ChrisF

Similarly, would like to see the numbers for those traveling from Gauteng and similar, also with all the travel and accommodation costs. What do these figures look like over the last 10 odd years ? Hiehie .. we love watching the numbers, part of our training. Pity we dont have access to enough data to see the larger picture.

The feedback we got from one of the local coaches were along the following lines: 1. All ages can be taught skills 2. All ages can "race" .... and jumping off the bike, just after a blind corner, to scratch in the bush looking for a snake is very much part of riding with boys .... 3. Now here comes the tricky bit ... apparently up until some age their bodies are still growing and "extreme race training" can impact their growth ..... some research have been done along these lines. Thus this coach does "race training" only with high school kids. And yet, some parents do hill repeats and hard training with their primary school kids. THESE are the kids that make it to Nationals. I take note of these approaches, but it is way too far out of my wheel house to comment on which is the correct approach.

I can confirm: 1. They have reached out, and are busy with refunds. Worth noting they made this call before people committed to costs for accommodation. 2. They are already looking towards 2025. Holding thumbs for this.

And yet a number of stage races cant attract enough numbers to keep events viable. The numbers at Winelands, 99er and now CTCT seems to go against the common perception. Maybe time for the organisers to have another look at which events draws the numbers. Certainly a fickle market .... GOOD to see the increase in numbers

Exactly what I was thinking ..... Maybe they got caught off guard with the increase in umbers. Cant start the 42km much later, as they also need to finish before the roads must be opened ....

That is a sad state of affairs .... I had my bikeft sessions with Irma. The willingness to listen, and figure out workable solutions have been KEY in our interactions. Its been a few years, and having worked on various issues with the bio I should really go back to Irma for a follow up.

There should be a serious minimum sentence for hit and run !!

@'Dale already missing your pics

OUCH !!! Glad you are "okay(ish)" .... Heal up quick and proper bud

Out of my budget. But, they DO have a very wide range of helmets. And even their very affordable helmets have MIPS.

+1

Surfing YouTube last night. Stumbled upon a video about the "best streaming service at the moment". The industry went from a few streaming providers to more than 200 !! The net effect .... each is fighting so hard for its market share that the general content is now the worst it has ever been. The current trend being people would go to Company A - binge watch a series. Disconnect, then subscribe to another provider to binge watch another series .... this apparently is now a significant trend in this market. Even though this looked at movies and series I could not help but see the similarities to sports broadcasting.

As @Me rida my bicycle what looks I got when I rocked up at Bloemendal in my jeans .... on the MTB, from Traverse .... 🤣 But the correct gear is just much more comfortable (for a softy like me)

Physio is fine .... and needed when in pain. For long term, consider seeing a biokinetisist. They work with YOU, tailoring exercises to where YOU need it. Do consider: 1. The incorrect exercise now can cause more harm than good 2. Doing the "correct" exercise incorrectly is of little to no use !! This is where sessions with s decent bio pays off. They focus on HOW to do the exercise. As an example, for some of my core exercises while on my side, my hips were supposed to be vertical ... I was tilting it back. As soon as they pointed it out I could FEEL that exercise starting to work.

Base in Prince Albert Depart pre dawn, few km level, then just a "fun" 5km climb up Swartberg pass to the turn. NICE section down to Die Hel. This is where the time dilema is .... you need to get going early to get back to Prince Albert, OR you may want to stay over. Our only regret is that we have not spent enough time down in Die Hel. I really need to do a Route 62 trip again, and have some coffee with Arno

Handbags .... sorry, top-tube bags at dawn ..... AMPER Vrydag .... Time to stock up on the old popcorn ....

It would really provide some context if you could provide more information. Clearly you had a bad experience ! When ? Who did the fit? Was it "just" a measurement fit, or did they evaluate YOUR body and your flexibility and YOUR riding etc ? Where there follow up sessions to do minor adjustments ? Equally important - your fitness level, your age, etc. (as an unfit obese middle age man my initial fitment was anything but a standard measurement session. As I lost weight and gained fitness I went back a few times) Providing context may just help the next rider to decide between different fitters.

Which reminds me .... with Maritz we worked on his "track stand" skills. Initially he struggled with slow riders in front, he would ride into them or STOP and put his feet down ... Doubt this is what happened to Dirk's son. Still a handy skill to have, to be able to stay on the bike at slow speeds and maintain that 1m safe distance.... then GO when the gap is there.

Dirk a fellow Hubber's daughter is doing the series in the Cape. 2022 she podiumed a couple of times. She had a good year. 2023 she had the benefit of the earlier seeded start. First race she got taken out after a 100m ... 2nd or 3rd race she was in a secure second spot, heading into the final straight when a dog ran in front of her and she wiped out. As much as we ride with her, and work on skills ..... these things happen. She still managed 6th for the championship in 2023. We are looking forward to the 2024 season. Her skills keep on improving. Looking ahead, and being ready for the next section of trail. Still working on "spinning", she like to ride low cadence .... Sadly racecraft is not a single session with a coach ..... In fact, a number of coaches around here only do "skills training" with the younger kids. Whole different topic about "race training" for the young ones .... BEST wishes for "your" season

What a thread revival .... two complaints, on a thread that was dormant for three years. And page 1 recommendations are duly repeated on Page 2 .... PS - Irma still gets my vote.

Maybe speak to @nick_the_wheelbuilder It may just be worth looking into a new wheel(s) ....

https://www.capetowncycletour.com/lifecycle-week/ctct/2023-cape-town-cycle-tour-start-times/ Scroll all the way down, then click on "Click here" .... hiehie .... You are now directed to a Finish Time page. Top right - enter your surname in the search box ..... scroll and click on your name. On the next window you see your name, race number, starting group and starting time

Were they using back roads ? These certainly seems a lot more rugged than the Swartberg pass and the road down into Die Hel.

Similar was asked on Facebook Apparently it will be emailed next week .... they carried on to say you can check on Finish Time

Toooo true Bru ...