Hilton.

As per Emin's route described above. Start at the dot, top right (Bethlehem, Kylemore)

I find that Trailforks is really good for exploring the trails (with their names) in this region: https://www.trailforks.com/trails/map/?nearby=1&activitytype=1&z=13.3&lat=-33.92205&lon=18.94015&content=trails,labels,trails_top,region,poi,directory,polygon,eventpremium,waypoint

That said, there were long sections between Robertson and Bonnievale where the group was taking up almost the entire road. And the side-on breeze was causing everyone to move to the right side of the road, seeking shelter.

Guys, guys... this is taken with the selfy camera on a phone. Probably. Selfy cameras are always horizontally flipped. Which is why the text on the signs are all reversed... 🙃 ➡️⬅️

Yes thanks! I joined the Swellendam team. Also aiming for a 6 hour ride. Good luck!

Ok now I've looked up the Mason Resolution 3, and I'm in love 🥰 about R45k for the frame, and Shimano build from about R80k. https://road.cc/content/review/mason-resolution-3-sram-force-310881

I'm still looking to join a team for the DC, preferably one that is going for a quick time. Any gaps in your lineups? Happy to be the waterboy / mascot 🚴‍♂️

I'll put my hand up as well, if a team needs another rider 🙋‍♂️ Cape town Atlantic seaboard based. A solid A-B batch rider, I'd say. I would be happy to do my share of pulls on the front in turn.

🤯🚀 521 Watts up Franschhoek Pass ?!

Here it is on Ridewithgps.com : https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47243894 I had to approximate a straight line on the rolling gravel road a few k's from the finish, for the updated 2024 route.

This is my closest approximation, using the updated changes shown in the email last week: .fit file. Should work like a .gpx Race_to_the_Sea_Route_2024.fit

Men's XCO today at 13H55. Featuring our own Alan Hatherly 😁 He should be starting on the front of the grid.

I see they're a new company based in Belgium. They primarily show Candice on their testimonials, so they don't appear to have many other athletes using them yet. They report their rim weights in a large range, 250 - 290 grams, depending on finish. That's also super light. And they are priced even lower than South Industries XC rims, directly converted. About R8k each.

Very comfortable. Not a problem at all. And I have lower back issues on long rides. Completely unrelated to the USWE. The water pack doesn't make any difference.

What extra features do you think it will get? LTE / cellular? I don't think so, but that would be amazing. Leave the phone at home, and still be able to receive emergency texts and broadcast location. Unlikely though. More smartphone capabilities probably, to close the gap to Apple watches etc on that front. Though I don't think most hardcore sportspeople need much more than it currently offers.