The Ouzo

ego

I find my knees are the weakest link with 1 leg squats, but perhaps I should ease into them like he mentions, go part the way down first, and build up to going lower. Will change my pushups to spiderman and include the side planks

I think in these ultra events its a lot of mental fortitude. I often get asked by non athletes how I can keep riding for 100+ km even when I'm tired (remember 100km is FAR for some people) when the mind gives up the body shuts down.

you'll probably find there is a profit opportunity for the organisers by including the tents in the price. like a cell phone contract that throws in midnight minutes and sms even though nobody uses them.

we havent even hit full winter yet, but already its only getting light when I get back from my ride.

and when you start your ride to early you finish before sunrise. Lekker pic

cant find a thread for 2025 Saw this on our cycling group Emperor's Palace Classic Postponement – Rider Safety Remains Paramount They say Murphy's Law is "anything that can go wrong, will go wrong." Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, that sentiment rings true for the 17th edition of the Emperor's Palace Classic, originally set for Sunday, 23 March 2025. De Villiers National Cycling has made the difficult decision to postpone this year’s event. After meeting with EMPD precinct representatives yesterday, we were informed that due to the ongoing dispute between the EMPD and its employees — even with Labour Court involvement — management cannot guarantee the presence of EMPD staff to manage traffic and ensure rider safety on race day. The matter is set for further adjudication in the Labour Court on Thursday, 20 March 2025, and consensus is that a resolution is unlikely before the weekend. For us, rider safety is non-negotiable. Without the necessary traffic control, hosting the event under these circumstances would be reckless and contrary to our values. While road damage along parts of the route was a challenge, we were ready to tackle this. The added uncertainty surrounding traffic management makes it impossible to proceed responsibly. We understand the disappointment and frustration this brings — not just to the riders but to the entire cycling community. This marks the second event this year impacted by factors beyond our control, and we share in your dismay. That said, we’re determined to offer riders flexibility regarding their entries: Automatic Transfer – Rider entries will automatically move to the new event date once finalized. Entry to 2026 – Riders may choose to transfer their entry to next year’s edition of the Emperor’s Palace Classic. Partial Refund – Riders who prefer not to wait can request a refund, acknowledging that significant costs have already been incurred in the event’s preparation, making a 50% refund appropriate. In consultation with Cycling SA, we have secured Sunday, 2 November 2025 as the new date and are awaiting final confirmation from Emperor’s Palace. This date falls two weeks before the Ride Jo’burg event, making it ideal for final race prep. Riders wishing to transfer to 2026 or request a partial refund can contact our support team directly at devillierscycling@mweb.co.za. De Villiers National Cycling deeply respects the ongoing efforts to resolve the EMPD’s internal matters and remains hopeful for a swift resolution. We look forward to welcoming riders back to a safer and more secure race day. To every rider who has trained tirelessly, the sponsors who have shown unwavering support, and the cycling community that rallies behind this iconic event — we thank you for your patience and understanding. When the Emperor's Palace Classic returns, it will do so stronger than ever. For further updates and to manage your entry, please visit MyActive.co.za. De Villiers National Cycling Committed to Safety, Dedicated to Cycling

or got to action photo, choose CTCT and put in your friends bib number. New photos are popping up regularly, so they are still sorting and identifying. I just hate the small ultra low quality preview they give you, I can make out enough details to decide if I want the pics or not. (only reason I'll buy pics this year is because its my 21st one)

Update There was a question earlier in this thread regarding the water proofing of the device after battery replacement. At the time I had not really put it to the test. Sunday I tested it properly, got caught in a proper downpour, I can now safely say that the device is still very much waterproof.

there alot of people in this race that deserve much respect for what they do. whilst I was struggling up chappies, a gent on an old peugot came past with no saddle. Its was stuffed in back pocket, must have broken off. That could not have been easy either.

that like me between fish hoek and simons town. Nobody in site front or rear, I had to remind myself I was doing "The August" because there was no sign that it was a race day. I'm used to starting further back, where you are either passing someone, or someone is passing you or both.

Greek grannies and granpas swear by ouzo. Me too, even though I dont drink, i've always got a bottle of ouzo around. Sorts out nigglies quick quick.

will try and get them all together for a pic. first one I have is from 1999, there are some missing in between, but will give a fair look into the past

well 349 out of 369 finishers in the group. Still not last though.

That was not there earlier (or I'm still stuffed from yesterday)

A good visual as to how I was doing yesterday. No power meter so no power stats, just assume around 12.3watts avg power Avg HR is recorded as 163bpm

they were going about the same speed as I was ..............................................on the downhills that is quick

yeah, if I look at the same chart from last year, Sub 3 only up to 1B. Looking at my start batch of 1D, they were around 20min quicker than last year. So actually my time is 20 minutes slower than last year even though actual time is only around 3 minutes slower.

I watched a 2A rider go into our 1D starting pen right infront of a marshal.

at least I wasnt last in my group.

Was a crap day on the bike for me. started 1D, for the first time in a long time I was VERY nervous before the race. Woke up at 3am with the shakes. I knew the moment we climbed up onto the highway that this was going to be a tough day, the legs did not want to cooperate. At the top of the climb before heading down to hospital bend the right calve started cramping already. I gave it everything I had to stick to the group, eventually through fishhoek I was spat out the back. Solo’d to just before Simon’s town when another group caught me. It was actually weird, from fish hoek to Simon’s town I could see my group just up ahead edging away, but not a single other rider around until the next group caught me. from Simon’s town I spent the rest of the race clinging for as long as possible to each group that came past. Every time we hit a rise in the road my HR would climb, my legs would moan and I’d get spat out. left thigh started cramping heading towards misty cliffs, by the time we got out the other side of soetwater both legs were cramping. stopped at the top of chappies, grabbed a pic, then was forced to stop on little suikerbossie with both legs in full on cramps. Rubbed them and stretched them the. Nursed my way up suikers watching everyone stream past. luckily the wind was pushing me home from there, managed to limp over the finish line in 3h35. 21st CTCT done. wish my body would have cooperated, it’s was great conditions to pb.

My bike has 35 000km on it, been through around 5 or 6 chains, on my second cassette, chain rings are still going strong, although starting to make some noise. Your chain is your consumable, if you replace that before it gets to far gone then your cassette and chain rings will last a fair while.

This update coming to you live from cape town

great idea in theory, but you will be surprised at how many people actually have no idea on how to scan a QR code. And then there are those that are using older phones or phones with older software that wont natively scan a QR code without a added app installed. As I was typing this I also thought of another potential issue, out on the trails with no cell signal, you wont be able to scan that QR code. But perhaps if some basic info is included next to the QR code. But the idea is good, the fact that you can update info as a when needed.

This is why I wear both a wrist band type and a helmet strap ID. My thinking is that some will most likely check for a pulse on wrist or neck, and in both cases the ID should catch their eye. Also if they need to remove my helmet for any reason its right there by the clasp, so they should hopefully see it. Next to writing the info on your arm with a permanent marker, this is the next best thing (in my opinion). Also have Emergency info on the phone without needing to unlock.