Rouxenator

Not good enough at R1k. Yesterday on my commute home I pondered the idea of calling it quits after 5 tours. Along with that also strongly advising people to not take part in CTCT. Why pay other people to make sure you are "safe" when you can do it yourself for a lot less? I think it is time to get on the anti-Argus soapbox.

LOL! Nice one. Unused laminated pink "ride twice" start card. Any takers?

Hell no! This whole road cycling thing is way to much of a gamble. I'll rather do the Fine Breede MTB on Saturday. Much safer and a 100% guaranteed start.

Haha! I see it now, 2013 before 2012. It's at the back of my tool cupboard, not easy to reach in there.

Although I feel the same I'll definitely still do the CTCT MTB events. Travel cost is R0 since it's a nice little 10km warm up ride for me. Same goes for STCT, 1 tonner and Stellenbosch MTB.

Not sure if this has been posted here before : https://www.facebook.com/geoff.hookins/posts/10212270774191292

This was an unprecedented incident to begin with, and they did make that very clear. So I think whatever actions are taken afterwards as a result thereof should also be seen as unprecedented. Obviously the choice is theirs and I respect that. I have no doubt the next CTCT will also be sold out and be a big success. Personally I would not pay for another entry until I am given a reasonable opportunity to redeem the ones I had.

For those who still believe that the organisers cannot afford to carry the entries over to next year for those who still wish to participate, please have a look at their last treasurer's report : http://www.pedalpower.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Treasurers-reportfinal.docx Let me just reiterate, I agree with the no refund policy. I am committed to do the tour and would like to do so at the next opportunity.

Good point, but I think they really wanted to give it every chance possible of proceeding and only after the start of the race did they realise it will not be possible. As for move/cancel - I am disappointed that they use the term "cancelled". I would much prefer if they say it is moved or postponed by a year. You can't control the external factors so if push comes to shove as it did, just move it on by a year.

If you have ever attended a PPA AGM you will know they have quite a lot of dough in the bank. So I see no reason why they can't carry entries over to next year. I am missing the 2016 one, they said they will resend it.

My bad - I did not see you were from Bloem. Yeah it kinda sucks for you then so maybe see how far you get with the 2nd lap refund. If they do not carry over my entries I will be very hard pressed to fork out more cash for CTCT. There are plenty of other ride that I actually like a lot more.

It's best to ask them to give you another two laps next year.

I am not interested in a refund, so I have no problems with the T&C. What I am interested in is riding the CTCT - twice. If conditions do not allow for it in 2017 then they should make good on what I paid for in 2018.

As long as my double entry is carried over to next year, I'm happy.

Got home, unloaded the bike and started to ride. I decided my regular "roadie" route of a lap around Simonsberg was a good idea (old short Burger route). There was a bit of a wind but it was bearable. The amount of smiling faces with CTCT number on their backs and handlebars where an awesome sight to behold. Each and every one waved back at me and I realised that this is actually what it's all about. We ride our bikes because we enjoy it and we are happy when doing so. I am very fortunate that I did not loose a lot (2x entry fee + 90km petrol) as opposed so others with plane tickets, hotel accommodation, etc - and I am thankful for that. As I rode past Del Vera out came Meurant Botha in his Nissan, I waved at him, he waved back and laughed. It is ironic because last weekend I had the best CTCT MTB ride so far, I did both the 30K and 55K. Maybe he was laughing because at least his part of the whole CTCT went without any issues. Then again maybe it's the first time he sees me on a road bike. Almost back home I went all out against the wind up Slaley hill, and then I thought of another reason why we should not moan about today. The One Tonner and Stellenbosch Cycle Tour also goes up that very hill. We have so many incredible rides here, and if you get on your MTB there is even more. Today was the most insightful Argus I ever rode.

I managed 3:05 last year starting at 6:33:30.My strategy is to stay mid-pack and tail suck to the end. Then have fun on lap 2 if I make it.

I'm kinda worried that the wind might cost me my 2nd lap. Starting at 6:29 so I'll need to finish in under 3:15 to make it.

From 8/470 on the 30K to 241/993 I did enjoy today. But I did it as a funride, not a race. Way more dust today than yesterday although considering the volume of wheels that went over those roads in the last 24 hours that made sense. The Shiraz / Cabernet at Delheim was an absolute highlight. I hope many more of you stopped to taste some of their incredible wines. Thanks to Meurant and the Dirtopia crew for the pristine trials today.

Wow! the 30k today was blissful. Despite only getting 4 hours of sleep and way too much brandy I managed 8th place. The trails are perfect and I am amped for the 55k tomorrow although I will tackle it with a fun ride mentality, not racing like I did toady. Hopefully this link works : https://www.strava.com/activities/886764189

Yes, stick to :

55K https://www.strava.com/activities/504162862 30K https://www.strava.com/activities/503219531

It's close to home for me, so no reason not to. Spoke with Meurant on Saturday and he says everything is ready, they are making a slight change on the 55KM which should make it a tad easier.

Looks like we're in for a muddy Sunday. I'll do my racing on Saturday in the 30km and Sunday will just be a wet funride.

Might be 4 entries for me, both MTB rides and then the double road. Will see how things go.

Nah, I was fine last year after the double argus + meal with a beer at the company tent. It's only 50km back to my home in Stellenbosch anyway. The real issue for me is the money. Not the price, that is reasonable, the problem is my budget