Velouria

I thought I saw a few more MTB tracks than normal on my usual MTB route. I much prefer the western side of the R44 to the Longridge trails - those are too much like hard work for no fun

Hardly valid, and clearly not objective. Stratton is a PR whore climbing on the Lance band wagon. And to lay the blame at the feet of cycling fans infuriates me. He seems to forget that the cycle fans are the people that buy his bicycles and make this the fantastic sport that it is. I prefer the riposte by @Kiss_my_Panache over at Cyclismas: http://www.cyclismas.com/2012/08/opinion-my-response-to-the-ritte-sport-blog-post-on-lance-armstrong/

I think more like a moonlight mass idea would work. Although, stealing people away from the event in the City dilutes the impact of the whole idea. While I'm keen not to have to drive into town and have a local moonlight mass, as a cycling community it's probably better that we support the one in Cape Town.

Once again, 150 Watts of Awesome sums it up well with her post: http://150wattsofawesome.blogspot.com/2012/08/lance-armstrong-applies-for-martyr_24.html Even in his death throes, Lance continues to cheat me out of the truth. Is he guilty? Is he innocent? I don't know, and I really really wanted to hear the evidence against him so that I could form a proper opinion, and not base it on media sensationalism and random tweets. Much like his "I never tested positive" one liner, his new mantra is going to be - "I was never found guilty". Damn you Lance. How am I ever going to explain this mess to people who only watch cycling once a year for 3 weeks?

Thanks Cacher - I do quite miss the days for riding Baviaans in 16hrs, where each water point was a gastronomic experience. But seeing parts of the route, like the Bergplaas descent, the run into Hadleigh through the kloof and the majority of the Never Ender in the light make up for the missed snacks along the way - although those jaffels did smell darn good! My highlight food wise was the overcooked, cold Spur burger at the end

Still a very unique race on our calendar, and one that I just can't seem to stay away from. No two editions of this race have ever been the same, and perhaps that is the attraction. Well done to all those brave enough to start, let alone finish. My Race Report - my partner of the last six editions is calling it quits (maybe).

It's ok Floyd, I don't want my money back...

My TransBaviaans 2012 Race Report - The Farewell Tour. http://www.velotales...iaans-2012.html

I had the same approach - why bother with the race briefing or the booklet. I know the route. And what are there - something like 5 turns in the whole race? It was only with 15 minutes before the boxes had to be in when someone mumbled something about the finish being at a new venue. Mad panic trying that damn book.

I'm surprised Wikus said anything at all. The directions were in the race booklet: Turn right at the first traffic light, and left at the top of the hill. School will be on the right hand side...

That's just one of my talents While the rivers were deeper than I've ever seen them, they were all mostly ridable. We did our best time yet - so given the 45 minutes the rivers added, we would have done around 8:45 As for results - this is all I have (thanks to my wife and her phone) - well done to Coimbra

45 minutes? The water going to slow us down that much? Leopard crawling all the water crossings will still only take about 10 minutes extra...

If you get to CP 3 by around 4 you should be able to get up and over BergPlaas before dark - provided there is no faffing at the top.

Before Bergplaas, just after CP 3. Your bum will get wet from all the other river crossings after Bergplaas though

Post some photos

I've been dreaming about a belt drive SS/geared bike for ages. Check out http://spotbrand.com/bikes/

He's got to ride at least one race with a gold bike and pimped kit and helmet... http://www.cyclingfans.net/2012/images/2012_clasica_san_sebastian_alexandre_vinokourov_gold_bike1a.jpg

Late reply - my apologies The chamois is ok - good enough for a 4 hour ride. The sizing is a little out - I usually wear a L bib, but the ones from Mupi are a little tight, but not unwearable. Shipping was something like $10, and both times I've ordered customs weren't interested in the package.

90% of maize grown in SA is genetically modified. FutureLife now indicate that their product now may contain genetically modified maize and soy beans. Just tried the new strawberry flavour and I think the chocolate flavour now has competition in our house. Thank goodness for the bulk packs - otherwise we'd be heading off to the shops almost weekly to restock

I do that with Cycle Addiction all the time, and even ask to be charged extra for the stuff they are good at - like putting the bits on my bike, or servicing shocks. I have no issue paying for good service, I just don't like buying something knowing I can get it cheaper elsewhere.

I don't think so - you're still going to be in for a long day out, you're still going to look after yourself exactly as you would in the Kloof. It's just going to take a little longer. The best strategy for a first timer is water point to water point. And have fun - after all - that's the reason you're doing this.

Rather surprisingly, I hate MOAC way more than the Grootrivier climb. I've spent many a sunset walking up to Bergplaas, with the occasional purging of stomach contents along the way, while we were able to ride the whole up the Grootrivier climb. That said, I still think LangsBaviaans is tougher than the real Baviaans, and not nearly as scenic as riding through the Kloof.

Not wanting to rush you Disylizzy - but it is August

Did the crime, did the time - move along, nothing to see here.