Only three more sleeps and the York Enduro is here!

Arrival Times to Sabie:

Accommodation and hosting has been arranged for you from Thursday to Sunday afternoon.  We would recommend that you arrive in Sabie not later than 12:00 at the latest on Thursday morning.  Please make your way to the Floreat Riverside Lodge (Old Lydenburg Road – map attached) to register.

Should you need additional accommodation for Thursday night, please contact me and I will arrange accordingly.

An additional rate per night of R550 (Breakfast included) per person is payable directly to the Floreat.

Registration

Please register at the function hall at Floreat Riverside Lodge when you arrive on Thursday.

Program

Attached is a detailed program with a timeline set up of the riding, logistics and function requirements for the weekend.  We have arranged various spectator activities for those who will not be riding.

Massage & Bike Wash Facility

Massage facilities are available.  Please register and book your massage at registration. This is a free-service on a first come bases.

Bikes can be handed in at the wash bay (as you turn left when entering the Floreat) after your daily rides.  Please collect your bike later.

Cycling Kit Washing Service

Laundry bags for your cycling kit will be placed in your room.  A fee of R40 per kit (bib, jersey and socks) will be charged and should be paid when handing in your washing bag at the reception of the Floreat.

Dress Code for Functions:

Thursday night Gala Dinner – Smart Casual (Suggested:  Jeans, button shirt – no slops)

Friday night Dinner – Casual

Saturday night Dinner – Casual

The 3,2km Downhill Course

The course is not a traditional UCI standard downhill track.  Our course was designed to accommodate most mountain bike riders and is ridable with a standard marathon hard tail bike.  The course is a fast and fun flowing downhill single track that is built for speed above technicality.  So, the faster you go the more fun and technical it gets.  HOWEVER, there are 2 x 1m vertical drops and the last 200m incorporates the original Sabie National Downhill Track, which has rollers, small jumps and ends with 2 table top jumps (hence the importance of the practice runs).  The drops and jumps can be negotiated at slow speed.  No full-face helmets or body armour required J

The XC Course

Similar to the DHI track, the XC track is also not a UCI standard XCO track (yet!). Rather it has been designed to be fast and flowing with a few technical climbs and will not be dangerous in any way.

Some advice on the race and riding in your team:

Eating’s not cheating – Eat small amounts of carbs at regular intervals.  Aim to consume 1g of carbohydrate per kg of bodyweight each hour.  Only use energy products that you have tried while riding before too.

Water aid – Listen to your body.  If you are thirsty drink more but if not, don’t force yourself to drink a litre an hour just because someone else does.  It’s possible to drink too much as well as too little and both are potentially dangerous situations to be in.

Even when you stop, move – Top riders can ride the distance non-stop but most people will need a break,  If and when you stop, keep breaks short and keep moving, or you will start seizing up.  The worst thing you can do is to sit down.

Power through – You will go through a bad patch, but stay strong.  Enduros are sometimes as much about mental strength as they are about physical fitness.

Have fun – Enjoy it!  Remember why you entered and relish the challenge.  However, a lot of the enjoyment you will get from an enduro will probably kick in when you cross the line.

Bike Set-up

Don’t change anything drastic too close to the event.  Make sure everything you use has been tested by you and works well, especially the main contact points, such as the grips, saddle and clothing such as shorts, shoes and gloves.

Having a light bike will feel great on the climbs but don’t sacrifice too much.  Time gained on a climb with super light tyres will be lost very quickly if you puncture.

The longer the event, the more comfort you need to consider.  Full suspension, fatter tyres, wider bars and so on.  Use whatever you find most comfortable and are used to riding with.

The weather can be a major factor, so keep an eye on the forecast.

Consider packing the following:

Dry weather: spare tubes, spare chain link and tool and a spare rear mech hanger.

Wet weather: as dry weather plus mud-specific tyres, several spare brake pads and plenty spare clothing. A light rain jacket is essential.

It’s still very chilly and cold in the evening and mornings, so please pack enough warm clothes.

That all said, we are looking forward to meeting you and please let me know if you need any additional information.