'Kaze Pete

Winter is not road racing season. Road events are better attended than MTB events look at the following for events: https://bikehub.co.za/events?category_slug=road https://events.myactive.co.za/ https://battistrada.com/en/cycling-calendar/south-africa/ http://www.racetec.co.za/calendar/ RideJoburg lists a few seeding events, all seemingly organised by https://lenickpromotions.co.za/ (Events) / https://www.ridejoburg.co.za/seeding-events.html

If you’re looking for a TB partner, I have a rubber arm

The Sani Transfrontier from years ago come to mind, but only the important part this time. The fun part left to be fun

https://web.racespace.co.za/

https://events.myactive.co.za/ ?

I bought my Core in March this year, upgrading from an old Elite InOut (about 15 years old now?). The Core hasn't skipped a beat, unless the strange whirring sound it started making a while ago is taken into account. Luckily that was due to the chevron stickers on the fly wheel coming unstuck and made a noise around when pedaling. Luckily I could just push them back onto the unit and they've not come unstuck again. Usage stats on the Core: Distance: >1600km, Time > 58 hours. kCal > 32000kCal. Been rock solid so far. Not sure where the WiFi will make a difference, updates seem few and far between (if any). I switch the unit off after rides. Running TrainingPeaksVirtual on an old iPhone SE2, with a FongKong Lightning to HDMI & audio adapter so I can read the screen Happy with my Core!

That makes sense, thanks. I'm using Trainingpeaks Virtual, and it has virtual gears in the app (+/- keys) although I use the Kickr Core exclusively in ERG mode, executing workouts in TPV which disables the +/- keys. Gotta do what the coach says, not changing the program!

N00b question: How is the Zwift cog different from a single speed setup (if you have the spacers, etc)?

Event Name: Koedoeslaagte MTB Marathon & Free State XCM ChampsWhen: 02/08/2025Where: Koedoeslaagte Trail Park & Venue, Free StateCategory: Mountain BikeThe Koedoeslaagte MTB Race is open to all Cycling South Africa membership card holders The Koedoeslaagte MTB Race will is the Free State XCMarathon 2025 Champs Race Categories & Course info: 7km lap  blue route - ideal for Nippers and Sprogs. Not too technical with moderate climbing challenges 1 x lap for Sub-Nippers Boys and Girls = 7km (turning 7or 8 in 2025) 2 x lap for Nippers Boys and Girls = 14km (turning 9 or 10 in 2025) 2 x lap for Sprogs Boys and Girls = 14km (turning 11 or 12 in 2025) START at 8:00 PRIZE GIVING at 10:00 19km lap  green route - No long steep climbs, 100% ridable NO RIDERS YOUNGER THAN SUB-JUNIOR (turning 13 or 14 in 2025) 1 x lap for Sub-Junior Girls = 19km (turning 13 or 14 in 2025) 2 x laps for Grand Master 60+ Men = 38km (turning 60+ in 2025) 1 x lap for Grand Master 60+ Women = 19km (turning 60+ in 2025) 2 x laps for Master 50-59 Women = 38km (turning 50-59 in 2025) 1 x lap for 19km OPEN (timed) Fun Ride 2 x laps for 38km OPEN (timed) Fun Ride START at 9:50 1 x lap for 19km OPEN (timed) Fun Ride - E-BIKE 2 x laps for 38km OPEN (timed) Fun Ride - E-BIKE START at 9:48 21km lap  red route  - Features longer, steeper climbs - for more experienced riders NO RIDERS YOUNGER THAN SUB-JUNIOR (turning 13-14 in 2025) 1 x lap for Sub-Junior Boys = 21km (turning 13 or 14 in 2025) 2 x laps for Youth Boys and Girls = 42km (turning 15 or 16 in 2025) 2 x laps for Veteran Women 40-49 = 42km (turning 40-49 in 2025) 2 laps for Sub-Veteran 30-29 Women = 42km (turning 30-39 in 2025) 2 x laps for Master Men 50-59 = 42km (turning 50-59 in 2025) START at 9:40 27,5km lap  black route  - Challenging climbs and more technical terrain - for advanced riders NO RIDERS YOUNGER THAN JUNIOR (turning 17-18 in 2025) 2 laps for Junior Men and Women = 55km (turning 17-18 in 2025) 2 laps for U/23 Men and Women = 55km (turning 19-22 in 2025) 2 laps for Elite Men and Women = 55km (turning 23+ in 2025) 2 laps for Sub-Veteran 30-39 Men = 55km (turning 30-39 in 2025) 2 laps for Veteran 40-49 Men = 55km (turning 40-49 in 2025) 2 x laps for 55km OPEN (timed) Fun Ride (NO E-BIKES) START at 9:30 PRIZE GIVING at 13:00 Pre/Online Entry Fees: 7km - R175 14km - R200 19km - R200 21km - R275 38km - R300 42km - R350 55km - R425 Late Entry Fees: 7km - R200 14km - R250 19km - R300 21km - R350 38km - R400 42km - R400 55km - R500 Prize Giving: Event medals to all finishers! There will be Category Podiums and special Free State Championship Podiums with Free State Gold Silver and Bronze Medals No Prize giving for FUN RIDE categories Prize Money: OVER-ALL 55km Men and Women 1st, 2nd, 3rd - R1000, R500, R250 Timing by Parys Multisport Organised by Koedoeslaagte Trail Park. Dylanya: reception@cycling-sa.co.za  WhatsApp or call: Attie 082 335 3358 Medical and Emergency: Vaal Emergency Services  Website and more info - maps, elevation maps etc: https://www.cratercycling.com/kl-mtb-marathon Accommodation - https://www.cratercycling.com/accommodation More information: www.cratercycling.com/ Go to Event Page.

It is only bloody if you experience a RUD (Rapid Unscheduled Dismount)

https://www.allianz-assistance.co.za/ Do you want sport cover: YES

Event Name: Farmstrong Gravel GrinderWhen: 12/07/2025Where: IMLA Guest Farm, Farm Waterfall, Hlohlolwane, Free StateCategory: GravelGet ready for the ultimate gravel adventure in the heart of the Eastern Free State! The Farmstrong Gravel Grinder, hosted by Imla Guest Farm, is a celebration of endurance, scenic beauty, and Farm style hospitality – with 160 km, 80 km, and 40 km race options. Great waterpoints Finisher medals Real Farm Style hospitality Early Bird Bonus! The first 15 entries will receive FREE Friday night accommodation at Imla Guest Farm. Food & Fun: Delicious free-range farm meals Fully licensed bar Hiking trails for non-riders (Free Access) Make It a Family Weekend! Bring the whole family and enjoy a weekend of biking, hiking, and Free State hospitality at its best. Whether you’re riding or relaxing, Imla Guest Farm is your destination for adventure and comfort. Go to Event Page.

Surfing YouTube I found this

@RDL101 not sure where you're from. I stay in Parys, and we have a regular Saturday morning MTB ride. Ages range from 30ish to 70+, and distances are anything from 50 to whatever the craziest amongst us want to do (looking mostly at myself!). Few ebikes amongst us, so distances are generally clipped to 70-80 or less. Sometimes we ride Venterskroon side, other times towards the other sides of town. You're welcome to reach out and see if you want to join up for a ride!

Different organizers. Different venue. Same area.

Event photos available for browsing/purchasing at https://photofrog.co.za/events/9q5q8-crater-cruise-2025

The human body is massively adaptable, so it can bend / mould into many positions with relative ease. Pretzel shaped or not. We accept that what we do is ‘good’, and learn to live with that. Unfortunately, good is the enemy of great. Reminds me of the saying(s) about mechanics and their own cars. So, ‘good’ is not what you are looking for when hiring somebody to do a bike fit. Great / excellent is the goal. Sure, many of us can get ourselves comfortable on a bicycle, but is that position optimal for you? (Performance, injuries, limb discrepancies, many of other issues - sometimes even unknown …) Pick a bike fitter with care! It is YOUR body & bicycle. You surely do not take your car to the nearest self professed ‘mechanic’ with a shifting spanner, just as you pick and re-pick doctors for your body with some care? How many people do have the actual knowledge / understanding / inclination to iterate through their own bike setups?

Just received my email START TIMES All event briefings 10minutes before start 145km Full Cruise (predicted winning time 04:10) 08:30 - ELITE and U/23 08:35 - VETS 30-39, VETS MEN 40-49, MASTER 50-59, OPEN 92km Crater Cruise (predicted winning time02:55) 08:55 - E-Bikes 09:00 - ALL categories with self-seeding: A-block >28km/h average and ALL Junior riders B-Block <28km/h average 50km Half-Cruise (predicted winning time 01:40) 09:10 - E-Bikes 09:15 - ALL categories with self-seeding: A-block >26km/h average and ALL Youth, Sub-Juniors riders B-Block <26km/h average 15km Dirt Flirt 09:30 - ALL riders

What is your start time? Because, from what I can gather the 145km starts as one group

At least arm warmers and/or gilet!

There should be an email going out today, although I heard a birdie that the 145 starts at 8:30. From https://www.cratercycling.com/cratercruise: E-BIKES (all E-bikes to start at 9:30) Registration and Number Pick-up ENTER here on Entryninja (event is listed under North West Province events) Online entries close on Thursday 5 June at 10:00 All events - CSA Membership required Timing platform - Spectrum Sport Registration & Number Pickup: SATURDAY 7 June - in town at THE PLUM TREE (Parys) 16:00-18:30 The PLUM TREE will be serving great home-made pies! SUNDAY 8 June - at Koedoeslaagte venue 06:30-08:30

They are not all created equal. If you want/have to trust, trust advise by @J Wakefield I have an idea that he knows a thing or two. Not taking anything away from the others though!

Ditto, also first real gravel race on a gravel bike. Also nervously excited. I aim for a somewhat more doable time that sub 4. Sub something, no quite sure what exactly. Fitness is what it is, I've been building at it incrementally from nothing at the start of the year (and @NotSoBigBen / @Cyclewizz I am NOT sandbagging! You know where to check and confirm how much of nothing I did last year!) Will see what will happen on race day (or do we refer to race day as sugar eating day these days?) Earlier this week EpicRideWeather predicted we'll have a head wind on the second half, but with all the valleys, etc in this area it generally feel like you always have a head wind. PS I see it currently predicts a crosswind for the day

Interesting question I'm planning on flying to Oz to visit family (the excuse), however I plan/hope to do the Gravelista gravel race as well (the reason), so taking my own bicycle is "somewhat" important. Any suggestions on what bike case/box to use, especially as a total of 6 different flights will be involved. JHB-PER, PER-BNE, as well and BNE-MEL. and then all the way back. FYI: For bikehub only: excuse and reason as stated above. For family: excuse becomes the reason, and reason become an opportunity.

With a max average speed of 30km/h of an Audax ride, the rolling resistance might not be such a big deal. Spending 8+ hours in the saddle (25km/h avg) might prioritize comfort. I'd say any tyre from 38mm and larger (including 50mm, or even Dylan Johnston inspired 2.2s). Heck, I did a 150km tar ride the other day on my hardtail MTB (front shock - only shock - locked out). The MTB was wearing 2.35 in the front and 2.3 at the back. Never felt like my tyres were holding me back. The tyres were pumped for the occasion though.