Cheese

So I was not the only one, Did the 94 km though and left bottles at home, Did Ok without the juices though and came in at 2:40.A bunch really did not want to race untill we got to Hekpoort. I the event is mopved to a safer start and finish place will do 114 next time. I was sprinting for 5th place on the 94km when i had to stop at around 500 m to go due to traffic, gave the small bunch 10 seconds behind me time to catch up at which point I decided not to ven try any more and came in 10 seconds behind the bunch.

Hi Yes will be doing OFM, Its a very well organised race. Most people will tell you that it should be flat and easy but not quite , of course no real mountains but they throw in three quite steep climbs of around 500m each in between 70-80 km and then another gradual climb of around 1.5 km at close to 100 km mark. There will also be wind on the route. Nice roads . Should be plenty of accomodation. You will struggle to be more than 5km away from start as Bloemfontein is not that big. Will also be doing the Jacaranda this weekend but only the 94km .

AM for me. Wife asked me to do shorter route as to finish earler which I did without thinking. Would have been VB which start more than an hour earlier so that backfired a bit. But will enjoy the race and see if the Free stater can get up the hill you guys are going on about. I am almost sure we have more climbs in the OFM.

I Know normally there is a group that rides from Northridge mall Sundays 11o'clock for around two hour easy ride. as well. Might be a bit late for you though.

Yes , and unfortunately I am one of the 40plussers that got beaten.But Iam triple his age and double his weight. I think we must start a handicap system according to weight.

I agree well organised race, Enjoyed the coffee and muffin. Agreed with the Tandem issue. I think this will normally work but this just gave them a head start on the first hill. Everytime I thought we had a small group clear the tandems came back untill about 35km. If in Gauteng next year around time of race I will be there. Thanks Gert for the quick results posted

See you Sunday

Hi George, What times does the different groups start , Entry just says from 18:30-20:00 but not start time per group.

Will see you there. Who will go first A group or D-group.

Unfortunately not doing it this year. A pity they took the Suikerbos section out. It was difficult but made it something different. Now it is just another fairly flat funride in RSA. I guess the figures will show they made a good bussiness choice though by removing the mountain from the race . At least the Elites will do 150 km so they did take that part into account . Enjoy for those taking part , I will be up in Gauteng a week later for meals on Weels

Will be my first one this year. Looking forward to it but a bit wary of the distance as well. Must say although I know when I am on the bike I will not likely stop there must be plenty of pretty good pictures on that road witing to be taken.

I see a lot of people on MTB's at races. In Bloem we are getting a night Crit series starting next month and to grow the sport they have a starting group for people on MTB as well Another starting group is for students where Hostels will compete against each other.

You still have few races to get good seeding for the race next year. You should not rely on this years Argus to give you seeding. You can get better seeding doing races like Telkom satelite classic, OFM etc.

It is nothing new , the get a levy per rider of all races MTB, Road & other unless not a sanctioned event in South Africa.

I hope not. I am 87 kg and most other cyclist in front bunch range between 60-75 kg I would say. My wife complains that I am to thin though. Tactics can of course play a big role.

Thanks currently following the teams on twitter

The three shops in Bloem are all good . Jean in Cycleworld is very clued up in Nelson Mandela Ave. Christo Roos from the shop in Langenhoven park currently with Bonnitas as mechanis on their European tour . Hannes already mentioned.

This following was given as a good way to find your MAX heart rate.If you are fit and healthy Get a hill of around 1 km long around 5-7% gradient. Warm up around 10 to 15 minutes. Go up the hill as fast as possible , come down again rest for 3-5 minutes . Go up the hill again as fast as possible. You will hit your maximum if yoiu go up as fast as possible both times. Record heart rate.

Was planning to do this event if was still in Vanderbijl and going over Ertjies mountain.

Suplest Carbon racing shoes from CWC for R1200 . Verry Happy

Hi, I agree a lot can be assumptions , train with black guy that can not really afford a expensive bike , but he had a sponsor a while ago and we help maintain the bike so when training in his bibshorts he looks like a cyclist however when commuting to work in his clothes full of holes he might look like he stole it. Remember what Asume spells Ass out of You and me.

+ 1 Thats why I sit on the spinning bike outside the studio doing my own programming looking at the people hopping around while doing the weekly sufferfest.

Flip, How long do you cycle?, I do 6-8 hours a weekend but has never needed this.

Thanks Gerald.

Looks like a good deal but I also will not call it an entry level. I have been riding for years and still do not have a bag for my bike. But the price does not look bad for what you get. If I had the money would be thinkibg about it.