Karooryder

The generic answer to this question is obviously that unfit people are more likely to cramp. But it's not that simple and I suspect that our likelihood to cramp is as unique to us as our fingerprints. Point in case. From the day I started cycling 12 years ago up to the torturous 21km I ran last weekend with VERY unfit legs, I have never cramped (as a result of physical activity). Me legs get beaten, I sometimes hit the proverbial wall and often there is that numbing fatigue that creeps in on long rides but cramps - never. My training buddy is super fit, runs a 21km in 1:50 and he really gives me a run for my money on the bike too. Intense cardio 4 times a week and either a long ride or a long run every single weekend. He is extremely cramp prone - something that he says he inherited from his parent who were also very active social athletes - and crampers. He's tried cutting out alcohol, dense proteins and fatty stuff. He tried gradual cramp-reducing nutrition days leading up to an event, he;s tried mixes and doepas and boererate. Literally nothing works except for one product (I think it's Hammer Enduralyte) which he takes when he feels the very first muscle contractions, managing his cramping as it comes and goes. Bottom line, I'm not sport physician but I would be inclined to think that genetics, which is after all a predetermining factor in physiology, is also major determinant in the physical workings of a cramp.

I really love this event, the entire North West comes out to set-up routes, food-stands, waterpoints, and camping areas and the locals go out of their way to support and treat participants. The kuiers throughout the weekend at the show grounds are legendary! We did the 40km MTB last year. A mixed bag of farm roads, single track, mine paths through an old quarry and also makeshift veld tracks. The latter are literally paths cut through open grassland which make for tough riding over many many grass hassocks - this gets a special mention cause it killed my legs and arse proper (and almost had me half-dead on the half marathon later that evening)! Still, a fun ride with great waterpoints and very friendly and enthusiastic marshals. Ps: Be sure to participate in the Saturday evening running event, even if only the 5km fun run. The entire route is lit up with small lanterns placed in the middle of the road which makes for a really cool experience and the vibe is incredible!

As many said above... In essence, smart watches (Apple, Samsung) are fancy activity trackers. The rest are proper fitness training devices and designed as such. It's all about application. Personally, I rate practicality over aesthetics - for one, I cannot see myself having to charge a device other than my phone daily and my Garmin Fenix7x with its 20day+ battery life is a no-brainer.

In all fairness Michael, you did start your post with "Here’s a controversial statement.." so flaming is to be anticipated. What you say is absolutely true and ideal and I think it is super cool that you were able to teach those buggers a lesson. However, contextually, statements like "handle your own $h&t.. you’re all adults" and "yes security sucked but if you can handle yourself there is no issues" do not only come across as a bit condescending but in a way also transfer the responsibility of a very basic but very necessary service (paid for by us by means of entries) from those appointed to do just that, to individuals not trained, often not able and plainly not lus to deal with it. Bottom line, attendance numbers for this event is dwindling and this kind of thing will not be doing the event any favors ito reputation, drastic changes needed.

Dunno, I felt a tad more depressed when I read the below: https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/british-elite-runner-out-of-ultra-after-he-is-mugged-beaten-up-in-cape-town-20231118

Yesterday was also the 70.3 Ironman in Mossel Bay and the event would have undoubtedly attracted quite a few 94.7 regulars (at least 6 of my frequent riding buddies and their families went down to participate and / or support). This will have to be considered in future for both events.

We will be heading down to the George area in the next few weeks, staying at Glentana. I have heard much about the MTB trails around George (Outeniqua Mountains, Seven Passes, Montagu Pass, Klipheuwel Mountain Bike Park, rides in the Knysna Forest? coffee stops at Elvis Brew, etc) and will finally get to try these out. We are planning quite a few days on the bikes and any ideas, suggestions and gpx files for some epic routes will be greatly appreciated! Thanks friends!

Dunno hey. Riding through the largest urban forest in the world has a certain appeal methinks.

Having been out of the loop for a while a perhaps dumb question, will these results be pulled through to the Recetec platform? It is kind of cool to have (almost) all results on record in one place. Why the move away from Racetec?

So I did two things yesterday that I have never done before: - Rode my 8th 94.7 with literally zero training or prep (the last time I was on a bike was 2021 and the last time I was on a spinning bike was at some jolly Spinnathon in September, sponsored by Heineken). - (to add insult to injury) Rode the race with a dikwiel (wat het ek gedink…?). It was brutal. The first half fooled me into thinking that the day would be forgiving on my untrained legs but the second half slapped me right into reality. My riding buddy saved the day and his rear wheel pulled my ragged bones along the last bit of highway and over the finish line after 4:15 . Flip it was hard! Great event, superb planning but I would change 2 things. - That darn “walk of victory” thing inside the stadium. In my condition it felt like I was taking my Final Walk and it just went on and on! Nice idea, horrible after a day’s torture on a bike. - Like many said – a good old Vet Coke and water at the finish. All that Coke Zero aspartame will send your Fastbar+Rehidrate mix right out the window after a hot day... On a serious note. Somewhere - in all the torture - deep in the heart of Jozi I looked right and saw a line of elderly in their wheelchairs outside an Old Age Home – spectating, clapping, admiring. I flippin' teared up right there and a deep sense of gratitude for all that we have and all we are still able to do sent me onwards to finish what I have started. This was a moment.

I can highly recommend PhysioSpineAmics at Wilgers Hospital in Lynnwood. Even though they have a particular focus on spinal conditions they are really good with general and sport injury-related issues. http://physioatwilgers.co.za/ 012 807 0934

I know it is a bit of a bother to drive out that side but the Cradle is currently probably the safest and most road-cycling friendly area in larger Pretoria. Lots of riders, proper cycling lanes and a great coffee spot for afterwards. Quick jump on the N14 from Monumentpark - about a 20min drive.

Some people get really REALLY weird when it comes to money. Most of us just do the right thing and cover what they consume but some end up shouting insults over tables about tabs whereas others pay entire bills to avoid having to shout over tables about tabs. I think it is all about familiarity...when I have dinner with close friends we never nitpick about who owes what but its obviously a different story with acquaintances or strangers. In in this scenario there are 3 rules imo: - pay what you consume, obviously (sadly not so obvious to some...). - don't order the most expensive item on the menu and drink liters of alcohol if you are chilling with less-familiar people where sorting the bill at the end might become edgy. - do not get drunk on someone else's bill, its just sh*tty style. Or ride alone.

Ps - can the title of this thread perhaps be changed to include as much info as possible (Bewsher's name, names of different companies etc.) to make it more searchable and visible ito online exposure?

I wonder if these "Partners and Affiliates" know that they are being associated with criminal activities. Heck, I wonder if they even ever consented to this affiliation, knowing Bewsher's mo. Perhaps a good idea to drop a little message to their legal depts.