two hands

There's been a slight change to the race day programme to allow for a longer Elite practice: Race Programme, Wednesday 12 March: 3pm: Course open for practice 4pm: Open/public MTB Champions Race 4.30pm: Open/public E-MTB Champions Race 5pm: Course opens for Elite practice 5.30pm: Elite Women's Champions Race 6pm: Elite Men's Champions Race 6.30pm: Prizegiving *Format is the same for all races: 20 minutes, plus 1 lap

The Songo.info Champions Race is tomorrow. That escalated quickly! Come on down to the Kayamandi Sports Fields for an afternoon of red-hot racing as we host the 10th annual Songo.info Champions Race, presented by fibertime™. Action kicks off at 4pm with the Open MTB category, followed by the E-MTBs, where Matt Lombardi will no doubt open the throttle to defend his 2024 title. Then we have a stellar line-up of Elite riders vying for the coveted title of Songo.info Champions Race Champion. The women’s race pedals off the line at 5.30pm and is packed with world-class talent, with no less than 10 countries represented. The men let rip at 6pm. Will three-time Cape Epic winner Matt Beers take the men’s title again? There is some serious competition from local and international challengers so it won’t be a walk in the park for the local powerhouse. Spectators are free… and if you want to join there’s still time to enter to race, click here. If you can’t join the party – and want to follow the action online – thanks to fibertime™ the entire event will be live-streamed here.

Event Name: Songo.info Champions Race, presented by fibertime™When: 12/03/2025Where: Kayamandi Sports Fields, KayamandiStellenbosch, Western CapeCategory: Mountain BikeWelcome to the Songo.info Champions Race, presented by fibertime™! Experience South Africa! 2025 is the 10th hosting of the Songo.info Champions Race in Kayamandi, a vibrant township on the outskirts of Stellenbosch. The course races through the streets of Kayamandi, barreling onto the Songo.info BMX track and past the heart of our education and sports program, the Songo.info clubhouse. The Songo.info Champions Race is a unique cultural event and an opportunity to experience life in a South African township in a safe and fun way. Local and international riders and fans share in the thrill of short, high-octane races while giving back to the Kayamandi community. A short-track mountain bike race held on Wednesday, 12 March in the afternoon. This timing allows both amateur and the world’s top professional riders a chance to stretch their legs (and measure the competition!) before the Absa Cape Epic Prologue start on Sunday, 16 March. Riders will showcase their speed and skill with some fun friendly racing, while raising awareness around the important work Songo.info does in education and cycling development in the heartland of the Absa Cape Epic. Race Programme, Wednesday 12 March: 4pm: Course opens for practice 4.30pm: Open/public MTB Champions Race 5pm: Open/public E-MTB Champions Race 5.30pm: Elite Women's Champions Race 6pm: Elite Men's Champions Race 6.30pm: Prizegiving Race entry: R350 Parking: R20 Spectators: Free! Security officers and course marshals will be on site to ensure riders and spectators' safety. Secure parking is available on the Kayamandi Sports Fields. Go to Event Page.

C’mon Cape Town. Break from the norm and come enjoy a fun night out, supporting a worthy cause, with a pretty decent chance of winning beer (just ask @Shebeen) and loads of other goodies from Biogen, Vida and Squirt. Blok luxury apartments are throwing in lucky draw prizes of 2 x couples’ weekends at one of their premium Sea Point locations. And we’re stoked to have Vye join us. They are offering a pair of socks + R300 e-commerce voucher to vye.cc for each member of the winning quiz team. Plus 2 x lucky draw prizes of their premium Allegro jersey and socks in your size. All funds raised go to Songo.info Do it!

Event Name: Songo.info Quiz NightWhen: 10/10/2024Where: Jack Black Brewing Company, Elfindale, Cape Town, Western CapeCategory: General & IndustryWe're hosting another Songo.info Quiz Night this Thursday! Join us for a night of trivia and fun in support of Songo.info – a cycling and education trust serving the youth of Kayamandi township, outside Stellenbosch. What do you need to do? Gather a team of 5-8 friends, book tickets and challenge others to join you!Get to Jack Black's world-renowned Taproom on 10 October any time from 5.30pm.Order yourself a Jack Black burger and a pint (or two) of the finest craft beer. Relax.Put your general knowledge to the test. Quiz starts at 7pm. Prizes Amazing top-3 teams and lucky-draw prizes from our partners: Vye, Squirt Cycling Products, Biogen, vida e caffè and Jack Black’s Brewing Company.Main lucky-draw prize: 2 x Blok luxury apartment weekend getaways in Sea Point for two people. Date: Thursday, 10 October 2024 Time: Kitchen opens at 5.30pm. Quiz starts at 7pm (sharp) Venue: Jack Black's Taproom, 10 Brigid Rd, Diep River, Cape Town Entry is R120pp Booking is essential Go to Event Page.

Ja, I see they're $130 AUD now. I think it was closer to $100 when I ordered a couple of years back with a more favourable forex rate too. I have some pretty special (and hard-to-come by) ENVE hubs laced to ENVE rims. So yes, cheaper than a new hub and wheel rebuild! 🙃

If it’s any help I found www.forkmods.com has plenty of solutions. Converted my OPEN UP from 15 to 12mm. Shipping was quick and easy.

Event Name: Songo.info Quiz NightWhen: 23/05/2024Where: Jack Black Brewing Company, Elfindale, Cape Town, Western CapeCategory: General & IndustryRally your mates and join us for a fun night out testing you brain power. There are loads of prizes for the winning quiz teams, as well as lucky draw prizes from our generous partners: Specialized, Biogen, Squirt and vida e caffè Proceeds go towards Songo.info's incredible education and cycling development programmes in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch. Date: 23 May 2024 Venue: Jack Black’s Taproom: 10 Brigid Road, Deep River, Cape Town Cost: R120pp, try get a table/team of 6-8 friends together. Quicket booking link: https://qkt.io/5soWQa Quiz starts at 7pm, and the Jack Black’s Taproom kitchen is open from 5.30 for burgers and beers. See you there! Go to Event Page.

Been interesting scrolling through the during- and post-Epic comments and correlating it to my experience of riding the event this year. Since I was the journalist who actually got this quote from Burry back in 2012, in an interview for the 10-year coffee table book "African Epic: The Untamed Mountain Bike Race" maybe I can offer some context. This was part of a long, rambling and fairly philosophical conversation Burry and I had as he was driving to the airport to race another World Cup block. If you knew Burry, you'll know this wasn't about discounting anyone's mountain biking experience or commitment to the sport. It has nothing to do with whether Epic riders are the only true mountain bikers. He certainly didn't believe that. It wasn't inferring that the Epic was a measure of your worth as a mountain biker. Hell, at that stage most of the World Cup pro field hadn't even considered racing a Cape Epic. Nino had only done one (in 2010). Burry genuinely rejoiced in meeting and encouraging all riders, no matter their age, background or ability. He was simply saying that no matter where in the field you finish – in a jersey or with twice the finishing time of the pro field – the Epic unites us all in that it takes a certain amount of vasbyt and suffering to complete one. Anyone who has ridden a Cape Epic knows this. Those who have supported a pro team, a mate or loved one know this too. Even if you arrive at the Prologue in the best shape of your life (fitter than your partner, even!) you are now at the mercy of the weather, the terrain, mechanicals, race village viruses, other riders' skill levels, your own mental health, the list goes on... This is true for the entire field. Sometimes you are the hammer, sometimes you are the nail. Not only relative to your partner but at the hands of all the variables that conspire to end your Epic campaign. If you're human, you'll suffer somewhere out there. Burry recognised that was true for all Epic riders, himself included, and wanted to close the perceived gap between the experience of top riders and those further back in the field.

So, we're two days out from the Songo.info Champions Race and our confirmed pro start list is looking pretty solid. Still to add a few big names to the start list so expect high-octane racing! E-MTB at 5pm Pro Women at 5.30pm Pro Men start at 6pm If you're coming to watch, consider joining our E-MTB race before the pro action starts: there are a few celebrity e-bike riders to rub shoulders (and handlebars) with! And if you really can't make it in person, watch it via this live streaming link: Men: Matt Beers (RSA) Howard Grotts (USA) Alex Miller (NAM) Johan Van Zyl (RSA) Keegan Bontekoning (RSA) Arno du Toit (RSA) Herman Fouche (RSA) Unathi Nxumalo (RSA) Tumelo Makae (LSO) Christoph Sauser (SUI) Konny Looser (SUI) Jaroslav Kulhavy (CZE) Rossouw Bekker (RSA) Women: Anne Terpstra (NLD) Nicole Koller (SUI) Alexis Skarda (USA) Vera Looser (NAM) Sarah Hill (RSA) Faranak Partoazar (IRN) Sofia Gomez Villafañe (ARG) Samara Sheppard (NZL) Danielle Strydom (RSA)

A few updates to share: We have confirmation the Specialized Factory Team will be there: Matt Beers, Howard Grotts, Sofia Gómez Villafañe and Samara Sheppard. The Toyota Specialized boys are also rocking the race: Alex Miller and Johan van Zyl. Jaroslav Kulhavy, Insect Science and Pump for Peace will be racing too. Joining Sofia and Samara in the women's field we have Ghost Factory, as well as Faranak Partoazar from Iran and local ripper Sarah Hill. We're working on a host of top local and international riders and will keep you posted as they're confirmed! Ineos Grenadier is now a co-sponsor Fibertime will be creating a live stream so you can follow at home (but we'd prefer you to be in Kayamandi in person!) Max Cluer is our live announcer and bringing the gees! We have a DJ on the hill above the football fields busting some tunes. Part of the course includes the Songo.info BMX track, which will make for great action! Come watch, it's free and parking is marshalled and secure. If you're keen to race the E-MTB category (it's open to anyone), all race details and entries can be found here: https://qkt.io/EC0U8f E-MTB entries have been slow, but Ariane Lüthi and Jason Boulle are confirmed. Come join the fun and give them both a run!

Please reach out. I'll gladly take you on a tour of the secure and safe programme Songo.info runs in 'Kayamandi'. I'm serious. I'd love to show you a side to Kayamandi that you haven't seen. Bring your bike for a burn on our BMX track. I've been a trustee of this programme with Christoph Sauser for over a decade. Our dear friend the late Burry Stander was also a founder. Sipho Madolo, a graduate of Songo.info and one of the most inspiring men you will ever meet, is the programme director. We see hope and opportunity. We don't see danger, we see a vibrant and close-knit community that grapples daily with a legacy of poverty and unemployment that produces many social ills. Yes, like most townships in this country there are challenges, but it is not made up of thugs and muggers. Kayamandi is home to working-class families, single mothers, and kids, like mine, like yours, who are just looking for a safe place to play and learn. We provide that. We provide meals for children from food-insecure families. We have teachers and coaches and mentors and volunteers giving their time and energy to make sure our children have a chance to change the world, change other people's perception of them, but mostly to believe in themselves. And the Songo.info Champions Race is an opportunity to safely celebrate the more than 1,100 kids we have helped through school, and taught to ride over the past 15 years. Please attend. I will personally look after you and make sure you have a great time. Who knows, maybe even a life-changing experience? If nothing else, check this video we released today for a shot of inspiration. Meet Mila, a straight-A student from a local school and part of the Songo.info community... remember the name.

Event Name: Songo.info Champions Race, presented by fibertime™When: 13/03/2024Where: Kayamandi Sports Fields, KayamandiStellenbosch, Western CapeCategory: Mountain BikeThe greatest mountain-biking spectator event – the songo.info Champions Race – is back from a three-year hiatus, with fibertime™ as the new presenting sponsor. The short-track event will be staged in Kayamandi on Wednesday, 13 March 2024. The event's proximity to the Absa Cape Epic means it will again feature the world's best MTB racers, excited to hone their skills and support the charity. Mountain biking fans are invited so come watch the afternoon's action at the Kayamandi Sports Fields, below the songo.info clubhouse. Join the E-Bike Race The elite men’s and women’s races in the event are by invitation only but E-Bikers can pit themselves against one another (and a few pros!) and the thrilling 2.5km urban course at the songo.info Champions Race, presented by fibertime, for the first time in 2024. Entries are open to the general public and can be purchased through Quicket, for a R350 donation. The E-Bike race will follow the same 20 minutes, plus 1 lap, format of the elite men’s and women’s competitions. Watch it on fibertime.tv The 2024 songo.info Champions Race, presented by fibertime, will be broadcast live on fibertime.tv. Tune in from 16:30 to watch the build-up and follow the racing action from 17:00. Further excitement from the event will be captured on the songo.info social media handles, with stories on Instagram and Facebook. Be sure to follow @songoinfo on Instagram and like the songo.info Facebook page. Go to Event Page.

Okay, the Songo.info Quiz Night at Jack Black's Brewery is a week away and currently we have more prizes than actual guests signed up (gotta love Cape Town!). So if you're loathe to go Christmas shopping and something from Jack Black, vida e caffè, Squirt, Specialized or a couple's weekend away in Bainskloof tickles your fancy, it's a shoo-in! Oh, and Matt Beers said he'd gladly have beers with you if you came.

Yes, I'm commenting on an event I posted. But it's for a good cause, so all's forgiven! As you wind down/up for Christmas madness why not spare an evening for some good vibes, trivia, beer and burgers and join us for a Quiz Night at Jack Black Brewery's awesome Taproom in Diep River, Cape Town, for Songo.info's last fundraising event of the year? There are quality prizes for the winning teams from our friends at Jack Black and Squirt. Plus, there's some proper lucky draw prizes from Specialized and vida e caffè we'll be throwing around. Most importantly, we'd like to share with the Cape Town bike community the empowering work in education and sports development we do on the daily at Songo.info to support the kids of Kayamandi. Did I mention Matt Beers is coming? Beers with Beers, and trivia. Do you need more?!

Event Name: Songo.info Quiz NightWhen: 30/11/2023Where: Elfindale, Cape Town, Western CapeCategory: General & IndustryJoin us for a night of trivia and good vibes in support of Songo.info – a cycling and education trust supporting the youth of Kayamandi township, outside Stellenbosch. The last one we hosted in August was an absolute blast! So we're doing it again. Three teams walked away with beer, coffee and bike gear! This time it'll be just before Christmas. Score! Gather a team of 6-8 friends and put your general knowledge to the test. Amazing prizes from our partners Specialized, Squirt, Biogen, vida e caffè and Jack Black’s Brewing Company. Date: Thursday, 30 November Venue: Jack Black's Taproom, 10 Brigid Rd, Diep River, Cape Town Jack Black’s Taproom opens at 5.30pm for burgers and beers.  The Pub Quiz begins at 7pm. Entry is R120pp. Booking is essential and on quicket.co.za Go to Event Page.

And did I mention there’s a free Jack Black pint on arrival? 🍻🙌🏼

C’mon hubbers, nobody interested in watching me make a fool of myself on Saturday night at Jack Black Brewery as Quiz Master? In support of a solid cause – Songo.info

Event Name: Songo.info Quiz Night - 26 AugWhen: 26/08/2023Where: Jack Black Brewing Company, Elfindale, Cape Town, Western CapeCategory: General & IndustryJoin us for a night of trivia and fun in support of Songo.info – a cycling and education development trust helping the youth of Kayamandi township. Gather a team of 6-8 friends and put your general knowledge to the test. Jack Black Taproom opens at 5.30pm for burgers and beers and a chance to win some non-quiz prizes from Specialized.Quiz starts at 7pm sharp.Amazing prizes from our partners Specialized, vida e caffè and Jack Black’s Brewing Company.R100ppBooking essential: https://qkt.io/songodotinfoquiz Come challenge your mates to a battle of brains and support the next generation of cycling stars! Go to Event Page.

Thanks, appreciate the feedback. I fully agree and I wish Songo.info could run a raffle. We’re investigating how to do so in future so watch this space! However, It’s not as straightforward as you’d think: a ‘society lottery’ or raffle requires registration and approval by the National Lotteries Commission and is subject to audit. We focus on using our limited resources to make as big an impact as possible in Kayamandi with our sport, education and life skills programmes. Unfortunately, we don’t have the resources to invest in setting up a raffle at this stage, so auction it is. On a separate note: you’re welcome to donate to the cause at any time if you feel drawn to doing so. There’s a ‘donate’ button on the website. And we love inviting riders (and the general public) to come see the work we do at the Songo clubhouse and check out our BMX track. It is a true community hub and never fails to blow people away! You are officially invited next time you’re in Stellenbosch! 😉

Oh, just to add, I bought a 3T gravel fork conversion kit so I could run an old 15mm mtb wheelset on my Open U.P. gravel machine.

Try https://forkmods.com. I was hesitant at first (shipping, timing, payment issues) but after costing a local engineering solution and comparing with these guys I gave them a chance. I was blown away by the service and couldn’t endorse them more… Not sure if they have what you’re after but they are constantly adding new products for various hub/fork configurations. Good luck.

Frame is toast. Sadly. Also check that his seatpost is inserted enough (especially if he is a big guy!). If the end of the seatpost is only inserted into the seat tube collar or as far as the toptube junction the leverage of his weight being pushed back on the seat tube can cause the cracking.

The one at the bottom of Smits? Happened on my wheel. Man, that sucked. Hate hearing that sound. Always have a pang of survivor's guilt. It really can happen to anyone... Did it take a lot of the group down?

Ha ha. We didn't use all our energy to bridge the gap. There was plenty more energy when we made the catch. We rode into the back of 1D at about Edinburgh Drive, and then managed to work our way to the front by the Blue Route. Then we pretty much played Pacman on the front with anyone who wanted to help out up front. But ask any 1D riders, we sure as hell weren't wheelsucking... In fact, I'd say we helped more than a few riders achieve a dream time. There were about 6-8 riders in 1D who were damn strong and happy to push with us and keep the tempo, but Paris and I were on a mission and did most of the pacemaking. I think we dropped the bunch up Smits, Chappies and Suikers. We were caught again every time. We weren't trying to breakaway, just have a good day out. I think we caught the 1A bunch by the end. The plan was just to be in front down Hospital Bend and also past Paradise Motors, where I've been caught out in the pro bunches a few times. Never crashed, mind you, but have witnessed carnage there. So we didn't want any of that. The real race is this weekend Obviously, we abandoned the plan completely by the time we hit the Blue Route and the red mist descended. Stoked to see a few very capable riders alongside us and we kinda decided to keep on ripping to see what happened. What a day, though. Easily one of the most fun days on a road bike. Still not quite mountain biking but you can't beat the Fun Ride World Champs to keep the skinny wheel stoke high. That said, even one fatality at a race that is all about fun is too many. Three is just ghastly. RIP.