tubed

Ah yes, the body modifications to get to those places only LR engineer thought possible to locate a nut. Yours are extensive and well planned. I have things to learn.

😆sense of humour, understanding wife, deep pockets, sympathetic mates.......but I do love my LR

this is me working on my old LR Discovery trying to get the starter motor bolt off - eventually (week later) it did the shameful thing of putting it on a flatbed and having it taken to the mechanic. They just smiled at me and said - dont worry we made a special extension tool to get to that nut - it takes two people to operate, one to guide the tool and the other to crank it. I felt a little better.

I always chuckle to myself when I see my boets permanent marker arrows on the inside of his cranks - clearly he learnt the hard way.....

Good preparation and great attitude - well done, impressive stuff

I'd agree with this, hacking to find something lying around while on a ride to make the hole bigger is hardly worth it when one considers the weight/ size of a reamer. (same goes for my 4x4 tyres, trying to get a plug in a newish thick 4x4 tyre is nearly impossible without a reamer)

That's a big assumption. Sorry if I have offended you. I have tried to make constructive comments on kit choices and how the organisers can guide folk into improving their chances. Compulsory kit lists AND checks before and during (so you dont go the marginal gains route and put the kit in the car after the check) are found in most endurance events, they are there for good reason. Ecobound could have done more to guide riders. But like you say, 99.9% of your preparation rides didn't prepare people for conditions which do occur in SA in winter in that area and of which there was ample warning the week before. As Shebeen said it comes down largely to being unprepared. Last word from me on this thread, something I try and keep in mind: "its all sh*ts and giggles, until someone giggles and sh*ts"

I had a quick look at the compulsory equipment for TBV, Hell and Back vs Ceder Race, all take you into wilderness areas where it can get rough and medical care is far away should you need it. Ceder race had snow and frigid conditions last year - a low key race which has a good suggested kit list. TBV/ Hell&Back could do with some stronger recommendations. Us cyclists are an odd bunch - I see guys riding around the peninsula, sitting in coffee shops with more winter specialized kit on (neoprene overshoes, rainproof jackets, cold weather gloves etc) than someone on a commute in frozen Europe. But say the word 'race' and it becomes about marginal gains - the kit gets dropped and only the race items are taken.

that's a good combo, until it rains enough to soak you, then once you are wet through in those layers with the wind on them hypothermia is a real possibility, especially with the descents in the Baviaans waterproof is absolute - unless it says its 'waterproof', its water resistant when its that cold you are unlikely to be worrying about 'breathable' the confidence which comes with decent wet and cold weather gear is remarkable, you will really feel pretty invincible when it gets rough, the exact opposite is true when you feel you are slipping into hypothermia and you are desperate to escape the circumstances start with the 100% waterproof jacket

ok, clearly I am on the wrong forum

I am genuinely sorry your experience was a poor one - hopefully nothing I have said makes one believe that anyone who arrives for a bike race deserves an expensive horrible experience. I have tried to be constructive in saying that decent wet and cold weather gear will to some extent solve the issue. Would you be prepared to elaborate on what the 4 layers were that you were wearing? Was the top one waterproof? For those thinking you need to spend anywhere near R10k on kit, that's just not necessary. Here's a suggestion: MacinaSac Waterproof jacket - essential - less than R1000 Reef neoprene gloves and socks - less than R1000 Buff for your neck and head - you have one lying around. If you have very thin bibs, use 2 pairs at the same time ( yes it works and the only looks you will get are those of envy - for various reasons).

I think Mac in a Sac, is about the cheapest and is properly waterproof, you will need to google and call ahead to make sure place you are buying from has stock. I trust this item in much worse than you are likely to experience in a one day event and its the same one that goes in my back pocket if I know I will get drenched riding around the peninsula. You can spend multiples more and it might be slightly lighter and slimmer fit, but honestly I cant fault the MiaS for being effective, looks good and doesnt break the bank. https://www.trappers.co.za/collections/mens-rain-jackets/products/mac-in-a-sac-jacket-origin-waterproof

This is very true - with the accuracy of the weather forecasts nowadays, you really cannot complain when you line up unprepared.

be prepared to be chased by the anatolian sheepdogs of the Baviaans😆

Looking a the photos, it seems that racing with the least kit possible was the hope of many. Baviaans is cold this time of the year - I experienced -5 degrees last year as the sun was coming up in another race. If you roll the dice on the amount of waterproof (not water resistant) and warm kit you are going to pack, then you must know that you will suffer painfully or pull the plug. I think some of the language is a bit descriptive/ emotive. For me 'evacuation' is life threatening transport to nearest medical facility , not I've made a silly kit choice and now I need a warm blanky/ fireside heatup and lift out. Time to have mandatory kit inspection in bike races as they do with trail running.

Nice route that, did it a few years ago, seemed like friendly folk down toward Chatsworth, living close to the railway line, just getting on with life

Interesting thread, I think a good warning to be careful. I have a history with bees, not a good one because of my stupidity as a boy, we stoned some hives and paid the price, my brother now is at risk of a severe anaphylactic reaction. He handles most wild on his farm, but bees he has to steer well clear of. On my property I have issues with them on hot days/ use of weedeater/ petrol mower/ chainsaw, they don't like the noise/ vibration. Like folk have said, the first one pings my pip and I head inside quickly before the rest get the message. We were talking about the urban trend to beekeeping last Sat when riding, its noble, but I think there are a few inexperienced cowboys around the peninsula working with swarms where the main incentive is cash for honey with little regard for property owner or community safety. I had one chap try an put a box in my garden, I suggested that the family history with bees was a risk and I would need to get consent from my neighbour too, the young chap had no clue of the regulations and said putting the box in the garden was no issue - he wasn't interested in a discussion on the possible consequences of an angry swarm. Glad this episode for Guy turned out well.

For me Maxxis Crossmarks have been my choice when riding across the country - I just feel that they can take a lot of abuse and they have yet to let me down. I had this thought last year while riding Freedom challenge next to two other guys also on expensive dual suspensions, that we were all riding Maxxis, but we all had different versions and also different width tyres. Surely there should be some consistency as we were all on the same route? I do think there is a case to be make for distributors and shops to do more to inform purchasers about what tyre might best suit their riding style and terrain, especially given the price of tyres now and just how important they are to the riding experience or just finishing a ride. So much time is spent on 11vs 12 speed, what gps unit one uses etc, but seldom does one hear when you purchase "what do you want to use the tyre for?"

I am guessing that was just one of the very long days - well done on the finish, a superb effort.

The trend for me seems to be poorer content and then the paywall goes up in an attempt to procure better content to put online to remain competitive. But I think by then the users have shifted. A really tough space to be in. I purchased two items via bikehub last week, the choices, info and connection with sellers was of real value. I'd be happy to have a mandatory transaction cost levied on the purchases or be required to be a paid user. I know there is bikehub pay option, which I have and would use in a large purchase, but for smaller issues I simply deposit the cash and trust the seller and my homework.

I got the feeling (much the same as News24) that for some time now if you read the headline on Cyclingnews, that the article wouldn't really add much extra, when I read the articles there was rarely any real insight. I guess that's largely as a result of the saturated live TV coverage of events, that after the event The Cyclingnews reporters are just rehashing what we all watched. Features such as tech galleries after the event I do find interesting as TV cannot get that close to the detail, but there Cyclingnews never kept pace with their imagery found elsewhere on the net. Ironically the forums on Cyclingnews are often the best place to find the detail that the articles are missing and the forums are not behind a paywall. Bottom line for me - I dont think Cyclingnews is worth paying for - they will need to provide something of value.

Since about 1998 it's been the site I have opened first most days. I think I am ready to move on, in part because I dont like paying for stuff on the internet, but more that the articles offer no real insight and their galleries are still stuck in 1998. Cyclingtips has also gone paywall, but at least the quality of the imagery and depth of the journalism is worth considering paying for. On a similar note I see Steephill.tv is pretty much closing for the same reason.

Sadly this would be premediated and the useless criminal justice system will probably work in favour of the criminal. I do foresee a self-defence incident soon where a definitive stance is taken against an attacker. It would be hard to argue that cyclists are overreacting - there is just too much evidence that justifies a cyclist shooting first and asking questions later. Sad that it has come to this. Cycling has always meant freedom for me.

If the product had been a new re-useable applicator which was convenient in the workshop and out on the trails - then winner. But sadly it is a product which is convenient and disposable whether used in the workshop or on the trail - that's the intention. The greenwashing is the marketing splurb which accompanies it and attempts to justify the single use product when it is simply another product line. If they had simply said 'a new product for those who prize speed and convenience when topping up' - but that doesnt sound lekker. I am sure the marketing folk from Squirt are reading this - hopefully as they have a great legacy and I think they can do better.

Just use this - its better and the applicator can be refilled many times and both work well. Also a local product. Winning all around.