DroppedRider

Two weeks ago I was about to buy a gravel bike. On the way to the LBS here in Durban I realised the gravel bike, especially after the rains here, will not be that much of fun. Decided on a hardtail for KZN gravel (Karfloof excluded). LBS owner agreed with me and said it almost does not make sense to buy a GB here in Durbs unless it's for the pothole infested roads. I have an aero road bike and now a hardtail for versatility to get the best of as many worlds as I can. Road, Gravel and some easy single track.

I loved the year we climbed the M13 and came back down for the Amashova. Hard up hill (1600m elevation in 80km) and a fun fast descent.

There are a few bike parts that I wanted that no one in SA keep except Bikeinn. I have a brother in France. How do I make the most of that situation. Is it cheaper that he sends me goods vs delivery?

28mm gp5000 are actually like 30mm+ in true measurement so you just go with that.

Right. I want those Arabic speaking commentators that they have for the UAE race. Even though I don’t understand a thing they make the entire flat stage sound interesting.

I want to say a lot of words of profanity at Supersport. They said they broadcasting it at 3pm. Instead they changed it to 3.30pm. Also there are 3 channels of golf on. 2 are the same 🙄

Yeah 5 Tablespoons is only 65g of carbs. Bro science in 2024 says you need 80g -120g an hour. When it's a long hard race then I up the sugar in each bottle. I found I can go up to even 10 with no problems. Also I try and have some medjool dates, fast bars or any other carbs to top up on the sugar water because I get hungry. Two bottles is what works for me. *** cheap too as I just raid the kitchen cabinet for sugar. Sometimes when the easy group ride becomes a pissing competition I stop at coffeeshops and raid their sugar sachets too. Adding them to enerjades or Powerades makes a quick garage stop power drink so that I can execute my revenge easier.

5 -8 Tablespoons of Sugar Water, a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice. Been a revelation for me especially on hard rides.

Why can you not find Michelin Tyres in South Africa? Specifically the Power Cup range? According to bicycle rolling resistance and other forums they are just as fast as continentals with better puncture resistance and more durability. They also seem cheaper too.

Went to the local bike shop today to go and buy tubes for my road bike. Came with my 4 year old. Was meant to go in and out. While I was walking to the till to pay for my tubes my eyes shifted a bit to left as I saw something shiny but quickly lowered my gaze. You will not believe what happened next! The owner had the audacity to bring that shiny carbon road bike in front of me and spent 30 minutes showing me all it's features! He was so rude he even let me test ride it outside. Worst is his son came out and brought a matching kids bike for my 4 year old. Both of them even followed me to my car and then helped me load the bikes in my car. I am now in the doggie box with the wifey as I was caught trying to hide the bike in between the fleet of the other 5 bikes. Please hubbers I highly recommend wearing your sun glasses in the local bike shop so that you do not get caught out like me.

I gave some ideas in the first post above. Would love if there is a Marketing Agency that can partner with this concept and push this aggressively - USA Crits style advertising on social media Financially speaking the A,B,C,D individuals are where the money is at. Look after this lot. Make them feel like Pro's. Get official category rankings so that you can work your way up batches properly. Been cycling for a few years now. In my first year of cycling I went from D batch to A batch. Great for my ego but I would have liked to have upgraded my seeding slower maybe after at least doing 2 years or 7 or so races so that I would have got more experience. On the opposite side because riders are getting seeded so high from one race at Racetec you have Zwift only riders who do not have any group riding skills moving at 45 km/h in a stacked peloton. It's getting dangerous. (side note: I find it hilarious with Zwift riders who smash it up the hills but then get dropped descending because no practise of that indoors)

I am a roadie would like to start getting into gravel riding due the fact there are such awesome gravel races coming up around the country. Not really interested in MTB. I usually do my long rides (3-5 hours) on a Saturday on my road bike but would love to do this on a gravel route. What are my route options for me to do a 3-5 hour gravel ride near Durban? I do not mind doing laps of e.g 20km of the same route. Looking for 3 to 4 options so that can mix it up . Thanks!

Sorry if I missed it. Do you work for CSA?

Good spot that.

I hope they did not just group all the road races in October together and now calling it a series. I love that its all within like a month so you can have a season of road cycling then get back on your MTB for summer. What I am hoping for: 1. Series prizes at the conclusion of the Amashova - even for Amateurs 2. Series Table points available online even for Amateur riders. I want to be that Mamil who can go to group rides and boast that I am ranked 564th best amateur national road rider in the country 3. Cycling club table points for the series 4. Full Road closure for the above events to attract amateurs like me ( I can dream) 5. Supersport live broadcasts like what they did for the Comrades Someone make it happen. This could bring some exposure for for Road Cycling considering the dwindling race numbers.