dirtypot

I don't see that as such a hard choice... I've had two KTM's and although I loved them, I did start to get tired of things randomly falling off them or miscellaneous breakages. I've also had two Yamaha's and nothing fell off them. I know where my money would go. The 700 Tenere looks like it'll be amazing

This looks amazing! Much jealousy

Are you guys planning on making a wider version of the bar? I really love it, but it's a bit too narrow compared to what I'm used to.

I had a good ride! For about 100km... After that it was just pain and suffering. Managed to get 10th overall coming down the Swartberg pass though, so I was happy. Heard Jewbacca's name being called out at the prize giving as the winner of the bike, but he wasn't there. I would have cried. The next day we rode into Die Hel - that was hard. Much harder than I was expecting it to be. So rough and unrelenting. Rode to the end of the valley to look where the ladder is, but the enthusiasm for actually going up was non existent. Rode out of Die Hel the next day, and it actually felt alright, and I scored third fastest overall down Swartberg Pass. Cycled to work this morning, dreaming of rough rocky roads in the middle of nowhere

Even I was faster

Me too. I was coughing out a lung from pushing on stage 2 - keen to see where that got me.

Important Information: Race Registration will be between the hours of : 5pm and 9pm on Friday the 27th of April 5:45am and 6:45 am on Race day the 28th of April for the Gran Fondo 7:15 to 8:30 on Race day the 28th of April for the Medio Fondo No support vehicles will be allowed on the course, the race organisation will have road marshalls, mobile marshalls in vehicles and motorbikes, as well as a lead-out motorbike. The provincial traffic department will also be in attendance. Road closure will only be rolling for the first few kilometres until the field thins out. Marshalls will stop traffic at all intersections. Please obey the marshalls at all times, we will try to ensure that you do not have to stop at intersections, this however cannot be guaranteed. If spectators wish to preside along the course they need to do so before the race commences. Marshalls will stop vehicles that are deemed to be following or interfering with the race. Standard rules apply to all Cycling South Africa sanctioned races. No helmet no ride etc.

Feel like I should have done some long miles this past weekend, but instead I did two 20km rides on the enduro bike... Bring on the suffering!

I had a really lekka time for my first enduro! Rode right at the back of the fast group My only goal was to not be last, and it turns out I was nowhere near! I'm happy

What group is everyone riding in?

Ok, got my life in order! For Sunday morning in any case... I'm in! Going there again just now to try and acclimatise

No competition this year Tim?

Poor life choices

Aah. Must have missed that. I even looked...

What's the latest I can book/signup? I'm trying to juggle many things around at the moment and don't want to book a spot until I'm 100% sure, but also don't want to miss out.

This will be my first enduro - looking forward to it! Rode Hoogies yesterday for the first time - it's been a while since I've had my fastest heart rate for the day on the downhill!

I actually really would like to. Have a spare day there before needing to ride out, so this could be an option.

I'll be suffering there as well I doubt I'll see anyone after PA though... Riding into Die Hel the day after too - going to be a lekka bike weekend

I'm building a shiny new Canyon this evening! Unfortunately it's not mine...

TR does amazing "sweet spot" base training - really recommend it.

I've tried most of the training apps/programs and find for me TrainerRoad to be the best. The graphics of Zwift are nice, but I found I was mostly using the workout mode so wasn't really riding with anyone anyway (either going faster or slower than those around me depending on the interval I was on). What I like about TR is that I can see from the start how long each session is going to be - great for planning. The on screen text is also great - it's got just the right amount of info and humour to break up what could be quite monotonous blocks and turns them into something enjoyable. I actually want to get onto the trainer every day to keep to the plan which is something I never really had with Zwift. The sessions are also hard but without killing you, which is good for wanting to keep going the next day. I do miss the Zwift races, but overall I'm far happier with TrainerRoad. I've only been on it for a few weeks but can already see and feel the difference to my 'real world' riding.

Also think about warranty - Scott 5 years vs Giant lifetime. It's significantly easier claiming from Giant as well.

I'd recommend the other way around though. No beginner wants to end a ride at the top of a hill! I've taken a few noobies along this route and they've all enjoyed it. It's a great intro route.

Setting the bar high!

I went past this bike going up Op die Tradouw. It caught my eye which is interesting considering the amount of bikes there. I was going to say something to the rider, but I couldn't breathe...