Danger Dassie

Seems like they’re just bombarding info to discourage feedback? Who can interpret all those tables into something coherent?

Thanks Sally, have shared out. Good to see some kind of revision open for comment. Hopefully the necessary steps are taken.

Good for them, solid team behind the event, especially with current organisers already running established events. The timing could well be right enough and something slightly different as an addition to other events. Will be interesting to follow the progress. Best of luck.

Not half wrong, from an organisational point of view and spectator value, it was a big success. Many of the teams and WC regulars compared it to Nove Mesto. A big help is that it was fully open to the public and there was no admission fee. Largely thanks to ABSA as well. Unfortunately, the event did run a deficit, not entirely unexpected but also not sustainable over a number of seasons and no one was expecting to be balling in profit. People seem to forget that an event is like any other business, it does need to be sustainable, even at a marginal loss or to break even initially. As well as the fact that the economy was heading into a recession at that time. It is difficult to find a common ground and shared risk in such a scenario. The reality is that the decision came down to a mutual agreement not to pursue. Of course, this was also pre-pandemic, which in turn changed everything else. The so called narrative is as simple as that.

You’ll love it, such a different vibe and amazing places to explore, plus there’s big five territories nearby. It’s generally a close community that’s warms and welcoming. Mpumalanga/Limpopo is really underrated and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Especially if you love the outdoors. Will put out feelers with friends to see what’s available.

People can get quite delicate about ‘moderation’ … realistically it’s for nothing to do with America IP and laws. But more about a healthy and thriving online forum for grownups. I still remember when there was a dispute over a bike sale that led to someone then Strava stalking a lady and sharing her personal details and Strava rides on the forums, along with a vague description of what should happen to her. So yes, some form of moderation is required. If you want arguments, then join your street WhatsApp group.

If anything like Wellington and Saronsburg this year, my sack and crack are already moistening up!

How's the heat in Paarl around that time of year?

Maybe not with Cannondale, but there are several specialist paint shops in Freiburg. Even in the states, which makes sense, it would be an independent. Speculation aside, it would be a nice touch if they'd managed to do it here in the S of A, there's some good skills. Would imagine timing/logistics being a challenge though. Regardless looking forward to seeing a Saffa rolling the rainbow.

More likely in Freiburg, Germany. That's where Cannondale's design/engineering services are, plus the team is based in Germany. The Bethel facility was sold off or closed in the early 2000s when manufacturing moved to Asia, bike assembly is in the US (Connecuit I think) Holland and Taiwan. The joys of globalisation.

Queen stage looks a smidge spicey ....

Add Rhodes Challenge to the list

What a ride... Still have a HubSA jersey somewhere and one of the rubber wrist bands.

Another vote for Clarens X, chat to Ollie the owner if he's around. Knows everyone and knows those mountains better than most!

The first one, go left just after you go through the pedestrian gate. You'll see it on your right, they've just finished it and are busy with route markings.

Also there to ride and run on a regular basis, the best is to speak to the guys at Trailwolf/Taroko, they can give you the factual rundown on what's actually happening. No trail has been lost perse, some sections have been affected, but this has been largely negated by extending sections, like the river trail (Angry Birds) yellow trail has seen an extension with a reopening of an extended loop after a lot of work. Likewise going left at the top of the tar road now takes you onto a new flow line option, utilising some of the older trail. That doubles back into the forest trail. The construction is mostly at the far end of the property on the AECI perimeter, not deep within the actual trail network or reserve. It's road construction. Birdlife hasn't been that affected as the vast majority sits within the reserve, it's currently not nesting season where the swooping bird normally is. There are extended plans for the reserve trail network/reserve. The trail guys are hoping to retain the majority of the ruins. They're constantly on the go managing/maintaining the trails and reserve areas.

First proper Enduro Worlds, so in general it was pretty lowekey. WildAir Bike and CSA did a fair bit of stuff on their social channels. There was some good stuff.

@SSCC this popped up on my feed and is a pretty sweet deal, not far off the cost of decent carbon wheelset for a whole bike, which is bloody fun bike. https://www.specialized.com/za/en/allez-sprint-comp/p/216918?color=350024-216918

We have Tanqua Burn, Karoo Burn, Gravel Burn .... You get a burn, and you and you, everyone gets a burn!

Personally, I'd go for the extra wheelset. But, considering things like space, setup, maintenance and what you prioritise personally in balancing the convienance against how much road vs tar riding in having a spare wheelset or complete bike. The second-hand market does have some good deals on rim brake road bikes that are up-to-date with components and geometry. Decent alloy rims and calipers that are properly setup will be more than good enough, even in the wet. That said, I've seen some absolute bangers for the 27-37k mark on new disc road bikes. Titan Valerian (alloy) full 105 and DT Swiss Wheels, Merida Reacto (carbon) also 105 but with inhouse white label wheels etc and the Trek Enmondo alloy in similar spec. Not sure about the other brands, possibly Specialized Allez and Scott in the same vein.

This one … https://www.instagram.com/gravel_burn?igsh=eDd0dmlldWFsdWll The whole first thing is marketing bumpf though, can recall there were already one or two events previously that were multi day (3) gravel rides.

Good for them. Given Dryland’s experience they’re probably confident about the market for such an event. Hence the work they’ve put in. For those of us whom it might be out of budget, we don’t know, that’s ok, plenty to choose from. Meanwhile the original Epic meneer is also launching a multi stage gravel event.

BREAKING: Hordes of rainbow-striped mamils storm the roads and trails! What a bloody laugh, just enjoy the moment 😂. I myself am not a fan of people wearing 'rainbow kit' either, but it really is a none issue and has no bearing one way or the other that's worth the hyberbolic word salad of projection.

Correct 👍😎

Awesome sauce, glad you're getting sorted. Kim and Shaun are great, he can't always carry stock given the range but will have your back.