trek to teebus 2022

Trek2Teebus 2022 - 3day Karoo MTB Experience - Presented by SEESA Fri 29 Apr - Sun 1 May 2022 @ Steynsburg, Eastern Cape

• Trek2Teebus 2022 - 3day Karoo MTB Experience - Presented by SEESA

Organiser Petrichor Events

OVERVIEW AND FACTS

WHEN:             29 APRIL - 1 MAY 2022 

FORMAT:         SOLO / Teams of 2

TEAM - FULL Rider Package: 3 DAY Stage Adventure with LUXURY Tent and all daily meals included

COST:                                           Team of 2 - Early Bird - R10800 (Ends 30/06/2021)

(50 TEAM spots  Available)                         - Full Price - R12400 

SOLO - FULL Rider Package: 3 DAY Stage Adventure with LUXURY Tent and all daily meals included

COST:                                                    Solo - Early Bird - R5900 (Ends 30/06/2021)

(50 SOLO spots Available)                         - Full Price - R6700

SOLO+NON RIDING PARTNER Package:    3 DAY Stage Adventure with LUXURY Tent and all                                                                                                                                                                              daily meals included for both persons.                       

COST:                            Solo+Non Riding Partner - Early Bird - R10200 (Ends 30/06/2021)

(30 Spots Available)                                                   - Full Price -  R11400

 No Goodiebag to Non-Rider

TEAM +2 NON RIDING PARTNERS Package:    3 DAY Stage Adventure with LUXURY Tent and all                                                                                                                                                                              daily meals included for 4 persons.                       

COST:                            Team + 2 Non Riding Partner - Early Bird - R20000 (Ends 30/06/2021)

(30 Spots Available)                                                          - Full Price -  R22000

 Goodiebags to the 2 Non-Riders

All packages includes a free bike wash and lube after day 1 and 2 but does not include massages or full bike services.

Massages and services can be booked as separate merchandise items.

TEAM of 2 - RIDE ONLY PACKAGE: 3 DAY Stage Adventure - Goodie bag included. Arrange your own accommodation and food.

COST:                                            Team of 2 - Early Bird - R6400 (Ends 30/06/2021)

(100 Available)                                                 - Full Price - R7400

SOLO RIDE ONLY PACKAGE- 3 DAY Stage Adventure - Goodie bag included.  Arrange your own accommodation and food.

COST:                                                   SOLO - Early Bird - R3200 (Ends 30/06/2021)

                                                                              - Full Price - R3700

SOLO - RIDE ONE STAGE ONLY - Any 1 Stage Adventure - No goodie bag included. Arrange your own accommodation and food.

COST:                                                    SOLO - R850 

FULL BIKE SERVICE PACKAGES:

R950.00 includes 2 services after day1 and day 2 - book @ entryninja.com

FULL MASSAGE  PACKAGES:

R650.00 includes 2 massages after day1 and day 2 - book @ entryninja.com

BOOK YOUR TICKET AND EXTRAS @ entryninja.com

REGISTRATION WILL BE ON 28 APRIL 2022 FROM 13:00 TO 21:00

YOUR TENTED STAY WILL BE FROM THURSDAY 28 APRIL BEFORE THE RACE, TO SUNDAY  1 MAY WHEN YOU FINISH  

THE FIRST RACE BRIEFING WILL BE AT 18:00 ON 28 APRIL 2022 AT THE RACE VILLAGE

ALL OTHER RACE BRIEFINGS WILL BE BEFORE DINNER ON RACE DAYS at 18h00

All stages will start and finish at Harmonie farm, 12km West of Steynsburg town.

GPS Coordinates: 31* 21'30.07" S     25* 43'08.30" E

Click on the 'Maps & Directions' icon above to see map and directions to Race Start

This route will mainly consist of district gravel roads, Jeep- and singletrack crossing private farms in the Steynsburg region.

All  stages will start at 08:00

STAGE 1 - 29 APR - 08:00 - 72km, 1000m ASCENT

STAGE 2 - 30 APR - 08:00 - 55km, 900m ASCENT

STAGE 3 - 01 MAY - 07:30 - 82km, 600m ASCENT 

3 DAYS, 210Km of  AMAZING SCENERY and 2500m of ELEVATION GAIN!!

Please note this is an outdoor MTB gravel-road race. Please come prepared for all weather conditions. It can be nice and sunny, cold and gloomy, and also rainy and muddy.

SUPPORTER GUIDE

All days have a spectator point.

YOU CAN BOOK THE FOLLOWING EXTRA's FOR SUPPORTERS OR FAMILY:

EXTRA ADULT MEALS FOR 3 DAYS (9 meals):                 R1600

EXTRA KIDS MEALS FOR 3 DAYS (9 meals):                    R1000

EXTRA TENT (incl stand for 3 nights)                                R1000

EXTRA CAMPING STAND - OWN TENT (3 nights):         R450

More information : www.trek2teebus.co.za/

Classes and pricing Available classes for the event

Event location harmonie farm, steynsburg.

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Trek2Teebus 2022

The Karoo has always been a majestic part of our country. The vast plains and endless open spaces can easily make you feel small, but it creates the ideal opportunity to grow big at heart and feed your inner soul. Discover the full diversity of the Karoo Heartland and breathe the crystal clear air, all while riding the foothills of the majestic  Suurberg Mountains.

OVERVIEW AND FACTS

WHEN: 29 APRIL – 1 MAY 2022

FORMAT: SOLO / Teams of 2

TEAM – FULL Rider Package: 3 DAY Stage Adventure with LUXURY Tent and all daily meals included

COST: R12400

SOLO – FULL Rider Package: 3 DAY Stage Adventure with LUXURY Tent and all daily meals included

COST: R6700

SOLO+NON RIDING PARTNER Package: 3 DAY Stage Adventure with LUXURY Tent and all daily meals included for both persons.

COST: R11400

No Goodiebag to Non-Rider

TEAM +2 NON RIDING PARTNERS Package: 3 DAY Stage Adventure with LUXURY Tent and all daily meals included for 4 persons.

COST: R22000

Goodiebags to the 2 Non-Riders

All packages includes a free bike wash and lube after day 1 and 2 but does not include massages or full bike services.

Massages and services can be booked as separate merchandise items.

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Karoo Bliss in Teebus

[My] landmark is a kopje-crest that breaks the veldt around; and [familiar] constellations west each night above [my tent] – in the land of Thomas Hardy and Drummer Hodge the Trek2Teebus showcases the best of the Great Karoo.

There’s more to a mountain bike stage race than the racing and the routes. The venue, the hospitality and the food are all essential elements too. Especially the food…

Heading far inland, into the heart of the country its remarkable how diverse South Africa is. The way we drove up, from Stellenbosch to Steynsburg, via George and Graff Reinet was certainly the scenic route. Taking in the Cape Fold Mountains, the rolling fields of the Overberg, the forests of the Garden Route and the platteland of the Karoo.

On the long road to Teebus. Photo by Jacques Marais.

Stopping for lunch in Graff Reinet pointed out the hidden gems of the interior too. The main road of town is unpromising, dusty and dilapidated. But turning off into the side streets a coffee roastery, florists and speciality delis lure visitors in. It turns out there’s more to the Eastern Cape than what meets the highway traveller’s eye.

Fed and rejuvenated by a beetroot juice we hit the road once again, heading for Steynsburg. If you’ve never been, I don’t blame you. It’s not exactly somewhere you’re likely to drive through, unless you’re on your way to Rhodes, in the Eastern Cape Highlands. The nearest bigger towns are Aliwal North, to the North West, and Cradock, to the South.

A warm welcome on a chilly Karoo evening. Photo by Jacques Marais.

The Trek2Teebus race village isn’t in Steynsburg itself. It’s located 20 or so kilometres out of town, on Oom Charles Viljoen’s farm, Harmonie. Nestled in a typical Karoo basin, surrounded by grasslands and further afield koppies and ridgelines. The icons of the region, one of which lends the race its name, are the Teebus and Koffiebus hillocks. They jut, conically, from the plains and boast rocky crenelations like massive medieval castles.

Teebus and Koffiebus. Photo by Jacques Marais.

The Southern butte, Teebus, has a sharper peak while the Northern, Koffiebus, features a large flattened plateau at its summit. Legend has it, though said legend is somewhat contested, that the koppies got their names from the containers which the voortrekkers kept their coffee and tea in as they trekked across the Karoo. As someone who is partial to a good cup of tea or coffee, I can appreciate their sentiments. Particularly if their Koffiebus and Teebus containers were running low.

Fireside boerekoffie. Photo by Jacques Marais.

Hearty Welcome and Boeretroos Dinner

Arriving at Harmonie Farm, after an 11-hour drive, we were welcomed by the ever-friendly Rohan Germishuys. Beers and good-natured banter followed. The Petrichor Adventures owner was clearly in good form, as he welcomed nearly 100 riders to his company’s first race since the pandemic started.

The man himself, race organiser Rohan Germishuys. Photo by Jacques Marais.

Dinner, one of the primary metrics I judge stage races by, featured a mountain of food. It was clear that nobody would be going hungry at Trek2Teebus. There were about 20 different breads, salad, lasagne and sweet vegies. I overdid it, and only needed 10 jelly babies and a small piece of boerewors to keep me going throughout the opening stage the next day.

Dinner, made right. The Eastern Cape way. Photo by Jacques Marais.

Stage 1 | 23 April 2021

73-kilometres with 817-metres of climbing To be honest it was tougher than expected. The stretches of grassy jeep track refused to allow anyone to gain any momentum. Fortunately, they weren’t too long and most of the route was made up of smooth gravel road and hardpacked singletracks.

Getting ready for Stage 1. Photo by Zane Schmahl.

The scenery was suitably breath-taking too. We climbed to the ridgelines, which bisect the Karoo plains, and bombed down to Steynsburg and later to a dry waterfall. Summers have been dry and the winters not quite cold enough to produce heavy snows. In previous years the waterfall was flowing during the Trek2Teebus.

The author in action on Stage 1. Photo by Zane Schmahl.

Hearty Karoo hospitality abounded at the waterfall too. The braaimaster, Johan de Beer, wouldn’t take no for an answer, while handling out ice-cold beers and boerewors.

Braaimaster Johan de Beer. Photo by Jacques Marais.

Refuelled and rehydrated we set out again, descending from the highlands into the plains. Then it was 20-kilometres home, largely on fast and flat terrain. Home to Harmonie and a massive lunch; of chicken pie, salad and best of all, pumpkin fritters. Made the right way too, with lots of syrupy sauce.

Typical Karoo technical riding. Photo by Jacques Marais.

Stage 2 | 24 April 2021

51-kilometres with 710-metres of climbing

After a day in the plains and koppies on Stage 1, the second day of the Trek2Teebus stage race took us into the Karoo mountains. Not being a geologist, I can’t tell you what created the buttes and mesas which punctuate the plains. But I can tell you that fingers of proper mountain ranges, the eastern edges of the Drakensburg perhaps stretch into the Karoo too.

Climbing on Stage 2. Photo by Jacques Marais.

Stage 2 took us into those foothills. Starting at just below 1 300 metres above sea level the highest point of the day, at the summit of the Bulhoek Pass, was just over 350 metres higher. Not a huge mountain in relative terms then, but still one that reaches 1 650-metres above sea level.

The riding as a result was far more technical than it had been the day before. Which suited me to a T. I vastly prefer the playful style of riding, which comes with challenging terrain, than the steady power output required to conquer the smoother trails.

Charging towards the singletrack. Photo by Jacques Marais.

After a 10-kilometre or so warm-up we hit the day’s first singletrack. A B-line option provided less confident riders with a way around the technical terrain and a 5-kilometre short-cut. The singletrack climb was initially easy enough, but a brutal final 50-metres had me off my bike as I lost traction on the loose rocks and steep trail. Then it was all downhill to the Bulhoek tar road.

The Bulhoek Pass is steep but all on tar. Photo by Zane Schmahl.

That downhill was anything but a free-ride. The trail was, what Swiss Epic race director Corina Feuerstein would call, a ‘natural trail’. Which in non-politically correct terms means an unsculpted cattle path. Infinitely more ridable than a fall line straight down a mountain, but the type of singletrack which begins to overload your senses if it carries on too long.

This one was just a few hundred meters of truly white-knuckle riding, then it levelled out to a gradual descent on hard-packed earth with the occasional off-camber corner to keep you on your toes. At the bottom the Bulhoek Pass awaited.

National monuments dot the Trek2Teebus route, like the birthplace of Oom Paul Kruger. Photo by Zane Schmahl.

On tar, although the gradient averaged a strenuous 11%, the pass wasn’t too challenging. And the views were spectacular. A brief traverse across the plateau took us to another challenging descent. An old, eroded, jeep track dropped back to the plains. More great, moderately technical, riding followed. Then it was back to Harmonie Farm and the finish line, for lunch and post-race beers. And maybe a long afternoon nap.

Ascending the Bulhoek Pass. Photo by Zane Schmahl.

Post-ride recovery. Photo by Zane Schmahl.

Stage 3 | 25 April 2021

80-kilometres with 470-metres of climbing

After the coldest night of the race the early start for Stage 3 seemed a little cruel. But we all had a long drive ahead of us, so the riders had an extra incentive to knock off the final 80km in double-quick-time. Fortunately, while the route for the final stage was the longest of the race, it was also the flattest.

There was climbing early on Stage 3, then it was flat to the finish. Photo by Jacques Marais.

Again, we headed north; into the Highlands. This ensured that the bulk of the metres of accumulated elevation gain were completed before the first water point. The scenery was best in the first half of the day too. Initially Karoo bushveld lined the road verges as we climbed a low ridgeline. Then dropping into the valley on the far side the bush gave way to stands of poplars, lining clear-water streams. If I could cast a fly rod with any style or accuracy I’d have been temped to stop to check for trout in the pools.

A grove of poplars stood on the banks of a highlands river. Photo by Jacques Marais.

I cannot though, so I settled for peddling on. Heading back towards the plains. Following the course of the Gariep-Fish tunnel. While the water raged 30-metres below the earth, in a tunnel large enough to drive a truck down, my energy levels were starting to falter. I’d been riding solo for 34-kilometres by the time a group caught me at the second water point.

Friendly Eastern Cape locals make the race what it is. Photo by Jacques Marais.

Jumping onto their train I found myself swapping turns for the final 30-kilometrs of the Trek2Teebus. This last stretch of the race took us into the shadow of the Teebus and Koffiebus koppies and then to the point where the Gariep-Fish tunnel bubbles to the surface. An impressive torrent of muddy water surges into the Teebus River, turning it from a trickle to the lifeblood of the farms on its banks. Further downriver the Teebus merges with the Fish and swells its waters. Thereby creating a green snake of fertile lucerne fields and orchards among the yellow Eastern Cape grasslands.

The Teebus River, swollen by the waters from the Gariep-Fish tunnel. Photo by Jacques Marais.

It wouldn’t be a stage race without a last sting in the tail. And Rohan had once plotted for the riders to remember him by. A rocky jeep track climb picked its way over a gradual rise, revealing Harmonie Farm and the finish line from the summit. Then it was all downhill to our last lunch, packed bags and the long drive back from Steynsburg to Stellenbosch.

Three days of riding, laughing and eating completed. With plenty of photos to remind us all of our time in the Karoo. To fuel our dreams of cold, starry, nights and a return to the hinterland.

A Karoo moonrise. Photo by Jacques Marais.

The Trek2Teebus race village on Harmonie Farm, near Steynsburg. Photo by Zane Schmahl.

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[Event] Trek2Teebus 2022

By Events Bot February 16, 2022 in Events

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Discover the full diversity of the Karoo Heartland and breathe the crystal clear air, all while riding the foothills of the majestic Suurberg Mountains. Routes take you across private farm land. Day 2 will take you to the top of Bulhoek pass and Day 3 80m below ground into the Orange-Fish Aquaduct. Trek2Teebus 2022 will be the 4th edition of the race. Exceptional Karoo food, luxury tented accommodation, a fully stocked chill zone and goodie bag including a race garment, free bike was-n-lube and mechanical assistance will form part of the experience. This event promises to be one of the greatest value-for-money events in South Africa. Since riders will have to travel far, we truly believe that this event will be worth the trip. Do a super Solo or come with a team mate or take the non-riding partner option.

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Trekking the Trails of Teebus

3 days of adventuring in the Karoo, check!

Petrichor Adventures have just successfully hosted its 4th edition of the SEESA Trek 2 Teebus, a 3-day MTB Stage Race.

It is indeed a stage race, however, the race organizers prefer to call it an MTB Karoo Adventure .

After having been there this year, I agree with the latter name.

It's much more than a Stage Race - it's a full-on Karoo experience.

The goal is not so much to attract racing snakes who are chasing the podium here. They are most welcome to come, but if they don't take a moment to enjoy the scenery and the evening gatherings, they will be missing out.

In addition to the Trek 2 Teebus, this year, Petrichor Adventures (PA) also hosted a 3-day Trail Run Adventure, called the Trail 2 Teebus.

This has been a goal of Rohan and Emmie Germishuys, the owners of PA, for a number of years now and they were most pleased to make it a reality this year.

The two events happened side by side, with both mountain bikers and runners sharing the race village and mingling together.

Riders arrived on Thursday afternoon, registered, and received their Goodie Bags, which featured two Tees, a pair of specially designed Trek 2 Teebus socks, and various "goodies", all in a handmade shweshwe bag, made by the local ladies in nearby Hofmeyr.

Then came dinner that evening, followed by the Race Briefing. This was the first taste of "regte Karoo Kos" - made with such warmth by the local Tannie's. The meal department was headed by Tannie Claudia, wife of Oom Charles - the owners of the land that we all made our home for a few days.

The "homes" I speak of, were spacious, comfortable, and well kitted out Luxury Tents.

The tents were also provided by Petrichor Adventures and came complete with two beds and bedding inside, a night table with a lamp, and even tabbard bottles inside each tent in case the mosquitos tried to bother anyone.

There were also two safari camping chairs right outside the tents, where many riders and runners took the opportunity to have a nightcap and watch the plentiful stars.

To avoid diverting too much from the race, I won't go into too much detail, but must at least say this: The stargazing in this part of the Karoo is phenomenal. With hardly any lights around to detract from it, and clear skies - we were treated to the most spectacular movie by nature each night.

After a good night's rest, Stage 1 kicked off on Friday morning at 08h00.

The MC for the event, John Potgieter, woke the village at 06h00 with his chirpy voice, and everyone came to expect something along these lines each morning: "Good morning Campers, it's a good day to have a good day!"

Day 1 was 72 km with roughly 800 metres of climbing. It was a challenging day, but not too much so, in order to leave some strength in the rider's legs for Bulhoek Pass the next day.

The first day also included what was a highlight of the event for many, the Waterpoint at Unie Laerskool, where all the learners came out to cheer the riders on, and to serve them at the Aid Station.

A group of prefects assisted to set up the waterpoint, pouring coke, water, and Enduren into cups. Enduren is a natural energy endurance drink that is free of colourants, and artificial ingredients - meaning it looks like water once mixed.

I couldn't help but giggle when I heard the learners calling it "sweet water" and gently let them know that they should rather inform the athletes that it was in fact Enduren.

There was also a variety of snacks at each waterpoint featuring the usual race fuel food, and biltong and homemade banana bread.

Alas, it was not the drinks and snacks that were the highlight at Unie Primary School. It was the rows of the beautiful, smiling faces of the learners. The biggest smiles coming from the Grade 1 learners, who are all receiving a new pair of school shoes from Trek 2 Teebus, sponsored by SEESA.

Having grown up in Steynsburg, this has long been a dream of Emmie Germishuys - to provide a new pair of school shoes to learners at the local schools, especially to do so in time for winter. Thanks to the support of SEESA, the title sponsor, this was made a reality and 230 pairs of school shoes were bought to be given to all Grade 1 learners, at 4 different schools.

Naturally, it was a special moment for all. Some riders admitted to shedding a tear as they rode off, touched by the warmth of the children, who were truly so happy to simply cheer them on. Every single cyclist that passed was greeted with cheers of "here we go riders, here we go!"

Day 2 had fewer kilometres in store for the cyclists - 52 km only, but it was no easy 52.

They rode to the top of Bulhoek Pass and then along the foothills of the mountains, before taking on a steep mountainous downhill. At the previous nights' race briefing, it was made clear that there will be no judgement for those who chose to get off their bikes there. Everyone handled it well and made it back to the village in one piece, with no need to call on the medics from Frontier Medix. Rohan jokes that he hires the best and hopes that they don't have to do anything.

Once the riders arrived back each day, they could take their bikes for a bike wash and lube, courtesy of Squirt Cycling Products. Those that had booked packages with Enduroplanet also received bike servicing by the defending champions, Charl Coetsee and Ockert Struwig, who both participated and worked at the event. They would ride hard each day, come in first, leading by a good 15 to 20 minutes, get cleaned up, and ready to service the bikes of the other riders.

It was rather impressive, one must admit. Ockert and Charl are part of Enduroplanet, and along with them, came the owner, Christo Roos, who skilfully turned his van into a mini cycling store.

Afternoons were spent relaxing and for many, getting a massage from Massage Therapists Kevin Matthysen and Emmarie Van der Merwe. There was a chill lounge complete with bean bags, and a cash bar available.

On Saturday afternoon, Rohan arranged a tour of the Orange-Fish River Tunnel for those who were curious to see the fascinating underground tunnel that diverts water from the Orange River to the Great Fish River.

It was a welcome outing, and certainly, unique in terms of a Stage Race. The special touches and thoughtfulness that Petrichor brings truly make for a memorable event.

Evenings brought more food in abundance, with groans of not being able to fit into bib shorts in the morning - yet the same people groaning were the ones going back for seconds.

Thankfully, according to Oom Charles, calories don't count in the Karoo.

Day 3 was a long one, but a flat one.

The 80 km fast and flat day, as it was being called. The Enduroplanet Racing Team came in in under 3 hours, as per their goal, once again taking the win at the Trek 2 Teebus. Less than 20 minutes behind them was the "Mad 40" Team of Morne Van Rensburg and Duncan Palmer, unsurprisingly. This is a bit of a private joke, after Day 1 when the MC, John, announced that Duncan and Morne had "surprisingly" come in second.

They laughed and asked why it was surprising, while John blushed. The collective decision amongst pretty much everyone seems to be that we won't let him live it down, surprisingly.

"The Swiss Guys" - a Mixed Team, from you guessed it, Switzerland, took third place overall each day and were the first Mixed Team over the line. Corinne Overney and Vincent Fluck have been in the country for just over 5 months now, taking part in various races around South Africa. This will be one of their last before they return to work in Switzerland. Their words were "This race is incredible. It is proper mountain biking, with terrific routes and clear markings. The organization of the event is the best we've experienced, and the food and people are wonderful."

It's safe to say, the Trek 2 Teebus was a great success - as was its sister event, the Trail 2 Teebus.

With 5 participants in the first trail run event to be hosted in Teebus, it was intimate and truly special.

For the runners, Day 1, Friday - the run started in the late afternoon. The idea was to finish as the sun was setting, and they did. And it was beautiful.

3 men and 2 women came to run the trails of Teebus, covering 12 km on Day 1.

Day 2 was a longer, tougher route. 24 km through the foothills of the Suurberg Mountains.

To end off, Day 3 was a 19 km jog, that featured ascending part of the namesake of the event, the Teebus Hill, and then running along the Teebus River, which brought them back to the Race Village.

Ignus Van Rensburg, pictured below, a man with an impressive list of trail run events behind his name, thanked Rohan after the event and congratulated him on a job well done, saying he loved the route and the event as a whole.

It would appear to be a joint opinion, from riders and runners, that the Trek and Trail 2 Teebus is an adventure worth undertaking.

Add it to your race calendar:

28 - 30 April 2023.

www.trek2teebus.co.za

www.trail2teebus.co.za

Written by Simone Sharpe

Adventurer, Writer, and Media Events Specialist.

www.simonesharpe.com

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The New Sons of Star Trek Series Is Something Special, & Fans Deserve More (Series Review)

• IDW elevated Star Trek comics in 2022 with high-concept ideas and universe-shaking action.
• Sons of Star Trek continued to honor Gene Roddenberry's vision with themes of father-son relationships.
• IDW should publish more titles like Sons of Star Trek to enrich and expand the Star Trek comic universe.

Warning: contains spoilers for Sons of Star Trek #4!

The recently concluded Sons of Star Trek was something truly special, and fans deserve more books like it. In 2022, IDW doubled down on their Star Trek line, giving it a shot in the arm by introducing the franchise-spanning god war, which culminated in Day of Blood . Sons of Star Trek was a Day of Blood spinoff, and continued some of that story’s plot points in a truly engaging fashion.

Sons of Star Trek was written by Morgan Hampton and drawn by Angel Hernandez. Both Jake Sisko and Alexander, Worf’s son, were instrumental in Day of Blood , and Sons of Star Trek follows the event’s aftermath. Alexander, who sides with Kahless and the Red Path, is broken and directionless, while Jake is struggling with father issues as well. They are joined by Nog and Q Jr, the latter of whom throws the trio into an alternate universe.

Attempting to copy his father’s style, Q Jr instead creates a highly chaotic situation , albeit one with lessons to learn.

IDW Raised the Star Trek Comics Game in 2022

Sons of star trek continued their streak.

Different publishers have held the rights to produce Star Trek comics since the franchise’s debut in 1967. IDW acquired the license in 2006, and has produced a steady stream of quality titles since. Since the 2022 relaunch, which included the flagship Star Trek title as well as Defiant , IDW has earned almost universal acclaim from fans and critics. They have praised the line for raising the stakes for Star Trek comics by focusing on high-concept ideas and universe-shaking action. I DW’s relaunched Star Trek titles have given fans the “wide-screen” comics they have always wanted.

And yet, Star Trek is more than awesome space battles. Series creator Gene Roddenberry intended for the show to explore the various facets of the human condition, and IDW’s Star Trek line has honored this tradition as well. The line has explored the relationship between fathers and sons. Jake and Alexander’s intertwining stories helped elevate Day of Blood , and Sons of Star Trek picks this up. Hampton and Hernandez knocked Sons of Star Trek out of the park , crafting a compelling Trek comic. The last two years have changed the Star Trek comics’ game, and Sons rose to the occasion.

IDW Needs to Publish More Books Like Sons of Star Trek

Sons of star trek enriched day of blood further.

Sons of Star Trek also demonstrates that IDW needs to continue expanding and growing its Trek line, beyond the two primary titles. Both Star Trek and Star Trek: Defiant are, at their core, telling one grand, large story. Titles such as Sons of Star Trek allow creators to explore the ramifications of events in the main books. Hampton and Hernandez use Day of Blood as a starting point for telling their own, self-contained Star Trek story, one that enriches the characters and main story further. It also points to how IDW can expand the line even further–and they should.

Sons of Star Trek #4 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!

Trek 2 Teebus – Teebus

• April 25, 2019

Our 11hr  #roadtrip  to  #trek2teebus  started around 3am, but going completely unplugged on the antediluvian  #Karoo  plains makes it all worthwhile. A magical landscape beckons beyond  #steynsburg , with the bizarre  #Teebus  and  #Koffiebus  koppies looming up from the savanna grassland like two geometric boobs.

The towering Teebus – culminating in 80m high cliffs – proved too much of a temptation for the @OZone_africa crew, prompting  Zane Schmahl  and  #DieOom  to execute a lightning ascent of this iconic landmark. We ran out of light one pitch short of the true summit, but bagged one of our best  #AndBreathe  adventures ever. Super edgy, huge exposure, kak-in-your-pants kinda cliffs … a beer has never tasted this good!

Tomorrow the 3x day  #StageRace  starts and I cannot wait! Thanks for having us here, @PetrichorAdven1   #petrichoradventures  #Trek2Teebus #Teebus  #mtb   #mountainbike

Click here to view the pics

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• Rider Notes

2022 Trek Top Fuel 8 Gen 3

A 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components. Compare the full range

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A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Top Fuel 8 Gen 3

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May 2022 · Tom Marvin

An absolute hoot to ride on all but the gnarliest tracks, a true trail bike even if on paper it doesn’t look it

Shrugs off limited travel figures on 95% of trails

Loves to twist and turn

Fast-rolling rubber helps keep speeds high

Fork can twang under heavier riders

You’re occasionally reminded of the 120mm travel

Read Review

Mar 2022 · Peter Walker

In our big 2022 downcountry group test, we pitted the Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS against 5 of the hottest bikes of the year. Read the full review to find out what it’s capable of and how it stacks up against the competition. Hit the link for the full review and a list with all other bikes in test.

Freedom of movement downhill

Firm and efficient rear suspension generates plenty of traction

Intuitive handling

Practical detail solutions and clean look

Very wide handlebars

Mar 2022 · Guy Kesteven

Trek’s Top Fuel delivers superlative short-travel suspension performance but it’s definitely a trail bike not an XC bike

Infectiously agile and playful vibe

Superlative suspension feel

Seriously tight tracking frame

Trail tough kit

Internal storage

Too heavy for XC racing

Simple fork damper

Tight internal storage access

Yawning gap between this and the Supercaliber

Shore Country? Dad Country? No no, this one is "fast trail"

Dec 2021 · Henry Quinney

For a bike that is so capable on the descents, though, the Top Fuel still packs a mighty punch when it comes to gaining elevation..

Great suspension performance

Frame storage

Strong climbing performance

Knockblock isn't as well executed as other brand's versions

Works well when pushing hard, but might not be the most comfortable for all

Oct 2021 · Ryan "Squirrel" LaBar

Adding fire to the Fuel

Oct 2021 · Danny Milner

New Trek Top Fuel 8 is a short travel - 120mm travel front and rear - down-country trail bike with internal frame storage for both alloy and carbon models.

Sublime suspension, playful handling, fantastic size range, internal storage

Not particularly light for the intended use, inconsistent Shimano brakes on our test bike

The Trek Top Fuel has been overhauled for 2022, receiving an all-new frame with integrated storage, plus key updates to the suspension design and geometry. So how does it ride on the trail? And will everyone be pleased with all the changes? Read on for our Trek Top Fuel review.

Brilliant trail-ripping geometry

Active and supportive suspension

Masses of cornering grip & stability

Refined and practical frame design

Downtube storage is a welcome addition

Dropper post is sluggish

Wheels are solid but quite heavy

Carbon bars are harsh

Heavier than many of its competitors

Last updated July 11

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

Trek’s Fourth Generation Top Fuel Is the Pinnacle of Fast Trail Balance.

A mountain bike that does it all; yet may leave some riders asking for a bit more.

Builds, Prices, Claimed Weights

Ride impressions, notes from the field.

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Price as tested: $8,500 (X0 AXS) Weight as tested: 29.0 lb. (size ML) Sizes offered:  S, M, ML, L, XL Model price range:  $2,700 to $10,500 Frame only:  Aluminum - $2,450, Carbon - $3,900 Fork travel:  130mm Frame travel:  120mm Recommended shock sag: 20-30% Frame tire clearance :  2.5” for 29” & 27.5 ” Bottom Bracket:  BSA threaded Seatpost:  34.9mm Shock Dimensions:  185x50mm (stock), 185x55mm (optional), trunnion Piggyback shock compatible:  Yes Coil shock compatible:  Yes Derailleur Hanger:  SRAM UDH Warranty: Lifetime frame warranty, two-year warranty on paint and bearings.  Crash replacement: Trek’s Carbon Care policy offers a “significant discount to replace a damaged carbon fiber frame, fork, or part.”

The Top Fuel was Trek’s premier full-suspension XC race bike several years ago. But starting in 2019, Trek began to transform the Top Fuel into a lightweight trail bike, bumping up the travel and relaxing the geometry but keeping some XC-like features like a remote lockout.

The third generation Top Fuel was launched in 2021 with more travel—120mm rear travel and a 120mm fork—even more relaxed geometry, in-frame storage, and Trek eliminated the remote lockouts. But 2021 was also when some brands began to debut XC race bikes with 120mm travel and slacker geometry in response to rowdier courses. ( Scott’s Spark is a good example of this trend, as is the recently launched Specialized Epic 8 ).

Trek, however, went a different direction and positioned its 120mm bike as a light trail bike and debuted a new, shorter-travel full suspension Supercaliber for XC racing . And the third-generation Top Fuel quickly found itself in a sort of no-bike land. It was intended, designed, and equipped as not an XC race bike while XC race bikes from competitors arrived with travel and geometry similar to the Top Fuel.

In our 2021 review of the Top Fuel , my colleague Dan Chabanov, in addition to dinging the bike for being a bit heavy (compared to XC race bikes like the Spark), said, “Trek does say that the Top Fuel is compatible with a 130mm fork, and I can’t help but think the new Top Fuel would have made a lot more sense with the increased travel straight from the factory.”

Trek agreed, apparently, and after one model year, Trek began shipping the Top Fuel with a 130mm fork. This pushed it more into the trail bike category and helped place daylight between it and the new-school XC race bikes.

For the fourth-generation Top Fuel, Trek maintains the fast trail target. Trek retains the Top Fuel’s 120mm rear/130mm front travel while building in refinements to make the bike more dialed and broadly versatile.

Features and Details

The list of updates to the Top Fuel includes a significant frame-weight reduction. The aluminum and carbon frames are about 220 grams (almost a half-pound) lighter.

A weight reduction is always appreciated, and, built like for like, the new Gen 4 Top Fuel would be lighter than a Gen 3.

However, compared to the Gen 3 initially launched in 2021, Trek pushed the Top Fuel more into the trail category and added heavier components like longer travel, stiffer forks, and more aggressive tires. There’s also the added weight of SRAM’s Transmission compared to SRAM’s standard-mount-derailleur drivetrains.

As a result, even with the lighter frame, the Gen 4 Top Fuel’s overall bike weights are up compared to the Gen 3 Top Fuel that launched in 2021. According to Trek’s claimed weights, the lightest Gen 4 Top Fuel, the top-of-the-line 9.9 XX AXS model, weighs 28.3 pounds in a size medium: The Top Fuel we reviewed in 2021 in an extra-large weighed 26.8 pounds on our scale.

While it has gained weight due to its added capability, it is noteworthy that a Gen. 4 Top Fuel is three-plus pounds lighter than Trek’s longer-travel (140mm rear, 150mm front) Fuel EX . That alone should make it a more compelling trail bike option for many riders.

A striking detail buried in the tech information shared with the press was that the Trek product team made the new Top Fuel’s frame less stiff. Reducing stiffness from one generation to the next is not a typical move. However, it is possible to make a bike too stiff. And that has many drawbacks. In this case, Trek says that reducing stiffness makes the new frame “more balanced and forgiving” than the previous generation and helps reduce frame weight.

For many years, Trek’s mountain bikes have featured a geometry-adjusting flip chip called Mino Link, and some of its more recent mountain bikes have featured a flip chip that makes the suspension more or less progressive.

In the new Top Fuel, Trek combined the two flip chips into one four-position chip that alters geometry and progression (14 or 19 percent progression in this bike’s case). It is a feature likely to make its way into more Trek mountain bikes in the future.

On the theme of adjustments, Trek pitches several approved variations of the stock setup.

If 120mm rear travel isn’t enough for your needs, this Top Fuel will accept a 185x55mm shock (stock is 185x50mm), bumping wheel travel up 10mm to 130mm rear. To round out what would be a more gravity-oriented Top Fuel build, Trek officially sanctions the use of a 140mm travel fork and a 27.5-inch rear wheel for all sizes except the small. Small bikes run 27.5” wheels front and rear to give their riders “a more proportional fit and easier handling” and are not compatible with a 29-inch rear wheel.

But if you're more XC-oriented, the new Top Fuel is also officially approved for use with a 120mm travel fork. The brand says its top XC racers may use the Top Fuel with a 120mm fork and lightweight build instead of the shorter travel Supercaliber as courses and conditions merit.

Trek does not sell the Top Fuel as a complete bike in the 130/140mm gravity(ish) build or the 120/120mm XC build. Unfortunately, altering a stock 120mm rear, 130mm Top Fuel into either variant is not simple.

While the stock forks can be bumped up or down in travel with an air shaft, the swap requires tearing down and rebuilding the forks. In addition, the gravity build requires a new shock (the stock shock stroke cannot be increased), a new 27.5-inch rear wheel, and a new 27.5 tire. Based on my testing, a gravity-built Fuel EX will also need more powerful brakes. Riders who want the more XC-oriented Top Fuel will likely wish for lighter parts, particularly wheels and tires.

Because of these hurdles, I suspect that riders who definitively know they want either the XC or gravity-flavored Top Fuel are likely to buy a frame and build the bike from the ground up exactly how they want it. And here is a good place to mention that the Top Fuel is compatible with a wide range of shocks, including RockShox’s Flight Attendant, Fox’s Live Valve Neo automatic electronically controlled shocks, and even coil-over shocks.

But for all the riders who buy a complete Top Fuel, the option to morph it into a more XC or gravity-oriented bike is there, though it will be costly.

Rounding out the suspension updates, the new Top Fuel features a touch more anti-squat, which should make it feel slightly crisper when the rider pedals.

The in-frame storage gets a polish, with improved sealing, a larger opening in the down tube, and some refinements to the routing tubes so the storage bags slide in and out more easily.

Trek is also debuting improved bags for its in-frame storage. Previously, they had one neoprene bag for tube and tools. That one bag is replaced with two: One unpadded bag for a tube and one padded bag for tools (the padding reduces the chance of tools rattling against the frame). These new bags come with all 2025 Trek bikes with in-frame storage (carbon frames ship with both bags, aluminum frames only get the tool bag) and are also available for purchase.

And finally, Trek relegated the Gen 3 Top Fuel’s Knock Block steering stop system to the dustbin of history.

You’ll find frame geometry pasted here for your enjoyment. Trek sent me five different geometry tables, but I’m only pasting the one that details the complete bikes—120mm rear, 130mm front, flip chip in the low position, 29” x 29” wheels (size small has 27.5” x 27.5” wheels)— as they come out of the box.

Trek’s site will have all the variations, but essentially, changing the flip chip to the high position steepens the angles and raises the BB; swapping in a 140mm travel fork slackens the angles and raises the BB; and with a 27.5 rear wheel and 140mm fork, the bike has a 64.6-degree head angle, 342mm BB height, and effective seat tube angles that are about a degree slacker than the out-of-the-box geometry.

Adding a fifth frame size is the most significant geometry change from Gen 3 to Gen 4. Like some other Trek mountain bikes, the Top Fuel now has an ML frame size that fits between the medium and large.

Another notable change is the adoption of size-specific seat stay lengths. Sizes S and M have 435mm stays, ML and L run 440mm stays, and the XL gets 445mm stays (all sizes of the previous generation Top Fuel ran 435mm stays).

Many sizes get a seat tube angle adjustment: the small is half a degree steeper, the medium is 1.4 steeper, the large is 0.3 steeper, and the XL is 0.4 slacker.

Finally, the seat tubes are shorter—the XLs by a whopping 30mm—and there is more dropper post-insertion depth.

While Specialized tends to introduce its new bikes in high-end carbon versions, with lower-priced aluminum versions coming later , Trek, in its usual practice, is introducing its full line of Top Fuel models all at once.

The full range of seven models starts at $2,700 for the aluminum-framed Top Fuel 5 and ends at the $10k-plus 9.9 XX AXS with a carbon frame.

Regardless of price or frame material, all models have internal frame storage, fully guided hose-and-housing routing, a 12-speed drivetrain, tubeless-ready wheels and tires, lock-on grips, and a dropper post. All except the least expensive model have four-piston brakes (the Top Fuel 5 has two-piston hydraulic calipers).

Due to the late arrival of my test bike, I don’t yet have as much time on the new Top Fuel as I like before writing a review. But I’ve gotten in some good rides on some of my most familiar trails, so I feel I have a good sense of its performance and character. Even so, I will continue to ride it and update this review if my impressions change.

In the Notes From The Field section below, I’ve outlined my journey to a good fork setup, plus my feelings on the stock brakes. My impressions here are based on how the bike rides with the fork dialed in and a larger front rotor.

The 120 rear/130 front (ish) light trail category this Top Fuel resides in is lousy with amazing bikes. A quick list off the top of my head and in no particular order: Evil Following , Ibis Ripley, Pivot 429 Trail , Specialized Epic 8 Evo, Spot Ryve, Yeti SB120 , Giant Trance Advanced, and the Santa Cruz Tallboy.

That is some stiff competition, but I think Trek made a bike that competes well against this strong field.

The expectation for this style of bike is that it as fast on the climbs and flats as an XC bike and allows the rider to go full send on the descents like a trail bike. That is impossible. So, while everyone is seeking this holy grail of speed and capability in one, many bikes lean one way or the other. For example, the Epic Evo is more XC, while the Tallboy is more Trail.

The Top Fuel, however, feels more equalized. No, it doesn’t climb like an XC bike and descend like a trail bike—again, impossible—but it doesn’t seem to be lean one way or the other, like many of its competitors. It feels balanced: equal parts quick and capable.

That results in a handy bike, no matter the terrain or direction of the slope.

On smoother climbs, the suspension is quiet and efficient. There’s little unwanted motion, and upping the cadence is rewarded with eager thrusts. It is not as quick-feeling or firm at the pedals as some four-bar systems— dw-Link , most notably—but the Top Fuel is far from sluggish.

I will note that I ran the shock with 30 percent sag, the maximum Trek recommends. Traction is a challenge on many of my trails, so I usually prefer my suspension softer off the top. But the low end of the advisable sag range for this bike is 20 percent, and with less sag, the bike will feel more zippy.

But even with 30 percent sag, the rear end is supportive and holds the rider in a good position when the climb gets steeper. And when the climb gets chunky and technical, the rear end is sensitive and offers great traction.

On descents, the Top Fuel is composed and surprisingly confidence-inspiring, and I experienced little bucking or jarring deflections off my chosen line. Chunder, drops, jumps, gaps, and sketchy loose chutes: The Top Fuel telegraphed it was game for all of it. The rear suspension has a lovely tune that provides access to its full travel. It has plenty of bottom-out control and good sensitivity, too.

Nothing particularly stood out about the Top Fuel’s handling as I climbed and descended. It felt…normal, I guess? I wasn’t fighting the bike and didn’t feel I needed to adjust to work around any quirks.

It worked its way through my tightest, steepest climbing trails well. The Top Fuel handled downhill corners of all varieties intuitively. It flew true as an arrow on the fastest straightaways. I could change its direction at will and with little resistance. The bike felt like I could always position it exactly where I wanted and hit my lines accurately.

But for all of its impressively well-rounded performance, I didn’t sense an extra-strong “fun” vibe from the Top Fuel like I get from the Evil Following. In that way, Top Fuel perhaps lacks a little. It is so balanced that it is—while very far from boring—a rather staid bike.

I wonder if some of this is due to the bike’s weight. My ML size, XO AXS model weighs 29 pounds on my scale, which is only 1.2 pounds lighter than Specialized’s Stumpjumper 15 I recently reviewed. The SJ15 has more travel, more adjustments, a unique and fabulous rear shock, sticker tires, more powerful brakes, and is much better on descents and rough trails.

The Top Fuel does feel more lively, rolls faster, and is a bit quicker on climbs than the SJ. But some fast trail bikes like the Trek and the 29.4 lb. Yeti SB120 presents a conundrum because they’re not much lighter than bikes with the next jump up in travel.

To me, the deciding factor is feeling. Do you want a bike that feels snappier and climbs with a bit more pep, or do you emphasize descending speed and confidence? Personally, I prefer shorter-travel bikes. I like the snap and pep of less travel and to feel the trail under my tires. However, another large part of that preference is due to the shape of my trails. I can easily understand how a rider in a different locale would go for more travel.

Choices are good, but they can also be confusing. My best advice: if you're not sure what you want, borrow and demo as many different bikes and different travels as possible.

My time on the Top Fuel so far has left me with the impression that this Top Fuel is a superb bike that isn’t extraordinary. A bike I know will perform brilliantly on most trails, and I am happy to ride it, but it also leaves me wishing for something more from it, even though I can’t pinpoint what more I want.

Non-specific whinging aside, the fourth-generation Top Fuel is an excellent light trail bike that can compete with the best on the market.

Random observations and reports from my time testing the bike.

• I appreciate that Trek gave the Top Fuel internal storage AND a cargo mount under the top tube. Having both offers the rider more options for their preferred tube/tool/cargo setup. In my case, I put a (butyl) tube and flat repair kit with CO2 and Dynaplug Racer Pro inside the frame and used the cargo mount for an i nline OneUp EDC pump mount , which I fitted with the 70cc pump with an EDC tool inside.

• This Top Fuel offered my first chance to ride the Trek’s updated tire offerings. And they’re pretty good. The Gunnison front and Montrose rear tires offered predictable traction and seemed less flat-prone than the brand’s previous attempts. My trails are littered with tire-eating square-edged rocks, and I heard the familiar sound of a rim out several times while testing the Top Fuel. And though that sound made me mentally scramble to remember where I stashed Dynaplug, the flats, so far, haven’t happened. However, the compound does seem a bit biased towards fast rolling and does feel slightly slippery and bouncy on rock slabs and the hardest hardpack. But they seemed like a solid choice for this style of bike, and I didn’t want to tear them off after the first ride and throw on some of my favored Maxxis or Vittoria treads.

• When I pulled this bike out of the box to build it, I discovered one of the SRAM AXS pods had a dead coin cell battery. I’ve had a run of bikes with AXS pods that required a new coin cell after one or two rides. I don’t know if SRAM has a bunch of old batteries or a run of bad ones, but it’s annoying to discover your brand-new and nearly five-figure bike immediately needs a new battery.

• The SRAM Level Silver four-piston brakes, with 180mm HS2 rotors front and rear, are barely powerful enough for this bike. I realize that weight is a big deal in this bike category and that I am biased toward powerful brakes. But on the steeper trails, this bike is otherwise capable of riding my hands were aching from pulling on the levers so hard. I bumped up to a 200mm front rotor, which helped a lot (and I may yet go up to a 200mm rear). But if you’re considering this bike’s compatibility with longer stroke shock, 140mm fork, and 27.5 in. rear wheel, the stock brakes won’t cut it. You’ll want stoppers like Codes, TRP’s DHR Evo, or the Hayes Dominion.

• I usually don’t detail my suspension settings because I believe suspension settings result from terrain, trail surface conditions, riding style, and personal preference, so unless you are me and riding my trails, how I tune my suspension is irrelevant to you. In this case, however, I will detail a few of my fork settings because it took me a while to dial in this fork properly. The RockShox Pike on this bike has the brand’s recently revised air spring—increased negative spring volume, which softens the initial travel—and the revised Charger 3.1 damper, which has a greater damping adjustment range. Trek also ships this fork with no bottomless air tokens in the air chamber. With recommended pressure and zero tokens, the fork was an overly soft and unsupportive mess. I eventually wound up with two tokens in the fork and 95 psi in the spring, 15 over RockShox’s recommended pressure for my weight. Once the spring felt right, I found I liked the low-speed compression at -2 and the high-speed compression set at +1. This allowed me to add or subtract compression damping as trail conditions demanded.

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

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