pedal menace

Hi All - Been reading this with great interest. Especially since this weekend is Milan San Remo and seems no DSTV coverage (maybe we will see a few Marriott ads to compensate). As per GCN website - Milan San Remo will be covered by them in South Africa. So - I face the question - do I subscribe to GCN?? From my research it seems (please do correct me where I get it horribly wrong): 1. GCN+ is mostly developed for a mobile phone only. You can download it to your tablet but they do not guarantee that it will work all that well; 2. You do NOT need a VPN as South Africa is on their list - however not all countries get to see the same races. So, if you do want bigger variety get a VPN set up, and become a Europian. You are likely to get MUCH more content; 3. Whenever DSTV broadcasts an event live (even if just the last hour or two), you are unlikely to get it on South Africa GCN as DSTV owns the broadcast rights; 4. You can Chromecast your phone to your TV and as such then watch it on the big telly; 5. You can watch GCN on a browser - not sure if the built in Smart TV browser will work though; Anyone knows? 6. Not sure if GCN will work on an Apple TV - then I can watch directly on big telly. Anyone knows? Anything important I am missing?

Can I please get some advise. Maybe I struggle to read webpages or follow instructions, but what exactly is the process to transfer your entry to Aug 2021? The way I read it is: 1. You will receive a mail with a unique code that you (I think) append to your race entry reference number - this then becomes your discount coupon; 2. You then need to physically go to the 2021 entry portal, enter the 2021 event but use your unique coupon code to get the relevant discount; 3. You end up paying just the transfer fee; NOW.... * To this date I have received ABSOLUTELY NO MAILS WHATSOEVER. * I have checked every possible spam folder, everywhere, I really did not get any mails! * I have mailed EcoBound and asked what's up - I have received ABSOLUTELY NO RESPONSE; Am I following the wrong process? Anyone who can help?

Nope received NOTHING! Was probably sent from the same mail server that sent out the "survey" about the event. I am still waiting for that mail too. And it is not in any spam folder.

YIKES...I have always been an ambassador for this event. Having done 6 of them, it has always been one of my firm favourites! I encouraged every fellow rider I met to at least do one. UNTIL.....I saw how they handled the 2020 event. Again, I know this is their bread and butter, I know the impact COVID had on them. I fully understand and respect the conundrum they face. But there are ways to handle this properly. First they claim to have done a survey..REALLY?? I never got a mail to do a survey, yet I get all their other mails. I have also mailed them numerous times, and feedback received did leave a slight bitter taste in my mouth. It was clear that their (I assume dire) financial position left them in a difficult spot. I tried my best to understand it all. However, their level communication just got worse. It was clear their brand was taking damage yet they continued (in my personal opinion) to put their financial position over that of the riders. And now this!!!!! I am sorry, I have lost all respect for the event. I am dissapointed. They can technically do what they want, we have little choice in teh matter, but they care what we think? But I know how we as riders feel and act...in a year or two or three when entries open (and they are still around), all entries will likely sell out again. We as riders are a loving bunch and forgive easily and our deep love for the sport is so big, we will put all this nastiness behind us...I hope :-)

I do agree that their level of communication is sub par. This is the one time where over communication is something we would not mind. Reality is that i) this is a difficult situation, ii) they have incurred incredible cost to get us to this point and iii) have a passion for the sport and would like to see it go ahead. This is however one time where passion should not take priority. I am sure there is a large number of people that will tell me to shut up and let the event go on - we do not care. There are however an equally amount of people that have not made final arrangements, are about to go on holiday and would like to know if they need to train 2/3/4/5/6/7 times a week in preparation for the Jan event. Make a final call - rather sooner than later. Looking at Vleisboek - everyone is asking for proper comms and simply get generic answers back. Again in their defense - this is a TOUGH situation. The future of the event may just depend on it going ahead - who knows. But make a call - ASAP! Just keep us up to dat - nothing more nothing less

The TB Facebook page seems to give a slightly different view - that it will go ahead no matter what. Reasons given seem to be cost already incurred for the Jan event. That had quite a few people upset as it does give a perception of money/profits over health/sanity. I am sure that it is not the case but still..... People are also upset that the entries for the Aug 2021 event opened before a definitive decision is made on the Jan 2021 event. In essence - should Jan 2021 end up being cancelled - and Aug 2021 already sold out in terms of entries - what is Plan B for the Jan 2021 entries? Listen, this is still a fantastic event and I will never ever criticize the Eco Bound Team - they do tremendous work. But these are different times that requires difficult decisions to be made. I for one am glad it is not up to me. But the way things are going now - I cannot see it going ahead. If they decide otherwise and forge ahead - a lot of people will not pitch and lose a significant amount of money in the process. I have also mailed them to get some insight and options for cyclists opting for health over the event - and the answer was also - we are going ahead and should you decide not to pitch for any reason it will be my loss. Those are the rules I guess!

Also....PE based riders/starters were only going to start at 7AM...I see a real logistical issue here.

Same thought this side. Hope they inform us sooner rather than later.

OK...so...hmmm...last night we got news of a newly declared COVID hotspot. What are the chances of this influencing the TB Jan-2021 event? Sure it is just the Nelson Mandela Metro area but that includes PE. I am aware of many a rider that will drive to the start or home from the finish from/to Port Elizabeth. With a curfew of 22:00..do we foresee the event possibly being affected? Just wondering...

That feeling when you are thinking...wow at 120km I am still feeling pretty good...just to see your partner hitting that proverbial wall and slowing down to a crawl....oh boy. Time can slow down pretty quickly, But finishing it, whether it is 12 hours or 22 hours, is what makes this such a beautiful event. Proper hydration next year I think will be the top priority. And with that I also imply easily drinking too much. I have seen friends end up in hospital from over hydration.

But if you register and pay to be a supporter, a check in at checkpoint # 5 is compulsory (or so I think). . I am certainly not going to ask my wife to drive to checkpoint #5 and then back to Jeffreys.

He reminds me every day! But a dad will be a dad..always worrying ..just DO NOT tell him he is not training hard enough. That unleashes a weapon of mass destruction (yeah my fault..I know).

Very interesting. I know for Cullinan to Tonteldoos they made it a 5AM start as well. I am very worried the affect the heat will have on my son. He is only 19 and have never ever really had that kind of exposure. I have ridden in temperatures close to 50 - degrees ..it is horrible in all sorts of ways. Now going up Bergplaats in that.....yikeeess!!! Ok I do not want to complain. I guess it remains each one's choice to sellentry/bail completely or go ahead and do it! . My son's health is priority number 1. He loves cycling but this will be his BIGGEST challenge ever.

Fully agree. However, one needs to at some point decide what course of action one is going to take. Do I wait until 15 Dec?

I think so too. Other than the event entry I have not yet booked anything - flights, bike transport etc. Been holding back to get the new rules. I am so in two minds. I have done 6, so to me skipping this one is not much of an issue for me. My son is just so looking forward to it but he want the true Baviaans experience and this will not quite be it (my humble personal opinion). Not sure of others will agree/disagree with me. Again - kudos to Wikus and Company for making every effort to allow the event to continue.

I assume most received the TB newsletter this morning - Revised Rules to cover COVID Level 1 regulations. I was expecting this. Cannot blame them. They are trying their best to keep the event going. This is/was going to be my 7th time doing it - but my first time with my son. What a privilege! But EISH: 1. 5AM -7AM start: I will likely be the 5AM batch. That would imply an estimated 2AM/230AM get up time. Unless staying in Willowmore, nothing is really that close. Doing the event on maybe 3-4 hours of sleep. I think I will nbe OK bu t my son, oh boy...he needs his sleep. 2. No spectators - Fully understandable. But man - being my first ride with my son I was already picturing wife/mother to meet us at the finish, tears everywhere, me crying of how proud I am of my son! To me spectators are so much part of the event. And all that money to fly everyone down (you need a designated driver/spectator) but meeting them I guess in the parking lot somewhere? 3. Starting at 5Am will mean mostly daylight ride. This is great as I will see more than ever before - BUT - the night ride is so much part of the event. I love that part! It is just...the Transbaviaans 4. Starting at 5AM will mean riding peak temperatures most of the day - and we all know teh Kloof can easily reach 40 degrees +on a really hot day. I am more than willing to still do it - but it will be my son's call as the hype and support of the family means everything to him. I hope they offer a transfer to the Aug 2021 event - I would love that option. But I will not blame them if it is not offered. Still one of the best events EVER!! Choices now choices....

Eish..probably A LOT cheaper! Thanks for the heads up

Also well worth it to get a proper training matt. Go to Sportman's and get those gym floor blocks that fit together like puzzles. So most of my sweaty muck ends up on these plastic tiles and easy to clean. But a good towel helps as well

Had an aircon fitted in my pain cave! ..best decision ever!! One fan and aircon and I can train 2 hours when its 40 degrees outside! You still sweat like a ****! We have 3 trainers next to each other, so when me, wifey and son all train at the same time..you need every bit of cool air you can get!

Did a bit of a Pain Cave Update over the weekend: 1. Added Graphics Card to my PC: Palit GTX 1660 Super 2. Got a Samsung 4K TV Previously on Zwift only got (as per Zwiftilizer): 1080P, Medium, 40FPS First Zwift impression with the new goodies...WOW!!! Now have ULTRA 4K, 60FPS (TV only goes to 60Hz) I am very happy with the results!

No flaming here at all ! Swift will have to bring out an app for the TV (i.e. Web OS/Android) but TV's are very under powered with low capability CPU's. Do not think they will be ableto handle the Zwift app.

Last night downloaded FulGaz and will give the trial period a go! Video quality is GOOOOOD! Yes it does not offer a social side of things (i.e. it is a solo training tool, no network ability to see other riders, meetups, races etc), but if that is not your thing, go have a look BEFORE you give Rouvy a try. If you prefer to have a good UI and VERY good video quality rides (proper 1080P/4K) you should choose between Tacx and FulGaz...just my opinion

Tx...found a good article: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2020/03/cycling-indoor-trainer-app-guide.html

Question: How big a difference does a graphic card really make? Ok let me narrow it down: 1. I run a i5 PC with 8Gb memory (so Ok there I assume?) 2. HDMI out to a big screen FHD TV (1080P not 4K) 3. Very entry level graphics cards (so yeah Zwift does not go ultra here) Zwift runs perfectly smooth but the graphics (in the absence of seeing anything else) looks ok-ish. Is getting something better to go to Ultra on a 1080P TV worth it? Will I really see a difference on a 1080P TV if I for example buy a GTX 1650 Super Graphics card? Will it be..WOW! I mean it is close to R4k for this graphics card..and yeah I love good graphics, but will it improve a lot from normal to Ultra on 1080P (I would assume at 60fps)

Well if I can give them credit it is for their support. I mailed them and they responded very quickly giving me a full refund! Wow..phew!!!