MAGALIES MONSTER:

RACE TIPS & GENERAL INFORMATION

By Harry Schubert – Route Organiser

Every year the Magalies Monster Mountain Bike Classic sees novices entering the 75km race for the first time.  Most novices have friends or know riders who have done the MM before and can show them the ropes and offer guidance, other novices however, are not that fortunate.  One way of tackling the ‘Monster’ would be to “get on your bike and go”, but that is a bit frivolous and trust me, it’s definitely not that simple!

The Magalies Monster is a real MTB challenge that requires a fair amount of preparation and a certain level of fitness.  There are two very tough technical sections that have to be contended with, namely the ascent and descent at Mt. Sanctuary Park followed by the even tougher 9km climb up to Breedts Nek near the top of the Magaliesberg – this is where the ‘Monster’ got its name.  To successfully tame ‘it’ riders would need to have done some serious training over technical terrain.  In compensation for their efforts riders will exclusively be rewarded by the spectacular and varied scenery of the Magaliesberg.

Three very experienced mountain bikers have supplied us with sound race tips that are sure to be of cardinal use to both newcomers and experienced riders alike.

Tips from:

Karl Schubert – Karl was the original route designer and race organiser of this event for 6 years. He successfully participated 5 times in the Cape Epic and has ridden the Trans Alps as well as numerous other MTB races in South Africa. He currently resides in the North West Territory of Canada.
    •    To avoid the mad rush from JHB/PTA my suggestion is to make the event a weekend getaway - there are a number of great resorts and accommodation in the area within 5-15km of the start, which means that you can even ride to the Start!
    •    Bring the family as there are plenty of activities at the Citrus Fees to entertain the entire crew, plus there is also a 20km route designed for beginners.
    •    The race starts at 8.00am sharp, so get in early.  Entering on line is the easiest option as entries are limited on the day. Pre-entering will definitely make your registration process a lot smoother.
•    Make sure you have enough water and that you are well hydrated as temperatures can get into the 30's.
•    I recommend riding a full suspension for the 75km, there are some rocky downhill sections that your rear shock will love and speed is nothing without control....
•    Take it easy, enjoy the scenery and soak in the views, you are riding over some of the oldest rocks in the world and if you look carefully you can see the ripples of the ocean floor on the rocks of the Monster, also look out for some of the endemic vegetation that can only be found in the Magaliesberg e.g. the Peglerae Aloe.
•    For those with a competitive spirit, there is plenty of time to sort out the pack so be patient...the Monster will do the rest....
•    Thank the land owners and supporters that you see along the route, you are getting a great opportunity to cross private land and a lot of effort goes into ensuring that the land owners and community support the event.
•    Respect your environment as you would yourself, this is your playground and the playground for generations to come, so please do not litter.
•    Enjoy the beer garden at the end!
 
Ben van Niekerk – Ben partnered Karl in all 5 Cape Epic races and completed it for the 7th time this year. He has also done the Trans Alps and participated in the Monster 5 times. Ben is a company director and lives with his family in Pretoria.
•    The Monster is true to its name and should not be underestimated or taken lightly. The distance of 75km will take much longer than anticipated as the route is very technical, mostly on single and jeep track and extremely demanding. Riders entering the long 75km event should be fit and know their limits of riding as there are many technical obstacles to cross down hill as well as on the up hills and climbs.
•    The climb out of the valley up to Breedtsnek, on the name sake of the ride THE MONSTER is demanding but the views from the top towards Pilansberg and down towards Magaliesberg is spectacular. Riders will also be awarded with a fast down hill to the bottom of the valley.  Be careful in the corners as the loose gravel can be very deceiving.
•    The MONSTER is a magnificent race that is well worth the ride and a must for all mountain bikers that are fit and looking for a challenge.  Be warned, come prepared. The race is technically demanding right up to the very last kilometre and the short steep rocky down hills and drop offs towards the end had many previous bikers, including myself, go over the handlebars ending up with a mouth full of sand and a dented ego or broken bones and dented bikes.
•    The route was designed by legendary mountain biker Karl Schubert and has subsequently been perfected by his father Harry. The race is well organized and with the support and back up of the mining community is truly well supported from a medical and back up point of view.  

Kurt von Buddenbrock – Kurt is an experienced mountain biker, now competing as a master.  He has completed the ‘Monster’ 3 times and competed in his first Cape Epic this year after doing the “Sani 2 C” in preparation.

“The Magalies Monster is a very challenging Mountain Bike Event that tests your endurance levels and technical skills in the beautiful Buffelspoort Valley”.

•    Riders wanting to participate in the 75km race need to be technically competent with above average fitness levels as this race can be very challenging on both the body and the mind. After about 30 km’s they’ll be sent up a technically demanding 9km climb to the top of the Magaliesberg Mountain range.  I advise riders to keep some energy in store otherwise it will be a very long, hot 40km struggle to the finish.
•    The 45km race is better suited to the more average rider, however it is also demanding with some very technically challenging sections to it. Due to the rough terrain that riders will be traversing punctures are a probability and riders are advised to carry the necessary tools with them.
•    Although the 8 o’clock start should be relatively cool, temperatures can reach into the high 30’s and riders are advised to take in sufficient amounts of fluids in order to keep hydrated, however there are a number of excellent water points at approximately 10km intervals, so be sure to stop to have a drink and taste some of the local citrus....    
•    In both events there will be plenty of single track, river crossings, ascents, descents, narrow bridges and drop offs guaranteed to keep the adrenalin pumping.