tubed

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.

From the stores in Boston/Bellville to Stanhope Road and Tygervalley, the one thing that sticks out most for me is that you never failed to greet a customer in your store, even if it was just a nod as you were busy with someone else. That set the standard. As a businessman you are a standout. I have simple measure - people who create jobs for others are my national heroes - congrats! you have my admiration. All the best Chris.

Here's an idea I'm throwing out to connect the dots (SPCA, Jewbacca's love of unique bikes and a hub legacy). I'd love to see Jewbacca ride this to Wellington with either a stoker or a big fluffy toy dog on that Brooks saddle. It has its heart and soul in the Karoo. Thoughts? Full specs: Unique tandem with a hint of history attached. | Hardtail Mountain Bikes | Bike Hub

Imagine you are the oke smack talking your boets on the line, you've pushed you way to the front and you turn around and you see this face😨

Same 'game face', winners by force of nature.

Re Drikus Coetzee - from my very amateur following of his exploits, in my view it seems a matter of time before he re-writes every gps aided distance ride record in this part of the world, its just a case of when he fits the event into his schedule. He is a freak and I mean that in the very nicest way. No co-incidence that he was the guy soft-pedalling next to Benky when he entered Windhoek this year. Inspiring stuff.

I came here to learn about bike stuff and share - never in all my years did I ever think it would become a place where bike duels are proposed to settle differences. Must be Friday - I'm out of here.

Yikes, I can imagine that must have cost. I probably use the same vets you do in the valley. You are right, ventilator is best for any chance with large dog - so Blue Cross or Panorama have been recommended, especially after hrs.

Great post DJR, helpful info. I'd agree that most dogs seem to have an innate sense to back off when it comes to a snake, which is why they are such wonderful animals, (the dogs), because if you are alert to their behaviour they are likely to have smelled the snake long before you see it. Terriers and Jrussels unfortunately have another innate sense and they are most often bitten. I found it helpful to have a chat to your vet about how to handle a bitten dog, they will tell you if they have anti venom in stock and who else does in the area (they share) or else they will tell you where to go after hours to save time. In summary - puffy bite - unlikely antivenom - treat symptoms (swelling and pain). Cobra - depends on size of dog - small dogs, limited time left. Bigger dogs - keep them breathing is most essential - get to an open equipped vet as soon as possible. (this seems to suggest anti venom shortage has been resolved: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-11-17-sa-well-stocked-with-antivenom-say-experts-as-snakebite-season-looms/)

Boomslang Had one in the garden 10min ago, seen by the dog first, clever thing, she must have frightened it as I couldn't see it at first, after 5 mins of waiting quietly sure as nuts it comes sliding down the tree.

our vet has told me that this works - not nice - but it was the only option for an owner with a dog near Breede river where there are lots of them in the past 2 weeks my dog has found a porcupine and two different cobras in the garden, I hear a specific bark and I shoot out to see what she has found, in all 3 cases she has backed off and called us, so its useful to listen to the type of bark in the garden and then get there quickly - hope that helps my brother has the same thing on his farm with a jack russel and warthog holes, you have to drill it into the dog that exploring that hole is not an option

Lots of them moving around now, had two cobras in the garden in the last 2 weeks, thankfully the dog seems to have learned to call me by barking and keeping her distance. I'm no expert but from what I understand the wetter winter helped with moisture and hatching of eggs, then just about everything they eat bred well too, now the water has dried up (over the last month) so they have to move more to find it and the heat has increased so more water needed. All in all - there are more this season and they are moving now (sounds like a horror movie script). I'm upgrading from using my old golf clubs to hook them - waiting for my hook and tongs to arrive from Tongs, Hooks and Bagging Systems - African Snakebite Institute

You could give Chris Fisher a call if you would like to use the Freedom Trail route in reverse. https://www.freedomchallenge.org.za/tours It may depend if you are prepared to a bit of portaging and what type of riding you are keen on. Just in case you are thinking that its 'another tour operator' and you prefer to do your own thing, its more a case of access to some private land which Chris can arrange for a fee, and there are some great routes in that section Enjoy your ride!

this is so true

Saddened by this news, Thug always added value to a topic and his affinity for the Freedom Trail will be missed. Nice to know that he and Johan Rissik will be swapping some single speed bike stories. RIP Tony you will be missed.

Seems to me the Activity Card is going the way of the TV licence - zero benefit from the funds spent, but you are forced under certain circumstances to buy one. On the positive side, I have been fortunate to visit both Kruger and Kalagadi in the last 2 years and Sanparks are still doing a great job there. In Kalagadi, the rangers and staff are particularly pleasant.