Robbie Stewart

I digress

I agree with @The Ouzo I come to Le Hub to escape stupidity. I prefer not to have to be exposed to it here also.

The evidence speaks loudly and clearly, and is undisputable.

In mid January I was invited to ride the Cycle Tour. I started training the next morning on effectively what amounted to zero base fitness with 6 weeks to get ready. I very quickly ramped my riding up from <10 km per week to averaging 175 km per week spending most all that time in zone 2. My aim was to finish. On race day I rode my fastest tour after a fast start and finding myself in a bunch of riders chasing speed. I set my fastest time from town to Smitswinkel. In that time I took my first sip of water in Muizenberg and emptied the bottle at the Smitswinkel refreshment stop so that it could be refilled with cold water. Fast forward to the end and my legs started cramping up Suikerbossie and by the time I was sitting in the grass at the beer tent they went into full blown convulsions. What I learnt from this thread is that I was not conditioned for what I was asking my body to give. On top of that I didn't fuel it for the task and then this was all because I was pushing it too hard on the day until finally they literally blew up. 5 days later and they still hurt. I will be spending more time training and not only in Zone 2, but I will get them to blow up more often while fuelling properly for the required effort before and during those sessions.

I bought the Stumpy EVO Alloy Comp back in November, and it is a very capable bike. In terms of weight I comes in at around 17kg for size S5(XL) but I don't feel the weight. It has mullet wheels and a 30t chain ring so it pedals really easy up a hill. Of course it isn't a fast pedal bike but it flies on trails. That being said if I hadn't done that purchase I would seriously be considering the Skyrim Elite. Yes it's around 7k more on the recommended selling price but the spec on the drive train is higher. Titan Racing have specced the SRAM GX while the Stumpy has NX. As for the suspension its the same. Both have Fox 36 and Float X, although the Stumpy is 160/150 and Titan 150/140. This bike on paper looks to be a serious contender at the price point and modern geometry. Well done to Titan Racing for launching such a solid product.

WHAT!?! IT'S ACTUALLY POSSIBLE TO HAVE ENOUGH BEER?

So, I only stopped at three refreshment points. First I topped up my water bottle at the bottom of the steep part of Smitswinkel. Then I grabbed some Coke by Sun Valley and finally a 50/50 Coke and Water mix at Houtbay. Took my Coke and Water at the finish, and by the time I got my medal I was holding an empty can and bottle which I binned after the exit. Then I made my way to the hospitality area where I parked the bike, and ambled over to the beer tent and purchased 2 x 500ml draughts. Found myself a spot on the lawn, sat down and consumed those two beers in record time before I finally succumbed to the most violent cramps I've ever endured. After willing myself to my feet I made my way back to my bike and my car. Awesome day done. And already I am wondering if this is the year I keep the fitness going and already start prepping for the Karoo to Coast. Mmmmm.

My wife mentioned yesterday that a guy from the Vrystaat passed away after suffering a heart attack shortly after the start. She saw it on her news feed, but I can't pick anything up about that? I did see a guy being given cardiac resuscitation by what seemed to me to be spectators just before the turn off to Kirstenbosch as I passed around 08:55ish. Rest in Peace fellow rider.

Yes. It's just you.

Calling @MORNE who did it on a single speed.

I started in 7C at 08:30 and noticed the pace was high out the gates. I decided to take it easy until top of Edinburgh and then I tagged onto a quick bunch and got towed to the bottom of Smits where it was each man for himself to the finish. I managed a respectable (for me) 5:18 on my mountain bike. Good day out. I hope the two gents being given chest compressions by the Medics made it. One at the turn-off to Kirstenbosch and one on Cramps Bay Hill. Also saw a spectator with a severe head injury and bleeding something fierce in Kalk bay. Looks like she fell and head-but the kerb. Some more general mayhem all over with medics treating a bunch of crashes all over the scene. Tough, hard, but good day out. Well done all finishers.

I went to collect my packet of Simba Peanuts and Raisins. I also got a goodie bag with a number which I tossed seeing as I didn't understand what it was for and also another bottle.

I decided to rather think long term and just ordered a pair of new skoene from Leatt. I also need a new pair of shorts, but I need to fit before I buy so for that I'll visit the LBS rather.

I need to update some kit that is starting to look tatty. Is the expo worth a shot or do I just follow my instinct and order online? Has anyone ventured through the expo, and was it worth it?

DT Swiss 512 & 532 are pretty tough.

@'Dale You are an inspiration. I admire your tenacity and grit in the face of adversity. You truly are a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. It shines forth in your pictures and now even in the midst of this trial. You are setting an example that can well be followed. Heal up. You will be in the minds of many who ride on Sunday.

Last time out, I think it was 2020, I came upon a poor guy who had just passed away at the top of Smits. Heart attack if I recall correctly. People must take it easy out there. Don't push so hard you blow a fuse.

I'd be remiss not to report back. I left the deflated wheel in the sun for half an hour and it came off with some gentle persuasion. I managed to peel it off and flip the tube and reinflate in under 10 minutes. can I say I'm STOKED? Thanks

this

Budget / Dial Direct They wanted my business. I was with Budget. I bought a new car for the wife. They quoted me 1200 pm to insure. I got a quote for 480 elsewhere. Cancelled the insurance. They said they'd meet my quote. I accepted. Never told me this meant moving my second vehicle to third party. They probably did hide it in tons of fine print but they never disclosed this to me. I accepted. I crashed. I lost. I will never deal with the kinds of short term insurers again like the ilk of Dial Direct, Naked, King Price, Outsurance etc.

I've had a BAD run in with insurers who changed my policy from comprehensive to 3rd party to match a competitor quote, but they didn't tell me. After the inevitable accident they refused to pay out on the basis I wasn't covered. I REFUSE insurance without a broker since that time. It's been 14 years and Santam have yet to disappoint.

I insure with Santam. I have both bikes on the policy. I've had a couple of claims for damage (smashed derailleur, wrecked wheel, damaged fork) and no claims have been rejected.

Ja, but Tokai is not as fancy. They can't deploy a national power crisis. That takes a certain level of ineptitude that is unrivalled anywhere else. The closest Tokai gets is to break arms. And thus they don't need a system as disfunctional.

you do realise we're expecting much from the same people who brought us Load Shedding? I think we should count this concession as a win.