Rob22

Some 'entrepreneurs' started charging cars for parking but once this was reported, the SAPS arrested the group.

Why is the assumption that an eBike = no skills? I have a road bike, MTB and EMTB and have been riding for more than 20 years. I don't change skill level when I change bikes (well I hope not)

There are a number of points your chip is read so unlikely. At Makro to check you entered the start system, on the start line, a few points along the route and then the finish. So if a time only appeared on the finish mat, it would be excluded

Thank you for this feedback, point taken. We did make a change to the sound system during the morning with similar comments which did improve the sound in the assembly area. As for the screen, so much incompetence for what you would think is a relatively simple technology

Yes, there are a number of sets of mats at the start. Two that are important. 1. Within Makro as a check that you entered via Makro 2. At the start line to confirm which group you actually started in. 3. At Erling road. This is different to some other races, the clock starts as the first rider within a group crosses the mat on Erling. So the neutral is not part of your time.

I think it’s a bit like a golf handicap, a lower handicapper can still enjoy a game of golf with a pro. Without that you would have to be similar skilled to enjoy the game (ride)

I can confirm it’s the same as last year, neutral zone to Erling road, then across the start mats.

Yes a 4 lane road was promised 3 years ago, the race (and Riversands) had to live with no progress every year. Every year we hope that next year it will be ready????

I would ask to get a number change at number collection. There should be no charge as you are not changing the rider just where you start.

Hi, it is possible to start with the 40Km at Melrose arch but your time will indicate a DNF as you would not have crossed the start mats at Riversands. The 40Km ride is not a timed event

Hi Absolutely not problem, you may drop back to ride with anyone. You may however not move forward. But its done all the time, people drop back to ride with friends or within a group. Enjoy your ride

CCTV does not necessarily prevent a break in, however it was essential in getting a 10 year prison sentence to a criminal that broke into our neighbours house and hid in our garden. He hid in the darkness not knowing that he could be seen via the infrared. Called security and they nailed him hiding in the bushes. I feel the more of the items you have on you list, the better

So a lot of work has been done to make sure the 40k has the minimum impact on the main race. - 40k will only start at 9:30 when nearly all seeded riders would be past this point - the 40k groups will be small and will be ‘drip fed” onto the route - there is then 10km of wide (with road closure) highway before the first main road (again with full road closure) - on the highway fast cyclist will keep left while slower keeping right - the merge point will be bailed for a distance to get separation Happy to engage with experienced cyclists to ensure the main race is not impacted whilst growing the interest in cycling (which is critical in ensuring these events continue)

Hi, I ride that same route on weekends (around 7:30 to 8am) on my own for many years now and I have never had any issues. It gets fairly busy in the mornings and even more so as we move into summer. I plan to ride that section tomorrow morning.

Hi - A Scott eride 920 (at the CycleLab sale). I paid more than my wife thought you would pay for any bike but she does not ride!!! Why - been riding for more than 20 years and done many many races (mainly road but also MTB) but now I want to enjoy cycling, find new trail and do it for the love of cycling. I still have my road and MTB bike but this bike is to enjoy cycling without taking it too seriously.

So I joined the e-bike trend yesterday by buying a new bike, I now understand what the fuss is about. It’s a similar feeling when I changed from road to MTB. It is an amazing ride and found I still used the same energy, just went way further. I know this is not for everyone but if you haven’t tried it, go for it, it will not disappoint.

The start is not in town, its at Melrose Arch and onto the highway at Atholl Oakland

I wear a Garmin chest strap but also have an Apple watch. Whenever I compare the two, they are surprisingly very similar. The watch is more accurate than you would think. I suppose it depends on how accurate you need the information

Both the 947 and Ride for Sight allowed eBikes but with conditions. Your time could not be used for seeding, you could not race for any category and you had to start in assigned groups (RFS it was the last starting group). So organisers are testing this and trying to see how they could be included.

So I did this last year after staying on bronze for a few years. I went to gold in a year by collecting points wherever available. A health assessment does give plenty points but its dependent on the results. The more categories your pass, the higher the score. Your weekly goal only increases as you meet your weekly goal to a max of 900 points. This is the problem, you need to get points every week. But as you get points, your goal keeps increasing. But if you start now its not that hard to get to Gold

While he can only move diagonally

The start arch is on Riversands Blvd, there will be a controlled neutral zone to Erling road where the race timing starts. But you will need to enter the Makro start zone pens - this is essential

They are the same as last year, starting at 7 with a 15 min gap between groups.

The timing chips are used for far more than just your time. It gives flow information, when cyclists are injured and collected by support teams etc.