Danger Dassie

Bannergate sorted …

Sending regards, would have been a good presence at champs, more importantly wishing a strong healthy recovery!

Sorry to hear, that’s pretty swak. Hope they throw the book at that pos!

It’s not that uncommon for federations to have foreign nationals competing in their National Title event, they don’t get awarded the national jersey however, if they get a result. Personally don’t see the issue, bit of international presence adds to the racing surely? Particularly if they’re a regular feature locally throughout the season.

Yip, there’s good few things to consider, hence suggesting a seperate thread. Also a lot of semantics, we could be here forever discussing, unfortunately don’t have the luxury of spending a good portion of the day on forums.

Ja, it’s a bit sad that practically nobody is aware of the event as such, unless you’re a core road rider. Which is a pity because there’s a lot of good work and effort into the organisation, plus the potential of the venue. Aside from the lack of SA Cycling media, there’s no basic programme (you need to download a 25page handbook) and telegram are immediately off putting to outside interest.

Why? Why the top XCO? Other than good PR. Marathon MTB, especially in the stage format is still a relatively new discipline that is growing. XCO is an exceptional baseline, but not all riders who specialise in the format enjoy/excel at Stage XCM. We also forget the effects of a post covid economy, which compounds many of the challenges and can cause a setback back by two years, within a broader timeline. Not sure I agree with the credibility assessment, last year we saw performances by two local teams that put them out there on an international platform. Kim Le Court is now on a WT team with AG Ins Soudal and took a commendable top 10 at TDU. Not saying that’s due to the ACE jersey, but it does play a role. As much as there’s an argument for change, we also should acknowledge the outcomes currently and those who do show up. Worth its own thread tbh as we‘re digressing here.

The women’s field is all too often a throw of dice, although despite the lack of depth last year’s racing provided really good entertainment. I enjoyed following it as well as the men’s explosive stages. To be fair it takes more than throwing money at it, hopefully there’s more stability in the near future. Attakwas showed an encouraging level of racing.

Last I spoke to the guys from Cytek (Merida agents/Titan) they said they have the agency for Microshift.

Total of seven people attended, while it might seem to be a lekker joke, there are real world consequences towards people’s livelihoods.

Took the gravel bae to lookout points and to watch people water frolicking…

Cheaper helmets have also come a long way, looking at what Titan offers and now Apex offer at under 1k. It’s difficult to sell on a boutique brand in a competitive market, there are higher end model options from the likes of Specialized, POC, Kask, Abus, Scott, Bontrager etc .. In fact Specialized does a bloody good option with the Align just under 1k, slightly above with MIPS

Public liability insurance, which is required by law. This doesn’t cover reimbursement costs however, and apparently the interest from underwriters/insurers is minimal as the process and costs are onerous.

Similar but uniquely different. Seat and head angles are different to the Mobu, the Mobu also has a geometry flip chip.

Swiss Army knife, can build it up for XC/marathon, trail or a mix and it’ll be a fast performer on all of it. Phil Buys won Buffelsdrift on one. In many ways it reminds me of the original Pyga 110, but a bit more lively and responsive to pedal input. It’s not the lightest on builds but no where near the heaviest either.

https://ukzn.zoom.us/j/3476152037?omn=94070258372

Beers and Blevins are formidable, would be great to see them defend their title. The addition of Namibian Alex Miller to the team also presents some dark horse vibes, undetermined if he’ll be at Epic. In the women’s field it’ll be interesting to see if Amy Wakefield and Candice Lill team up again for unfinished business. They really had terrible luck last year. Unfortunately I don’t see Vera Looser and Kim Le Court defending since Le Court is now on a WT road team.

Check with Karkloof Country Club, they have one of the largest memberships in the country. All kinds…

Tottie tamatie ??

Is nie salmon nie ??

Dis p03s mooi!

Due to extreme weather and a call by the provincial EMS that was out of their hands. That is part and parcel of the risk and liability we face as participants, as well as the organisers. In any outdoor activity. It's disappointing for everyone and the irritation is understandable to a degree, some people make it vindictive though with rage posts on the socials/google reviews. It would be nice if there were some form of insurance that could be taken out, even as an opt in. But then we would moan about the increased cost.

20% isn't significant? ... Take 20% off your gross income and let us know. Faaarrk, the line between expectation and entitlement is a narrow one.

Start with the basics first, check the chain length is correct. Where abouts are you in NL?

Swartberg 100 on the 27th April. It’s also part of the UCI Gravel World Series.