Mark James

I've just seen the prize money for the event. Apart from 1st place (R15k), the prize money for 2nd-5th place seems really low. Even more surprising (and shocking) when you see the big names of the sponsors behind the event, and the cost of the entry. The age categories don't even win the value of their entry fee back! Never bothered paying much attention to the prize money involved for local cycling events, but is this typical of all SA cycling events?

I went up to Tankwa from the 26-30th Dec with the plan of riding both the R355 and R354. I took a dual suspension bike and a gravel bike with 42/47 tyres. (and even with a Redshift seatpost and 30mm Lefty fork it was unpleasant...) The first 20-25km of the R355 that runs from the R46 is horrendous, and was difficult and unpleasant to ride on either bike. The roads are in poor condition, lots of sandy sections, and areas of exposed sharp rocks. The R354 running East from the R355 turnoff is even worse, and pretty much unridable. The R355 northwards (I rode it for 60km) after the Tankwa padstal is fairly good, although some of the usual corrugated areas. As far as gearing, the roads are fairly flat and easy to ride, so no need to change what you normally run.... I would also definitely use a dual suspension rather than a gravel bike. 👍

I truly hope that one of the other 15 decide that they don't want to be part of this assault and come forward... good luck to you 🙏

Hi Trashy (I see that you are also in Paarl, howzit 😀). I haven't ever purchased something on Bikehub without seeing it first, so will definitely make use of "Bikehub pay" this time... Thanks

This is so terrible and shocking to read this!!! Did the other riders in the group of 15 not intervene and try stop this? I truly hope that one of them is reading this thread and comes forward... Good luck to you and your husband

This is great, thanks for the advice. Will give Cycle Lab a call tomorrow to enquire

I am considering purchasing a bike from a fellow hubber who is based in JNB (I live in CPT). Any experience and suggestions on transporting the bike from JNB-CPT? thanks

Hmmmm... Also curious to know, as I'm not sure if I would feel comfortable on 32's on loose gravel roads

Well, the above ride was part of my "baptism of fire" back-on-the-bike Spring ride this morning, and I was trying to keep up with my riding partner who was on an e-bike, so I'm feeling it now... No pass needed, as Jan Phillips is a public road, which also means you share the road with some boytjies thinking they are practicing for the Paris-Dakar in their double cabs, but otherwise the road is mostly frequented by runners and riders on weekend mornings... The views over Paarl are spectacular, and smiles are guaranteed 😉

Hey Paul. I normally ride from Boschenmeer to Specialised Paarl, then up to the start of Jan Phillips dirt road, then to the end of Jan Phillips which comes out on the main road in Paarl North, then back along the main road to Specialised. If I'm feeling "game', then I add a detour up to Paarl rock. The dirt roads are fine for a gravel bike, but I normally do it on my MTB. Feel free to DM if you want more info 👍

In the end I found an almost unused Cannondale CAADX, which I refitted with Spez Pathfinder 38's. Bike goes like a "beaut", and is perfect for Paarl's rough tarmac and local dirt roads!! 🤩

Wasn't aware that 33mm tyres was the max clearance. I thought (or rather had been told) that I could fit a 38mm tyre to the bike... But I guess I will keep looking for a more dedicated gravel bike then. Thanks

I ride a nicely spec'ed MTB, but am thinking of purchasing a road/gravel bike. The purpose of the road/gravel bike is to ride on rough roads (around Paarl), and occasionally on dirt roads or jeep tracks. I was looking at either a new entry level Specialized Diverge Elite, or the other options was to buy a 2nd hand Specialized Roubaix (with Future shock 1.5) and converting it to a gravel bike by putting chunkier tyres on it. I figured that the Spez Roubaix has the future shock 1.5 for some added comfort, but was wondering if it could handle the occasional abuse of dirt roads... Does anyone have any similar experience using a Spez Roubaix as an occasional gravel bike, and fitting chunkier tyres on it?

Super stoked for Alan's 4th place, and he has been making solid improvements in each race this season, and peaking towards the Olympics. Definitely has a shot at the podium in Tokyo My dark horse pick for Tokyo though must be Cink, watch this space!

Crap, didn't know it was an earlier start today!!! !$@#$%!!! Turned on the TV at 12h00, and looks like there has already been some interesting developments!! I think we are in for an exciting day!!

Having spent several months living and riding around McGregor, watching the video put a smile on my face, and brought a tear to my eye Very inspiring story ????

THIS... ????????????

Some do, some don't... Most don't Stilwater reimbursed me 75% of my entry fee for the Origin of trails event in April (and allowed me to keep my freebie jersey I received). Why did they do this? Probably because it is the right and honourable thing to do... So kudos to them for doing so, and for having been very clear on their website about the risks of the event being cancelled, and their reimbursement policy in the event of it being cancelled ????

Ok, thought maybe as much... ???? And I would then probably agree with the "many doping allegations" levelled against almost anyone and everyone who rode bike races way back then...

Like most of the world I support "whoever is playing against England" lol

Honest, yet possibly naive question I guess ???? Will wait for the explanation about Eddy Merckx ????

Excuse my ignorance, but who is "that cheat"?

Totes agree!! The race organisers should refund the entrants, or at the very least refund 75% like Stilwater did when they cancelled the Stellenbosch Origin of Trails ride earlier in the year (April), which was also due to lockdown measures.

At those kinds of incredible savings, I ordered 2 from them (but being CWC, they told me they're are waiting for stock from suppliers and will deliver in 17 weeks time...)

Hey Theans Happy to be one of the guinea pigs ???? I ride MTB, and live in Cape Town CBD. - Mark