Lone Rider

How the seeding indexes are calculated, as well as how penalty points are assigned are all detailed here - http://www.pedalpower.org.za/index.php/results-seeding/seeding/how-we-calculate-your-seeding/

From the cycleevents (http://cycleevents.co.za/dis-chem-ride-for-sight-2014/) website: Please note: In order to race in the CSA Licence Racing Age Group Categories you must have a seeding index of below 20. If you do not meet the cut-off you will start in the Open/Seeded Group related to your current seeding, regardless of the licence you hold

Most races demand that you have a PPA seeding of below 20 before you can race in one of the Vets categories, even if you have a racing license. As for the Argus, I know someone with a seeding of 10.5 who is starting in the B-group, even though he's been riding in VA, and finishing in the middle of the pack at local (Gauteng) races. I managed to get a VB start for the Argus with a seeding of 7.4. Hope that answers your question.

Mootoo's attitude is a bit extreme, plus you don't buy a VA, VB or VC license. You buy a racing license, the veteran group you land in is determined by your age.

When you go to the seeding.cycletour.co.za website, you can click on "show unused seeding results". You'll probably find that your seeding for those big races wasn't part of your best 3 seedings, so they excluded them.

There goes my theory...

http://seeding.cycletour.co.za for your seeding score

From what I've seen, if your seeding index is below 8 you get put in A, between 8 - 13 you land up in B, 13 - 16 gives you a C seeding...etc Not sure about Elites and Veterans. I'm in VB, my seeding index is 7.4. Girlfriend is in H, her seeding is 27.5. Seeding index A 8.00 B 13.00 C 16.00 D 19.00 E 21.50 F 24.00 G 27.00 H 31.00 I 35.00 J 39.00 K 43.00 L 47.50 M 52.00 N 57.00 O 63.00 P 69.00 Q 75.00 R 82.00 S 90.00 T 100.00

I agree, the organisers should make participants aware that littering outside of the demarcated areas (water points) will result in disqualification. The added awareness should see a big reduction in the number of people littering.

A great race in the VB category. Couldn't have asked for better weather. Though 10min into the race I kept wondering why I put myself through this kind of torture. There was a 4 man breakaway up hill snacks. We were in a 8-10 man group, but those 4 guys just kept extending their lead. I came in, in just under 2h45. Luckily we didn't have to contend with the short distance riders, like the the open/seeded guys, and the few people that were out for their cradle training rides stayed mostly clear of us.

I have to agree with skistar. There was a brand new Giant TCR Advanced 0 with Ultegra Di2 advertised here for R25k recently, and even that took 2 weeks to sell. It's unlikely that you'll get more than R25k in SA for your S-Works, even with those wheels...unless the guys saying R40k are willing to put their money where their mouth is

I started in AL last year and punctured 15km into the race. By the time I got back on the road I joined a group of VC riders. We eventually caught up to the elite ladies. It was an eye-opener watching them ride. We easily overtook them on a flat section, and thought they were spent. As soon as we hit a slight incline they came shooting past us like we were on a recovery ride. As soon they were over the incline, the ladies would again slow down to a crawl, and we'd overtake them...until the next hill. That's when I realised that the elites are playing to win...not to post good times! (Slightly off-topic, I know, but interesting nonetheless )

The first half is quite fast and flat, but heading back there are a few short climbs which could split the group. Not sure about the total elevation/ascend though...anybody?

Hmm...I don't mind that they didn't have starter packs for this race (at least not at Cycle Labs Fourways, when my girlfriend went to collect), but no pins or cable ties?

Fingers crossed

Got my SMS an hour ago. Early start for me - 6:10 (VB)

To cut a long story short - no, you wouldn't be guaranteed of a higher group seeding by registering for a racing license. Most races require that your seeding index be below 20 (check your road seeding index here - www.pedalpower.org.za), before they allow you to ride in the veteran categories, even if you have a racing license. If your seeding index is below 20, you are probably already riding most races in the A-group anyway.

The results are impressive, but seriously....you used a high pressure hose on your socks!?!

For a 95-115k race, I just have a small breakfast (oats or ProNutro) 2 hrs before the race. I fill one bottle up with an energy drink, the other with plain water, and take 3 energy gels with me. I normally only use 2, the 3rd is in case of a mishap...I once went over a rumble strip and let a gel slip through my fingers...I've also had a sachet that stayed sealed after ripping off the tab. I don't disagree that whole foods (bananas, peanut butter sandwiches) do the trick, and that's what I normally take on training rides, but during a race you don't want to be caught pealing a banana, or unwrapping a sarmie, when someone decides to attack, or there is a surge. I guess it all depends on how seriously you're competing, and on what works for you. Whatever nutrition you decide on, make sure to try it out on a couple of training rides before the race event. The last thing you want is to have an upset stomach during your race.

I've picked up similar price discrepancies only to later find out that the the book is available in paperback and hardcover. Naturally the hardcover comes in at a price premium. Either way the staff could've been more attentive.

Nice photos. Next time I'l definitely need to do a second loop to take in the sights

Scott RC! You did a 2:45 on a MTB? You should be easy to spot then. Not many okes riding MTB's in B, I'm sure.

I'm in B...let me know what kit you'll be wearing so I know whose wheel to suck

The marshals on their motorbikes did a stellar job in our group. You could see they had out safety at heart, pointing out speed bumps, rumble strips, potholes, oncoming cars, etc.

That tight left-hander and then a 100m sprint to the finish did make it interesting...but compared to all the cars I had to swerve around last year just before the finish line, I think this was an improvement.