Marc Perel

It’s amazing how quickly a year passes. It feels like just yesterday that the “Rest of the World” crushed Australia with a convincing FebFifteen victory. Happily, the February Fifteen challenge is back, which means we get to do it all over again! The aim is simple, join the challenge on Strava and ride as many miles as you can next week (24th Februrary 2014) with the aim of beating the total mileage covered by the Australians. Knowing most of the riders who follow Privateer, some of you will get it done in less than a few days, with the rest of the week being bonus miles. Join the Privateer Strava club and help us win the battle: http://bit.ly/privateer15 http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/prvtr-feb15.jpg

After a successful start to his 2014 campaign, James Reid takes some time out to reflect on a difficult 2013 and the lessons he takes away from those experiences. http://privateer.co.za/project-1-forget-what-you-know/ http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_6572.jpg

Privateer was at the Cape Epic route launch, so naturally we have opinions about next year's suffer festival http://privateer.co.za/cape-epic-2014-route-released/ http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_0415-1000x650.jpeg http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_0412-1000x704.jpeg

Thanks guys. B)

A recent exploration out to find sweet gravel roads helped me discover the true essence of why I ride a bike. I thought that I'd share my thoughts. http://privateer.co.za/meaning/ http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DSCN2855-1024x768.jpg

Climbing, switchbacks & coastal roads. It’s no secret these are some of our favourite things here at Privateer, but today we went out to search for some different elements. District roads, and Vitamin G. http://privateer.co.za/mygallery/vitamin-g-recce-ride/ http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DSCN2858-1000x750.jpg http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DSCN2855-1000x750.jpg http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DSCN2838-1000x750.jpg http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DSCN2842-1000x750.jpg

A compelling post by Raoul about trust, hope and moving forward. I don't think there're many people as passionate about our sport than he is. A good lunch time read. http://privateer.co.za/generation-h/ http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/3436_WRR_Podium_Rui_COSTA_Anthem_Rainbow_jfPhSpt.jpg

The last few days of CCC Dolomiti 2013 where temperatures dropped, scenery grew and we all found a little piece of ourselves out there, riding giants. http://privateer.co.za/cent-cols-challenge-report-2-day-6-10/ A really great piece by Raoul to sum up an amazing trip through the Dolomites. http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSCN2650.jpg http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSCN2737.jpg http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSCN2741.jpg

*Cheeky 2pm bump*

Somewhere deep in the Dolomites, 30 men are making their way across Italy by bicycle, riding 200km and climbing 5000m vertically per day. This is a report from the belly of the madness by Privateer's Raoul de Jongh http://privateer.co.za/cent-cols-challenge-report-1-day-1-5/ Make sure you check out his photos here. The experience looks amazing. http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSCN2564.jpg http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSCN2601.jpg http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSCN2612.jpg

The sound of cars and trucks, the rattle of construction tools at work, people shouting, electronics buzzing away, noise pollution overwhelming our senses wherever we turn. The city is overbearing and it's time to escape. http://privateer.co.za/the-inward-escape/ http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/9462198769_3fa36bcc6e_o.jpg

Thanks, we're trying to make winter bearable bro. Only a few months left before IDTs start gathering serious dust again.

We’ve just recovered from the successful test run of the TNT concept, ready to suffer once more as a group at the Handle Bar in Sea Point. For those of you who have not heard, TNT is about pushing yourself beyond once a month and taking it to the next level physically in a reasonably safe environment. http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/tnt-feature-image.jpg The format is simple. Arrive by 5:45 and get set up, warmed up inside The Handle Bar. At 6pm sharp you watch the TV and listen to the speakers, where a Sufferfest video will entertain and twist your senses for 45-60min in a group format. This is not spinning. There is no instructor. Just you and your mind. You are allowed to grunt, groan and shout. Bring a towel to soak up the sweat and potentially a little blood from the eyes. Clean up your mess and share a beer or two afterwards before the shop closes at 7:30 sharp. The Handle Bar are going to be open to buying their usual goods after and before the class. There are two spots left for this week's gathering, so enter here if you'd like to secure your place http://privateer.co.za/events/t-n-t-round-two/

“Laaste Ronde”, the bell has sounded and you’re on the attack, shifting for a gear that seems to never exist, a gear that would end this enduring struggle. http://privateer.co.za/the-circle-of-pain/ http://privateer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_0969.jpg