'Dale

Sun’s Out, Gunz Out

Durbie Dash 2023, haven't lined up for this event for many seasons. Those Dutch ouens behind me look hyper focused, hey. Beautiful to see how Durbanville became an endurance playground for the day - so many bicycles and cyclists of all shapes, sizes and ages.

Three minute turns over 30 kms ***LOADING***

Being in a hurry most of the time reduces your quality of life.

That was a stunning course, hey. Really enjoyed the vineyard scenery and steep gradients. What a ride by both Mohoric and Vermeersch, and the surprise performance from Connor Swift. Oom Valverde showed his class too, finishing ahead of American star, Swenson. The world of gravel is on the uptick. And the WorldTour roadies migrates quite successfully thus far. Pic: Betsy Welch

Zone: mellow 🫠

Fausto Coppi was the last ride to three-peat Lombardia. 8 Monument starts for Pogačar; 5 wins! All 5 monuments won by breakaway artists - two for MvdP, 2 for Pogačar and one for Remco. Pogačar simply remarkable this year. Even 2nd at Tour de France after a setback.

Angry wind gods

Now that is a rainbow jersey result that is so worthy. Awesomeness!

I've been so looking forward to this Monument. It's been somewhat of an afterthought and forgotten race. Now with Pog, Ron, Remco, a resurgent Carapaz and co' it is now really picked up in status. Tadej is on a hat trick.. Spare a thought for Classics specialist, Greg van Avermaet, who is retiring, alongside Peter Sagan, of course. And the Frenchie and previous winner, Thibault Pinot. This course suits Ben Healy a bit. Hope he's in the mix. The Steppers stepping for the Belgian Champ. What’s happening with the double World Champ in Alaphillippe - dipping career arc after that terrible high speed crash.

After crashing out in week 3 of the TdF, Louis will be relieved. More to come from the mountain goat, hopefully.

I think he signed for 2 years. The team did try to sign him 8 years ago or something.

Tour de France 2024: Cav signs another year with Astana with a much better contract Roglič to sign with a certain German team and return next year to pursue the Golden Fleece? Remco - where art thou going? Cervelô to make way for Specialized with the most successful team in 2023?

Kilometre 47

Meiringspoort last week as part of showing our son the magnificent Karoo for the first time:

Monday’s moving meditation ⚡

The last road race for the enigmatic Slovakian this weekend. What a bike racer! I bought at least two pairs of 100% sunnies, inspired by the brand that is Peter Sagan. Pic: Team Bora-Hansgrohe

The last road race for the enigmatic Slovakian this weekend. What a bike racer! I bought at least two pairs of 100% sunnies, inspired by the brand that is Peter Sagan. Pic: Team Bora-Hansgrohe

My beautiful country - those mountains. Great eye and aperture there, Shift Media

RULE #56 // Espresso or macchiato only. When wearing cycling kit and enjoying a pre or post ride coffee, it is only appropriate to drink espresso or macchiato. If the word soy/skim latte is heard to be used by a member wearing cycling apparel, then that person must be ceremonially beaten with Co2 canisters or mini pumps by others within the community.

So cool.

Many rivers to cross.

Eish, ouens and vrouens - be safe out there. On a related note:

The 5 hour endurance ride. ☠️

Fork it