Jump to content

Gripen_85

Members
  • Posts

    72
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by Gripen_85

  1. Hi there,
    Any updates on the safety of the Dullstroom routes?
    Looking to do 30-50km, preferably non-technical, but safety is the biggest concern.

     

    Also, any recommendations for accommodation for two on a weekend? Bed, hot shower and something to cook on is all that's required :)

    Thank you in advance.

  2. Hi Hubbers,

     

    I didn't see a topic for this year's event. 

    We are taking part in the 50 miler, and staying at Sun City on the Friday.

    The bike transport people only offer transport to the start of the full distance.

     

    This is my first time doing this event. Are there any options for transport for the 50 miler? Or if we drive there, an option for the car to be driven back to Sun City (I think I saw this option for the full distance).

     

    Many thanks!

  3. Check out Jonkershoek. 
    And Paradyskloof.

    And Helderberg Farm.

    And if you want a really long ride, you could hit them all in one go.

     

    Jonkershoek is a nature reserve and requires a permit. I think you still need to buy one online before hand?

    Helderberg Farm has an honesty box I think.

    Paradyskloof is free. 



    Do ride in a group

    Do take a lot of water

    Do grab a coffee at The Hangar Bike Co (no affiliation, I just really enjoy their coffee, same goes for Ride In in Jonkershoek)

    Do drink lots of coffee and eat lots of lekker things in Franschhoek

    Do consider taking pepper spray or mace or something

    Do watch out for idiots trying to run you over

     

    Don't assume vehicles will obey the rules of the road

    Don't ride after dark

    Don't flash your phone or money about

    Don't fall


    I don't know much about Franschhoek (except for the aforementioned coffee and lekker things)

    Enjoy!

  4. I have come to accept that I just cannot commit to fast 10k's, or a marathon or even a half marathon right now.

     

    But, I did start the Ivy Lifd C25k treadmill plan.

    Just finished week 3.

    First 2.5weeks were done on the treadmill, but now I am back on the pavement!

     

    It's nice because it's realistic. It doesn't take a lot of time. It doesn't interfere with my strength training and cycling.

    And you can adapt it.

    I'm trying to apply training principles such as sprints, tempo runs and long runs, so that not every session is all-out.

     

    I'm finally consistently getting my pace below 6min/km.

    And every run feels great. That's the big thing. I WANT to go and do my run now.

     

    Maybe not for the elites here, but useful for someone coming back from injury/sickness, or lacking motivation, or starting out.

     

    https://ivylife.ivytech.edu/event/6200831

     

     

  5. On 11/23/2021 at 6:49 PM, Jewbacca said:

    Hands down your best option are the carbon/Alu Z-poles from NatureHike.

    Half the price of the Black Diamond and other brand name poles for exactly the same thing.

    My 2 poles have done 5x Wold series AR expeditions, numerous shorter multi day races, multiple hundred milers, a 200 miler, lots of 100km run/treks and despite looking a little worn, are still in tip top shape.

    One of the best 'budget' pieces of kit I have ever used

    Awesome, thank you ????????

  6. Following.

     

    I got myself a Naturehike P Series 2 person tent for hiking. The goal is to also get into bike-backing, and it seemed to fit the bill for both. 

    It is light and compact, but once pitched surprisingly spacious. There is a door on both sides, with vestibules on both sides, and lots of room inside. 

    It's easy to pitch and take down.
     

    Their customer service is good (my first one had a dodgy seam and they replaced it with a new tent within a week). The second one has been great, and has been tested in decent rain. I have yet to try it in windy conditions but I think it will hold up well.
    https://www.naturehike.co.za/collections/camping-tents/products/p-series-2-person-tent-1?variant=22820314382417

    0F2ED990-5B15-4887-BBF1-D1DF972D9B3C.jpeg

    IMG_0728.JPG

    IMG_0739.JPG

    D0A1014A-5BFC-4882-AC29-0A03E8D4499D.jpeg

    5870416F-241C-4CE6-9849-415A47C2F273.jpeg

    270625AF-3BE5-4BEB-BBAC-ECC15961B938.jpeg

  7. On 6/3/2021 at 11:47 AM, Pusher said:

    I need to swop out my 820 as the battery doesn't last much longer than 3 hrs. Has anybody swopped out their 820 Edge lately?

    Do they give you another 820 or do they upgrade you to a 830?

     

    I have not, but The Bicycle Workshop in Lambton are now Garmin stockists. They’re a friendly helpful bunch and might be able to assist.

     

    Ask for Richard 082 905 1150

  8. Cradle Moon is an absolute blast.

    The start of the blue route is awesome, a short climb then lots of flowing switch-back, berm-type single track.

    You will get to a point where you can continue with the blue, or switch to yellow route. I found the rest of the blue route didn't offer enough fun factor for the amount of climbing you do. The yellow, however, is a good mix of climbs, flowing downhill, single track etc, and there are some sections where you can opt for the easy route or a more challenging one.

    Huddle Bike Park was also quite fun, with an area near the "top" where you can hit a couple of whoops and drop-offs, and also some really nice flowing single track.

    I also enjoy Rietvlei Zoo Farm, but there isn't much in the way of technical stuff, apart from one or two rocky climbs. It is, however, very scenic with river and forest sections.

    Happy cycling! 

  9. Sounds like some good running has happened and is coming up! Thanks for the light review, Jewbacca.

     

    Took a run barefoot on the weekend. On gravel farm roads, sticking to the areas softened by the rain.

    It was my first run in a long time and I loved it.

     

    The feet, however, did not. Any tips for treating blood blisters under one’s toes? They’re like, R2 coin size under each big toe ????????‍♀️

  10. Morning!

     

    I managed to win a voucher which I can use at an Adidas Concept Store.

    I need some new kicks, so it is perfect timing.

     

    Any recommendations?

    I have toned done my road running a lot, doing 5km with the odd 10km, but I would like to do a marathon this year.

    I only use one pair of shoes for running and training, so would look at something better for higher mileages.

     

    I have been running in a pair of Supernova’s since 2018, and I haven’t had any issues.

     

    I’m also looking for something trail-orientated. I love the AX range, but I think they are more a hiking shoe?

     

    Price range... from R1000 to R2500 per pair.

     

    Your thoughts?

    Thanks!

  11. I checked out the D’Arcs SG Photochromic and Ocean TR90 photo chromatic sunglasses today.

    Thoughts between the two, or much of a muchness?

     

    Will be used for early rides where the sun slams you on the way home, and a night event. Both are comfortable and about the same price.

  12. I had the same problem with my Oakley's.

    I went to an Oakley store in Auckland. Wow! Talk about customer service!
    If you want replacement lenses, you get discount on the new ones when you hand the old ones in. And if you purchase a new pair of sunnies, but notice a defect in the store (e.g. a small scratch), it's an immediate 50% off.

    Needless to say we spent 30min going through each pair of a certain style to find one with a scratch. And were successful!

    Anyway, the store assistant said the main cause of the coating peeling off is from popping the sunnies on top of your head. The oil from your hair, and your sweat, cause the coating to degrade. 
    Solution? Buy their expensive lens cleaner. Or, wash your sunnies in fresh water at the end of the day.

    I have a number of Oakleys, either at one point in time the lenses went mad or the frames started peeling. 

     

    Just recently started cycling and bought a pair of Darc's and so far I am impressed with the lens quality as I have quite light sensitive eyes. 

     

    But time will tell.

     

     

    Same problem with two pairs.

     

    Decided yesterday afternoon time to try Revu for replacement lenses.

    Pleasant dealings thus far and will report back when fitted.

     

     

    I've bought 3 or 4 pairs of Oakleys over the years (as general sunglasses, not specifically for cycling). All of them had stuff peeling off the lenses. 

  13. I went there yestrday morning.
    I was the chick in the blue t-shirt and plakkies, with another dude also in a blue shirt. 

     

    Well done, guys and girls! I was cooking just standing there.

     

    The event was small and it seemed to lack gees. But hopefully it will gain momentum.

     

    Inspired, I headed to Rietvlei and started a walk. 5km became the 10km route, walk-running, then I hit the red route thinking it would take me back to the river where I was going to chill and have a snack. But it took me up the friggin' mountain instead.

    Switched to the hiking route, 100% sure that THAT one went down the hill, found my way to the river, had my snack, then went home.

    10km, and I was finished. So I have a lot of work to do to prep for the Backyard Ultra at the end of the year.

     

    But... I haven't decided if I am mad enough for it yet.

    I will see after the Strada 12hr MTB endurance event in May.

Settings My Forum Content My Followed Content Forum Settings Ad Messages My Ads My Favourites My Saved Alerts My Pay Deals Help Logout