tubed

South Africa's cycling aficionado has gone - long live his legacy. Measure of the man is to see some of the other older hubbers who's contributions I have valued over the years come online again and pay tribute. RIP Tim.

Cederberg loop is a winner. We bit off more than we could chew on the day to Die Mond, thankfully it was full moon, first time I have seen my brother barely pitch his tent and just crawl in and pass out. I think ideally you want to have more time to stop and brew some coffee, swim in a stream and sleep under a tree (if you can find one) for a lunchtime siesta. It's not a place you want to be in a rush. Mount Ceder has a good menu, Wuppertal is hit and miss, Lauren at Enjo has all sorts of treats in their small shop, Kyle at Uitspankraal always has cold beer, Die Mond has cold beer and Coke and Tankwa Padstal is a beacon of hope, just don't underestimate Katbakkies it goes on forever.

We did a similar route in Jan 2023, the challenge for you will be the Doring, with a wet winter we are having the river level may be high in Sept, it drains from the Matroosberg area and the Kouebokkeveld. Its a no go if it is deep. We did Op die Berg, Mount Ceder (night 1) easy day, then via Eselbank/ Wuppertal to Enjo (night2), then you will try via Doring/ Uitspankraal direction R355, but if you turn south at Moed Farm and head to Elandsvlei on tracks and on to Die Mond (night3), then to R355 and Tankwa Padstaal, over Katbakkies back to op die Berg. These are big days, the roads are rough or sandy and if the wind blows it can reduce your pace to a crawl, sandstorms are not uncommon. Fill up when you see water. We camped and were self sufficient. It can be a decent adventure if the conditions turn against you. Don't rely on cellphone signal as it is rare as are cars and anyone with the ability to help you. If you are not up for the route (tracks) we did south after Moed Farm, you can go onward and join the R355 and either head into the Tankwa or head south toward Ceres. Another option I have hear of is to head east from Wuppertal via the Tra Tra and for the last part bushwack yourself to Elandsvlei (small settlement, nothing on offer) where you will meet the Doring. So many options if you are up for some adventure, otherwise just as good if you choose farmstays and stick to bigger roads. Enjoy yourself.

Knipe Racing - rather get it done right first time https://www.google.com/maps/place/Knipe+Racing/@-33.8292171,18.6505102,17.67z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x1dcc578ca5320851:0x203373c58d64611e!8m2!3d-33.8296246!4d18.6529438!16s%2Fg%2F11dxk9vrz3?entry=ttu

Just lekker, thanks for sharing

Got the name and number of one of the gents involved with the Constantia Nek waterpoints, they say they will get onto it today.

Well done on your run too - looking good for Comrades and then a triathlon/ paddle thingy after that.... The litter is almost all gel wrappers with some bottles and cups, so its the runners who brought the stuff into the race and less the organiser's issued stuff. But it remains their responsibility. I am sure Caroline Hanks would have on speed dial who to contact.

Agree with this, what a mess and a fail by the cleaning team who cleaned the road but nothing on the side of it, the cycle track is a litter bin of runner specific items. Piss poor.😡 PS: I dont think you should bother looking for those legs for a week or so - they earned their rest - incredible run!

So many issues raised by this, and I have read (not studied) the full report. A top athlete taking an appetite suppressant to reduce weight to be competitive - that's where my unease starts. Candice Lill and choosing partners to win the Epic (which in my humble opinion she is capable of), there are so many considerations we may not be aware of in a race where you need to rely on your partner. On a lighter note - how about the chap on the SAIDS site who got 5 months for testing positive for ephedrine at BOWLS,

then you will also know that there are some efforts to refresh the commentary team, if you are up for a public flaying on here, I think it would be nice to hear your voice and insights, I have suggested Hermida to throw in some Spanglish too got anything in the diary for next year March? who do we suggest it to?

LOL, after the medal you still gave the backpack that you can wear onto every flight and use for taking your kit to the gym

otherwise contact Johnny Koen at Anatomic Sportswear, he knows the history better than most

Just been sitting next to 6 Chinese riders at the *Waterfront who obviously rode, then there are the other obvious foreign riders milling about. Point being, with the currency where it is at, I can't see why a profit making company like the Epic wont do everything to make sure it cant maximise the spend from those with hard currency and promote the event to that audience. Also seemed to me to be a very large Spanish speaking contingent, supported by the number of enthusiastic posters in the Youtube comments, they seem to love the race. Maybe some Hermida wackyness in the race commentary booth would be in order, he could comment in Spanglish alongside Sabine who was great. On the patriotic side - Matt is the best Epic rider in the world. Candice is of the best Epic riders in the world (just needs a stronger partner choice, which is also a skill of Matt's). *Edit: context

Fini did a lot of what looked like relieving/ stretching today during the stage, something doesn't seem lekker after a few days. Next 2 days are not exactly going offer much respite. I think the overall GC winner may come to who is stronger of Fini or Grotts. My money is on Grotts, although Fini seems thoroughly deserving too, loved the F-bomb on live interview. Nino and Beers on another level altogether.

Hope fully one thing we can all agree on is that we have the best trails and scenery in the world. What an advert for the Cape yesterday and it should only get better as the week goes.