Eugene Oppelt

Ouens en Vrouens What's the value offering here that justifies the price tag? [no sarcasm or gripe; real query]. Or is it the old marketing strategy of creating desirability-through-exclusivity, a bit like Luis Vutton or the Ferrari owners' club? [no sarcasm here, authentic question]

"The six biggest doctors in the world are sun, rest, exercise, diet, self-respect and friends. Stick to them at all stages in your life and enjoy a healthy life." - Charlie Chaplin

I was cruising with a friend on a coffee ride and the junior race whizzed by

It was Zone 1 day for me; they were in zone 8

Beach Boulevard, Bloubergstrand

Teamwork, Double Century training.

"Our greatest freedom is the freedom to choose our attitude" - Viktor E. Frankl

Generations Pic: @mywhoosh

Cam Wurf - always an insightful interviewee

Franschoek Pass, southern ascent

That’ll warm me up

The OP refers to it has “hogwash”. Some characterise this initiative as if it is fraudulent, a scam, a robbery of sorts. CTCT is a business. Businesses use brand power, all forms of marketing and innovative or creative strategies to make sales and ensure profitability and sustainability. The spirit and ethos the Argus as the largest timed cycling event in the world is one of the highlights of the brand that is South Africa. Like the Bokke; like the Comrades. Opt in. Or not. There are no hostages here, Cupcakes. It’s a business enterprise built on sentiment, popularity and a rich tradition of “are you riding the Argus?”. Or “Do you have a sub 3?”. Or “Club21, another 4 to go.”.

No one ever in their final days said: “I should’ve spent more of my time at the office…”.

"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you." —Anne Lamott

Time spent with Mother Nature is never time wasted.

No DNA, just RSA “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie” What a bike rider. And racing so faaaaar from home and on the sharp end of the series is not to be underestimated.

HdB, that was the intention of my message - that he won't be racing to win, per say. I need a power nap or an espresso, or both.😄

Froome Dawg suggested that he will not be chasing victories in 2025 in a recent interview. Not sure whether it’s media-hyped or not, however, the sun is truly setting on a spectacular career.

A lot of people have fancy watches but no time. - African proverb

Sadness. It is a high-speed segment, straight and smooth, between the R304 bridge that crosses the railway line and the intersection with Bottelary Road. There is a lump of tar that protrudes from the smoother road surface inside the yellow shoulder, quite central, which is relatively obscure and camouflaged from normal view. It is very easy, even if very vigilant, to hit it and lose control of the handlebars. One of my regular training partners hit it some time last year and somehow regained control. However, he had to go realign his lower back. If anybody has a direct line to someone in Road Works, please make a call.

Pic: @marcoalpozzi Podium time.

Gordon’s Bay

He’s dreaming big of a Milan-San Remo victory still and accepts that winning The Hell of the North is not realistic (I suspect that his team also believes it’s too risky and dangerous and can destroy his season.) Pogačar matched the most race victories in a season at 25 top spots, only 1 not at WT level. Only in 57 starts for the year. Individually, he won more than 11 of the 18 WorldTour teams. Better than Merckx - can’t compare across generations, really, hey. Is he the best of his generation? It depends on the criteria. At this stage, the confidence of his rivals must be so dented. And his, sky high. He’s improved his nutrition this season and developed his own race fuel with a top sports scientist, worked on heat acclimation and changed his coach and added more interval training to his programme. Let’s see what happens in 2025 and whether others can match him. Pic: Peleton Images

My weapon of mass stress reduction. Never let yours gather dust.

3 important forms of wealth: - slow and peaceful mornings - a fit and healthy body - a loving and safe home