carbohydrate consumption as this can reduce the production of muscle glycogen by 50% therefore it is vital to eat within 30 minutes post-exercise. Try High GI (Glycaemic Index) foods after exercise to help restore glycogen at a faster rate. If you are not
IF YOU ARE NOT HUNGRY AFTER EXERCISE, TRY A SMOOTHIE OR CHOCOLATE MILK FOR OPTIMAL MUSCLE RECOVERY. hungry after exercise, try a smoothie or chocolate milk for optimal muscle recovery. Other foods that will work include; fruits, wholewheat toast with boiled eggs or a bowl of high fibre cereal with skim milk and a banana. The right sports diet can enhance your performance tremendously, so plan your sports foods and enjoy the rewards of your higher energy levels.
The David George E XP ERIE N CE |
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Epic FOMO In the first of his regular columns South African Cyclist, David George gives you a little insight into his current situation since his ban and sets out to prove he’s still got a lot to offer the world of MTB. In his columns, David George will be sharing with you some useful training and technical advice that will help and encourage you to get out there and achieve some of those biking challenges you have set yourselves. He might be a demonised figure right now, but unlike so many of his peers David never tried to deny the charges and is currently serving a two year ban from the sport he’s dedicated his life to. He made his name as a roadie, representing the US Postal Service team in 1999 and 2000. He has also won the South African Time Trial Championship and the Giro del Capo on multiple occasions. Since switching his slicks for knobblies he formed a partnership with Kevin Evans which culminated in their 2nd place finish at the 2012 ABSA Cape Epic.
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’m writing this article watching the prologue of the Epic suffering a serious case of FOMO! You all know why I’m watching it on the tele and not riding. I have no intention of turning this into a doping rant column but couldn’t really impart with some of my practical biking experience without talking about the elephant in the room. For decades the cycling industry has been marred by scandal after scandal so it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that cycling, and sport in general, is enduring a real crisis of morality. I developed my own particular lens and brew of cynicism right in the trenches where over the years the denials and layers of hypocrisy have been vomited out at almost every opportunity. On November 4, 2013 I received the phone call that changed my life, for better or for worse. The nearly six months since has been an incredible test for my family and I. Interspersed with harsh judgements and media sensationalism, I have been blessed with incredible personal support. Sometimes, from those I would have least expected or deserved it from. It’s been a time of great self-reflection, but at the same time incredibly painful. Like any physiological improvement derived from hard training, at times we need to go deep into our soul to improve as a person. The journey is by no means complete.
best performance for any one particular objective. With the incredible growth in popularity of mountain biking recently, I have personally witnessed this sport change people’s lives. Fat have become thin, old have been rejuvenated and it’s great to see the girls are out there enjoying the trails too. What a great sport it is – let’s never forget what it’s about again. I hope that my sharing the insights and knowledge I gained through my years of competitive riding will serve you well on the trails.
I’ve been biking in some form or another since I was seven years old so here I am, having been asked to write this column that I may in some way impart some of my practical knowledge and experience to enrich your cycling. The one constant in my career has always been my passionate and dedicated approach to the detail of riding a bike, yes, sometimes even to my own detriment. Whether it be physiological, technical, or even psychological, there are so many facets that go into producing your
lIkE any physIoloGIcal ImprovEmEnT DErIvED from harD TraInInG, aT TImEs wE nEED To Go DEEp InTo our soul To ImprovE as a pErson. ThE journEy Is by no mEans complETE.
www.SPorTzPICS.nET
IT’s scEnEs lIkE ThEsE ThaT InDucE EpIc FOMO
FS Bike review
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Bike review by Shayne Dowling
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The first Full Sus bike review is the beautiful Ibis Ripley 29. Why the Ibis? Simply because like the insanely stunning Mojo, the Ripley is just pure bike porn! It’s so hot that it’s likely to cause accidents by dudes straining to get a look at it, as it goes flying past.
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DAVE WEAGLE THE DW-LINK A SUSPENSION GENIUS Dave Weagle is the designer and patent holder of the
elieve it or not, the Ripley is another of Scot (Chuck Ibis) Nicol and his team’s, including Roxy Lo (the designer of the gorgeous Mojo), brilliant pieces of bike engineering. Once again getting Dave Weagle (See sidebar) involved from the start, ensuring that the DW-link system was absolutely perfect for their first 29er. The Ripley is 6 years in the making with every part of the bike carefully designed, researched, prototyped and ridden until Chuck was happy. The eccentric linkage system has bearings inside the seat tube, it is lighter than Ibis’s external linkage systems and while not only keeping the bearings clean they system ensures looks that kill. But don’t be fooled by the good looks, the Ripley is engineered to offer shorter chainstays allowing for a ton of room around the front derailleur and rear tire. The one thing Ibis takes into consideration is the shorter rider, with significant development thought being put into their small frames making the big wheels something even the most vertically challenged of us can rip through the tightest trails on.
dw-link a suspension system that is widely considered to be one of the best linkage systems available. Weagle has a background in vehicle robotic systems but as a recreational MTB biker he soon got to work on improving his machine. His experience in vehicle suspension dynamics allowed him an appreciative understanding of suspensions and he quickly realised that his challenge was to try and eliminate “suspension bob”; he realised that anti-squat was a logical step and would counter the ‘bob’, providing more traction. His dw-link system soon proved to be highly effective and is recognised as one of the most complete systems as well as one of the most successful linkage suspension systems ever, particularly in downhill riding. The dw-link system is licensed to only four bicycle companies: Turner Bikes, Independent Fabrication, Iron Horse Bicycles and Ibis.
We could spend heaps of time waxing lyrical about the Ripley’s technical wizadry but of course the proof is in the pudding and we can’t wait to get our hands on one to test in SA’s conditions. Watch this space. With a choice of 2013 Fox Float 32 CTD 120mm or 140mm fork the Ripley not only has bigger wheels but an insane amounts of travel that are sure to not only have the downhill nutters salivating but also sure to be a hit on our gnarly trails. The drivetrain is available in whatever guise you fancy Shimano or Sram with a 2013 Fox Float RP23 CTD Boost Valve Kashima shock standard. Some of the Stats are shown in the box alongside – we have selected the Medium frame as an indication. For more details and specs go to www.ibiscycles. com or locally contact Two Wheels Trading to find out where and when you can get your hands on the Ibis Ripley 29. Damn she’s mighty fine!
The IBIS RIPLEY 29 a big wheel masterpiece 19
FS Stirling Revolution
When Stirling
joined the
MTB revolution StiRli n Senio g R
SJ “then my mate Billy took me to a Shop in Bellville to Buy my fiRSt mountain Bike, a magenta gaRy fiSheR advance” if you have any questions for the Stirlings send an email to fullsus@integratedmedia.co.za and we’ll get them to answer on the full Sus facebook page www.facebook.com/fullsussa.
i
feel like I’ve been in the cycling industry for years! In a sense I have been. Before we started the bike shop in December 2007 I was a bicycle shop groupie spending hours in my local bike shop. I bought a new bicycle nearly every year! My road cycling started in 1986 doing all the fun rides and entering my first ‘Argus’ in 1987 (the wet, big-storm race). Then my mate Billy took me to a shop in Bellville to buy my first mountain bike, a magenta Gary Fisher Advance with a Cromoly steel frame, rigid fork and centre-pull brakes. That was it. The road bike was ridden but not really loved as I had a new mistress – the MTB. Cycling, and MTB especially, has been a life-changing experience. I know that most Full Sus readers will echo my sentiments. Back in 1994 a small bunch of us formed an informal riding group called the Lost Amigos. We have ridden the Alps and Pyrenees (off-road of course) four times and many multi-stage events
Stirling doing what he loves most...besides a good coffee that is.
Stirling Snr looks back at how his MTB journey began, introduces himself and gives you your first look into the quirky but sussed world that is the Stirling Revolution. and 100’s of day races. Doug Brown (three-time Epic Master’s category winner) is a long-standing Amigo. As most of the Lost Amigos advanced in years and our disposable incomes increased, we undertook our first MTB adventure in the Alps starting south of Munich, into Austria and Switzerland and ending in Riva di Garda in Northern Italy. Two years later we returned to the Alps and road from Imst (Austria) to Bellagio (Lake Como, Italy). These rides produced thrills and spills by day and insane partying at night. Hangovers, or not, we were on our bikes by 9 am. One memorable, high altitude day caught us – unprepared – in a snow storm with temperatures plummeting to freezing. We just made it to Lugano where we all invested in cold weather clothing and gloves. With the Alps conquered we moved on to the Pyrenees and over two trips rode those colossal mountains from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean. Yes, we are planning next year’s adventure but not sure where – so any tips from readers will be appreciated.
the lost amigos on trek in the alps
The Stirling Revolution Bio The father and son combo of Stirling senior and junior are avid cyclists and owners of a local bike shop in Cape Town. In their monthly column they’ll be offering their uniquely phrased views on the ins and outs of mountain biking from negotiating a discount to locating that weird noise your bike keeps making, but won’t make when you take it to the workshop, they’ll cover it. Stirling kotze, aka Stirling Senior years in the saddle: 27 favourite ride/trail: Table Mountain, Cape Town Recurring mtB nightmare: Dirty, worn chains Stirling-James kotze, aka SJ years in the saddle: 17 favourite ride/trail: Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch Recurring mtB nightmare: Noisy, squeaky bikes
Gear
B4 Play Ball
Undercover Alarm
Worried about your bike getting nicked while you’re sipping your post-Saturday morning ride skinny latte? Then you need the motion sensitive Undercover Alarm. It fits under your bottle cage and beeps at 105db, both on the bike and the receiver, when someone moves your bike. Weighing in at only 17g the transmitter is light enough not to notice but will provide you with invaluable peace of mind. www.fluidlines.co.za. RRP: R 380
Leatherman Wave
When you’re out on the trail and you need to do your best Bear Grylls impersonation you better have a multi-tool in your bag of tricks. That’s where the new Leatherman Wave will come to your rescue, it’s got all the usual features plus needlenose pliers and hard-wire cutters for the emergencies on route, and a bottle opener for when you get back and need a cold one. All this comes in a 10cm long package and weighs in at just 241g. RRP: R1 299
Garmin Edge 510
Launching in April, the Garmin Edge 510 combines the best features of the 500 with wireless connectivity to your smart phone to add social media sharing and realtime weather updates. Weighing only 80g and featuring a 2.2 inch touchscreen, it’s got a 3 hour longer battery life than its slightly bigger colour screen brother, the 810. It’s rugged and waterproof, designed to handle the trials of the trail and still be easy to use as the touch screen has a wet track touch screen feature. The Edge 510 accurately tracks speed, distance, time, GPS position, elevation, calories burned, climbs, and descents, it doesn’t help you pedal though, but everything else seems pretty well covered. Find out more at www.garmin.co.za.
GEAR
The Plantar Fascia, is the connective tissue on the sole of your feet, and it can cause trouble that transfers up through the entire body. It can be responsible for tight calves, tight hamstrings, exaggerated lower back curving, and an exaggerated curve in the upper cervical spine. By rolling the B4 Play ball, stretches and compresses this connective tissue which releases the stress in the connective tissue under the feet, which in turn communicates with tissues and body above. For more information on this locally made product email info@b-4play.net. RRP: R200
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Thule Gate Mate
Oakley RadarLock
The Swedish luggage and carrier system wizards from Thule have created the simplest way for a bakkie owner to transport a bike. It’s called the Gate Mate Tailgate Pad, and it works by fitting over your tailgate, you then load your bikes on with the front wheels hanging out of the bakkie and the frame/headset rest snuggly on the soft and grippy surface of the Gate Mate. The design is so ingenious that 26ers will stay perfectly in place during a short journey, but for longer trips and the bigger frame of a 29er you need to strap the rear wheels down to the loading bay. RRP: R1 499 from Thule Outlets
You’ve got to look after your eyes when you spend hours in the sun but it’s impractical to have a separate pair of sunnies for every lighting condition, so Oakley have come up with the Switchlock™ system on the Oakley RadarLock sunglasses allowing you to select from a wide range of lenses and change easily. The lenses feature Oakley’s High Definition Optics® technology and are impact resistant and offer unrivalled clarity. www.oakley.com RRP: R 2 650
Pearl Izumi Canyon short
When getting your next pair of MTB baggies consider the Pearl Izumi Canyon short which has the shortest inseam of their collection, designed for those riders who prefer baggies rather than form-fit pieces, they’re great on the trails. They feature superior moisture transfer technology, a snap front closure with zip fly and back waist adjustment, a zippered side pocket and MTB 3D Chamois®. RRP: R 1 050
Skully Lights
Keep yourself visible and looking badass on the trails with the new Skully bike lights. They’re available in a bunch of colours and feature powerful LED blubs which produces 20 lumens for 100 hours. The little skulls are super light and the lights protrude out of the eyes giving a wide angle light spread. www.fluidlines.co.za RRP: R100.
21
FS Lifecycle Expo
Sussing out the
NICK MUZIK
Results & Calendar
LifeCycle Expo
From its rather humble beginnings in 1991 the Cape Argus Lifecycle Expo has grown into the largest gathering of outdoor related retailers in the country, featuring 328 exhibitors. The 2013 Expo also saw the most feet through the door with over 80 000 visitors passing though the Good Hope Centre.
D
espite the primary attraction being the Cycle Tour registration, the phenomenal growth of mountain biking in recent years meant that the rugged version of the sport hardly took a back seat, while the roadies made their final preparations for the 110km trek around the peninsular. With the multitude of goodies on sale, most of which at discounted prices, the organisers’ statement that the average person spends more time in the expo than they do on course during the tour is easy to believe. For any MTB enthusiast there was more than enough new gear and 2013 bikes to keep your eyes roving for hours. From the locally designed and exquisitely crafted Momsen 29er, to brake lights for your bike the Expo had it all covered. Despite the crowds,
the Expo is a must visit for all MTB enthusiasts, if only as a means to stay abreast with the latest developments in the industry, which you’ll be if you read Full Sus. For next year though, I would suggest that you spend an hour or two in preparation browsing through back issues of Full Sus, just to acclimatise your senses or risk a bike desire induced catatonia. Perhaps the best approach really would be to start saving now so that you’re financially prepared for that expensive impulse buy that you’re bound to make. Because it’s not difficult to come away with a brand-new set-up, guaranteed to shave hours off your Epic time… but rather that, than getting your legs waxed in public like a roadie.
“ACCLIMATISE YOUR SENSES OR RISK A BIKE DESIRE INDUCED CATATONIA.”
March Results: Grape Escape – 28th Feb to 2nd MEN’S LADIES’ 1 Tim Böhme (08:33:32) 2 Urs Huber (08:33:42) 3 James Reid (08:34:59)
1 Candice Neethling (10:11:13) 2 Catherine Williamson (10:12:05) 3 Jennie Stenerhag (10:37:37)
Pick ‘n Pay MTB Challenge 66km – 3rd MEN’S LADIES’ 1 Erik Kleinhans (02:45:18) 2 Kohei Yamamoto (02:45:21) 3 Dominic Calitz (2:47:19)
1 Mariske Strauss (03:13:01) 2 Theresa Ralph (03:15:08) 3 Catherine Williamson (03:16:08)
Africa Continental Championships, Cross Country – 9th MEN’S LADIES’ 1 Philip Buys (01:28:20) 2 Yannick Lincoln [MRI] (01:32:19) 3 Heinrich Kohne [NAM] (01:37:48)
1 Yolande Speedy (01:59:20) 2 Aurelie Halbwachs [MRI] (02:00:30) 3 Samantha Sanders (02:04:14)
Africa Continental Championships, Down Hill – 10th MEN’S LADIES’ 1 Hayden Brown (04:45.06) 2 Tiaan Odendaal (04:47.12) 3 Stefan Garlicki (04:48.38)
1 Nadia Botha (06:41.11) 2 Kate Stephenson (08:00.44)
Great Zuurberg Trek – 23rd to 24th MEN’S LADIES’ 1 Timo Cooper (5:16:40) 2 John – Lee Augustyn (5:21:10) 3 Jason Reed (5:30:27)
1 Andrea von Holdt (6:26:16) 2 SanMari Woithe (6:39:23) 3 Nicola Giliomee (6:52:54)
April highlights: 10th – 13th: Lowveld Quest Stage Race
19th – 21st: Mr Price Karkloof Classic MTB Festival
Mpumalanga’s first: point 2 point stage race. Complete with all the lekker single track & bush tunnels.
The big daddy of weekend MTB events! The Karkloof has something for everyone, with a night race, enduro, marathon and shorter distances for the less fit and a 10km for the kids. If you haven’t been yet check it out at
www.indunaadventures.com/ lowveld-quest-2013/ 13th: First Ascent MAST Challenge
www.karkloofmtb.co.za.
Race to the Tokai mast on a 11,5km course, with 900m of climbing. First person, be he or she on foot or bike, to break the 35 minute mark wins R10 000.
26th – 4th: JoBerg2C
www.mastchallenge.co.za
Made up of the full 9 day and the 2 and 3 day Bielie Mielie Fiets rides the JoBerg2C is one of SA’s biggest MTB events. While entries are long closed for 2013 check out the route and start planning for 2014, check it out at
www.joberg2c.co.za.
Calendar & Results FS
whats on in May 1st Wednesday
t h g li ies n o er o M BS MT
JoBerg2C Winter Fast One
3rd Friday Misty Valley Stage Race - 3 Days
Moonlight MTB Series It’s a weekly MTB event hosted by Bergbok MTB Club, in Krugersdorp, for more info contact Robert Engelbrecht on 083 254 6223.
5th Sunday Pam Golding Magoebaskloof MTB Challenge 2013 Fairview Lodge Magoebaskloof MTB Challenge Zini Estate Buffalo Classic Nissan National Half Marathon # 4 Clarens Impact Challenge
8th Wednesday Moonlight MTB Series
10th Friday Redstone MTB and Family Weekend
11th Saturday
GET YOUR EVENT INTO OUR
EVENT CENTRE SPREAD CALL SHAYNE ON 021 685 0285/6
4th Saturday Misty Valley 24 Hour MTB Championships 2013 Houwhoek MTB Tour KZN Provincial XCO & DHI #3 MTN National Marathon Series #4 Clarens Old Selbornian Ladies MTB Speke MTB Challenge Dirt Series 1 Race of Grace
Willow Creek Computer Mania MTB Gravel Travel Fish River Sun Stage Race Walmer Downs Family Centre MTB Goodhope MTB Race Joy Anglo MTB Event Skurweberg MTB Marathon MTN National Marathon Series # 5 Gravel Travel CCBC Green MTB Race & Relay 2 XCOSA.co.za Series # 2 Greytown MTB Festival
12th Sunday Nguni Grill Cross Country Redstone MTB and Trailrun weekend Rotary Fun Ride
14th Tuesday Sani2c - Trail
15th Wednesday Sani2c - Adventure Moonlight MTB Series
18th Saturday Xtrail MTB Series at Babba’s – Event #5 PPA “Tread Lightly” Women’s MTB Croc River Festival Das Auto 1 Kamanasie Berg Spook Gauteng Provincial XCO # 3
19th Sunday Bela Bela MTB Challenge Big 5 Plus 1 MTB Series Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge Restone MTB Race #2 Boston MTB Challenge
turnover for June...
FS Calendar
June
to Diemersfontein outside Wellington, pretty hard core! If you’re mad enough to take it on you can find out more at www.freedomchallenge.org.za. Konka MTB Race USN MTB Cup Race # 4 Thaba Toughee
1st Saturday UNS Mountain Bike Cup Race 3 The Big Induna (SA Marathon Championships)
KZN Provincial XCO & DHI Championship Mpumalanga Provincial # 4
9th Sunday
Thaba Toughee XCO
PPC Kremetart MTB Race
Bryton Vori-Berg MTB Series # 3
Kremetart MTB XCO
2nd Sunday
Sugar Rush Classic
Loerie MTB Challenge The Original Raw & Unplugged Howick MTB Classic Henderson MTB
Varsity College Cowboys MTB Classic
12th Wednesday Ndiya’s Event
5th Wednesday
Moonlight MTB Series
Moonlight MTB Series Pondo Pedal
7th Friday RECM Knysna 201
8th Saturday
15th Saturday
Sunny Hill DIY
16th Sunday Greyton MTB Classic Get involved in the Youth Day MTB fun in Greyton. There’s a distance for everyone and a great family vibe all day. For more info call Angie on 083 5665783. Big 5 Plus 1 MTB Series MTN Natiomal Half Marathon #5 Ystervark MTB
17th Monday Dirtopia Enduro
19th Wednesday Moonlight MTB series
22nd Saturday Boschberg MTB & Trail Run Benfontein SPCA MTB Race
Bryton Vori - Berg MTB Series 3
Capital to Coast
MTN National Marathon #5
Eshowe Elephant Classic
SAFire Baynesfield MTB Classic
Military Race MTB 2
Scottburg MTB Race
SA Cross Country & Downhill Championships - Mpumalanga
Spur High School MTB League #1
Gauteng Provincial XCO # 4
Robertson MTB Challenge
Nissan National Half Marathon Series # 6
Freedom Challenge Ride Across South Africa A non-stop, unsupported 2300 km slog from Pietermaritzburg
Klein Karoo Klassiek
MTN National Marathon Series # 6 Forever Resorts Loskop MTB Mpumalanga Spur School Series # 1
Dusi 2 C From the same good people who brought you the now legendary Sani2C, the Dusi2C is a 140km 2 day stage race
from Maritzburg to Durbs. For more info check out their website: www.dusi2c.co.za. Pretoria Military Cycling Club # 2
23rd Sunday Eshowe Leopard MTB Classic (MiWay Big 5 Series # 2)
26th Wednesday Moonlight MTB Series
29th Saturday Rijk Tulbagh MTB Ride Rhino Dirt Ride Heatonville Leopard Classic Single Speed Championship The NashuaMobile Ladies MTB Day 2013 Sondela MTB Classic Knysna MTB Rijks Tulbagh MTB Funride
30th Sunday The Burry Stander Sardine Classic The Corporate MTB Challenge Series # 2
Advertise your event in Full Sus and we will send you copies of the paper for your goodie bags or registration table. Call Shayne on 021 685 0285/6
photo of the month
FS
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Oak Pics is a Strand based photographic company. They shoot a vast array of events, covering everything from wild horses to weddings. But it’s in MTB that they’ve carved out a niche as one of the leaders in the field. If you spot them on the trails, usually when you’re picking yourself up after an unexpected brush with the ground, you can purchase the photos directly from their website. Or book them to shoot your event. Contact them at www.oakpics.com or 021 854 8723