Jump to content

tubed

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    998

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Everything posted by tubed

  1. tubed

    Dopers suck

    tubed replied to fandacious's topic in Pro Cycling

    thanks for clearing that up - like I said - its hardly likely that his trajectory as a coach would be risked on any one athlete - regardless of their potential still cant get my head around the risk/ reward trade-off going on here, I am sort of hoping that its a horrible mix up - but then all of these cases seem to have that element to them all said - I am glad the system is working - if for nothing else that those who are honest might be feeling that it is worthwhile
  2. tubed

    Dopers suck

    tubed replied to fandacious's topic in Pro Cycling

    So sad on so many levels. What does strike me is that this may have happened under the nose of arguably SA's best coach - not that I think he would stake his growing reputation on any one client (so nothing inferred there just to be clear) - but if it can happen there then it really begs the question what aspirant cyclists are getting up to for a bit of pocket money and some fleeting fame
  3. tubed
    Wow Nic! this sums it up - a proper chase around the deep South. Just revised my Epic predictions - that's some serious effort showing the dedication of proper training. Looks like if you lads can keep the equipment functioning the way it should ( I think you are due some good luck in that department), then this might just be the year. Looking forward to following your Epic dream this year.
  4. tubed
    I sort of had an idea like this,ie leave home at 2am, ride to start (20km), do lap 1, finish at about 6:30 (coffee and eat) and then line up for lap two and ride home (25km). Instead I did 140km ride to Philadelphia for coffee and back and then rode to start and home after 1 lap on Sunday, ended with 296km in 2 days. This silliness because I entered another funride in June which now requires some training. What makes all of the above very doable is perfect weather Sat and Sun - add some wind in there and more than 1lap of anything sounds uninteresting.
  5. tubed
    I hear you - there will always be people who have the ability to compete for the absurd - regardless of the risks. As organisers, I wonder if they are not at that point where they (with the info they have), are putting people at too much risk. Keep in mind we are only hearing of the fatal accidents - how many more were there which have been potentially life changing if not really serious? In the 29 rides I have done, as I went past the Wynberg Hill scene, the presence of police meant it was more serious. So the police will open an inquest/ inquiry and the organisers will have to give their account. My point is - how many accidental deaths is OK before someone says lets look at this properly. Just like they did when we stopped racing over Constantia Nek, OKWeg etc Ok enough from me
  6. tubed
    useful contribution to a serious issue
  7. tubed
    Probably going to get flamed for this, but two trauma related deaths is too many, heart attacks are another story altogether, equally as sad, but I'd like to focus on the avoidable trauma deaths. At this stage both appear to involve speed in fast downhill sections - Blue Route/ Wynberg Hill and descent past Llandudno, the point is that bunches/ cyclists with varied levels of skill, most at max threshold and max of their skills is not a good formula. So perhaps its time to stop the 'race' and turn and it into a funride - the field size cannot in my view cope with the race element - its a recipe for tragedy and the responsibility for doing something sits with the organisers. I think most people who 'raced' yesterday will have to acknowledge that they were lucky, few I imagine will claim to have been in control most of the time while they were riding in a bunch, whether its your moment of inattention or the person next to you - you were hoping it didn't end in disaster. So maybe its time to stop timing the event, to just let people ride 'car-free' around the peninsula for a day. Sure there will always be those that want a sub3 or to be at the front. But maybe its time for a new era. If you really do want to race - there are plenty of alternative events which still allow for possibilities which in my view the 'Argus' has outgrown. My 2 cents.
  8. tubed
    My old man is 82 next week and still riding, albeit with the help of some epower nowadays. At this stage I'll savour every single ride I can with him - who knows how many more we have left.
  9. tubed
    Jip, just thought I'd point out the irony/ hypocrisy. Its hard to be consistently principled when you rely on free entries and 'sponsorship'. Like I say - I'm all for second chances to just be able to ride - after all that's what 99.9% of just want to do.
  10. tubed
    Ok, I'll say it. Ex doping offender gets profiled for this event, partners with a chap who is as yet innocent, but previously ridden with dubious partners. At the same time last year's winner of this same event who is very very quick to call out other event organisers for allowing convicted dopers into events is suddenly silent, hopefully not because he is defending champ and a statement would put him at odds with the event organisers. Its all very complicated. I'm all for second chances myself, as far as being allowed to ride is concerned, but the profiling of ex dopers doesn't sit too well, as Epic found out.
  11. tubed
    It seems Kevin has been stung (see Facebook Epic feed) by some of the criticism re the doping past of GH. If my comments were personally offensive, I apologise. I have said numerous times I have great respect for what he has done. I still do think its a whole different ballgame now, but if not now,then soon.Capital has been invested - a return is required - that will change things. Back to GH participating, I have no problem with Udo, Roel (even if Chiarini his partner was popped in 2014) and others who are able to participate. But I think where the Epic has misread things is that GH is being promoted by the organisation. Sure you dont have to turn down his entry, but neither did you have to celebrate it. So I think the Epic has read this incorrectly - GH is a big name - he should be allowed to compete within the rules, but to use him as part of your publicity is where I think you have got it wrong.
  12. tubed
    "Wanda has built a full industry value chain that includes event organizing, athlete representation, event marketing and rebroadcasting, which will greatly enhance Wanda's influence on the global sports stage and accelerate Wanda's strategic advancement in the industry." Epic took a different direction some time ago, but it didn't crack the major league in terms of money potential, it did remain principled. Ironman/ WTC/ Wanda represent a whole different league. That suit that Kevin wore once a year to the route launch is about to be retired for a whole new wardrobe, the Chinese like suits. Got to hand it to him, one of few deals in sport last year that seem to bring in foreign capital. About principles and policies - well I think you just need to look at ASO, nobody wants to see the 'best' riders sitting on the sidelines, sure huff and puff at them because of a failed test here or there, but they have to be on the start line. Welcome to the big league.
  13. tubed
    priceless....
  14. tubed
    Deon, I was wondering and maybe its something you have covered already, but has the Apostle Battery site ever been considered/ approached for mtb, I know its current use is quite specific and I think the biggest issue would be parking/ access.( Maybe there is a way around that.) The site is covered in bluegums and is in my opinion ideal for some sort of XC track from a terrain and environmental point of view. I​​t could be a major money spinner and that could be ploughed back into the facilities and the kids who mostly use the current camp are always in need of sponsorship. Its got quite similar features to Chrysalis. Just a thought?
  15. tubed
    Just hang around the Constantia Shopping Centre parking lot for a bit and you will see how much entitlement mentality there is in that area - frightening.
  16. tubed
    I agree with Myles and this - the farmers are looking for some 'good faith' gesture, publicizing that you have ridden over their land is just the 'permission' a self entitled rider is looking for. As an example the key access route between the Southern Cape/ Overberg and the Breede Valley has been Trappieskraal portage - the farmer has apparently decided 'no' to any race because of the trespassing and attitude of riders. For rides like the Epic and Freedom Challenge this is a big deal, especially Epic which I am sure would love to revisit the Overberg and link to Grabouw/ Elgin. For the Freedom its just another sadistic opportunity to send you somewhere 'impossible'.
  17. tubed
    Um not to be harsh - but I think this is precisely what happened, just couldn't bring myself to type that. I would love to see the report of the marketing person who needs to explain why none of their chosen riders made it out of the Bokkeveld. At least they enjoyed the swish CT 5 star hotel and would have made a big dent in the buffet. As much as I am not a USN fan, I think they backed the right horses and it paid dividends - kudos to them for money 'well spent'. Another winner is GoPro - if you are not going to podium, then make damn sure you pick a guy who is worth listening to - watching Gerald de Kock interview Oliver Munnik was top drawer stuff - GdK actually seemed to enjoy his job for a bit, far better than the dull opinions of an ex doper. Doping......jeepers did I mention that - seems the message is getting through! Nice new crop as far as I can make out. Out with the old.
  18. tubed
    Louis raced a pretty decent Roof of Africa too in late 2015. Crazy skills. Like the fact that he still has fun out there whenever he is on two (or one) wheels. Lill and Woolcock were good this year - but it seemed all business - which I suppose is the pressure on local pros to earn their keep. Respect to them for holding up their end of the deal.
  19. tubed
    Yes good point. "but it did the job just fine" - given a choice, we would all trade up - the way that oke rides, if its good enough for him, its surely good for me By the look of most pics, he hardly needs a front wheel
  20. tubed
    Ok, the two okes that did their amazing trans-afrika rides - yes I grant you that was amazing - albeit a very personal exploit. But giving them Epic entries is akin to giving virgin active's best spin instructor a ticket - relevance for a flat-out mtb race??? The sponsorship manager should do some explaining. On the other hand to see where Sipho finished or some of the other Exxaro riders - now that could do with some more coverage. Those guys raced.
  21. tubed
    PS: surely not a 'cheap' Novatec hub at the back!! Actually it goes to show that when a sponsor is not dictating what you ride and rather a damn fine rider and bike mechanic builds his race bike - this what it probably should look like. Nice one Louis.
  22. tubed
    I liked Louis' frankness about starting on a 34 up front, calling for a 32 and finally settling for a 30 some days in, Lill replied that he sees no need even at the sharp end to be on anything more than 32. Makes one think what a beast Coolharvey was on a 36! Lekker posts Nic - by far the best feature of the Epic, ok maybe close to that was the GoPro clowns for entertainment
  23. tubed
    I think they should introduce a rule that if you dont pay for your entry and you dont make day 4 you should pay the full fee to a charity. It seems the cabal among the sponsorship managers and celebs is too tight - for an oke to brag about how little training he has done and then drop out after day 2 is pathetic. For me the fun was seeing the guys who work and race - couple of teams in the top 30 in this category - they gave it everything - that inspires me.
  24. tubed
    Sorry it panned out like that - spending that cash should never end in disappointment. I do think they tried to warn people that it would be shorter but tougher than in the past, but its hard to know what that actually means. For some people sand/ pushing bikes is not acceptable, for others the tougher the better. Pioneer seem to have it right when they announce the route early and clearly state that it is going to be a departure from the past with the emphasis on enjoyment and shorter stages. Epic seems pretty hell bent on weeding out a significant portion of the field on day 1 and 2 each year.
  25. tubed
    My old man turns 80 this year - he is recovering from his second knee replacement at the moment - the thing he is most enthusiastic about doing as soon as the Physio says so is to get back on his ebike. Its taken him back to a level of participation of about 15 years ago. He is a lot safer to himself and others on the road. I was a doubter too until I rode it - don't knock it till you try it. If I wanted to save gas an commute on a cycle path - this is the answer. Nice review
Buy & Sell Forums Events News Stolen Bikes
Latest Ads Create Ad

All Categories

Cycling Industry Jobs All Categories

Bikes

Mountain Bikes Road Bikes Electric Bikes Triathlon & Time Trial Bikes Gravel & Cyclocross Bikes Commuter Bikes Kids Bikes Track Bikes Fat Bikes Tandem Bikes BMX Bikes Vintage Bikes Unicycles All Bikes

Electric Bikes

Mountain E-Bikes Road E-Bikes Commuter E-Bikes E-bike Frames & Parts All Electric Bikes

Frames

MTB Frames Road Frames Triathlon & TT Frames Gravel & CX Frames All Frames

Components

Drivetrain (Gears) All MTB Components All Road Components MTB Groupsets Road Groupsets Forks Rear Shocks Brakes Handlebars Stems Saddles Seat Posts Dropper Seat Posts Pedals Power Meters Vintage Components All Components

Wheels & Tyres

Complete Wheels Road Bike Wheels MTB Wheels Gravel Bike Wheels Rims Hubs Road Tyres MTB Tyres Gravel Tyres All Wheels & Tyres

Accessories

Electronic Gadgets Computers & GPS Watches & Wearables Bike Racks & Trailers Indoor Trainers & Accessories Kids Seats & Carriers Hydration & Bottles Bags & Backpacks Workshop & Tools Safety & Bike Protection Nutrition & Body All Accessories

Clothing & Apparel

Shoes Helmets Eyewear Jerseys Lycra Shorts Baggy Shorts Jackets Trisuits & Wetsuits Gloves Protective Gear Other Apparel All Clothing & Apparel

Events & Services

Event Entries Accommodation & Tours Shuttles & Bike Transport Cycling Industry Jobs Bike Services & Repairs Bike Fitment, Coaching & Training Bike Rentals Other Services All Events & Services
Sell on Bike Hub
Active Topics

Forums

General The Bike Room Sponsored
New to Cycling Ask Anything What Bike to Buy?
Gear & Bikes Tech Q&A Buyers Advice New Gear Post Your Bike & Projects Bike Shops & Services Retro / Vintage Bikes
Events & Training Events Pro Cycling Training, Health & Nutrition
Riding Group Rides Routes & Trails Share your Ride & Travels Gravity Commuting Multisport
Safety & Awareness Stolen Bikes Cycling Safety Fraud Alert Lost & Found Good Causes
Off Topic Chit Chat
Create a Topic Search Forums
Tech Events & Industry News Adventure & Travel Tips & Advice Promotions View all
Upcoming Events Create Event

All Event Categories

Browse by Category Mountain Bike Gravel Road Multisport General and Industry
Browse by Province Gauteng KwaZulu-Natal Free State Mpumalanga Northern Cape Western Cape Eastern Cape Limpopo North West International
Guest
Settings
    • My Forum Content My Followed Content Forum Settings
    • Ad Messages My Ads My Favourites My Saved Alerts My Pay Deals
    • Help Logout