gemmerbal

this is the only proper tyre lever for the bastard...

and if the tyre lever isnt flying over the room, then I pinch the rim tape... MADNESS

DUDE! I find it easier to fit new rubber on my ADV bike than on my MTB or road bike... ban these hellish things called bicycle tyre levers! 🤣

oh dear...

Chris just updated so my post is no longer applicable.

From the whatsapp group: ”Hi everyone, Gert had a calm night. He is very alert and frustrated because the trachy means he can’t communicate easily. I’ll take frustrated any day- that’s Gert 🤣 They’re putting a filter in his groin tomorrow because there are more blood clots in his leg where he fractured the knee, to prevent the clots from travelling when they do the knee on Friday 🤞🏻 They are also taking the drains out of his lungs tomorrow. 🙏🏼”

I’m not ashamed to admit I walked up Swaarmoed…

I got a similar feeling following the many updates from the course. I reckon the wind in the Tankwa was brutal on Saturday. That 70km stretch from Da Doer to Ceres can be a real beach with a block headwind going straight up towards Calvinia, up a gradual incline (2-3%) on terrible corrugations and with the small matter of about 900km in the legs. That hail storm outside of Fraserburg reminded me of a similar hail storm I encountered in 2022 just outside of Britstown. Nowhere to hide with lightning flashing all around and hail coming in sideways. I was prepared to meet my Maker that day. Man… memories…

2023. He finished in good time that year if i recall correctly.

Munga entry R28000 - ive never heard a Munga participant complain about the facilities, the conditions, the lack of water, the quality or availability of the food, the wind in the Tankwa, etc etc etc Absa Cape Epic entry - who can keep up? Every year multiple threads/pages of complaints about conditions, lack of water, food, the sun, the wind, mattress being too soft, mattress being too hard, etc etc… I pay 28k with a smile. See you okes at the start line next year.

I agree with Luxxotica/Sunglass Hut not living up to the standard of the earlier years. I wonder if Oakley HQ is aware because I just get a feeling that this level of service will not be acceptable in Yanky Doodle Country - I have no point of reference to make that statement, its just a hunch.

I cant speak on their behalf. I try and keep it in good condition, and if its not on my face, its either on my cycling helmet or in its sakkie. NEVER on my kop. And wash with very mild hand soap if/when needed.

I got 12 yrs out of my original Racing Jacket lenses. Radar EVs still too new to draw a comparison. The photochromic lens I am replacing was a 2nd hand purchase which was destroyed when I got it - sadly, the seller could have been more accurate as to the condition of the lens, but it was still good enough to last me about 4yrs. If things get used, they dont last. Thats just the way I see it. For years I refused to buy Oakleys because of the price, but once I got over myself, I cant see myself going to something else. BUT, as always, each to his/her own.

EyewearSA. I have bought from them before and will do so again (Radar EV and Racing Jacket lenses). Legit Oakley lenses are not cheap, but if its what we want, then thats the price we have to pay. I have bought non OEM replacement lenses before, Revant if I'm not mistaken, won't do it again. The fit is crap and the lenses are less durable than OEM Oakley lenses and don't even ask about the so-called polarized lenses the sell! Oakleys for the win! Just a pity some of their new designs look like someon was on an epic mushroom trip when it was conceived... I am ordering replacement Photochromic lenses for my Radar EV's next. I pay the R2000 with a smile.

I agree. Unless Strava start making their own head units/watches, they need Garmin more than Garmin needs them. Lord knows what wacky backy the Strava legal department have been puffing.

Strava is overrated. I get all the info I need on the Garmin app and Intervals. If you want a pat on the back for training, you’re training for the wrong reason. There, I said it.

Lekker, thanks for the feedback. I like me a bit of road riding, so no issues on that front. As for the tax issue, I am not 100% sure at this exact moment, I havent got that far yet. I’m speaking to a tax guy in the coming days so I will let you know.

these are lekker pics! whats that beast of a mountain pass in the background in the first pic?

Thanks all for the ongoing conversation, really helpful! I'm thankful that I don't have to restart my golfing career, because that sport is NOT good for my mental wellbeing. I've played plenty of k@k rounds of golf in my life that lead to an extended stay at the 19th hole, which rolls over into 2 days of chaos and hangovers and such, but I've never had a k@k bike ride. So there it is, cycling is betterer in every way possible! PS: let's not forget that a damn ProV1 costs R80 a pop these days, what the actual hell???

Hi Morne, If I end up in DBX, you can be sure that I will look you up. Thank you for the offer! Whats the situation like with the water and air quality and so on? The interwebs is full of rabbit holes and its difficult to know if people are just full of it, or if there is some substance to their opinions.

Hi Dave, The dogs wont be able to go, rotties are not welcome sadly. That is the root of my dilemma and the ONLY way I can see the move happening is if my mom stays in my house to look after them while I'm away - and she is on board, but still, its like leaving behind part of my soul. Anyways, I am trying REALLY hard to find peace with the situation.

Thank you to all who have responded. Its a tough decision for me, my career is sort of at a stalemate at the moment and I have an in with a company there, where a friend from SA is employed. As a typical Saffa, the thought of not being able to ride around on a bicycle is one of the reasons that have been bothering me - my mate over there is a non-cyclist so he has no info on the matter. Ive never been someone to think too far ahead into the future, but I can pay my house off in 5yrs if I make the move. I have no dependants, the MAIN issue is my dogs - the main moral hurdle if you would. Cycling has become my therapy, as some might know from my past exploits that have been shared among this community. Appreciate all the input people.

Hi hubbers, I am contemplating a temporary move (2-5yrs) to Dubai and was wondering if there’s anybody on here that can share some personal insights into the cycling scene in Dubai (road/gravel/mtb). I am aware of the basics: yes it gets very warm in summer, yes cycling in the city is not permitted/safe outside of the dedicated cycling lanes. As someone that enjoys weekday rides of 1,5-2hrs and longer weekend rides, knowing what the options are would be helpful in making a decision. Dankie manne en manninne 🚴

My story is similar: was gifted Velotex kit way back in 2009 of which the shammy is still good. Ended up contacting Johnny for my 2022 fundraising effort, he called me to come see him, he personally took my measurements and sized my kit, plus he advised me on which items to get for the varying weather conditions during the 5 day event. Having seen him race back in the old Rapport Toer days, it was a privilege to meet someone of his racing pedigree, and have him share his experiences with me. I can’t speak highly enough of the man. Glad you seem to be making some progress.

OP, sorry to hear about your situation. Personally I have had nothing but good relations with Johnny, he was very supportive during my 2 fundraising campaigns where I chose to use their kit, including a substantial discount. Hope you get it resolved.