Agreed - but as per latest post I think seedings will be out this week (as it is done every year) and that the info given to us by PPA that the Tour de PPA is an official seeding race for this year is incorrect.
My guess your top 20 finish in the vines & views race - seems they dont take into account that it was on an e-bike
Vines & Views also bumped up my seeding more than any road race I did in 2022
Not complaining, not doing this event for seeding. As a funrider surrounded by mostly stronger riders I saw no point trying to launch attacks or push the pace, was quite happy to have a tea party in the bunch.
Herding kittens yes 🤣 Just do a trip with a few mates sounds like an easy fun idea until you have to find an opening in the calendar, get peeps to commit, agree on the budget, figure out logistics, bla bla bla - suddenly that overpriced stage race looks like an option again.. But you certainly limit your world if you only do races / events.
Its great yes, I also sometimes prefer to do my own thing and have done great trips that cannot be replicated with an (affordable at least) organised event. Other times its nice to have the convenience of just paying a bit extra, rock up with your bike, ride and not be concerned about figuring out stuff like logistics or where food or water is going to come from. I do less events than before but for me the affordable ones certainly have places in my calendar.
The bigger problem is the Van Schoorsdrif road between Philadelphia and Vissershok which is what was used for the original route - that road has now deteriorated beyond usefulness for a road race.
That is why the organisers were trying out detours along the N7 and Malanshoogte before they decided on the Kalbaskraal road
I don't see Vissershok included again until Van Schoorsdrif is fixed (and that doesn't seem to be on the cards for the foreseeable future)
PS - I actually always enjoyed the bumpy challenge of Van Schoorsdrif in race conditions, always big attacks & bunches scattering there
This was last year https://www.entryninja.com/events/77479-yeti-3-day-gravel-race
Looks very chilled, the type of event I like to do in winter when I'm also taking it way easier on the training. Entry also cheap so happy to take a chance on this one
But I haven't seen any indication on whether it will happen again in 2023
CTCT seedings usually are released in the week after the 99er - which is why the 99er is not an official seeding race for the same year's CTCT (I think its a pretty raw deal for the 99er organisers)
However how the Tour de PPA can then be an official seeding race for this year's CTCT when the 99er isn't and it happens after seedings are released is a complete mystery to me
Main events I am planning my year around
Karoo Burn in February
Swartberg Gran Fondo in April
A newish 3 day gravel race in Gansbaai in June (if it happens)
Desert Dash in December
with some of the usual & smaller events inbetween.
Wonder what is the story there? What is the point of hosting the race at a venue like the racecourse if you can't use the parking?
Quite common to have numerous break-ins in cars on events like this one and the Durbie Dash, including unlocked bike racks.. So be aware...
You are right! Got confused with 2022
2021 I got dropped from 2 groups in succession, TT'ed for 20km, latched onto the 3rd group passing me and still managed to sneak in just under 3h00 🙈 - so yes - ideal sub 3 weather in 2021
Very cool graph - but can't you combine it for a few years?
2021 we didn't have the best day weather-wise.
In good weather years even groups like 1D and 1E can sub-3 if I recall correctly
I know there are sewing places that can sew in a "liner" so that the bib is not see through anymore, should be worthwhile if the chamois is still fine - personally I just tossed them
What @HdB said - somewhat borderline, on a good weather day your group will be in the mix. Average weather you might have wished for a slightly better seeding...
