Bub Marley

Fulgaz is a terrible platform. Used it to do that virtual Argus stuff during lockdown and will never use it again. I thought sufferfest was amazing back when it was sufferfest. Have they changed it since Wahoo bought it over?

I think Bernal is way off the pace to even think about GC. Not sure what the deal is with Pidcock but he couldn’t hold Pog’s wheel at some of the classics. I think Pog would have been clear favourite based on his form but that injury has thrown a spanner in the works especially with how Jonas looked at the Dauphine. Honestly can’t wait now. We just need an accident and illness free tour now. Let’s hope.

Parts of this is not accurate. Pricing of insurance has definitely increased. A large proportion of the increase is related to load shedding. Wrt Santam not covering Electrical appliances, this is not true. The only changes that have happened across most insurers are higher excess for load shedding and total grid failure exclusion. You still have cover as before just with a higher excess. You also do not need to specify all those items however for high valued items it is recommended. You can claim them under unspecified as long as they fall within the item limit you’ve selected. So if you have R 10000 unspecified as an example, with an item limit of R2000, you can essentially claim upto R 10,000 total with a maximum item value of R 2k. These item limits can be amended, however its an item valued at 10k like a garmin computer, i would definitely specify the item instead. Normally works out cheaper.

What about the terrain itself? Was the gravel bike the best option on the day or was it a bit technical?

Race report please?

I think we’re too quick to immediately trash a company publicly before resolving the issue. And i agree with Jbr, using the word scammers after just 2 days is way too harsh.

They had a stand at the Argus expo and i was pretty impressed with the quality just based on feel. Couple of things though. Their kit sizing looked very tight and small designed for people with no boep at all. I would definitely suggest trying them on first. If not possible then, just based on looks i would size up. Secondly, they’re not cheap at all. The quality looked great but again if I’m buying Chinese then im going into the purchase with the idea that im going to save money. They were basically the same price as a lot of the local brands. Again, i dont wanna say dont buy because the quality looked fantastic so I’ll leave that for you to decide.

Interesting. Looking forward to see how this turns out.

Ive ordered from them before with no issues. Try contacting Khaleda 0676221468.

Maybe keep an extra pair of socks as well. I find that wet feet is the absolute worst area to be cold.

Good luck to everyone doing this.I’m extremely satisfied with my decision to skip this after seeing that weather profile.

Are these okes reliable? Anyone bought from them yet? They have some decent stuff on the website.

Yes. I’ve seen these on the road.

So which bike shops actually stock these tyres?

Nah, im good. You can disagree its okay 👍🏼

I don’t think Roglic is really known for climbing steep gradients. He used a very light gear as well which clearly assisted him. But yeah, when I look at Roglic, he’s not a natural climber like a Pog or Jonas just based on the eye test. A natural climber dances on the pedals and mixes his style with standing and seated. Roglic definitely has more a Froome vibe spinning a really high cadence. I

There’s no rules (yet) to gravel racing. So you should be able to essentially rock up on any bike you choose. I do expect this to change soonish.

https://evobikes.co.za/product/vittoria-terreno-29-tlr-graphene-2-0-skinwall/ Evobikes has them listed on the website. R1000 bucks each. They say in stock but probably best to check with them first. Lemme know if you get them how they perform. I’m gonna ponder a bit first before i commit😂 With the current exchange rate, importing is pricey these days.

Skinsuit, aero helmet, aero bars and we good to go. No rules in gravel right?

The MTB Challenge Off-road racing at its very best, the MTB Challenge hits the Cape Winelands on Saturday, 8 July 2023 and offers 15km, 30km and 60km options. The event was previously held prior to Covid-19 Lockdown in 2020 and we are excited to have the MTB Challenge back on the calendar with new routes and a new venue. The MTB Challenge will take place at the beautiful Arauna Farm in Wellington. The MTB Challenge will also be the third event in the Western Province XCM series for 2023. The event is open to PPA members as well as non-members and targets both existing cyclists, newcomers to the sport, the average participant, as well as the elite sportswoman. E-Bikes are welcome to join. NEW VENUE: Arauna Farm is situated on the Slangrivier Road in Wellington. Nestled amongst the foothills of Groenberg Mountain, lies a Boland oasis, Arauna farm. Emerald green lawns and verdant oak trees, bordering a sparkling vlei offers a respite for those weary of the daily hustle and bustle. We love to have others indulge in the rich natural scenery of the farm and celebrate life in all its vivid colours. Situated three minutes from Wellington and 45 minutes from Cape Town, Expérience d’ Arauna offers true Boland hospitality. Did you know? Arauna farm is the bubbly bottler for the Bahrain Grand Prix since its debut in 2004. The info tent will be able to answer any last-minute questions or to purchase replacement MTB board. Coffee on sale for your caffeine fix with varies stalls which include pancakes, food, wine, beer, cooldrinks, biltong, farmers market and lots more! Then you can sit back, relax and enjoy all that the venue has to offer! A kids area will allow the kids to have a fun time whilst mom and dad enjoy the live entertainment on offer. Included in your entry fee will be timing, finishers medal, beautiful on route experience, fully stocked waterpoints, post-race village which includes a farmers market, live music and lucky draw. Pricing varies from R150 to R450 depending on PPA membership and distance. Online Entries: 15km: R150 PPA Member and R200 Non Member 30km: R300 PPA Member and R350 Non Member 60km: R400 PPA Member and R450 Non Member Start times and age categories for XCM riders: 15km (S) – start time from 09h30. Minimum age – 8yrs on 31 December 2023. Nippers (8-10): Boys and Girls Sprogs (11-12): Boys and Girls 30km (M) – start time from 09h00. Minimum age – 13yrs on 31 December 2023. Sub Junior (13-14): Boys and Girls Grand Master Women (60+) 60km (L) – start time from 08h30. Minimum age – 15yrs on 31 December 2023. Youth (15-16): Boys and Girls Junior (17-18): Boys and Girls Senior (19-29): Men and Women Sub Vet (30-39): Men and Women Vet (40-49): Men and Women Master (50-59): Men and Women Grand Master (60+): Men * All riders who take part as part of the Western Province XCM series must have a valid CSA License and must enter into the correct distance. * Ensure you are ready at least 30 minutes before your start to get into the chutes. * The start groups. Note you will only get your start group after entries have closed! Timing: Timing will be done with a permanent RaceTec MTB Board. Please note that the timing Chip is embedded in your permanent RaceTec MTB Board. If you already own a Permanent RaceTec MTB Board, please remember to bring your MTB board to the event. You will issued with a event sticker at registration which you will need to apply across the top of the MTB Board. Please note that you will not be able to start the event without your RaceTec MTB Board and the event sticker placed across the top of the board. Race pack collection: In order to collect your race pack at registration you need to bring either the email or SMS containing your name and race number which will be sent to you by 5 July 2023. We urge you to collect your race pack before the event day to avoid unnecessary queues. Thursday, 6 July 2023: 12h00 – 18h00 at Rondebosch Sportsmans Warehouse: 34 Klipfontein Rd, Rondebosch Friday, 7 July 2023: 12h00 – 18h00 at Tygervalley Sportsmans Warehouse: 1 Bill Bezuidenhout Ave, Bellville Park Saturday, 8 July 2023: From 07h30 at the venue, Linton Park Wines, Slangrivier Farm, Wellington. Route Information: 60km Route: 1492m Total Elevation. Start time from 08h30. Like the 30km, fast and open road riding up to WP#1. After WP#1 the climbing starts on single-track on the southern slopes of Groenberg, with a fast and flowing single-track downhill. Open road climbing to WP#2, followed by the Luislang single-track climb, to be rewarded with the Happy Hog downhill section. After Happy Hog, riders will enjoy the Wild Boar Trails White Route single-tracks towards Oaklands for 8km to WP#3. From WP#3 it will be fast, open riding to Welvanpas Farm where the next climb starts, taking riders to the top of Golden Mile and down the famous, flowing trail. Rollercoaster takes riders to the finish. The route is well-balanced with quite long sections of single-track and easy open-road riding in-between. There are 4 waterpoints on the 60km route. There will be some fruit and sweets to keep the energy levels high. Stay hydrated with Coke and water. Waterpoint 1 will be activated by the ladies from Dirt Addict, a community focused brand that was started with the intention to connect and inspire women through various active lifestyle options. Largely serving the beginner to intermediate cyclist, they provide a safe space where women can learn and grow in skill and confidence. They stand for courage, pride, strength, and unity. Waterpoint 2 will be activated by the team from Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, the official hydration partner of PPA. Waterpoint 3 will be activated by the team from PPA. Waterpoint 4 will be activated by our Stay Wider of the Rider team. The mission is to raise awareness of cycling’s role as a key and sustainable mode of transport and to make it safe for everyone to cycle. The campaign launched in 2014 and has been instrumental in creating awareness amongst motorists especially when passing cyclists. Cyclists are vulnerable road users and should be given space of at least one metre on our roads. 30km Route: 561m Total Elevation. Start time from 09h00. Fast start on open gravel road up to WP#1. Climbing from WP#1 to WP#2 mostly on district gravel road and jeep track. From WP#2 mostly downhill with short section of single-track. This route is not technical at all and suitable for all types of riders. There are 2 waterpoints on the 30km route. There will be some fruit and sweets to keep the energy levels high. Stay hydrated with Coke and water. There will also be some music to keep the spirits high. Waterpoint 1 will be activated by the ladies from Dirt Addict, a community focused brand that was started with the intention to connect and inspire women through various active lifestyle options. Largely serving the beginner to intermediate cyclist, they provide a safe space where women can learn and grow in skill and confidence. They stand for courage, pride, strength, and unity. Waterpoint 2 will be activated by the team from Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, the official hydration partner of PPA. 15km Route: 354m Total Elevation. Start time from 09h30. Starts off with open gravel road, followed by mainly vineyard riding. About 5km into the route, a fun pump track section will be an enjoyable feature for everyone. Highest point in the route is at about 9km, followed by a nice single-track section, and easy riding to the finish. There is 1 waterpoint on the 15km route. There will be some fruit and sweets to keep the energy levels high. Stay hydrated with Coke and water. There will also be some music to keep the spirits high.

Thanks guys for all your suggestions. I’ll have a look around and see what is available around here and take it from there. While doing some researching myself yesterday, I came across these: https://www.vittoria.com/ww/en/tyres/mtb-xc/terreno Anyone tried these out before?

Not really racing to win tbh. Definitely midpack as well. Do I need to upgrade? No. But i just thought not why not? I have a bit of blowing money on unnecessary cycling stuff 😂

Pirelli’s are great. They’re pretty fast rolling as well but they’re still essentially an XC tyre. Had a look at the aspens. They also seem very XC based. Not really sure if it’s worthwhile upgrading. I’m looking for something less aggressive. The Boland Gravel monster is an event im looking at doing. It’s got 65km of tar though so I’m definitely looking for something that can help me a bit on the smoother sections.

Any recommendations for gravel friendly mtb tyres? I don’t have space for an additional bike so trying to make do with what i have. A Currently using Pirelli Scorpion 2.4 RC Lite. Any particular tyre you can recommend that would have better rolling resistance for gravel type events? Any other tips to make the bike roll a bit faster would be appreciated.

Agree. Let’s wait till Friday please 😂 I think constructive criticism is good as it allows the organisers to take on board and get better. Wrt the ambulance, I always say communication is key. I think if the situation was explained properly on the day, people on the day would have had a lot more understanding. However, it seemed like the organisers forgot to arrange an ambulance and that gave the impression that they were completely unorganised. If it was told to us that there was an ambulance arranged, but that ambulance decided not to pitch then i think more sympathy would’ve been shown. But we were basically waiting there freezing our bollocks off in 6 degree weather and the only thing we’re hearing is it wont be much longer now.