Andrew Steer

Thanks everyone, I think that has it all covered... I'll collect the funds and then transfer to Martin once it's all in. No big rush, we have some time...

Thanks guys, it won't be a lot... probably R1000 for the year at most from the look of it (it's currently just under R80 a month), so between a few of us it really doesn't break the bank. R250 x 4 at this stage...

Just an update from Queen, they are all doing great and Ricky is still riding up a storm on his bike. Have been chatting to Martin (who sponsored his insurance for the bike for the year) and I want to push on the cover for another year just to make sure he's safe out there... maybe if all goes well he won't even be commuting in a years time. I've told Martin he has done more than his share already, so if anyone else wants to chip in with me towards covering the insurance for the year, just drop me a pm. We're going to keep it on Martins insurance for simplicity, but I will just transfer a lump sum to him for the year at the end of Feb Thanks again everyone

They really are a special institution - definitely deserve all the support they can get

So incredibly sorry for your loss Reinet Still wish I'd had the pleasure of a ride and beer with your wonderful husband - he was clearly a special man. At a time when many of us are struggling and feeling the pressures of a world in crisis, your husband gave us all the golden gift of perspective and a reminder of the many things we can all be grateful for. His fighting spirit and sense of perspective will stay with many of us the rest of our lives - and for that I will forever be grateful. Look after yourself and please know this Bikehub mob will always be here for you. Strength to you and your loved ones Reinet RIP Francois

Some more food for thought... Kim Brearley missed cut-off by 4 minutes. 50km's odd from the end, she missed a turn and did I'd guess about 3-4km's off course, and then back-tracked those km's to the route and continued. That definitely cost her a finishers medal. There were two gents just up the road ahead of her, they also went off course at the same spot - but I don't think they back tracked, but cut across to the route (hard to tell as the tracking wasn't regular) I don't think they should have been disqualified, no advantage was gained... but Kim clearly also knew the rules and did what was expected of her to protect her finish. Nobody want's disqualifications, nobody want's controversy - things must just be equal and fair. I recall Hannele Steyn doing an extra 70kms+ the one year as a result of a wrong turn. You can't control the weather or the conditions, but what you certainly can control is the clarity and consistency of rule application. Rules is Rules, if you are racing for what is not small prize money - best you know them PS: None of this should take the shine off an awesome bloody event - call it constructive criticism

The only person Chuck Norris is really scared of...

Maroshell updated... 1.9km from the finish. Kim somewhere inbetween, no update for 18minutes on her tracker

I sadly don't think either of them did... probably could hear the finish line at the very least. So sad for them, but what epic rides... crazy vasbyt to fight those last 100kms. That wrong turn ultimately the difference for Kim as well. Gutted for them all

Bummed there is no feed... these people are legends in their own rights. Probably not even 2km's short in a journey of 1152km... serious heart break hotel Absolute champs, every one of them... and I am sure they will all take away a lot more than just a medal from this.

Damn... not looking good all of a sudden. Cmon ladies!

9.3km's for Maroshell... unlikely, but not impossible! C'mon!

Tracker just updated... 6km's in 26minutes, should be good!

Going to be seriously touch and go for Kim Brearly... really sad for the 4 ladies behind who can probably smell that finish line, but time is not on their side

Man this is hard to watch... C'mon ladies, last big push!

Hope she comes right fast... she doesn't have a lot of time to play with. Maroshell Odendaal putting in a great push, I think she might make it.... Three girls behind her too as well, but time not on their side unless there are some easy/fast km's in there towards the end?

Not a good time for wrong turns... hope they realise quck

Riders within 45km should hopefully be good provided they are still moving... anyone behind that it's getting touch and go. Hope they can all somehow make it, but fear there will be a few coming in a couple km's short

He's sadly been pulled from the race... crashed and hurt his neck, rode on to the next check point, but the medics pulled him. Gutted for him - especially with the end so near and the ride being more than just about him this year Strongs Vette

Weather really going to throw the cat among the pigeons for the guys closer to cut-off... the images I have seen, it's not even an option to ride, so will be interesting to see if there is maybe some form of extension... Some people going to be losing hours here they can't afford - going to be interesting. This race really does throw it all at the riders, year after year - got to love it

My tracking showing them all together... so hopefully all good

Don't see them stopping again... and unless they do, the gap is surely too big. Haven't done the sums, but would guess a finish sometime early this evening

Big mover overnight is Brian Brummer... right on Benky's tail now. Hansie a fair bit back now, seems he took a 4 hour rest at WP8... Vettie took a small detour after Britstown, probably had a few too many brandys at the shebeens

Well, it's not really a pipe dream when you consider LM has an Everesting time over 7 hours quicker than Benky's best... slightly different beast of course, but not a lot about Munga that would scare LM, and the only thing he's missing is some local knowledge. That's my last Pro-Aussie comment for the year now - back to the dot's

Legend, enjoy!