Skubarra

I assume your unit was still under warranty, while under warranty the process is quite painless. Once you are out of the warranty period though.... Then the pain starts

Yes - someone from the club needs to verify that you are a member of the club when you apply. And yes, I am sure there are virtual clubs out there that helps you to bypass the requirement to join an actual club.

Interesting, I know someone with a vets racing license who wanted to race in $ who was specifically told by the organisers that because he has got a race licence for his age cat and not for elites he is not allowed to start in $ (basically was told next year get an elite license if you want to race in $ because you are also not allowed to change mid-season) As usual not very consistent when it comes to applying the rules

Sure - what I maybe should have said is even with a very low index you would not (normally) be allowed to ride Elites at the CTCT unless you have a racing license as well. For most other races a low index is all you need to start in the front group.

For normal CSA membership you also need to be a club member? Agree with the rest, I think racing license only really relevant if you want to compete for national colours or want to ride elites in a big event like CTCT.

Saw on FB they are close to being sold out, should be a lekker turnout then. Looking forward to the ride!

I am entering this year - honestly happy to take the gamble, the weather is what it is, you just prepare for any eventuality. There are no other proper gravel races around that time of the year, September/October the calender is flooded with other events so I'm fine with taking a bit of a risk to do an event early August. This weekend I was at an event in the middle of the Karoo and the night before the race half the route flooded away in a big storm, you never have guarantees on the weather.

Definitely gravel bike route. Route would generally be easier than K2C, especially with regards to climbing. There aren't really very big climbs but the climbs on the rollers & drags do add up over 160km, especially if you are pushing for a fast time. Last year they had a different route because the pont was closed, so cannot really compare times but maybe a Sub-7 a good goal for a first attempt. I would just that add, event is in the middle of the Cape winter. So be prepared for rain, mud, storms, route changes or cancellations, whatever the winter weather can throw at an event have already happened (except snow I think)

I get why you are using teams - but of that 20% of teams I think at least half of them have individual finishers that still finish the race so I don't think team finishes tells the full story.

Looking forward to your event, has been on my bucket list for a while

Any updates from your trusted dr source? Or do we still need our hub journo to do investigations into covered up Epic rider fatalities?

Historically close to 90% of riders finish the Epic? - I think our perception of loads of riders falling out every year does not quite add up to the reality. Add to the fact the 10% who fall out would include riders that were prepared well enough but had genuine mishaps - falls/health issues/mechanicals. Also the extreme heat we had yesterday is an outlier, not the standard, I wouldn't be too judgmental based on this one day

Other than the disclaimer "I am not accusing or suggesting anything" your post reads exactly like you are accusing her or suggesting something. Why put it out there if you don't have the slightest of proofs?

What @michaelbiker said... There is not really a best version, you must pick the one that suit your needs the best. Uswe Outlander 3 with the extra backpocket worked for me - I am light on fluids so there is almost no scenario where the 1,5L bladder + 750m water bottle would not be more than enough for me between water points / shops (when I'm backpacking) + the small backpack take all the spares I need out of my pockets & off my frame. Most of my friends though prefer the bigger 3l bladder

Was also considering Dirty South but it looks closer to a luxury bike tour than a race. They do however have a 5 day road stage race they are launching end of September that I am very interested in.

Its the 1st one so no one has done it before, but the organisers are decent, I expect a kind of informal, no frills type of an event

I think the "hate" is more directed towards the lady in 1D who had dedicated help in getting to the fastest time. That said, there are no prizes for being the fastest lady on the long route, only bragging rights. The actual prizes go to the ladies in the 78km race, so I have no issue with someone getting helped, (as long as there are no e-bikes involved 🙃)

I think that was the plan from the organisers initially? But City & Province didn't come to the party, logistically too big an ask to shut down the city traffic 2 days in a row + having half the province ambulances occupied in the city for 2 days etc.

Not quite following, I don't see the issue, the ladies in 1A and 1B that rode similar fast times were also being pulled by "male" bunches, seriously doubt any of them were doing pulls up front. A lady who wants to be eligible for a prize including age cats need to do the 78km race, any position in the 109 race for them is just a virtual noddy badge anyway. I think its pretty cool bragging rights for the 10 ladies who managed to do a sub 3, very rare achievement for amateur ladies.

think its just a case of the website not yet updated and Entry Ninja still linking to last 2024

For your Friday - Weltevrede Road just south-west of Prince Albert is an easy out & back - 50km in total - with some nice scenery, but likely not better than the personalised ride @Prince Albert Cycles can organise you Then just in general, probably wont fit into your current itinerary, but Kruisrivier (west of Oudtshoorn) down to Calitzdorp past the dam is a great ride for a bike trip. Full trip from Oudtshoorn to Calitzdorp via Kruisrivier would be about 70km

Just to add to the other answers - official seeding events are on the CTCT website, but basically any event timed by Finishtime can potentially count towards your seeding (Cycle Tour Trust have a habit on tweaking criteria from one year to the next so you can never be 100% sure what the criteria is) If you just want to move up a few groups then any event mtb or road will do. If you want to race at the sharper end you need to do a few events, preferably more difficult ones. PPA One Tonner & Double Century as mentioned probably the best recent races to lower your seeding index.

You outsprinted me by 1 second, I should work on my finishing....

Well done, also @, I was generally speaking about 30w less than you on the climbs with roughly the same weight. Which would explain why I got dropped on Chappies 😀