lukelockie

Event Name: FNB Wines2WhalesWhen: 20/10/2023 - 29/10/2023Where: Curro Hermanus high school, , Sandbaai, Western CapeCategory: Mountain BikeThe Race with GEES! The FNB Wines2Whales was born out of the desire to create a world-class 3-day stage race in the Western Cape of South Africa. Since inception in 2009, the three events, aptly named after the wines of the area, have become a must-do event on the mountain bike calendar with riders from the farthest reaches of the country and the world.  The spirit of the FNB Wines2Whales is “gees” – truly South African phrase that is only understood once experienced. The race's biggest drawcard is undoubtedly the route, which has been perfected over the past 13 years. In 2022, the race followed the traditional route and took teams from the wines of Lourensford to the whales of Hermanus. It was only traditional in direction as Cape Trails, Agrimark, and many landowners poured countless hours into uplifting the route and building new features, thus ensuring it was #SeriousGEES throughout.  In 2023, we're switching things up as we host the FNB W2W Switchback that will take teams from Curro, Hermanus to Oak Valley Estate to Lourensford Wine Estate. And, you guessed it, the route will be new, it will be improved, and it will deliver Serious GEES at every possible opportunity! Entries to the 2023 FNB Wines2Whales open on 14 February 2023! Be the first in line or you will miss out! Go to Event Page.

Event Name: SPAR Swiss EpicWhen: 15/08/2023 - 19/08/2023Where: , Davos Platz, GraubündenCategory: Mountain BikeConquer the Alps Eat, sleep and breathe mountain biking at this premium, all-inclusive MTB stage race situated amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Graubünden region. With a fresh new route each year, the SPAR Swiss Epic is a unique test of endurance, resolve and skill with the staggering beauty of the snow-capped, jagged skyline set as the perfect antidote to the physical and mental demands of off-road racing. Two-person teams and share an unforgettable 5-day adventure together on fast-flowing trails. Go to Event Page.

Event Name: Andorra EpicWhen: 05/07/2023 - 08/07/2023Where: La Massana, La MassanaCategory: Andorra EpicDiscover an unbeatable spirit born of the Andorran Pyrenees The Andorra Epic stage race is surrounded by the beauty and intensity of the Andorran Pyrenees mountains and promises excitement, thrill and reward for two-member teams on the quest for adventure. The premium MTB experience is more than a bucket list race, it is the very heartbeat of mountain biking in Andorra. Feel the pulse of the Andorran Pyrenees and allow its beauty and mystique to be revealed in the trails.  In 2023 riders will experience more of the Andorran Pyrenees than ever before. The 2023 edition of the event features four stages for the first time giving riders more kilometres, more Pyrenees, more of the Epic Series experience. Go to Event Page.

Event Name: 4Islands CroatiaWhen: 18/04/2023 - 22/04/2023Where: , Baška, Primorsko-goranska županijaCategory: Mountain BikeRace where islands are stages, goat paths are trails and the sea plays hide and seek! 4Islands is a totally unique event within the world of mountain biking. During the five days of racing, teams of two will experience four different islands, each with its own challenges and demands. In 2023, the route takes in 298 kilometres and 6 020 metres of climbing from the start of the Prologue to the finish of Stage 4. Go to Event Page.

Event Name: Absa Cape EpicWhen: 19/03/2023 - 26/03/2023Where: Cape Farms, Cape Town, Western CapeCategory: Mountain BikeThe Absa Cape Epic is the most televised mountain bike race in the world and the only eight-day mountain bike stage race classed as hors catégorie by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI); this official UCI status makes it a highlight on the professional racer's calendar. The Absa Cape Epic also attracts aspiring amateur riders wanting to test themselves against the best. It is a full-service race, meaning that everything is taken care of from the start - all riders need to think about is riding. The race must be completed by both members of a two-person team with only 680 teams allowed to ride the race each year. Every edition follows a different route, leading aspiring amateur and professional mountain bikers from around the world through roughly 700 untamed kilometres of unspoiled scenery and up 16 000m of climbing. Go to Event Page.

Can highly recommend Jarred Salzwedel. He's based in the UK now but works with clients across the world. Drop him a message jarred@cycledynamiccoaching.com.

First stop is a coffee at Peregrine, then head down highlands road. You'll reach the R44, turn left onto the R43 at the t junction, carry on along the tar towards the ou meul. You can jump onto the Karwyderskraal road on the right hand side of the road. Follow that until you cross the river (Hopiesrivier) and then take the left split. You're basically following the W2W route from there. Along the dirt road, to die bos dam, ride the Onrus gorge trails down towards Hermanus.

Jackets will be couriered after the event; the port strike wasn't kind

Question 1: Where do you get your haircut?

"Home made bike lights..." candles??

ADMIN! ADMIN! He hurt my feelings. ADMIN HELP. 😂

Just say done.

Show us on the doll where he hurt you.

Is it on your bike yet?

Keep looking, pal.

They're over R2k now (speaking from recent purchase experience). But can you really put a price on that sound it brings??

Still not enough snacks to get you up Viljoen's Pass...

Don't pretend like you don't have a top tube bag for your snacks...

With you on this.

When Marc and I ride together he usually ends up riding alone lol

Can we get some pictures so we are all on the same page?

Lots of racing snakes around too!

Tokai, as in the area where the trails are, is safe to ride alone and I do it pretty often. There have, however, been a number of incidents of armed robbery and muggings on the greenbelts closer to the freeway. The latest incident was actually this morning where a woman was held up at gunpoint. So just pick your route into the area wisely.

Not yet, winners being announced this week

That KOM time is crazy! Don't forget to join the FNB Wines2Whales Strava club so your times show up in the leaderboards!