In search of the perfect Monster

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In search of the perfect Monster

 North West Province – Keen mountain biker Raymond Travers is hoping to find ‘the perfect monster’ at the ATKV Buffelspoort on Saturday, 02 June 2018 when he takes on his 4th consecutive FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic.

“For the past three years I’ve always managed to do something wrong at this event,” admits Travers.  “Whether you are doing the 35km or 70km event, it’s still a Monster.  You need to train all three mountain biking triad of necessities which is fitness, strength and technical skills.  I am nowhere near a racing snake.  My only aim is to finish the ride with a smile.”

According to Travers, when entering the 35km or 70km event, one question is very important, can you ride the distance?

“Riding 35 – 70km on tar isn’t nearly the same as riding the same distance on a trail.  However, if you easily make the distance on a proper MTB trail, you’re probably fit enough for the FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic.  This doesn’t, however, mean that you’ll finish with a smile.  Strength is also a requirement. Without it, the Monster will bite you. If you look at the race profile there are a lot of “ups”.  In fact, there are more ups than downs.   Get used to riding up hills.  Find a nice steep hill, preferably with varying gradients and ride it as often as possible.  This exercise is called “hill repeats”.  Do them often and with various gears to develop your hill climbing strength.”

“Smashing the steepest hill in a really high gear and regularly riding 40 – 70 kilometres single track trails in a session still does not mean that you are going to wax the Magalies Monster with a smile,” continues Traverse.  “Contrary to popular belief, mountain biking does not just involve strength and fitness, you also require technical skill. There are proven techniques for riding rocky hills and descents.  Rocky ascents and descents are what make the Monster famous.”

“Lastly, as the months before the Monster turn into weeks and then days, get your bike race ready.  Book it in for that long overdue service.  The last thing you want is a worn chain snapping or an incorrectly adjusted derailleur whipping back into your spokes – which is a race “ender” for sure.  If you follow this basic advice, sort out your bike and prepare your triad, you will conquer the Monster with a smile on your face.  It’s one of the best one day races I’ve ever ridden.”  

The FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic celebrates its 16th anniversary this year.  Trail running enthusiasts are invited to join in on the action by taking on the 6th annual FNB Platinum Trail Run the next day (Sunday, 03 June 2018).

EVENT INFORMATIONFNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic

 

Date: Saturday, 02 June 2018
Venue: ATKV Buffelspoort
Distances, cost & start time: +-70km / R400 / 08:00
  +-35km / R300 / 09:00
  +-15km / R175 / 09:30

EVENT INFORMATIONFNB Platinum Trail Run

 

Date: Sunday, 03 June 2018
Venue (start & finish): ATKV Buffelspoort
Distances, cost & start time: +-24km /R330 / 07:30
  +-12km /R220 /07:45
  +-8km / R140 /08:00

 

Follow us on Twitter:  @magmonstermtb /@StillwaterTrail

Like our Facebook Page:  Stillwater MTB Events / Stillwater Trail Running

For more information on the FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic or FNB Platinum Trail Run contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045, email entries@stillwatersports.com or visit www.stillwatersports.com.

 

About the FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic and the FNB Platinum Trail Run:

 FNB Business and FNB Private Wealth are proud to once again be the title sponsor of the annual FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic and the FNB Platinum Trail Run.

This sponsorship forms part of FNB’s ongoing strategy to support local and community events that focus on a healthy lifestyle and family involvement. This sponsorship affirms our dedication to providing a quality experience that exceeds expectation, for all participants and spectators along with their families, in order to continue building enduring, rewarding relationships. The FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic and the FNB Platinum Trail Run are two events that are designed to provide an enjoyable outdoors family experience. The platform allows us the opportunity to engage with our clients and the broader community with the aim of creating lasting connections.