TheCuban

Sir HBO [agreed] - seems there are enough fast riders out there to keep us humble and unless you're about to win podium placement, better to put that pride in pocket.

So I was racing 947 last year in A batch giving that climb up Witkoppen road some horns....and behold I get a shout from behind to keep left and hold my line. WtF man So I grudgingly looked right at the smug little youngster accelerating past me up the climb - little snot was part of break away from B batch. Human condition is that nobody likes to be overtaken....pride and ego stuff! I don't really buy this whole argument as I've ridden plenty out in the cradle and most groups are quite considerate except for where speed difference comes into play. Novice riders just don't expect or think about the groups coming past and the experience can be quite frightening or intimidating when coming past similar to that effect when a 18 wheeler comes past at speed and you get that rattled feeling.

Agreed - Went for a ride this morning in the Joburg, Airport route and as I was nearing home around 6:20am and as I was taking the corner going left a Taxi zips past and stops right in front of me on the damn corner because there are cars going to come past on his right from the road perpendicular, at 20k's an hour I had just enough time to slow down and skid the bike so as not to go through the rear window. 50m Up the road...another Taxi is stationed illegally on the left hand side of the 2 way lane road and having to pass him on his right, again no regard and just pulls off! Conclusion - Eish I did not see him! Why, because these guys don't observe rear view or side view mirrors and anything for that matter. In fact, it's either one huge blind-spot in their defense or these guys are not observing anything on the road. That attitude for just pulling off or making an impulsive U-turn is what got Burry killed! I am saddened by the fact that not only was an icon snuffed out before his time because of someone else's ignorance but even more so that nothing will be even done about it! RIP Burry! The Driver said he never saw Stander, so the court go's okay no more questions - you free to go as long as you don't do it again - bull***t!

Went for a ride this morning in the Joburg, Airport route and as I was nearing home around 6:20am and as I was taking the corner going left a Taxi zips past and stops right in front of me on the damn corner because there are cars going to come past on his right from the road perpendicular, at 20k's an hour I had just enough time to slow down and skid the bike so as not to go through the rear window. 50m Up the road...another Taxi is stationed illegally on the left hand side of the 2 way lane road and having to pass him on his right, again no regard and just pulls off! Conclusion - Eish I did not see him! Why, because these guys don't observe rear view or side view mirrors and anything for that matter. In fact, it's either one huge blind-spot in their defense or these guys are not observing anything on the road. That attitude for just pulling off or making an impulsive U-turn is what got Burry killed! I am saddened by the fact that not only was an icon snuffed out before his time because of someone else's ignorance but even more so that nothing will be even done about it! The Driver said he never saw Stander, so the court go's okay no more questions - you free to go as long as you don't do it again - bull***t!

Went for a ride this morning in the Joburg, Airport route and as I was nearing home around 6:20am and as I was taking the corner going left a Taxi zips past and stops right in front of me on the damn corner because there are cars going to come past on his right from the road perpendicular, at 20k's an hour I had just enough time to slow down and skid the bike so as not to go through the rear window. 50m Up the road...another Taxi is stationed illegally on the left hand side of the 2 way lane road and having to pass him on his right, again no regard and just pulls off! Conclusion - Eish I did not see him! Why, because these guys don't observe rear view or side view mirrors and anything for that matter. In fact, it's either one huge blind-spot in their defense or these guys are not observing anything on the road. That attitude for just pulling off or making an impulsive U-turn is what got Burry killed! I am saddened by the fact that not only was an icon snuffed out before his time because of someone else's ignorance but even more so that nothing will be even done about it! The Driver said he never saw Stander, so the court go's okay no more questions - you free to go as long as you don't do it again - bull***t!

Almost impossible but not impossible. Nothing is impossible! Shot dude, needed the push.

The new price is rather steep. 580 bucks! Accommodation and round trip to Nelspruit (not to forget toll fees, fuel and food) is the climb that worries me most. There is the Powerade Mountain 2Mountain Challenge in limpopo that may be a better alternative in July.

I totally agree with MCipollini....Argus is a nice ride vibe with awesome scenery (good reason to get out the house and show we older chaps still got it to gun up Suikerbossie). Myself, I personally live for the Jock which I've done once ( it's plus minus 155k's with K%K loads of climbing opportunity), would recommend it if you looking for a challenge and keeps you riding through winter. If you add some solid leg training at the gym, you'll be saved from major cramps too. Just really a pity the Mountain to Mountain is a week prior to the Jock, otherwise I'd slot that in too. Best of luck with the sub 3 too.

I see thanks....so not impossible.

All very valid points. I did start in group G which I hope bumps me into a better group. Some chaps reckon its a harder route but others rate it easier with more descents for recovery?

So having achieved a 2:58 at the 94.7 (more like 93.3). What are the stats for a sub 3 result on the Argus? First 2 thirds on Sundays ride was average on 34k's/hr and ended around 31km/hr during and after N14. Averaging close to 37k's/hr on the Argus seems rather ambitious?

Well, for the record...its well within target to hit below the 3hr in group G. Managed 2:58 on a steady pace

Im in G. Aiming the 3hr...

It was with much sadness and with great regret that I heard that Ed did not survive the injuries and my condolences to his friends and family. We were the first group from cycle lab that went past the scene and the Club 100 team that were with him were doing their utmost to keep him stable. It was on our minds long after the accident and Im sure that most like myself prayed for him.... although we knew it was a very bad accident. I noticed there was a girl that also went down and it played on my mind as to the position of the pot-hole. I was not there to see what caused the accident, but I have seen at least 2 other riders drop in our group on that almost exact same stretch. So not entire sure, but my opinion is that 1. debris on the road - rocks, branches, taxis and pot-holes 2. groups are bunched, and as soon 1 rider go's down or swerves to avoid it - another rider gets clipped (this to me seems to be a likely danger) 3. the speed also does not help, but even at 20k's you can sustain serious injury Once again, my thoughts are with you Ed

Stage 3 was hot, thankfully had applied sunscreen. Someone needs to advise on better suncreen though, when those kids watered me down to cool off, suncreen burns your eyes and your shades go all murky so had to stop to wipe them properly. How was riding through that veld fire...