Tour de Jozi Saturday, 7th June 2007Start Point....
We will meet in the parking lot in the front of Fratelli’s Restaurant in Conrad Drive, Blairgowrie at 06H00 for 06H30. We will leave at exactly 06H30 (if it is light enough) because it is one of the shortest days of the year - if you are not ready to ride you will be left behind. It may be better to have your logistic support drop you off.
Ride Description....
Starting on the spruit at Fratelli’s, we ride south toward Emmerentia, then out west toward Albert’s Farm, over Northcliff on tar, down various tar roads to Weltevreden Park, through Struben’s Valley marsh land to Ruimsig, on through Muldersdrift, Logwood, Lanseria, Lafarge Quarry, Northern Farm and the sewerage work’s pipe lines, Riversands, Dainfern, Helderfontein, Leeukop Prison, Clay Oven, FPC Cycles and up the spruit to Fratelli’s.
Ratings....
Technical - 6/10
Hills - 8/10
Distance - 89km
Please note that this ride is not for beginners or unfit riders.
Directions....
From the intersection of William Nicol Drive and Jan Smuts Avenue, take Jan Smuts Avenue north toward Randburg. Drive 1.6km and you will find a slip road to the left to Conrad Drive Blairgowrie just past the Valley Shopping Centre on your right. Take this slip road and drive 300m and turn left into Hillcrest Avenue. The parking fro Fratelli's is immediately on your left hand side.
Ride Groups....
Yellow, red and blue only. The Blue group will run at an average pace of 16km/hr (7 hours with stops), the red group will average 14km/hr (8 hours) and the yellow group will average 12km/hr (9hrs) - If you cannot do this pace off-road, you will end up being left behind.
Logistic Support....
You have to organise logistic support for the day because you have to get to Fratelli’s, be collected from any convenient point if you abandon the ride, and be collected from Fratelli’s at the end of the ride. You could drive yourself and park there if you have the strength. There is a reasonable amount of parking.
Start Time...
We will leave at exactly 06h30 because it is one of the shortest days of the year - if you are not ready to ride, you will be left behind.
Cell Phones ....
All riders must have a cell phone with them. If you have a mechanical failure or you simply blow out physically, you will have two choices:
1) Drop back to the slower group behind you if there is one (the wait could be significant). All the groups will not wait for you - fixing punctures or mechanicals is no fun for any group.
2) Make your way to the nearest main road, shopping centre. pub and phone your logistical support vehicle in order to come and fetch you. We want to avoid the effects of punctures and mechanicals turning the ride into a 10-hour nightmare.
Punctures and Mechanical Failures.....
Please make sure your bike is good working order. Failures of the bike will also result in you being left behind to be evacuated by your logistic support. Tyre liners are essential. We suggest that all riders carry spare tubes with sealant in them. Do not assume that because you have tubeless tyres, that you do not need these tubes as backup.
Food and Water....
As you can see from the length of the rides above, food of substance will be part of your baggage besides your energy products. Please ensure you carry sufficient water (3 litres minimum). There will be places to fill up on route however do not assume you can bring a water bottle or two.
Pace and Ride Groups....
There will be two ride groups (we may have several sub-groups within the categories numbers depending). The Blue group will run at an average pace of 16km/hr (6 hours) and the red group will average 14km/hr (7 hours) - If you cannot do this pace off-road, you will end up being left behind. Riding the 94.7 road race does not mean you can do this event. Assume double the distance compared to a road event. This ride is thus equivalent to a 200km road ride.
Stopping Points....
Two stopping points are planned for the route namely Ngwenya Glass opposite the Teaspoon and Tankard (35km from the start) and Riversand’s farm (26km beyond Ngwenya). We will stop there for a short periods for refreshments. They are also a good abandonment points such as Logwood Village, Lanseria Airport, Northern Farm and the FPC Cycles vicinity in Paulshof. Bring money on the ride so that you can buy things at these points. At the end of the ride those that want to can go to Fratelli’s for a pizza or six.
Contact....
Don Buchanan (083 228 0145). Please do not just pitch on the day. Tell us if you are coming before Wednesday 4-Jun-2008 and in which group you will ride. We would like a feel for numbers so we can plan appropriate ride leaders. We may have to spawn other ride groups or limit the quantities. If you have already registered, you need not do so again. If you are no longer coming along, please let us know.