Full Sus MTB Monthly - May by Full Sus #MTB

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MOUNTAIN BIKE MONTHLY Issue 02/2013

VIPA PEAK

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TRAILS pg8

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Having fun after dark Hydrate for optimum performance

Are stage races too expensive? Mountain biking is hardly a cheap sport. Let’s not kid ourselves the bikes are relatively expensive, and the prices of all the gear adds up pretty quickly too, but the thing that shocked Seamus Allardice most as a newb to the sport was the event entry fees. So he decided to have a closer look at a few of the bigger South African multi-day events and their costs.

on’t get me wrong, right off the bat I should point out that organising a MTB stage race is a costly business. There is an almost never ending list of factors to consider from accommodation to insurance and on to water points. But then the well-attended races do seem to gross a fair amount. A case in point would be a race costing R3 000 with 300 entrants will gross R900 000. R3 000 is a fairly conservative ﬁgure to use, as the average 3 day stage race cost in 2013 is R3 644 for a solo entry and R6 600 for a team

of two riders. As you can tell from the lists on page 2 the race entry costs do vary greatly. The longer events are understandably more pricey, and because of the wide variation in days they’re not really directly comparable. Generally though, they vary in price from the relatively cheap 4 Day Sabie Xperience at R2 090, to the bankbusting R27 950, for the full Royal Suite luxury on the Rovos Rail 5 Star MTB experience per person. But one has to ask if these costs are justiﬁed? I spoke to an avid mountain biker, who would rather not be named, who took part in the 2011 Cape Epic. He did not appear overly concerned by the fact, that all considered the event cost him about R70 000, but he did say that he wouldn’t be taking part again. He told me that in 2012 he went to Europe for a fraction of the cost, and enjoyed 15

days of riding in the Alps. And he’s currently planning a return trip for the European summer of 2013. Now that’s very nice, and you’ll be excused if you experience the briefest pangs of jealousy, but once you’ve ticked the Epic off your to-do list it does free you up. But the initial point he made stands, it cost him around 70K to take part in the Epic in 2011 and that’s a fair amount of cash. So event organisers should be reminded that the entry fee, even when it covers meals and accommodation is hardly the end, (or even the biggest) of the expenses. But I’m not going to beat down on the event organisers too much, because putting on an event is very expensive. If you have a look through the UCI’s Practical Guide to Organising a MTB Event you’ll be

turn to page 2

FS Stage Race Costs

How does the beauty of the ride feature into your assessment of event value for money?

“THE AVERAGE 3 DAY STAGE RACE COST IN 2013 IS R3 644 FOR A SOLO ENTRY AND R6 600 FOR A TEAM OF TWO RIDERS” shocked at the their budget template. Now it doesn’t contain any ﬁgures, because obviously the cost of staging an event in Switzerland is going to differ rather dramatically from a similar event back here in South Africa, but none the less the list of items to consider runs to nearly 5 pages. The UCI’s guide is dedicated to World Cup style MTB events rather than stage racing, but many of the boxes organisers need to tick are the same. For example one expense which you might not have considered is event insurance. The UCI recommends organisers budget for the insurance in the following 4 categories: public liability, insurance for voluntary workers (additional insurance), equipment insurance and cancellation insurance. Another sizable expense is the media. I was told it would cost the event organisers R8 000 to look after one journo for the 8 day duration of one particular event. In addition to that organisers also have to pay for the television

production and the air time on TV, neither of which comes cheap. Then you have to factor in the cost of keeping you warm, fed and hydrated during the race. So all in all events are ultimately expensive to organise and that expense is passed directly on to the consumer. Having an event sponsor with deep pockets will help lift the financial burden off your back, but you still have to ask yourself if you’re not being charged too much for certain events. And to that end Full Sus would like to hear from you. What events have you taken part in? How did you rate them in terms of value for money? We’ll maintain your anonymity but we’ll definitely be keeping you the reader informed of the best value for money events.

Send your responses to sussed@fullsus.co.za

HERE ARE THE 2013 figures R3 000 is a fairly conservative ﬁgure to use, as the average 3 day stage race cost in 2013 is R3 644 for a solo entry and R6 600 for a team of two riders. As you can tell from the list below the race entry costs do vary greatly: Race .................................... Solo Entry ....................Pair Entry Storm’s River Traverse ..................R 4 000............................................R 6 500 Grape Escape – 3 Day ..................R2 350...............................................N/A Isuzu 3 Towers Race ......................N/A ......................................................R 6 000 Isuzu 3 Towers Challenge .........N/A ......................................................R 5 400 Dr Evil Classic ......................................R 2 450 (NO ACCOMMODATION) ...R 4 900 (NO ACCOMMODATION) Ride the Rhino .....................................R 3 500.............................................R 7 000 Wine 2 Whales ....................................R 4 200 ............................................R 8 400 Ride the Rock .......................................R 4 000............................................N/A Cape Outback......................................R 7 500.............................................R 12 500 360ne MTB Challenge.................R 1 150.................................................R 2 100

The longer events are understandably more pricey, and because of the wide variation in days they’re not really directly comparable. Generally though, they vary in price from the relatively cheap 4 Day Sabie Xperience at R2 090, to the bankbusting R27 950, for the full Royal Suite luxury on the Rovos Rail 5 Star MTB experience per person. Race ........................... Days ........ Solo Entry..........................Pair Entry Cape Pioneer Race ...........6 ..........................R 11 500 .....................................................R 21 900 Joberg2C ...................................9 ..........................R 14 400 ..................................................R 27 000 Sabie Xperience ..................4 ..........................R 2 090 .....................................................N/A Namib Quest .........................6 ..........................N/A ...............................................................R 18 000 Cape Epic..................................8 ..........................N/A ...............................................................R 44 900 Rovos Rail Ride ....................6 ..........................Royal Suite – R 27 950 ...............N/A Deluxe Suite – R 24 950 ...........N/A Pullman Suite – R 19 500 .........N/A

SUS THE COSTS • R 32.16 per km on the 2013 Cape Epic • Through the 2013 Epic the associated charities raised R 3 323 624. The quality of the food can make or break a stage race

• The 2014 Epic Early Bird entries sold out in 34 seconds. • The Sabie is the cheapest 4 day or longer event on our lists at R10.45 per km. • The Sani2C’s three events (the Race, Adventure and Trail) all sold out their 650 team entries. Making it the World’s biggest MTB event and they managed to raise over 1 million rand for charity in 2012.

If you don’t mind splashing the cash You can book the Royal Suite on the 5 star Rovos Rail Ride for R 27 950 per person sharing. When you consider the colonial luxury and the all-inclusive nature of the offer, it’s actually pretty good value for money.

Riding unique and virgin trails, like these on the Tankwa Trek, surely offer added value

“FULL SUS WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU. HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE EVENTS YOU TOOK PART IN AS FAR AS VALUE FOR MONEY GOES?”

Editorial

Don’t be shy to

open your mouth! tHIs IssUE HAs tAKEN ON A sAFFA tHEME AND It’s GrEAt tO sEE tHE LOCAL INDUstry FOrGING AHEAD WItH CUttING EDGE DEsIGN AND qUALIty KICK Ass PrODUCts.

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: Kath Fourie, 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

Disclaimer: The views expressed by the contributors and columnists do not necessarily represent the views of Full Sus or Integrated Media.

o I’m bombing down the main single track at Tokai and up come an “amateur” club, about 8 riders in total and absolutely no effort is made at all to accommodate me and the guys behind, not a word is said from them and certainly not a thank you was murmured as we pulled over and watched the smartly and similarly attired bunch wander past, clearly oblivious to any etiquette or just good manners. Despite there being utter confusion at my favourite riding ground as to who has right of way the fact that riders seem to go mute on the trails is also a concern. As the trails get busier particularly on weekends the increase of traffic has also caused an increase of accidents which could largely have been avoided had the mountain bike basics been followed (see Meurants page) and had people opened their mouths. There is nothing wrong with the road jargon of “passing right” or a yell to your mates of “riders up or down” and of course a shout of “stopping” also goes down well instead of brake lights – we’re not psychic!

Despite good intentions regarding the traffic flow around Tokai; there are some “rules” posted on the Hub but they are European “accepted” rules that don’t necessarily work in local situations. Meurant explained that the main single track at Tokai was never intended for up riding and was developed from the downhill pioneers. Fairy Garden on the other hand was designed and purpose built for two way riding. It makes complete sense then that those folk who head up the main single track, particularly at busy times, should yield for those coming down. This I believe should be rule of thumb for Tokai. I am sure that there are other trails that may have similar (or different) issues. Let us know about them. Remember we have a great hamper for the best letter received. This issue has taken on a Saffa theme and its great to see the local industry forging ahead with cutting edge design and quality kick ass products. The ladies once again make great contributions with Emma convincing the gals to take on single track with confidence and Alex covers the all important subject of hydration. Kath Fourie is a

downhill girl and loves it, see why! A bunch of us will be doing the Houw Hoek Tour (5th & 6th May) which happens around the Grabouw/Elgin area on some of the most sublime track in the Western Cape. Look forward to seeing you there if you’re doing it, please stop and let me know what you think of Full Sus. If you are doing a ride in May please send us your pics and let us know how it went. We are keen to improve the publication so send us your suggestions either by mail or on our social media platforms. Keep supporting your local bike shop, be courteous on the trails, pick up your gel papers, oh and don’t be shy to open your mouth! See you out there, I’m the bloke on the bright orange bike.

Cheers

ON THE COVER riders on the Makadas Overland tour, 612km, 8 Days and 7 towns, through the beautiful Klein Karoo. www.oakpics.com

SUS the LEttErs

Letters

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

Activity Permit

What Mountain Bike Trail Bike of the Year 2013

UK MTB mag What Mountain Bike aren’t ashamed of letting their opinions be known and all-be-it only May they’ve already announced their favourite bike of 2013. Their editorial team boast over 150 years of collective MTB experience so they might have a good idea of what they’re talking about.

But you make up your own mind, here is their Top 3 2013 bikes for less than £3 000 (± R40 000): Whyte T-129 S Giant Anthem X29 1 Lapierre Zesty 514 Also featured on their shortlist of 25 bikes were the Genesis Grapil 20, Santa Cruz Tallboy LTC, Specialized Camber Comp Carbon and the Cannondale Jekyll 3, to name but a few. What Mountain Bike Mag Bike of the Year, The Whyte T-129 S

If you want to make use of the fantastic trails of Table Mountain National Park contrary to popular belief, it’s not a Wild Card you’re after but the TMNP My Activity Permit rather. The level 3 permit will set you back R 360 for 12 months, and this grants you entry into the park to ride your MTB or horse, and to angle. When purchasing the permit it is essential that you remember to take your ID document and 2 ID photos along. The Activity Permit can be purchased from a number of Cape Town Tourism offices, including the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens office.

You can download the application form off the www.sanparks.org website or off Full Sus’s Facebook Page.

Enduro World Series Created in October 2012 and opening for rider registration in March 2013 the Enduro World Series had 19 teams, 10 official supporters and over 220 members join in the first 30 days. It aims to uniting the world’s mountain bike enduro racing community by linking “the largest mountain bike enduro events in the world with the best trails possible and exists to deliver the best racing, most relaxed atmosphere and rider-focused organization possible.” It kicks off, in May, with the Punta Ala Superenduro, in Italy and features races in France, the US and Canada, before returning to Italy for the final event on the 19th of October.

blake Jorgenson

To find out more go to www.enduroworldseries.com

News TA IN B IK E M O N TH

MOUN

Issue 02 /2013

Where to ﬁnd

Hövding Invisible Bicycle Helmet

Born out of a possible Swedish law change which would force all cyclists in to wear a helmet at all times, by the fashion conscious industrial designers, Anna Haupt and Terese Alstin. Haupt and Alstin wouldn’t be seen dead in a polystyrene helmet, and so the search for a more fashionista acceptable alternative began. Seven years later the Invisible helmet was ready for release. It’s basically a swanky scarf which won’t ruin your hair but inﬂates like an airbag to protect your noggin should you fall over. The ergonomically designed ‘collar’

as Hövding call it is worn around the neck and contains a hood shaped airbag. The airbag deploys to protect the cyclist’s head when the trigger mechanism’s sensors pick up the abnormal movements of a bicycle in an accident. The collar itself is covered by a removable shell which can be changed to match your outﬁt and Hövding will be following the global fashion trends to ensure that your invisible helmet matches the latest editions to your wardrobe. Extensive research went into determining precisely when the sensors should deploy the airbag. After studying the movement patterns of thousands of bicycle accidents the prototypes were put through their paces by stunt riders from the Swedish Stunt Group and with crash test dummies at the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (the same people who test Volvos). They even thought about the normal movements that cyclists typically make after getting off the bike like bending down to pick up keys or running up a ﬂight of stairs. So you won’t experience a sudden unintentional deployment. While I’m not sure the look will catch on in the MTB scene it’s still an impressive invention and it’ll save your life.

For more info check it out at www.hovding.com.

VIPA

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TRAILS pg8

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Mountain biking is the bikes hardly a are rela tively exp cheap sport. Let adds up ’s not kid ensive, and the pre Seamu ourselv pric s Allardic tty quickly too es of two ride , but the es of all the gea entry fee e thing tha s. So he most as a new r lists on pagrs. As you can tell b to the t bigger Soudecided to hav sport was shocked do vary greae 2 the race entr from the y cost e a clos tly. the eve th African er look nt are understand The longer even s multi-d ay events at a few of the because of the ably more price ts y, and wide they and the ir costs. Gen ’re not really dire variation in days on’t get erally ctly com me

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days of riding in currently the planning Alps. And he’s European a summer return trip for the Now that of 2013 excused ’s very nice, and . wrong, the bat from the though, they vary parable. if right off I should pangs of you experienc you’ll be relatively in price point out that orga e the Xperien jealousy, nising a ce at R2 cheap 4 Day race is ticke but once briefest d a costly the Sabie MTB stag 090, to busting busi almost the ban R27 does free Epic off your to-d you’ve e never end ness. There kSuite luxu 950, for the you up. o list is to cons full an ing he But ry made stan list of the initia it ider from MTB expe on the Rovos Royal l point ds, it insuranc accomm factors 70K to Rail 5 Star rience per take part cost him arou e odation But pers one nd then the and on to wate on. in the Epic to that’s a fair are justi has to ask if thes r points. well-atte to gros ﬁed? I spo But nded race organise amount of cash in 2011 and e costs sa mountain rs ke would be fair amount. A s do seem entry fee, should be rem . So event biker, who to an avid case in not be inded that even whe would rath nam point 300 entr a race costing and acco er R3 0 2011 Cap ed, who took ants will mmodat n it covers mea the part (or even e gross R90 00 with ls ion is hard R3 000 overly concEpic. He did not in the the 0 000. ly the end ﬁgure to is a fairly cons But I’m biggest) of the ervative consider erned by the appear use, as not goin expenses , the aver stage race fact, that ed the on the . event cost age 3 day event orga g to beat dow R70 00 all a solo entr cost in 2013 0, but he beca nise him use putt rs too mucn about is R3 644 wouldn’t did say y and R6 ing on h, for that very expe be takin 600 for me that g part agai he nsive. If an event is a team in 2012 thro you have n. He told ugh the he wen a fraction a look UCI’s Organis of the cost t to Europe ing a MTB Practical Guid for , and enjo e to Event you yed 15 ’ll be

turn to

So a copy of Full Sus has made it into your hands, via, via, via. We’re stoked you’ve got one and we hope you’re enjoying it. But we’d love for you to read it every month, so this is how you get hold of a copy. Full Sus is FREE and is distributed in the ﬁrst week of the month to local bike shops in the Western Cape, Gauteng and the Free State. We’ll also be in race goodie bags. For a full list of the distributing bike shops, visit (and LIKE) our Facebook page, FULLSUSSA. We’ll also be keeping you updated of all the events were you’ll be able to grab a mag.

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FS Exxaro Development Academy

untapped Let’s be honest, writes Nick Pawson, mountain biking is not a cheap sport. Taking up the trade usually means a full commitment to getting the right kit, while a decent, new entry level cross-country hardtail, to get into racing, will set you back about R20K. of South Africa’s fastest-growing sports, and by extension, empowering communities and providing young people with a healthy alternative where crime and drug abuse are commonplace – the biggest pay-off being unearthing hidden talent. One such talent is Justice Makhale, a competitive professional cyclist and Exxaro’s team captain. Makhale (34) was born in Tohoyandou, Limpopo Province, and started competitive cycling at the age of 24. His career highlights include the 50 Mile Ultra Marathon, TransAlps, Sabie Classic and the Induna Marathon. Makhale was introduced to off-road cycling when he moved to Gauteng and has taken part in the past two Cape Epics. “This year I was riding alone with two ladies, so in 2013 we had the first black ladies team,” Makhale told Full Sus. “The main goal was for them to complete the race, which they did. Day three was really hard, the ladies were cramping... I really had to push them! My partner got really sick after the prologue, so I rode alone.” The Epic remains the launchpad event for the Exxaro riders and Makhale for one believes it will only be a couple of years before one of their teams claims the coveted

African rider’s jersey [awarded to the fastest all-South African riding pair over the eight days]. The development riders are showing remarkable improvements each year, with Phillimon Sebona and Prince Maseko (Exxaro/PWC Academy 1) – who won the Exxaro Development Jersey – coming in 47th overall and 39th in the pro-elite men’s category. That’s more than a 100% improvement on

2012, where Sebona’s team finished 105th overall. The remaining Exxaro teams showed similar improvements and as a result, Sebona and Maseko are being sent to compete in the TransAlps while the rest will take part in the Joburg2C. Makhale of course started off as one of Exxaro’s elite riders, and through his leadership has become a role model for aspiring youngsters

WWW.OAKPICS.COM

nlike cricket, rugby or football where a makeshift ball or bat can teach the man in the street the basics of the game, mountain biking is a specialised discipline – there’s no substitute for the real thing. As a result, it’s not a particularly accessible sport for underprivileged people. Cricket, rugby and our Olympic sports have been on massive transformation drives since the advent of democracy in South Africa in 1994. Some still feel the make-up of South African teams is not yet representative, but these disciplines have made far bigger strides than mountain biking or golf for example, where black athletes at the elite, professional level are almost non-existent. Enter Exxaro, a South Africanbased mining group that became an official sponsor to the Cape Epic in 2011. At the same time, CEO Sipho Nkosi’s dream to see kids from rural mining communities participate in the Epic was initiated and the Exxaro MTB Academy was established. In 2011 three black teams participated in the race and raised R1.5 million for charity. Through this sponsorship the Academy aims to transform one

William Mokgopo of the Exxaro Academy.

songo.info The mission of the songo.info programme is to “run a consistent and sustainable sports development programme, providing children with opportunities to participate in recreational and competitive sporting activities while contributing to the social upliftment of the community”. Their vision is to help raise healthy, happy and educated children in a safe place where they can grow and develop, so that they can pursue the careers and goals they have dreamt of. The songo values are as follows:

Trust: Trust is at the core of our program including building trust with our sponsors, our donors and with the children so that they know they can rely on the program and that the program respects and values each child.

Accountability: We strive to instil accountability for everyone who partakes in the program by demonstrating through example, taking responsibility in the program and teaching the children to take responsibility for attending the program and looking after the resources they are provided with. We seek out and develop leaders in our community who lead through example.

Consistency: In the township world there is so little consistency, we try to create a buffer for the children to not experience the up’s and downs of a Not-for-Profit organisation and only promise what we can honour, building trust with the children where they can come to rely on services and facilities being available to them.

Availability: As far as possible we try to always be there for the children in the services that we offer, in the need for contact and support. Our goal is to have the program running effectively so all bikes, equipment, training and races are always accessible to the children.

To assist with the great work Songo is doing in our townships go to www.songo.info and click on the ‘getting involved’ tab, or email Angelique Tostee at info@songo.info

Exxaro Development Academy

Exxaro and Epic Time Line

“biggEst pAy-off woulD bE unEArthing hiDDEn tAlEnt” “JusticE wE wAnt to bE likE you, wE wAnt to rAcE.”

2011 First Epic Participation (3 teams of Exxaro management)

2012 • One of the headline Sponsors of the Epic • 9 Development teams take part for the first time • 3 Support teams • Sipho Madolo and Azukile Simayile win the Development Category & finish 57th overall

2013

WWW.OAKPICS.COM

• 13 Development teams & 7 management/support teams • Phillimon Sebona and Prince Maseko win the Exxaro Development Jersey & finish 47th overall • Rozalia Kubwana and Letshego Moshoeu of the academy become the first South African black female mountain bikers to finish the Epic where they can. There is so much undiscovered talent in our country, and some of these kids could avoid going the drug and crime route once they discover the benefits of mounting-biking. The sport has enabled me to travel the world, and it’s given me this job at the Exxaro Academy. I have my own office. I never really had a job before I started riding. It can open similar doors for people who have a passion for the sport.” It’s clear that MTB has not had the same reach or appeal than other team sports in sports-mad South Africa, but the landscape is changing... albeit slowly. Off-road cycling is becoming more representative, thanks mainly to development academies like Exxaro. But we as riders can certainly help speed up the process by sharing our love for the sport with those who have never even heard of it.

Exxaro tronox Academy’ssiyabonga njiva and rilamulele gadabeni

2014 and beyond Aim to have a Development Academy team win the African Leaders jersey

WWW.OAKPICS.COM

– no doubt the most effective means of driving the popularity of the sport amongst historically disadvantaged communities through exposure. Makhale takes it upon himself to take the game to the people, so to speak. “I’ve cycled internationally so when I go to the communities, lots of youngsters approach me,” he says. “They come to me and say ‘Justice we want to be like you, we want to race.’ So when I go to Soweto for example, I load about five bikes and take these kids for rides. Then I select the guys I who I think have potential.” Having a major sponsor’s backing certainly helps with regards to resources, but it’s not the only way to transform the sport... or disadvantaged communities for that matter. “Of course I can’t help everybody and I hope the cycling community also play their part by encouraging youngsters across the board to take up riding, and provide equipment

Exxaro pwc Academy 1 - prince Maseko and pillimon sebona crossing the line with burry's wife & brother

Diepsloot Mountain Bike acaDeMy

WWW.OAKPICS.COM

Started by Simon Nash, in 2008 and run by the Red Apple Foundation, a non-profit organization, with the aim of enhancing basic learning skills through the use of English reading circles and Math tutoring, the Diepsloot MTB Academy provides basic MTB and life skills training for underprivileged youth sourced from schools in Diepsloot and surrounding areas. The project has trained close to 100 youth with basic MTB skills and currently has 54 riders between the ages of 9 to 21 years of age. In addition, the project manages an advanced group of 16 riders who compete at schools, provincial and national series XC and marathon events. The DMA completed the Absa Cape Epic as part of the Exxaro Development teams.

check them out on facebook at www.facebook.com/DiepslootMtbAcademy

left: yolandé De Villiers of Exxaro 1, on her way to the 5th in the mixed category of the 2012 Epic.

FS Trails

MTB Under the S Radar on the

omehow Tsitsikamma has managed to hang relatively low on the SA MTB radar, despite the fantastic riding on offer in this region. Part of the reason is the fact that a major chunk of the land here is privately owned or managed by the National Parks board. The good news is that the new American-owned Cape Pine is very pro-MTB. Two local events have set out to change this status quo in a major way, however. The ﬁrst is the Merrell Tsitsikamma MTB Challenge, and the other is a stage race by the name of the Glacier Storms River Traverse. Riders have now discovered the multitude of gravel roads, jeep tracks and tracks available to them, thus positioning Storms River Village as one of the Garden Route’s must-visit MTB hot spots. Craggy peaks, deep-forest tracks, steep ravines and plunging coastal cliffs await those who come to crank Tsitsikamma. Problem is, though, that many of the routes remain

Storms River MTB Route

Go forest-bedonnerd, writes Jacques Marais, along the many trails traversing the ancient woodlands blanketing the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route. Photography by Jacques Marais. Plettenberg Bay

BIG TREE N2

CARAVAN PARK

IMBA Trail Difficulty Rating System

De Plaatbos Storms River START 33058’27” S 23053’18” E

Jeffreys Bay

PICNIC SPOT Easiest IMBA SYMBOL THIS TRAIL TRAIL WIDTH SURFACE

YES 183cm Hardened / surfaced AVE. TRAIL GRADE < 5% MAX. TRAIL GRADE Max 10%

Easy

More difficult

Very diff.

Extremely diff.

YES 91cm Firm / stable 5% or < Max 15%

NO 61cm Mostly stable / some variability 10% or < Max 15% or >

NO 30cm Widely variable 15% or less Max 15% or >

NO 15cm Widely variable / unpredictable 20% or more Max 15% or >

500m

Goesabos Tsitsikamma State Forest STORMS RIVER PASS

PICNIC SPOT BRIDGE TOILET

TRAIL INFO

GRADING: Intermediate DURATION: 2–3 hours CONFIGURATION: 22–55km circular START POINT: Start at Tsitsikamma State Forest office or at Tsitsikamma Forest Inn in Storms River Village COORDINATES: 33°58’26.6” S, 23°53’14.7” E

De Vos se Bos

TERRAIN: Gravel roads and plantation jeep track, river crossings MAP: Maps are available at the Storms River office

Storms

CELL RECEPTION: Good

TRAIL BASICS ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Free selfissue permits available at gate for first section; permit for SAPPI section from Storms River Adventures

MORE INFORMATION: Amazing forest and coastal views

184.9m

Kra ns Mo ste rt s e

BEWARE OF: Forestry vehicles, hikers; on the descent down the pass, beware of water humps across the road – they may not be high, but are steep enough to launch you

Bakenrant

CARAVAN PARK

Sto rm Mo s Riv uth er

FACILITIES: Ablution facilities; parking at Tsitsikamma State Forest, Storms River office or Tsitsikamma Forest Inn

VIEWPOINT

INDIAN OCEAN

LEGEND GATES, PARKING & FACILITIES MAJOR & MAIN ROADS OTHER ROADS MTB TRAILS OTHER JEEP TRACKS & WALKING TRAILS

www.mapstudio.co.za 131

either unmarked or off-limits. Your best option is therefore to stick to the regular MTB crank starting from Tsitsikamma Village Inn, or to check out Misty Mountains just next door to Storms River Village.

Trail Low-Down: Local rider Chris Sykes is one of the guys behind the 3-day Storms River Traverse, so he’s a good man to hook up with should you want someone to let you in on the local secrets. If you’re lucky, he’ll guide you on one of his rides, or at least set you off on the right track. If you’re in the mood for a quick burn with some steep climbs, the Storms River MTB route kicks off along the main road from Tsitsikamma Village Inn. Fill out a permit at the gate (the book is in the wooden box next to the gate post), before banging down a steep 5 kay descent to Storms River below. The climb from the river and onto the coastal bluff is a steep 2km crank, but the gradient levels out as soon as you hit the plateau. Take a sharp right and traverse the SAFCOL pine plantations following the MTB route markers for a few kilometres of ﬂat riding. Don’t miss the viewpoint over the Storms River Mouth and Tsitsikamma National Park. The return trail cuts through a mature plantation to eventually re-join the original route for a hard 5km climb back up. Super-size your ride by exploring the gravel road to the right, at the top of the climb, all the while looking for the many tracks looping off to your left. Or you could shoot across the highway to explore the gravel travel on the northern side of the N2. As mentioned, Misty Mountains Reserve is just a stone’s throw to the east, and boast four trail options totalling nearly 60km – check www.tsitsikammahotel.co.za or www.mistymountainreserve.co.za.

Trails Tsitsikamma’s forests make for a spectacular MTB experience.

SUS THE STATS Grading: Easy/Intermediate (steep in places)

Duration: Around 2-4hrs Conﬁguration:Circular/Return Options of 22-60km-plus

Start Point: Tsitsikamma Village Inn Terrain: Gravel road, jeep-track and some single-track

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

Post-Ride Beer: Café Bacchus www.tsitsikammahotel.co.za

Must-Do Events: Storms River Traverse - www.stormsrivertraverse.co.za or the Tsitsikamma MTB Challenge – www.merrell.co.za

”CRAGGY PEAKS, DEEP-FOREST TRACKS, STEEP RAVINES AND PLUNGING COASTAL CLIFFS AWAIT THOSE WHO COME TO CRANK TSITSIKAMMA”

Access: Permit (R25) from Storms River Adventures in Main Street of Storms River Village

Accommodation: All options covered at www.tsitsikammahotel.co.za

Local Contact: Mobile: 082 891 9008 Email: chris@tsitsikammahotel.co.za

GPS: 33° 58’ 26.6” South / 23° 53’ 14.7” East Cell Reception: Good

FS Girls in Downhill

The ‘fairer’ side of DH

Kathryn Fourie’s in the DH starting gate and there aren’t many other ladies around. And although you might think she’s nuts, she thinks you’re just as crazy for not giving it a go.

Kath Fourie was born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal, and has always enjoyed the outdoors. A keen rock climber since the age of 14, she also enjoys surfing and pretty much anything involving bikes. Kath worked in journalism for some time, before returning to the environmental sector where she now works for WESSA in Howick. Her primary role is in research and environmental materials development, but she enjoys chasing the zebras on her 125cc Monkey Bike too. Kath had been riding her XC bike for about 8 months when she decided to “give DH a go, you know, just to see what it’s like”. Oh yes, Kath also has a dog named Cake, and a boyfriend named Mark Millar. Cake has been tracked sprinting 50kph and enjoys carrots and long walks by the river. Mark also likes carrots but can’t run as fast.

seconds…stand up, get your feet right…5 seconds…thumb on the shifter…GO…pedal like there are wolves on your ass, shift down, shift down, shift down, pedal! Don’t hesitate, keep your line, where’s that stump?, to the left, pedal stroke, gear down, outside leg down, don’t wash out, breathe, use the berm, suck this jump, pop your wheel, don’t panic in the rock garden (ha ha), keep close to the bike, pedal, pedal, pedal, turn your shoulder, cut the corner, jump into the bombhole, don’t brake before the Money Maker, don’t stop pedaling, flat land that crappy jump at the end, don’t cock it up there, PEDAL! Downhill is so much fun it should be illegal. I think this to myself as I peer over the timekeepers shoulder with Nadia and Kate next to me, waiting to see what our times are. We’re all sweaty, we’re all smiling and we’re all as different as you might care to imagine. Kate who is 24 comes from Moto-x, tall and slim with long dark hair. Nadia is the shortest of our trio and 23, with short blonde hair, a nose stud and is as at home on a road bike as she is on anything with full suspension. I am 30, and have been riding downhill for about a year and some change. And I friggin’ love it. But it is kind of weird that there are so few of us. By that I mean girls, girls

who like to ride and race downhill. There are three more in KZN and by being able to name them (Jo Hicks, Roxanne Baney, Lynne Mackey); it kind of proves my point. We are a teeny tiny little anomaly, joined by equally tiny anomalies in the other provinces. We’re a regular bunch of people doing regular stuff; Jo is an Art teacher, Lynne is a biokineticist, Roxy runs a large tattoo studio, Nadia manages a bike shop, Kate is studying personal training and I work for an environmental NGO. The reasons for the miniscule size of our field are pretty obvious I guess, but mainly it boils down to a lack of true exposure to what downhill is. Either people have never heard of it, or they have…and they think it is all about massive offs and broken bones. Typically the fairer sex is less keen on scars than the hairier sex (okay that is arguable; I mean some women are more hairy than men). A few people have asked me what it is like to take part in a sport where, realistically, we ladies have very little competition. I mean on my worst days I come fourth…out of four. Well, to be dead honest, I feel like I am just one rider out of the whole mass of them. Because there are so few ladies, well, we measure ourselves against the guys - I don’t think it’s a bad thing? I mean there

are Masters riders who are whipping our asses! People who are our Dad’s age bracket are killing us by 20 seconds. In Jo’s case her Dad literally is our next level of competition outside the ladies! What really feels kiff about the whole scene though, is being so accepted. I think the fact that you’ve bothered to step outside your comfort zone and donned a full-face helmet is enough for every single guy out there to say ‘welcome aboard’. Again, I could be wrong about that but I have had nothing but support from Day 1. My opinion seems to count, and I will spend ages discussing lines and techie stuff with most of the riders, along with picking up a spade on the weekends. I have just never questioned the fact that everyone has been so cool and accommodating. My Dad thinks I am nuts, and my Mom lives by the ‘no news is good news’ motto. I don’t even tell her when I race anymore. But the DH community that I belong to now certainly don’t think I’m nuts, in fact we’re all in on the secret together. We know that it is not about breaking yourself (although it happens, lets not pretend there is always as much risk as you are prepared to pit yourself against); it’s about filthy amounts of fun.

pHILTHY pHIL pHOTOGRApHY

“We’re a reGular buncH oF people DoinG reGular sTuFF; Jo is an arT TeacHer anD i WorK For an environmenTal nGo”

Overcoming the Single Track Mental Block. For all new riders taking on twisting single track descents can be daunting. The ladies new to the sport seem to ﬁnd it particularly hard. So Full Sus got Emma Pienaar to share her experiences of overcoming the single track mental block. Emma’s Tips

WWW.OAKPICS.COM

• Look where you want to go • Keep your momentum • Don’t hesitate • And whatever you do don’t uncleat

ust over two years ago, I use to be terriﬁed of single track riding, panicking that I would fall off, slip on a root and damage my precious bike! Seriously, never mind the fact that I’d fallen and gashed my leg – it would be all about the bike! My mindset soon changed though and now I’m taking on those single tracks like I own them. It didn’t come over night, that’s for sure, and I had a few falls. But I didn’t let it stop me. Riding with only guys certainly makes you ‘man up’ and toughen-up. My approach was to watch the guys’ back wheel (that’s when I could keep up) and just going for it. Yes I hopped on and off at sections where rooted and rocky areas or steep descents got a bit much. In those early days I didn’t even see the trees around me, that’s how scary it all felt, all just to keep up with the guys. Ride after ride I’d be the one at the back, struggling, not wanting to ‘lag’ behind. Just hanging onto those handle bars. The guys provided valuable advice to me, saying ‘momentum is your friend’, don’t uncleat (which I always did when I appeared at a section which frightened me), and to always look ahead at where you want to go. I soon learnt that uncleating was the worst thing to do

and would only result in me falling off. As time progressed my confidence improved, only hopping on and off here and there. With lots and lots of single track riding and watching how the guys ride (not imitating their craziness though) I improved considerably. Their assertiveness gave me the self-assurance to take on the challenges. Lots of climbing up single tracks also played an important part in getting used to obstacles. And you generally don’t fall as hard as you would coming down them. Today, I take on single tracks with confidence, sometimes leading the way (when I can get a head start). Single track riding for me was all mental and overcoming this has allowed me to take on the challenges. I’m not saying I don’t get nervous at times, because any obstacle can cause hesitations, but with the advice the guys provided I feel confident to tackle the challenges. The thrill of coming down single tracks is so much fun! Taking the corners at a pace, ramping over roots and feeling the ‘air’ as you lift off the ground is awesome. Taking the corners at pace, ramping over roots and feeling the ‘air’ as you lift off the ground is awesome.

“THE BEST ADVICE I GUESS IS WHAT MY HUSBAND ALWAYS SHOUTS TO ME, ‘JUST PEDAL DAMMIT!’ “

Competition COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS Competition submissions should reach us no later than 20 May 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, , 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. Prize style and colour may vary.

Girls Riding Single Track

win

Last month’s feedback was so good we’d like to hear from you again. Keep letting us know what your favourite trail in SA is. 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 to double your chance of winning!

THE PRIZE: Win 1 of 2 pairs of adidas Eyewear Evil Eye Halfrim Pro sunglasses. 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 lenses 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” 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. 11

FS Xxxxxxxxxx

Cycle Xxxxxxxx Lab Tours FS

FS Insuring your Bike

INSURING

your most prized possession

So you’ve bought a new bike and it costs more than your ﬁrst car. Clearly you have to get it insured. Full Suss’s Seamus Allardice has done a bit of digging to see what your options are. Riccardo Stermin has been in the insurance industry for 27 years, 20 of which as an assessor and then 7 as a broker. He is also a highly successful race snake having won the 2010 & 2011 Ride the Rhino, as well as the veterans’ category in the 2011 Wines to Whales and the 2011/2012 AmaRider 100 miler. He and riding partner Billy Stelling, of team V&A Market on the Warf, have also completed 2 Cape Epics.

SUS THE STATS • Average premium for insuring a R40 000 MTB with a stand-alone policy: R295 pm • Bicycle insurance is expensive from an insurers’ point of view as it is high risk • Bicycle speciﬁc policies typically run at a loss during the summer season due to volume of claims • Mountain bikers tend to be better customers (and get cheaper premiums) than roadies as they tend to claim less

SUS THE ADVICE Your helmet is covered under the manufacturer’s replacement warrantee, but you can claim the 1/3 of the replacement cost you are liable for from your insurer, in the event cover in this regard has been arranged.

here is quite a bit to consider when choosing to insure your bike and after a bit of investigating Full Sus decided to call an expert. Riccardo Stermin is a broker for Carl Greaves Brokers and Pedal Cycle Insurance, and perhaps more importantly an avid cyclist himself. He has years of experience on both sides of the game and with his advice we’re sure you’ll be able to make the best decision to suite your needs. Riccardo started by explaining that you have two basic options, either to insure your bike and gear as specified items in your general household insurance or to insure it as a stand-alone item. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, for example while insuring with a bike specific stand-alone insurer will ensure that your needs are understood, the policies will have more exclusions because there are more items in the household package to decrease the risk. That being said though, if you claim regularly on your bike insurance the bike will become a high risk item and will then affect the cost of your household insurance.

Q What are the exclusions Q What is the excess? Low premium could equate to a

of the policy? For example will your wheels be covered if they are stolen off the bike while it is on the bike rack? Will the policy cover cycling accessories?

Riccardo suggests that your wheels should be covered, but to be safe you should specify expensive items like your wheels and other accessories like shoes, helmets and GPS units.

Q Does the policy

cover both damage and consequential damage? In the case of wear & tear the initial damage, for example a chain breaking won’t be covered but the consequential damage of the chain smashing the derailleur and frame will be covered.

Q Is the cover global? This is essential if you are intending on traveling with your bike.

When it comes to arranging your policy Riccardo says that it is essential that you ask the following pertinent questions:

Riccardo’s Picks

Is your bike covered for all risks, including losses while training and racing?

PACKAGE: Mutual & Federal, Santam, MiWay, Alexander Forbes or Hollard

Many policies won’t cover losses incurred during a timed event as they deem it racing.

high excess. According to the website Insurance Chat you should be covered for: • Theft provided it was violent or forceful in nature • Damage in transport • Accidental damage and loss And as with all insurance policies, it’s important to remember that the devil is in the ﬁne print so make sure you read it! In fact Full Sus, after a hassling with call centres, would suggest that you make use of a reputable broker. Because when your prized possession has just been nicked you’re going to want to speak to a real person, especially one who understands your loss and the cover provided in terms of the policy.

If you have any bike insurance related queries drop Riccardo a line at rstermin@cgbrokers.co.za

STAND-ALONE: CycleSure, MiWay or OUTsurance

Does the policy cover the loss of your bike in the case of theft if there was not violent or forceful in nature? Most policies will pay if your bike was stolen in a hijacking or if the thief was required to exercise force (ie. break or cut a lock), but they won’t pay out if your bike wasn’t chained up while you were enjoying a post ride coffee.

“BECAUSE WHEN YOUR PRIZED POSSESSION HAS JUST BEEN NICKED YOU’RE GOING TO WANT TO SPEAK TO A REAL PERSON”

The David George E XP ERIE N CE |

AfriCA N

It recently dawned on David that a number of local bike brands have successfully established themselves with quality offerings. Bikes made by SAFFA’s are fast becoming household brands, locally and abroad, and they deserve more recognition. David George made his name as a roadie and since switching his slicks for knobblies he has clocked up many miles at the sharp end of the racing pack. He’ll be sharing his extensive biking knowledge with Full Sus readers in his monthly column.

The exquisitely crafted Pearl Hasi

Swift’s D Vore in action on the trail

Morewood Bikes Morewood started out in a garage with their Prime8 frame in 1996 and have come a very long way since then. They’re now owned by Richard Carter, who oversees every facet of manufacturing and production. They’re the first to admit that they “don’t ship millions of bikes each year” but their highly competent staff, at their Maritzburg factory, keep producing top quality bikes that live up to the excellent Morewood reputation.

atrick Morewood has long been touted as guru of downhill and trail bike suspension; his designs are respected and sought after globally with a cult like following. With his recent collaboration with Victor Momsen on the soon to be released Vipa, Morewood has definitely been instrumental in inspiring local designers and builders to have a go at producing world class bikes for the domestic and global market. Morewood recently split from Morewood bikes, launching PYGA a range of trail bikes which he is currently rolling out onto the market to rave reviews. His bikes are locally designed, produced and built in KZN with Pietermaritzburg as their testing ground and inspiration. The bikes have quickly built a reputation of being do-it-all trail bikes, with impeccable suspension and performance. With his passion for function PYGA produce aluminium bikes only, vetoing the need for expensive carbon fibre prototyping and production process to get bikes out that actually work. South African industry stalwart, Victor Momsen, cut his teeth designing bikes for the SA Raleigh brand, which used to be owned by Probike. Taking the plunge a few years ago to build bikes under his own name, Momsen has quietly built a brand with unique features and local support. Unlike Morewood, Momsen went the Chinese manufacture and production route, and this year (through his suspension design collaboration with Morewood) Momsen will release a bike which

PYGA IN CONSTRUCTION

they have had total control of the design process, from top to bottom. The Vipa, debuted under Nico Pfitzenmeir in this year’s Epic, is built on a similar platform to the other XC focused brands and should be a punchy, light and capable bike. Perhaps the most unique story is that of Swift Carbon’s Mark Blewitt, who 5 years ago shipped his life from Cape Town to China and now operates out of Shenzhen. Mark a former handbag producing road pro, initially released some tidy road and time trial offerings and this year launched his first MTB, the dirt eating Detrivore which recently claimed Bikeradar’s best hard-tail accolade. Although Mark has been reasonably successful in launching internationally, where hard tails still has some market value, he has recognized the need for a full suspension beast with the same ride quality and handling as the D’vore.

I am told this is a work in progress. Swift Carbon has definitely arrived as a brand worth supporting, both on the road and in the mountains. I’m eagerly anticipating some great bikes from them in the future. Now plying his trade in Germany, Roger Tanner grew up in Cape Town and immigrated to Hamburg, with his family while still at school. He has built a boutique brand of handmade bikes under the Pearl brand. Like Blewitt, Roger’s brand reflects his Eurocentric roadie heritage although he has produced a few off road models, he has struggled to get market traction in the brand conscious South Africa. Roger after a stint back in sunny SA, recently returned to Germany and has released an Uber cool range of fixie commuter bikes called Bellitanner. Worth checking them out if you are a cool commuter! The future looks bright for South African bike brands.

FS AmaRider

Keep your eyes peeled for these signs Read Meurant Botha’s advice on MTB signs and clue yourself up on all the shapes and colours you’ll need to identify whilst out on the trail.

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. Trail sites can contact AmaRider for advice, details on the grading system as well links to signage artwork.

“THE COLOUR ISSUE PRESENTS A FURTHER PROBLEM WHERE MANY TRAILS SYSTEMS HAVE USED COLOURS TO INDICATE DIFFERENT ROUTE OPTIONS, AND NOT ALWAYS TO INDICATE SEVERITY. THIS OBVIOUSLY CAUSES CONFUSION.”

tandardizing trail signs was not an easy process. When IMBA decided to implement a single system, they looked at existing grading systems and fortunately resort mountain bike parks like Whistler, had by this time already adopted the International Trail Marking System used extensively at ski resorts worldwide. It made sense to use a system that millions of users already understand and implement it on mountain bike trails.

In short the IMBA Trail Difficulty Rating System is a basic method used to categorize the relative technical difficulty of recreation trails. The IMBA Trail Difficulty Rating System can: • Help trail users make informed decisions. • Encourage visitors to use trails that match their skill level. • Manage risk and minimize injuries. • Improve the outdoor experience for a wide variety of visitors. • Aid in the planning of trails and trail systems.

The signs Firstly, around 7-10% of the male population suffer from red-green colour blindness while smaller percentages have issues with the other colour ranges. This obviously presents a problem when trying to make the user aware of impending risk and therefore a series of shapes are added to make the sign more visually striking. From the trail operator’s perspective the use of green, blue and black is much better from a signage longevity point of view as reds and browns fade very quickly.

The Yellow, Black and Pink blues...

www.amarider.co.za

The colour issue presents a further problem where many trails systems have used colours to indicate different route options, and not always to indicate severity. This obviously causes confusion. At Delvera we have 3 colour options but they are graded to also indicate severity. Although this is a

step in the right direction, it would be better if we gave the routes names, and then assigned gradings to the individual options. AmaRider is currently advising trail operators to implement a naming convention as and when signage is upgraded. Karkloof and Howick are good examples of areas that have a strong naming convention in place already. Naming the singletrack section aids with orientation, not only for riders but also for management and safety purposes.

Skills vs Effort The grading system was designed with the skill requirement as primary consideration although fitness requirement can play a part. Typically, trails with Blue and Black designations are designed with elevation variance in mind and therefore require a good level of fitness to complete. On the other hand, you could have a Double Black requiring no fitness, but a whole lot of skills. Trail builders and designers are advised to design a trail with the intended user group in mind.

THE SIGNS EXPLAINED White Circle Very Easy

Blue Square Intermediate

DESCRIPTION: Likely to be a ﬁre road or wide single track with a gentle gradient, smooth surface and free of obstacles. Frequent encounters are likely with other cyclists, walkers, runners and horse riders. SUITABLE FOR: Beginner/ novice cyclists. Basic bike skills required. Suitable for most bikes. Because most of the trails in South Africa have focused on singletrack construction, we don’t see many of these around. A good example would probably the cycle lane in Lower Tokai where the track is entirely ﬂat. Jonkershoek’s circle route would be a green because of the descent on the return loop.

DESCRIPTION: Likely to be a single trail with moderate gradients, variable surface and obstacles. SUITABLE FOR: Skilled mountain bikers. Suitable for mountain bikes. Most of SA’s purpose-built, bench-cut singletracks fall in the Blue category. Most trail sites tend to go to Black too quickly when in fact the designation should be blue.

WHITE VERY EASY

Green Circle - Easy DESCRIPTION: Likely to be a combination GREEN - EASY of ﬁre road or wide singletrack with a gentle gradient, smooth surface and relatively free of unavoidable obstacles. Short sections may exceed these criteria. Frequent encounters are likely with walkers, runners, horse riders and other cyclists. SUITABLE FOR: Beginner/ novice mountain bikers. Basic mountain bike skills required. Suitable for offroad bikes. Most of singletracks through green belts and public spaces would fall in the green category. Braamfontein Spruit is a good example of green singletracks, most of us has been caught out by a hooked pedal or two whilst riding out there!

BLUE INTERMEDIATE

Black Diamond Expert DESCRIPTION: Likely to be a challenging single trail with steep gradients, variable surface and many obstacles. SUITABLE FOR: Experienced mountain bikers with good skills. Suitable for better quality mountain bikes. As soon as the trail steepens as with our Downhill routes, the black designation applies. Typically, going too fast will cause the ride to lose control with serious consequence. There might be unavoidable drop-offs requiring and obstacles requiring advanced skills. BLACK - EXPERT

Double Black Diamond - Extreme DESCRIPTION: Extremely difficult trails will incorporate very steep gradients, highly variable surface and unavoidable, severe obstacles. SUITABLE FOR: Highly experienced mountain bikers with excellent skills. Suitable for quality mountain bikes. Typically used for TTF’s (Technical Trail Features) like skinnies, teetertotters etc and riders are advised to do a trail inspection before attempting the trail. BLACK - EXTREME

Nutrition

Staying

hydrated As you should know, hydration is key for optimal sports performance and dehydration can seriously compromise your exercise ability. So this month Alex Blair tells you how to best replace those lost ﬂuids while on a 3 hour plus ride.

hen you sweat, you lose large amounts of water from your blood. This causes the sodium concentration in the blood to increase. This makes you thirsty. When exercising, you should drink enough to quench your thirst but don’t not drink so much that your stomach is full of water and sloshing! You need to program your ﬂuid intake. Determine your sweat loss by weighing yourself nude before and after 1 hour of exercise. Drink 400ml to 650ml of ﬂuid for every 0.5kgs of body weight lost. Set an alarm on your watch to remind you to drink every 15 minutes. This will stop you from becoming thirsty and help to maximize your performance.

Fluids before exercise: You need to drink 5-7ml per kg of body weight of a sports drink or water 2 -3 hours before you exercise. Caffeine can be consumed in moderate doses (200mg caffeine/ 360ml of coffee), if desired. Drinking caffeine can give you that extra boost for the start of your race. But make sure that you test this during your training sessions, as caffeine has a mild laxative effect.

Fluids during exercise: • Drink 150ml – 350ml of water every 15 – 20 minutes. • Coca Cola can be consumed during the race. One 330ml can will supply you with 40g of carbohydrates. This is adequate for an hour of exercise. You should consume between 30g - 60g of carbohydrates per hour of exercise.

• One sports drink (500ml) will be sufficient per hour of exercise plus some water to meet the remaining ﬂuid requirements. This depends on your own individual needs though, so it’s important that you determine your average loss through sweet as I explained above.

Fluids after exercise: • Your goal is to replace any ﬂuid & electrolyte losses. • Drink 450 to 650 ml of sports drink for every 0.5 kgs of body weight lost. • Chocolate milk is a good recovery drink post exercise. • Sports drinks can help replace muscle glycogen stores and replace electrolytes. • Rather sip ﬂuids over time than drink large amounts in one go.

What should I look for in my beverage? • Good taste: If you like the flavour, you will drink more. • Carbohydrates: Look for beverages with about 13-18g of carbohydrate per 240ml. • Sodium: This is important for maintaining fluid balance. Sodium stimulates thirst and enhances fluid retention. • Caffeine: Because of individual responses, caffeine might enhance endurance or cause side effects like anxiety and upset stomachs. • Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and other minerals: The minerals can be easily replenished with fruits and vegetables. Make sure you learn how to stay hydrated.

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. You can ﬁnd her on Facebook at Alex Blair Dietician or email her at nutrition@fullsus.co.za

SUS THE SUPER FOODS Chocolate milk Studies have shown that fat-free chocolate milk is more effective than sports drinks at helping to rebuild and refuel muscles after exercise. The combination of carbohydrates and protein in low-fat chocolate milk appears to be perfect for re-fuelling muscles.

FS Sneak Peek

Momsen Vipa -

Billed as SA’s ﬁrst superbike take a look at this month’s bike porn and groan with envy at the Vipa

eeting Victor Momsen was an interesting experience. Living his brand, he was working his stand at the Lifecycle Expo, proudly waxing lyrical about his new baby – and his new baby which was due a week or two after the show. Well Ethan Momsen is now a welcome new edition to the Momsen family and it appears that the Momsen Vipa has received just as an enthusiastic response by the mountain biking fraternity. It’s easy to see why. The Vipa is really an impressive machine, not only does it look good but the extensive R&D explains why it is being billed as SA’s ﬁrst “superbike”. Victor’s design experience is well known, this and the suspension wizadry of Patrick Morewood – who has put his signature on the bike (literally) – coupled with two years

of development has produced a superlative machine. (See side bar on Kinematics)

So how does it ride? Well if Momsen rider Nico Pfitzenmaier’s performance in this year’s Epic is anything to go by, it kicks butt! Riding a prototype Vipa, Nico finished first in the Masters category and 11 in the GC. I guess the proof is in the pudding. Victor has assured me the Vipa is in production and frames with Rockshox

Monarch RT3, seatclamp and headset will be available at LBS’ from July this year. Momsen is know for his attention to spec and delivering quality “race ready” bikes at all price points. We don’t expect anything different with the Vipa. The pre-production bike (ridden by Nico) sported full Sram drive train, Avid brake set and rotors, Ritchey bar and seat post and RockShox Sid XX World Cup 100mm fork. Superlative spec for a superbike. Full specced bikes will be available from September onwards. Order your Vipa now!!

RIDING A PROTOTYPE VIPA, NICO PFITZENMAIER FINISHED FIRST IN THE MASTERS CATEGORY AND 11TH IN THE GC.

Sneak Peek

super saffa! SUS THE STATS Medium Size: 29er Wheels

.5m

m 115m

595mm 418.8mm

594.9mm

.5m

432 40mm 440mm

1102mm

Vipa 17” Medium Frame Geometry Stem Length Crankarm Length Handlebar Width

90mm Extension 175mm 720mm

WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT KINEMATICS? One of the keys to the Vipa’s armoury is the extensive kinematic analysis Patrick Morewood put into the suspension design. But why is that such a good thing for you? Well Kinematics is used to describe motion, by studying the trajectories of points, lines and other geometric objects and their differential properties such as velocity and acceleration. “Kinematics applies algebraic geometry to the study of the mechanical advantage of a mechanical system”, which at the end of the day means the Vipa wasn’t just thrown together to look cool, it was built as a highly technical weapon to lure out your inner race snake. And that’s why it took 2 years of R & D…

WWW.OAKPICS.COM

Nico Pﬁtzenmaier on the Momsen Vipa

FS Responsibility

Environmental impact of

mountAin biking

Being out on your bike in nature it’s pretty easy to overlook the fact that riding can have a pretty serious impact on the environment. So you’re not pumping CO2 into the atmosphere, but you are still affecting the biophysical environment on and around the trail.

Q&A SANParks on the Environmental Impact of MTB

Full Sus spoke to Table Mountain National Park’s Hospitality Services Manager Saskia Marlowe and this is what she had to say:

Q What is the news

on the Table Mountain National Park Mountain Biking Environmental Management Programme?

A The management of Tokai will change from commercial forestry to biodiversity centred multi-purpose use and therefore the future use of the inherited infrastructure, which

construction but can be avoided once the trail is built. The trouble is that the once these issues occur they can become self-perpetuating, when trails “erode below the surrounding soil level, hindering efforts to divert water and causing accelerated erosion and muddiness.” The damage to soil and vegetation are often apparent but the effect of mountain biking on the quality of water is less obvious. The IMBA state that “trail-related impacts to water resources can include the introduction of soils, nutrients, and pathogenic organisms, and alter the patterns of surface water drainage.” These issues are often caused by poorly designed or maintained trails. Disruption of wildlife is not limited to the occasional rider/antelope high speed collision, rather the more common issues surround damage to habitat, human activity causing animals to avoid an area or behavioural changes due to the feeding of wildlife. The latter is clearly a major problem in Table Mountain National Park, with the intentional and unintentional feeding of the

local baboon troops changing their behaviour significantly for the worse.

includes management tracks and recreational routes, needs to be evaluated. The planning process will include identifying appropriate areas and routes for the different recreational activities, determining the tracks/routes that are in conflict/ compatible with biodiversity objectives, and the estimation of a high level budget for the implementation and maintenance of the future recreation network.

and soil loss occurs and confusion is created as to what is an official path and what not.

Q What negative effects have SANParks found cyclists have had on the environment?

A We are finding that some cyclists are not sticking to the existing trails and creating their own trails which is highly problematic on a number of levels. It means we are spreading the impact as opposed to limiting it, animals and nesting birds are disturbed or displaced, vegetation

As a rider it’s your responsibility to ensure that your impact on the environment is kept to a minimum, and in order to do so you should adhere to a few simple rules. • Keep to demarcated trails • Avoid single track in muddy conditions • Carry your rubbish out with you • Use the supplied ablutions, not the veld • Be aware of the noise pollution you might be causing Be especially conscientious when riding on private land as your actions could lead to the landowner denying access to all bikers. Remember that it is very seldom that an area will be solely used by mountain bikers. You’re sharing the trails with trail runners, hikers and horse riders all of whom have the same right to enjoy the great outdoors as you do.

What is the potential long term effect of these?

The costs of maintenance increases the more rehabilitation we have to do. This raises the potential for areas and sections of tracks to be closed for extended periods of time to allow for this rehabilitation.

How can cyclists mitigate the damage they cause?

A The Mountain Biking Environmental Managing Programme has a Code of Conduct for mountain bikers attached to it. It would help us and the environment if people could familiarise themselves with the content of this code. (The code of conduct

www.OAKpiCS.COm

ack in 2002 SANParks produced their first Environmental Management Plan for recreational MTB in the Table Mountain National Park, a plan which they are now revising, and they pointed out then that “although many mountain bikers are generally environmentally aware, they typically do not visit the park for conservation purposes.” In recent years more research has been done on the effect of MTB tyres churning up the forest and mountain byways. Research by the International Mountain Biking Association for their Guide to Providing Great Riding indicates that the main areas of concern are vegetation loss and compositional changes, soil compaction, erosion, muddiness, degraded water quality, and disruption of wildlife. During the construction of trails the loss of vegetation is deemed “unavoidable” by the IMBA, but what is avoidable is the loss caused by trail widening by “visitor use or erosion”. Likewise soil compaction, erosion and muddiness are inevitable in

Avoid single track when it is wet.

forms part of SANPArk’s 2002 Management Plan for MTB on Table Mountain and can be downloaded off Full Sus’s Facebook page)

Are there any programmes SANParks are implementing that they’d like MTBers to get involved in and help out with?

We are always open to groups of MTBers approaching us to assist with trail maintenance. We would also like an open channel of communication with the MTB community, and should anyone notice a tree down on the trail that you report it to us so we can remove it before an alternate trail is created. Emails can be sent to TableMountain@sanparks.org. We are also asking people to ensure that they either pay the daily entry fee to cycle on the mountain or purchase a level three activity permit. (For more on the Activity Permit see the News on page 4)

Gear

PRO Tharsis handlebar

Named after Mars’s vast volcanic plateau, thought to be the highest mountain range in the universe, PRO Bike Gear’s new range of Tharsis components are extreme not just in name. Their Tharis trail bars are both light weight and durable, weighing in at 270g, are 740mm wide and feature a 20mm rise. RRP R799. www.coolheat.co.za

Herman Baselayer

First Ascent Galea Cycling Helmet

GEAR

Outdoor outﬁtters First Ascent add yet another item to their range of cycling gear with their Galea cycling helmet. This entry level helmet allows for great ventilation through its 22 vents, is size adjustable and comes in two different foam densities. You’ve got to protect your head and First Ascent Galea helmet range does an excellent job of it without breaking the bank. RRP R900 www.ﬁrstascent.co.za

GoPro HERO3 Black

There are other ways of documenting your riding experience, but none are a cool as the GoPro HERO3 Black edition. It’s 30% smaller, 25% lighter and twice as powerful as the previous models and waterproof to 60m. It has built in Wi-Fi, GoPro App compatibility and an included Wi-Fi remote. Shooting at 60 frames per second in full 1080p HD mode every root and rock will be clearer in when you play it back on your big screen at home than it was in real life. And if it wasn’t cool enough you can even control your HERO3 Black from your smart phone, so you can switch seamlessly from video to still mode to make use of the 12 megapixel camera. Available from Cape Union Mart. www.gopro.com

Para’Kito

Para’Kito is the first mosquito protection product to receive medical device approval in both the EU and Australia, and although we’re heading out of the low-veld rainy season, they’re still a must have for when you head into areas of high Malaria risk. Para’Kito is completely natural and comes in an option of bands or clips both of which are refillable, and offer 15 consecutive days of 24 hour mozzy protection. RRP Bands & Clips: R181, Refills: R122. www.za.parakito.com

Brunox Fork Deo

Keep your fork absorbing all the bumps of the trail like it did straight out of the box with Brunox Fork Deo. Formulated with Turboline to ensure the smooth travel of your sealing rings, Brunox Deo is non-adhesive and does not cause dust to cake into every nook and cranny like some hardware shop over the counter lubricants. Apply it before and after every ride and compress and allow your front shock to expand a few times, simple. RRP R70 www.ﬂuidlines.co.za

Called the “most advance performance baselayer ever developed” in its marketing write-up the Herman Baselayer has got to perform to live up to its own hype. But with its seam free construction which stops those terrible ride ending chafes in their tracks, the hi-tech construction allows for freedom of movement and increases support in key areas, its ahead of the game. It is also available for ladies in the guise of the Rachela Baselayer. www.hi-tec.com/za

Futurelife High Protein

Futurelife’s High Protein Smart Food is scientiﬁcally formulated to be high in protein and energy, while low GI. It contains 25 vitamins and minerals, 19 amino acids, omega 3 and Moducare®. The unique protein blend is formulated with SmartProtein 3D and provides the body with the protein it needs to build and repair muscles. Studies have shown that the ideal combination of protein, for active people, is whey, soya isolate and caseinate. These 3 proteins release amino acids at different times and are therefore able to repair and refuel the muscles consistently over a longer period of time. Futurelife High Protein is available from selected retailers. RRP R54. www.futurelife.co.za

Thule Passive Lock Strap

As you found out in our insurance story on page 15, it’s essential that you keep your bike locked to the carrier, but it’s not much help if thieves manage to knick the lot – carrier, bike and all. While their newer racks come with their own locking systems, Thule’s Passive Lock Strap works on their older models by looping around the bicycle rack, you then position the attached round puck inside your boot, door or hatch, and simply close and lock the door. It’s made of two steel cables in enclosed a nylon casing to protect your car’s paint job. RRP R319. www.thule.co.za

K-Way Hydro Velocity 6

The Velocity 6 hydration pack is a great way to keep yourself hydrated while on those longer training rides or during an event. It has a 6 litre capacity, weighs just 415 grams empty and is made of Ripstop Nylon with a polyurethane coating. The Hydro Velocity 6 is available from Cape Union Mart. RRP R325 www.capeunionmart.co.za. To ﬁnd out more about hydration read our nutritian column on page 17.

FS Stirling Revolution

When the sun goes down,

the fun goes up!

Results & Calendar There is one night a week (every week) that SJ’s wife knows not to make any arrangements. No dinners, no events, no movies.

hursday morning is different, because Thursday night is different. First I check the evening’s weather, not that it matters, but I need to know if I must pack my rain racket, towel and base layer. Then my lights battery goes on charge (you’ll forget once and never again). And ﬁnally, my riding bag gets packed. I have been night riding for well over 10 years, inspired by my dad and his group of crazy original night riders, the Lost Amigos. Joe Keenan came up with the idea; he must be a crazy genius. Early night lights ranged from Petzl Headlamps to home-made lights using plumbing pipes and motorcycle batteries, and it soon became clear that the most critical weapon in your night riding arsenal was your light. But in the early days you either made it yourself or imported it. And that cost bucks! I remember the day my pops upgraded from the already amazing Topeak HID halogen light to an imported R4500 Lupine Tesla5 light and I inherited the Topeak… it blew my mind. Modern lights come in 2 forms: Smaller and lighter with a selfcontained battery for the newbies, weight weenies or ‘snoepgats’ and Bigger multi-bulb, separate battery lights, with longer burn times and brighter & wider outputs, for the advanced night rider. The smaller selfcontained lights are sometimes used as a secondary light on the helmet. Headlights are for sissies! They blind

your friends, catch on low branches, and add unnecessary weight to your helmet. They should be banned! Riding at night is better than during the day. When you are on your way up the climbs, the temperature is cooler, the stars and city lights are spectacular, the smells from the forests are magical, and the excitement is unrivalled. But it is the way back down that makes you fall in love. People often ask me “isn’t it more dangerous, isn’t it more scary, do you ride slower?” and the answer is always no. You are far more focused than during the day, your senses heightened to their maximum. The small section of single track illuminated in front of you is all that matters, each root, rock, and obstacle perfectly clear in your vision. And then, when the 2 hours of bliss are over, there is a welcome beer and a burger waiting (remember to always start and end your ride in the car park of a relaxed pub or restaurant). Now that we are entering winter, we sit around the fire, drinking, eating, and chatting. We talk about our bikes, our saves and our misfortunes. The euphoria and vibe after the night ride is tangible, unbeatable, addictive. Ask anyone who night rides regularly, and they’ll confirm... there is one night a week (EVERY week) that their significant others know not to make any arrangements... not on Night Ride Night!

The Stirling Revolution - 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 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.

If you have any questions for the Stirlings send an email to sussed@fullsus.co.za and we’ll get them to answer on the Full Sus Facebook page www.facebook.com/fullsussa.

April Results: Aspen Trans Karoo - 6 April MEN’S SOLO

LADIES’ SOLO

1 Timothy Hammond (09:27:48) 2 Billy Stelling (09:40:33) 3 Jean De Villiers (09:43:11)

1 Hannele Steyn (10:41:11) 2 Lolita Van Aardt (11:18:52) 3 Janine Wencke (12:36:39)

Lowveld Quest - 10 to 13 April MEN’S LADIES’ 1 The Max & The Melt (11:46:56) 1 Fast & Furious (20:32:51) 2 A S G Pycycling (13:07:53) 2 Pest X-Perts (22:35:43) 3 Samancor Tubatse Chrome (13:12:16) 3 Die Wilde Vye (23:15:42)

First Ascent MAST Challenge, 13 April (Only the riders) MEN’S LADIES’ 1 Timothy Hammond (43:25) 2 Jacques Du Plessis (44:55) 3 Billy Stelling (45:33)

1 Tandi Kitching (56:02) 2 Lolita Van Aardt (58:16) 3 Carla Van Huyssteen (01:00:53)

SA XCO Cup Series 2 - 13 & 14 April MEN’S LADIES’ 1 Philip Buys (01:27:25) 2 Brendon Davids (01:28:05) 3 Travis Walker (01:31:57)

1 Mariske Strauss (01:15:46) 2 Samantha Sanders (01:18:39) 3 Vera Adrian (01:20:45)

May highlights: 11 – 12 May: Greytown MTB Festival

25 May: AmaRider 100 & 50 Miler

Looking to enjoy the mild winter of the KZN Midlands? Then sign up for the Greytown MTB Festival. It’s set to be a great family weekend of biking and trail running, for all skill and ﬁtness levels. There are 50km, 35km, 26km, 10km and 3km options spread across 2 days, and all race bookings can be done through the ROAG

AmaRider’s premier fundraising event of the year the 160km long 100 miler starts and ﬁnishes in the Swartland town of Malmesbury. It’s got plenty of spectator view points and an ‘easy’ 80 km option for the less extreme endurance enthusiasts. For more info go to www.amarider.co.za and click on the events tab.

www.roag.co.za 15 – 17 May: Sani2C Adventure The Adventure grew out of the highly successful Sani2C race, it’s a scaled down version of the race – taking in all the best bits, but cutting out the worst of the climbs and shortening the distance. If you want a scenic ride but have no desire to see how fast you can get from A to B then the Adventure should be near the top of your to-do list.

www.sani2c.co.za

25 – 26 May: Magalies Monster MTB Classic Don’t let the scary name put you off the Monster is a great event. Named after a 9km climb in the Magaliesberg range, from the top of which you’ll enjoy the scenic Buffelspoort Valley in all its glory. The Classic offers a 70km marathon, 40km half marathon, and a 20km fun ride as well as a selection of trail runs. Check it out at

www.magaliesmonster.co.za

Calendar & Results

Sus the best of June EVENT CENTRE SPREAD CALL SHAYNE ON 021 685 0285/6

1st Saturday The Big Induna -SA Marathon Championships (Hazyview, MPUMALANGA)

2nd Sunday The Original Raw & Unplugged Howick MTB Classic

5th Wednesday Pondo Pedal (Wild Coast, E'CAPE)

7th Friday RECM Knysna 200

8th Saturday Robertson MTB Challenge Freedom Challenge – Ride Across South Africa

9th Sunday

Sugar Rush Classic (Balito, KZN) Varsity College Cowboys MTB Classic. 40, 19 & 10km rides on the shores of the Shongweni Dam, Organised by Max Cluer Sports Marketing. (Durban outer West, KZN) If you keen to take part drop bex@maxcluer.com a line to ﬁnd out more.

15th Saturday Men's MTB Tour (W'CAPE) Greyton MTB Classic Scottburg MTB Race

16th Sunday Klein Karoo Klassiek Saﬁre Baynesﬁeld MTB Napier Patat Festival Fun Ride

WWW.OAKPICS.COM

GET YOUR EVENT INTO OUR

22nd Saturday SA Cross Country & Downhill Championships Dusi 2 C (Pietermaritzburg, KZN) Tour de Plett Great rides with a choice of 75, 50 & 35km routes through the coastal mountains of the Garden Route. Late entries are accepted, so there is no excuse not to get involved. www.tourdeplett.co.za

23rd Sunday Cape Country Tour

29th Saturday The TLC Ladies MTB Day 2013 (Skeerpoort, NORTH WEST) Sondela MTB Classic (LIMPOPO) Pick 'n Pay Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour The MTB events take place on the 29th and there are 15km, 30km, 50km & 80km distances on offer. Find out more at www.knysnacycle.co.za

30th Sunday Rijk Tulbagh MTB Fun Ride The Burry Stander Sardine Classic (KZN)

turnover for July... 23

July

1st Monday

Cape Country Tour

Fox Crossover MTB Event Ingeli Forest MTB Suoer Classic (KZN) Mankele Avalanche Stage Race 2 Days (MPUMALANGA) XCOSA.co.za Series # 3 (GAUTENG) Giba Gravity Enduro (KZN)

14th Sunday

3rd Wednesday Moonlight MTB Series 27 (Krugersdorp)

Bastille Festival MTB Classic (W'CAPE) Mankele Avalanche Stage Race -

6th Saturday

2 Days (MPUMALANGA)

Das Auto 2 (MPUMALANGA)

Kia Walkerville MTB Classic (GAUTENG)

Nissan Trailseeker #2 (GAUTENG)

Stihl Umko Classic (KZN)

USN Mountain Bike Cup Race 4 (GAUTENG) Dirt Series 2 (LIMPOPO) Bryton Buffalo MTB Challenge

WWW.OAKPICS.COM

FS Calendar

17th Wednesday Moonlight MTB Series 29 (GAUTENG)

20th Saturday

7th Sunday Corporate MTB Challenge

SA Champs, XCO & DHI (E'CAPE)

Series Event 2 (GAUTENG)

MTN National MTB Series - Hilton

Halfway Toyota Illovo Sugar

Vryheid Meatmasters Game Park MTB

Challenge (KZN)

Waterberg Toyota Lindani MTB Classic

John Dory's Golovane (KZN)

Mpumalanga Spur School Series # 2 Bryton Lion MTB Challenge

10th Wednesday Moonlight MTB Series 28 (GAUTENG)

13th Saturday Spur High School MTB League #2 (Paarl, W'CAPE) X Lakes Winter MTB (Knysna, W'CAPE)

Trastevere Wolseley MTB Challenge

24th Wednesday Moonlight MTB Series 30 (GAUTENG)

27th Saturday

Gateway Gauntlet MTB Challenge (DURBAN) Forever Resort Badplaas MTB

Die Burger MTB Challenge (W'CAPE)

Stage Race

Save the Rhino 2 day MTB (LIMPOPO)

Jikileza Wet & Wild MTB (E'LONDON)

Thaba Toughee Tow MTB (GAUTENG)

Nissan National Marathon &

Bonitas/Mondi iMfolozi

Half Marathon # 7 (MPUMALANGA)

MTB Challenge (KZN) Ranch Resort Ysterberg

31st Wednesday

MTB Challenge (LIMPOPO)

Moonlight MTB Series 31

Schoemanskloof Citrus Festival

(Krugersdorp, GAUTENG))

MTB Challenge (MPUMALANGA) Wildevy 4x4 MTB (MPUMALANGA)

21st Sunday

28th Sunday

Hluhluwe Rhino MTB Charge miway (KZN)

Forever Resort Badplaas MTB

Jock MTB Race & Hill Climb

Stage Race (MPUMALANGA)

(MPUMALANGA)

My TracX XCO # 3

Redstone MTB Race #3 (GAUTENG)

Ranch Hotel Challenge

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

es a atch ith c e n ft w nip is K erved li sthuize u o L o s e O as s -d well 's Fanu Makad s m c i k . r p 2 Oak the 61 nd Tou rla on e v O

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