DroppedRider

Not really a car or bad driver story but on the weekend I had a rear tyre blowout on a descending hairpin bend. The bike skidded into the oncoming lane where there was a car driving up (this is a long dead end suburban road that usually has no cars - my luck). I was about 2m away from going through his windscreen. I managed to save it only for the bike to start skidding to the trees on the other side of the road. Slowed the bike down in some grass and somehow I came through this unscathed. Driver was concerned and slowed down so give him credit for that. I think the carbon rim brakes got too hot and might have blown the tube as I did a lot of descending that day and it was 12pm Durban "winter". I usually can weather a lot but I am not going lie I am a bit freaked out. I have not jumped on my bike since the weekend.

Reading comments criticising Pogacar. Dude had two Netflix documentaries basically poking at holes at him. "I'm gone. I'm dead" became a meme for these past two years. Pundits saying he is not good at long climbs at altitude. If that happened to me I would have motivation for years. I would do everything to stop Visma from taking a stage. If I am watching correctly, he camped at the very stage that happened yesterday. Knew every corner. Prepared for an expected battle Royale from Jonas. Knew this was the stage he was going to go long and hard. I was not surprised at all he attacked yesterday Jorgensen had no bottles at the bottom of the climb. He was never meant to go for the stage. He looked cooked and Pogi smelled blood.

Also Pogi hinted in an interview that Remco and him could double up against Jonas if Vlab. So even if Jonas is planning something he now has to attack Pogi while defending against Remco. Tall ask

Magene make good products. I have their sensor, HRM and their radar light. It was like 1/4 the price as Garmin and works well with the Garmin Edge devices.

Hi Guys I have a Hardtail Merida Big Nine 400 MTB with Shimano Deore that I want to add drop bar handlebars on to (Monster project) to use on gravel and single track. I noticed Sensah has recently released their Sensah Team Pro HRD hydraulic shifters compatible with Shimano Road. From my understanding this could work for the project. I am keeping the suspension fork. So basically the plan is 1. Install shifters 2. Use wolftooth Tanpan 3. Buy a cheap larger handlebar (44cm - I use a 40cm on my road bike) 4. Use a shorter stem (possibly 50mm) to ensure reach is good 5. Change the front chainring from 32 to a 38 for 1x 6. Get a 11 speed 9-50 cassette (Saw some Ryet ones that have good reviews) Am I on the right path? Is there anything that I have missed from your experience?

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.

National Road Cycling Series Sets off to Ignite the Thrill of Cycling Across the Country Cycling South Africa is thrilled to announce the launch of the highly anticipated National Road Cycling Series. This premier event will bring together top cycling athletes, enthusiasts, and spectators from across the country to experience the excitement and adrenaline of road cycling at its finest. The National Road Cycling Series aims to promote the sport of road cycling, showcase the talents of the country’s most exceptional riders, and create a platform for intense competition and camaraderie. With a series of exhilarating races spanning various terrains and distances, this event promises to captivate audiences and redefine the landscape of professional road cycling in South Africa. The plan is for a reduced pilot series of only 6 races for 2023 with the aim of testing the concept for the 2024 series which will span the entire calendar year and all provinces as far as possible, with the potential inclusion of criterium races at some of the races. The following events will form part of the 2023 National Road Series: Date Race Location 16 Sept Blue Diamond Classic Gauteng North, Gauteng 01 Oct Boland Race of Truth Cape Winelands, WC 07 Oct Satellite Classic Central Gauteng, Gauteng 08 Oct Timbercity Cycle Tour Eden Cycling, WC 14 Oct Free State Challenge Welkom, FS 22 Oct Amashova National Classic Durban, KZN Key Highlights of the National Road Cycling Series: Prestigious Races: The series will feature a collection of high-profile races, including challenging terrains, gruelling mountain events and speedy flatter races. The diverse race formats will test the riders’ endurance, agility, and strategic power. Elite Athletes: The National Road Cycling Series will attract the nation’s most accomplished cyclists, including national champions, and emerging talents. Spectators will have the opportunity to witness their favourite riders pushing the limits of their abilities, engaging in fierce battles for victory. Nationwide Coverage: The series will traverse picturesque routes spanning the entire country, showcasing its scenic landscapes and cultural heritage. Spectators can gather along the routes to witness the peloton whiz by or tune in as we aspire to have live broadcasts for online streaming to follow the action from anywhere in the country. Inclusive Participation: The National Road Cycling Series is committed to promoting inclusivity and encouraging participation from cyclists of all levels. Amateur cyclists will have the opportunity to compete alongside elite athletes in certain events, fostering a sense of unity and inspiration within the cycling community. See more: https://www.cyclingsa.com/national-road-cycling-series/

Had a recovery week last week. My first ride back is usually a Saturday and I know I usually push good power that day. I could not make it past 2 hours when I usually do 5 and my HR was all over the place. Okay maybe I wasn't recovered I thought. Sunday jumped on the trainer for a recovery ride and could not ride past an hour even though I was keeping it in zone 1 and 2. My muscles felt this weird aching that I recall feeling when I had Covid. Like it's sore but I haven't been pushing. Resting HR was 10 bpm higher. Daughter got diagnosed with flu today. Decided even though I'm not showing any outside symptoms I'm going to take time of the bike again and take it easy. I have been thinking of getting that Heart rate variability app to track these things.

Read the comments in the Facebook link. Shimano knows about this problem but does nothing. I guess they playing hardball to stop a recall of what I estimate millions of Ultegra and Dura Ace Cranks. https://www.facebook.com/100064360736973/posts/pfbid0gpq47zL2EX58r7NJArsDovMMETowA5sPovCGuZWkgqZeS2fbkQRYeZ8AJhPJpYtul/

Good day Anyone know how are the roads near the resort Midlands Saddle and Trout for Road bikes going inwards towards Giants Castle? I know there are a lot of trucks near mooi river so I’m trying to plot a safe route . Thank you

Okay I did some more research. Most of you probably know this already (still new to me). Honey and Golden Syrup is made up of mostly fructose. Fructose is not bad but has to go via your liver to get to your muscles. So takes longer to work. Maple Syrup and tried and tested Sugar water is made up of mostly Sucrose. Sucrose goes directly to your muscles. Also the sucrose:glucose ratio of Maple Syrup and Sugar is 1:1 which is where you need it to be on long hard rides. 2:1 is old school apparently. Back to sugar water it is