[[Event] Velddrif 222 Velddrif]

4 hours ago, Rouxenator said:

Well done to Sue Kirk and the rest of the team! You all pulled off a perfectly organised ride. I have had my share of inaugural rides and this ranks amongst the best of in terms of planning and execution. Also huge thanks to all the towns and their traffic departments as well as the marshals. I was really impressed with how this played out.

As for the actual ride, load shedding resulted in us pulling up to the start at 7:01 but thankfully the start was delayed until 7:10. I was surprised when I saw 2°C on the way there - but it was confirmed soon as we started to move - it was blooming cold.

I did my own thing on the hardtail and kept a steady pace of 26km/h, soon a whole bunch of roadies seems to have formed behind me with the odd one popping in for a chat every now and then. I did see 1.4°C on the way to Piketberg but one guy said his Garmin showed 0.1°C at some stage. So a very chilled first stretch. Soon as we crested the Piketberg climb the roadies dropped me, my setup just is not that fast downhill. I did have my 2.35 knobbies at 3 bar but that is about as far as I went in terms of changing things VS my normal setup.

Excellent marshalling through Piketberg. On the other side I saw a lady with a mechanical issue from a far. As I came closer I saw it was a much more involved breakdown as her crank was lying on the ground I jokingly said "I would have loved to help but unfortunately I left my welder at home today". After a second or so she burst into laughter and said, thanks, that helps. The road from Piketberg to Redelinghuis was new to me, but beautiful. I rode solo most of the way - as planned. 

Stopped for a water fill up and banana at the Redelinghuis waterpoint and while I was there someone laughed "Oh is that the welder guy". All round the vibe from fellow riders and organisers was positive and encouraging. Took a long time to reach Elandsbay, I was anticipating the climb, went past faster than anticipated. Coming closer to Dwarskersbos the roads became more and more familiar. The last stretch from Dwarskersbos to Veldrif was a treat as I ride that road a lot. I took a left at he finish back to the start to complete the 222km.

I do hope this event returns to the calendar next year, at the price it is excellent. The cold and the distance reminded me of a 30 something me doing Transkaroo, altough 40 something me will never do something like Transkaroo again, this 222km ride is a more accessible challenge.

 

Saw a few other MTBs at the start, but never saw them come past me so I think I may have been the first MTB to finish?

 

Sun starting to make things a little more cozy

 

Heading towards Redlinghuis

 

This Kombi has seen better days

 

My own home made medal waiting for me at the Riviera hotel

I was one of the guys that came along side to say Hi(and dropped you on the decent😁)you were very strong on that ride.nice meeting you.

[Cyclist assaulted in Camps Bay]

This incident is so dangerous as the driver had to drive so close to the cyclist aswell.Thank god cyclist didn't crash!

[The Salvage Thread]

Anybody have a bryton 530 mount.can be broken aswell.thanks

[Cyclist knocked by Taxi]

Im forced to cross that road at times.not really a highway at that point.its scary bit to ride on though.

[Rapha Festive 500]

It's 1 000 for the Southern hemisphere

500 for the chilly North

 

Don't be soft, Cupcakes.

Im clearly a cupcake,wondering if ill manage the 500????

[Rapha Festive 500]

Anybody doing the 500 this year?interested in giving it a go!

[Campagnolo Chorus 12 speed Launched]

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[[Event] Two Oceans "Wolfpack Hustle" Crash Race 2019]

jinne this looks lekker! I'm pretty sure I'm too slow (and on MTB) to keep up with the tail-enders though...if I have to bail en route, what would the best options be? I won't mind bailing and then meandering back (might bring a mate along), but quite keen to do Chappies by moonlight, though...

 

(and no, I'm not one of those saying I'm undertrained and unfit - I'm a 5-hour Argus type, so would very possibly not make cut-off...)

I will definitely be at the back,so you wont be alone.

[#My Training, #A.483k B.456k C.522k D.486k E.502k F1135KM!]

What do you eat to fuel these long rides?

[Garmin LiveTrack unreliable]

I 2nd whatsapp live track,works perfectly.

[Outriders Group taken out by bakkie on Melkbos Link]

Were the cops called?so sorry for the cyclist.

[Titan Racing Black Friday Bike Giveaway]

Any winners yet?

[Bicycle Lessons for Adults]

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[Bicycle Lessons for Adults]

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[[Event] Cape Town Cycle Tour 2018]

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I just did that to stop the incessant whinging about the water situation.

[Vetties Munga Report]

Just bought a mag now.totally great read. Wish i had the time to do such a race!!

[[Event] The Munga MTB 2017]

Crazy, in awe!!

["Residents" blocking the proposed Stellenberg trail..]

Done

[[Event] The Munga MTB 2017]

Looking forward, will be following closely! Gotta wear some big boy pants to do this race!

[Bottelary MTB trail]

Anybody know the price of a temp permit?

[Somerset West Fires (now including paarl and stellies/jonkers)]

Yup.. Poverty is poverty... And poverty leads to crime... And crime is about finding opportunity for yourself at the expense of others

[conversations with a table mountain mugger - groundup article]

I grew up in a ghetto type environment.had the same offers for tik and gangs. Many school friends dead. I chose to distance myself. Options are very limited in these places. People suffer for a lack of knowledge.was blessed to be one of the few that got out. There is no excuse.

[Why would people do this.]

It does suck when your new machine gets scratched,regardless of the situation.so sorry!

[First Mountain Bike]

Congrats,yes,lets see it!!

[The Munga - The Toughest Race On Earth]

Good luck guys. Would be awesome to do someday!