Trackside

I also got the GR titanium bike last year, since then my mtb and road bikes hardly ever get ridden...

A few years back David cycled from Cape Town to Louis Trichardt, did the Kremetart and cycled back to Cape Town. He really does these distances. I have ridden a 1000km over the September long weekend, to do what he plans is really a tough challenge. Good luck, I will buy a ticket

Yes I agree, Galibier is a beast, my biggest climb on Strava was recorded there as 2157m (in 50km!!!), and the roads towards the top are treacherous and the descents really fast and scary with no protection.

Did it in 2010 and again twice in 2013, fastest time 1:04. The last time was at the end of the La Marmotte (170km with 5000m climbing) after doing the Glandon and Galibier in 30+ degrees, it took me 2 hours. :-( Other climbs like Madeleine and Galibier were more challenging but Alp D'Huez remains the icon. I was lucky enough to have done all the climbs in today's stage.

I ordered on 8 Jan, it was dispatched the same day and I collected yesterday. I chose the normal free delivery that comes in via SAPO, the shipping email I receied was from TRAKPAK, they were spot on, the parcel was not even in the SAPO tracking system and TRAKPAK showed that it had arrived. The link is: https://www.trackmytrakpak.com/

I still have my CAAD4 with 9 speed Shimano Dura Ace and it still rocks. I have done 150 to 200 km rides on it no problem. You just have to have a comfy saddle and I put 2 layers of bar tape on the handlebar.

Definitely interested, after Trans the fitness should be ok

Doing the Buffelsdrift Big 5 challenge the day before, I am out

There haven't been any real changes in race results between guys who switched to carbon deep sections and guys who still ride their old faithful alu wheels. Have a look at the Racetec and Championchip results over the years and try to figure out if the top results has changed drastically because of some guys now using deep sections. Even the winning times haven't changed that much. My times improved more than other guys I know by changing my training in stead of buying deep section wheels. I used 32 spoke White Industries wheels with Mavic CXP rims for years while guys around me spent loads of cash on deep sections. I still climbed with them and still stayed with them on flats no matter what the conditions. And when I break a spoke or dent a rim I fork out much less money to get it repaired or replaced.

I have known and dealt with Graham for 15 years, since he had the AutoExtra Store, and has never ever had bad service from him. He has always been friendly and willing to help. I also support other shops and have had some fallouts but these guys know their business depends on their level of service and in the end I got the service I expect. You want a once off experience or a trust relationship.... your choice. I think Graham also has a side of this story to tell and my opinion is that he won't be rude and piss off customers unless he has been treated badly or unfairly.

I did the Tour de Boland this year and the timing was extremely bad. The waterpoints was way below par for an event like this especially given the extreme heat. Mobile marshals to control traffic was way too insufficient especially on the mountain passes where we had to deal with trucks and taxis.The logistics of finishing in a different town every day is also a nightmare. I chose to do the Tour of Good Hope next year as there are some exciting new innovations and I believe it will be the better organised event. Already entered as part of a team and looking forward to it. Stop moaning bitching and accusing people and sponsors, evaluate the tours and make your decision. Be thankful that road stage races are getting on the calendar and having a choice is great. Wonder how many of the people kicking up dust on this thread actually participated or plan to participate in any of these tours...

I was at the very top lookout point on Sunday afternoon with my car when three plain clothes policemen in a marked car pitched and warned us about the danger of being robbed. I had a discussion with them about us cyclists training there early mornings and afternoons and the need to have police patrols and assistance to eliminate the threat of being attacked. They listened and all three remarked that they will look into the situation. Not sure where they were from or what rank they were, but they did seem willing to get involved. Keep posting details about the actions you want to take, if I am in town I will join. Maybe post it on the Pretoria East MTB Facebook page as well.

I have been using this link www.letour.fr for a couple of years now. No images but keeps you updated

I have been dealing with Hot Spot for a long time. Had some ups and downs but overall they get my vote.