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.

Are stage races too expensive?

Don’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 fi gure 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 bank-busting 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 justifi ed? 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

MOUNTAIN BIKE MONTHLY

Having fun after darkHydrate for optimum performance

Issue 02/2013

FREE

WIN pg11VIPA PEAK pg18 TRAILS pg8

2

FS Stage Race Costs

shocked at the their budget template. Now it doesn’t contain any fi gures, because obviously the cost of staging an event in Switzerland is going to diff er 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

“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”

R3 000 is a fairly conservative fi gure 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 EntryStorm’s River Traverse ..................R 4 000 ............................................R 6 500Grape Escape – 3 Day ..................R2 350 ...............................................N/AIsuzu 3 Towers Race ......................N/A ......................................................R 6 000Isuzu 3 Towers Challenge .........N/A ......................................................R 5 400Dr Evil Classic ......................................R 2 450 (NO ACCOMMODATION) ...R 4 900 (NO ACCOMMODATION)

Ride the Rhino .....................................R 3 500 .............................................R 7 000Wine 2 Whales ....................................R 4 200 ............................................R 8 400Ride the Rock .......................................R 4 000 ............................................N/ACape Outback......................................R 7 500 .............................................R 12 500360ne 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 bank-busting R27 950, for the full Royal Suite luxury on the Rovos Rail 5 Star MTB experience per person.

Race ........................... Days ........Solo Entry ..........................Pair EntryCape Pioneer Race ...........6 ..........................R 11 500 .....................................................R 21 900Joberg2C ...................................9 ..........................R 14 400 ..................................................R 27 000Sabie Xperience ..................4 ..........................R 2 090 .....................................................N/ANamib Quest .........................6 ..........................N/A ...............................................................R 18 000Cape Epic ..................................8 ..........................N/A ...............................................................R 44 900Rovos Rail Ride ....................6 ..........................Royal Suite – R 27 950 ...............N/A Deluxe Suite – R 24 950 ...........N/A Pullman Suite – R 19 500 .........N/A

“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?”

SUS THE COSTSSUS 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 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 off er, it’s actually pretty good value for money.

HERE ARE THE 2013 figures

The quality of the food can make or break a stage race

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

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

3

Editorial FS

Letters FSSUS the LEttErs

so 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!

Don’t be shy toopen your mouth!

the letter of the month will get a fantastic hamper from GU Energy Products valued at r1500 – Pure Performance Energy!

Get writing!

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

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.

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

editorial teamPublishing Editor: shayne Dowling

shayne@integratedmedia.co.za

Content Editor: seamus Allardiceseamus@integratedmedia.co.za

Art Director: Megan Knoxmegan@integratedmedia.co.za

Advertising: shayne Dowling

PR & Promotions: Julia Andradejulia@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 towntel: 021 685 0285

suite WB03 tannery Park23 Belmont road, rondebosch, 7700

Postal Address: PO Box 31649, tokai, 7945

ON THE COVERriders on the Makadas Overland tour, 612km, 8 Days and 7 towns, through

the beautiful Klein Karoo.www.oakpics.com

Disclaimer: The views expressed by the

contributors and columnists do not necessarily represent the views of

Full Sus or Integrated Media.

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.

FS News

4

newsWhat Mountain Bike Trail Bike of the Year

2013UK 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 SGiant 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.

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.

Enduro World Series

To find out more go to www.enduroworldseries.com

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

Activity PermitIf 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.

What Mountain Bike Mag Bike of the Year,

The Whyte T-129 S

News FS

5

News FS

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 fi rst 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.

Facebook Twitter

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 infl ates 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 outfi t 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 fl ight 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.

Where to fi nd

Hövding Invisible Bicycle Helmet

For more info check it out

at www.hovding.com.

Olympic Cycles

Revolution Cycles

NewsNewsNews FSFSFS

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.

Are stage races too expensive?D 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

fi gure 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 bank-busting 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 justifi ed? 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

MOUNTAIN BIKE MONTHLY

Having fun after darkHydrate for optimum performance

Issue 02/2013

FRE

E

WIN pg11

VIPA PEAK pg18TRAILS pg8

www.facebook/fullsussa www.twitter.com/fullsussa

6

FS Exxaro Development Academy

Unlike 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 African-based 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

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untappedLet’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 launch-pad 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

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.

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

William Mokgopo of the Exxaro Academy.

songo.info

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. 

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Exxaro Development Academy FS

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– 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

2011First 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 • 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

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

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

Exxaro and Epic Time Line

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.

Diepsloot Mountain Bike acaDeMy

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

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.

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

Exxaro tronox Academy’s- siyabonga njiva and rilamulele gadabeni

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

8

FS Trails

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.

131

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I N D I A N O C E A N

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Stor

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184.9m

Bakenrant

Goesabos

De Plaatbos

De Vos se Bos

Tsitsikamma State Forest

Storms River

PICNIC SPOT

CARAVAN PARK

CARAVAN PARK

PICNIC SPOT

BIG TREE

VIEWPOINT

BRIDGETOILET

STORMS RIVER PASS

Plettenberg Bay

Jeffreys Bay

33058’27” S23053’18” E

START

GATES, PARKING & FACILITIESMAJOR & MAIN ROADSOTHER ROADSMTB TRAILSOTHER JEEP TRACKS & WALKING TRAILS

LEGEND

IMB

A T

rail

Dif

ficu

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Rat

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Syst

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Easiest Easy More difficult Very diff. Extremely diff.IMBA SYMBOLTHIS TRAIL YES YES NO NO NOTRAIL WIDTH 183cm 91cm 61cm 30cm 15cmSURFACE Hardened / Firm / Mostly stable / Widely Widely variable /

surfaced stable some variability variable unpredictableAVE. TRAIL GRADE < 5% 5% or < 10% or < 15% or less 20% or moreMAX. TRAIL GRADE Max 10% Max 15% Max 15% or > Max 15% or > Max 15% or >

N2

500m

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Free self-issue permits available at gate for first section; permit for SAPPI sec-tion from Storms River Adventures

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

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

MORE INFORMATION: Amazing forest and coastal views

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

TRAILBASICS

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

TERRAIN: Gravel roads and plantation jeep track, river crossings

MAP: Maps are available at the Storms River office

CELL RECEPTION: Good

TRAILINFO

Tsitsikamma Forest Inn in Storms River Village

TERRAIN: Gravel roads and plantation jeep track, river crossings

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:issue permits available at gate for first section; permit for SAPPI sec-tion from Storms River Adventures

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

BEWARE OF: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

MORE INFORMATION:and coastal views

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

BASICS

www.mapstudio.co.za

MTB Under the Radar on the

Storms River MTB Route

Somehow Tsitsikamma has managed to hang relatively low on the SA MTB radar, despite

the fantastic riding on off er 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 fi rst 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 cliff s await those who come to crank Tsitsikamma. Problem is, though, that many of the routes remain

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 fl at 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.

9

Trails FS

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

SUS THE STATSSUS THE STATSGrading: Easy/Intermediate

(steep in places)

Duration: Around 2-4hrs

Confi guration: Circular/Return Options

of 22-60km-plus

Start Point: Tsitsikamma Village Inn

Terrain: Gravel road, jeep-track and some

single-track

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

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

Tsitsikamma’s forests make for a spectacular MTB experience.

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 fi nd out more at

www.jacquesmarais.co.za

10

FS Girls in Downhill

10 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.

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.

The ‘fairer’ side of DHKathryn 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.

“We’re a reGular

buncH oF people DoinG

reGular sTuFF; Jo is an arT

TeacHer anD i WorK For an

environmenTal nGo”

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Girls Riding Single Track FS

Just over two years ago, I use to be terrifi ed 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 confi dence

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 confi dence, 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 confi dent 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.

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 fi nd it particularly hard. So Full Sus

got Emma Pienaar to share her experiences of overcoming the single track mental block.

“THE BEST ADVICE I GUESS IS WHAT MY HUSBAND ALWAYS SHOUTS TO ME,

‘JUST PEDAL DAMMIT!’ “

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Emma’s Tips• Look where you want to go • Keep your momentum• Don’t hesitate• And whatever you do

don’t uncleat

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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.

win

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 fi tted with the adidas eyewear optical insert or direct

glazing can be fi tted 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.

Go to www.facebook.com/FullSussa, LIKE the Full Sus Facebook page to double your chance of winning!

11

12

FS Xxxxxxxxxx

13

Xxxxxxxx FSCycle Lab Tours FS

14

FS Insuring your Bike

So you’ve bought a new bike and it costs more than your fi rst 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.

There 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.

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

Q Is your bike covered for all risks, including losses while training and racing?Many policies won’t cover losses incurred during a timed event as they deem it racing.

Q 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 coff ee.

SUS THE STATSSUS 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 specifi c 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 ADVICESUS 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.

INSURINGRiccardo 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.

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

your most prized possession

Q What are the exclusions 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.

Q What is the excess? Low premium could equate to a 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 fi ne 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.

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

Riccardo’s PicksSTAND-ALONE:CycleSure, MiWay or OUTsurance

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

15

The David George EXPERIENCE | FS

AfriCANDavid 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.

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.

Patrick 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

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.

Morewood Bikes

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.

PYGA IN CONSTRUCTION

Swift’s D Vore in action on the trail

The exquisitely crafted Pearl Hasi

16

FS AmaRider

Standardizing 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 Diffi culty Rating System is a basic method used to categorize the relative technical diffi culty of recreation trails. The IMBA Trail Diffi culty 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 signsFirstly, around 7-10% of the male population suff er 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...The colour issue presents a further problem where many trails systems have used colours to indicate diff erent 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

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.

Keep your eyes peeled for these signs

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-profi t company with the aim of improving mountain bicycling

opportunities on the African continent and is affi liated to

the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). To fi nd 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.”

www.amarider.co.za

White Circle - Very Easy DESCRIPTION: Likely to be a fi re 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 fl at. Jonkershoek’s circle route would be a green because of the descent on the return loop.

Green Circle - EasyDESCRIPTION: Likely to be a combination of fi re 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 off -road 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 Square - IntermediateDESCRIPTION: 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.

Black Diamond - ExpertDESCRIPTION: Likely to be a challenging single

trail with steep gradients, variable surface and many obstacles.

SUITABLE FOR: Experienced moun-tain bikers with good skills. Suitable for better quality mountain bikes.

As soon as the trail steepens as with our Downhill routes, the black desig-nation applies. Typically, going too fast will cause the ride to lose control with serious consequence. There might be unavoidable drop-off s requiring and obstacles requiring advanced skills.

Double Black Diamond - ExtremeDESCRIPTION: Extremely diffi cult 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, teeter-totters etc and riders are advised to do a trail inspection before attempting the trail.

BLACK - EXPERT

BLACK - EXTREME

BLUE - INTERMEDIATE

GREEN - EASY

WHITE - VERY EASY

THE SIGNS EXPLAINEDTHE SIGNS EXPLAINED

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 up-graded. 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 Eff ortThe grading system was designed with the skill requirement as primary consideration although fi tness 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 fi tness to complete.

On the other hand, you could have a Double Black requiring no fi tness, but a whole lot of skills. Trail builders and designers are advised to design a trail with the intended user group in mind.

Nutrition FS

Stayinghydrated

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 fl uids while on a 3 hour plus ride.

When 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 fl uid intake. Determine your sweat loss by weighing yourself nude before and after 1 hour of exercise. Drink 400ml to 650ml of fl uid 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. Caff eine can be consumed in moderate doses (200mg caff eine/ 360ml of coff ee), if desired. Drinking caff eine can give you that extra boost for the start of your race. But make sure that you test this during your training sessions, as caff eine has a mild laxative eff ect.

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.

SUS THE SUPER FOODSSUS THE SUPER FOODSChocolate milk

Studies have shown that fat-free chocolate milk is more eff ective 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.

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 fi nd her on Facebook at Alex Blair Dietician or email her at nutrition@fullsus.co.za

• One sports drink (500ml) will be suffi cient per hour of exercise plus some water to meet the remaining fl uid 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 fl uid &

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 fl uids over time than drink large amounts in one go.

What should I look for in my beverage?• Good taste: If you like the fl avour,

you will drink more.• Carbohydrates: Look for beverages

with about 13-18g of carbohydrate per 240ml.

• Sodium: This is important for maintaining fl uid balance. Sodium stimulates thirst and enhances fl uid retention.

• Caff eine: Because of individual responses, caff eine might enhance endurance or cause side eff ects 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.

17

Meeting 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 fi rst “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 Pfi tzenmaier’s performance in this year’s Epic is anything to go by, it kicks butt! Riding a prototype Vipa, Nico fi nished fi rst 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 diff erent 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!!

18

FS Sneak Peek

Momsen Vipa - super saff a!

Billed as SA’s fi rst superbike take a look

at this month’s bike porn and groan with

envy at the Vipa

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

19

Sneak Peek FS

Momsen Vipa - super saff a!

432m

m

595mm

440mm

40mm

1102mm

594.9mm

418.8mm70

.5m

m

115mm

73.5

mm

Medium Size: 29er Wheels

Stem Length 90mm ExtensionCrankarm Length 175mmHandlebar Width 720mm

Vipa 17” Medium Frame Geometry

SUS THE STATSSUS THE STATS

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 diff erential 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…

WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT KINEMATICS?

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Nico Pfi tzenmaier on the Momsen Vipa

20

FS Responsibility

Back 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

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.

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.

SANParks on the Environmental Impact of MTBFull 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

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.

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

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

Q What is the potential long term effect of these?

A 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.

Q 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

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

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

A We are always open to groups of MTBers approaching us to assist with trail maintenance. We would also like an open channel of communica-tion 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)

Q&A

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.

Avoid single track when it is wet.

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Gear FS

Thule Passive Lock StrapAs 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

GEAR

GEAR

GEAR

GEAR

GEAR

GEAR

GEAR

GEAR

GEAR

Brunox Fork DeoKeep 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.fl uidlines.co.za

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

K-Way Hydro Velocity 6The 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.

Futurelife High Protein Futurelife’s High Protein Smart Food is scientifi cally 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 diff erent 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

Para’KitoPara’Kito is the fi rst 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 refi llable, and off er 15 consecutive days of 24 hour mozzy protection. RRP Bands & Clips: R181, Refi lls: R122. www.za.parakito.com

GoPro HERO3 BlackThere 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

Herman BaselayerCalled 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

GEAR

GEAR

First Ascent Galea Cycling Helmet

Outdoor outfi tters 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 diff erent 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.fi rstascent.co.za

To fi nd out more about hydration read our nutritian column on page 17.

22

Sus the best of June

Aspen Trans Karoo - 6 AprilMEN’S SOLO LADIES’ SOLO1 Timothy Hammond (09:27:48) 1 Hannele Steyn (10:41:11)2 Billy Stelling (09:40:33) 2 Lolita Van Aardt (11:18:52)3 Jean De Villiers (09:43:11) 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) 1 Tandi Kitching (56:02)2 Jacques Du Plessis (44:55) 2 Lolita Van Aardt (58:16)3 Billy Stelling (45:33) 3 Carla Van Huyssteen (01:00:53)

SA XCO Cup Series 2 - 13 & 14 AprilMEN’S LADIES’1 Philip Buys (01:27:25) 1 Mariske Strauss (01:15:46)2 Brendon Davids (01:28:05) 2 Samantha Sanders (01:18:39)3 Travis Walker (01:31:57) 3 Vera Adrian (01:20:45)

April Results:

May highlights:

Results & Calendar

11 – 12 May: Greytown MTB Festival 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 fi tness levels. There are 50km, 35km, 26km, 10km and 3km options spread across 2 days, and all race bookings can be done through the ROAG 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 May: AmaRider 100 & 50 MilerAmaRider’s premier fundraising event of the year the 160km long 100 miler starts and fi nishes 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.

25 – 26 May: Magalies Monster MTB ClassicDon’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 Buff elspoort Valley in all its glory. The Classic off ers 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

FS Stirling Revolution

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.

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 off ering 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.

Thursday morning is diff erent, because Thursday night is diff erent. 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 fi nally, 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 self-contained 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 self-contained 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 fi re, 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 confi rm... there is one night a week (EVERY week) that their signifi cant others know not to make any arrangements... not on Night Ride Night!

There is one night a week (every week) that SJ’s wife knows not to make any arrangements.

No dinners, no events, no movies.

SJ

When the sun goes down, the fun goes up!

23

Calendar & Results FS

Sus the best of JuneCalendar & Results FS

Sus the best of JuneJune1st 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 fi nd out more.

15th Saturday

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

16th Sunday

Klein Karoo Klassiek Safi re Baynesfi eld MTB Napier Patat Festival Fun Ride Napier Patat Festival Fun Ride

22nd Saturday

SA Cross Country & Downhill Championships

Dusi 2 C (Pietermaritzburg, KZN) Tour de PlettGreat 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

turnover for July...

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 TourThe MTB events take place on the 29th and there are 15km, 30km, 50km & 80km distances on off er. Find out more at www.knysnacycle.co.za

30th Sunday

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

GET YOUR EVENT INTO OUR

EVENT CENTRE SPREAD CALL SHAYNE ON 021 685 0285/6

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FS Calendar

24

FS photo of the month

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 fi eld. 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

Calendar

July

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

1st Monday Cape Country Tour

3rd Wednesday Moonlight MTB Series 27 (Krugersdorp)

6th Saturday Das Auto 2 (MPUMALANGA)

Nissan Trailseeker #2 (GAUTENG)

USN Mountain Bike Cup Race 4 (GAUTENG)

Dirt Series 2 (LIMPOPO)

Bryton Buff alo MTB Challenge

7th Sunday Corporate MTB Challenge

Series Event 2 (GAUTENG)

Halfway Toyota Illovo Sugar

Challenge (KZN)

John Dory's Golovane (KZN)

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)

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 Bastille Festival MTB Classic (W'CAPE)

Mankele Avalanche Stage Race -

2 Days (MPUMALANGA)

Kia Walkerville MTB Classic (GAUTENG)

Stihl Umko Classic (KZN)

17th Wednesday Moonlight MTB Series 29 (GAUTENG)

20th Saturday SA Champs, XCO & DHI (E'CAPE)

MTN National MTB Series - Hilton

Vryheid Meatmasters Game Park MTB

Waterberg Toyota Lindani MTB Classic

Mpumalanga Spur School Series # 2

Bryton Lion MTB Challenge

Trastevere Wolseley MTB Challenge

21st Sunday Hluhluwe Rhino MTB Charge miway (KZN)

Jock MTB Race & Hill Climb

(MPUMALANGA)

Redstone MTB Race #3 (GAUTENG)

24th Wednesday Moonlight MTB Series 30 (GAUTENG)

27th Saturday Die Burger MTB Challenge (W'CAPE)

Save the Rhino 2 day MTB (LIMPOPO)

Thaba Toughee Tow MTB (GAUTENG)

Bonitas/Mondi iMfolozi

MTB Challenge (KZN)

Ranch Resort Ysterberg

MTB Challenge (LIMPOPO)

Schoemanskloof Citrus Festival

MTB Challenge (MPUMALANGA)

Wildevy 4x4 MTB (MPUMALANGA)

Forever Resort Badplaas MTB

Stage Race (MPUMALANGA)

My TracX XCO # 3

Ranch Hotel Challenge

28th Sunday Gateway Gauntlet MTB Challenge

(DURBAN)

Forever Resort Badplaas MTB

Stage Race

Jikileza Wet & Wild MTB (E'LONDON)

Nissan National Marathon &

Half Marathon # 7 (MPUMALANGA)

31st Wednesday Moonlight MTB Series 31

(Krugersdorp, GAUTENG))

FS FS FS photo of the month

Louis Knipe catches a

well-deserved lift with

Oakpics's Fanus Oosthuizen

on the 612km Makadas

Overland Tour.

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