timhoek

That might be the understatement of the year! The route was a killer. It was surprising how many people mentioned their knees where toast. I increased my total mileage for the year by 21%, so that was a bonus. The gees of the event was great and the banter on the WhatsApp group kept going the whole night. It was awesome fun, well done to the organizers, who have now raised over R104k for SA Harvest.

150 registered, 105 started and 50 finished.

Great news, the bike has just been dropped off at the local police station! I received a tip off after posting on the local Facebook page and then managed to meet the main man of the area who promised me that the bike would be return by this evening. And here it is. Not much damage, bar tape and a flat tyre is about the extent of it. I have renewed hope in humanity. ????

Thanks, Franschhoek is a small place so I am hoping it pops up here in the next few days. Doesn't hurt to throw the net a little wider though.

Stolen: Silverback Sirelli 1.0 2017 When: 9 February 2020 Where: Franschhoek, Western Cape My Silverback Sirelli was stolen from the Cellar while I was working. Suspect snuck in and grabbed it while I was 10 meters away. It occurred in Franschhoek, but could end up anywhere. Get further details about the incident in the Stolen Bikes section

I have sent them an email. Finished quite well last year, so hopefully it makes a difference.

Anyone one else miffed about seeding? 4th year as a B batch starter. ????‍♂️

Went there on Friday, climbed up to Saaltjie, got a puncture on the 1st section of Armageddon and rolled down to the gate after that. Super bummed. Headed straight to the Bike Hanger and bought Maxxis 29x2.5 Minion DHF and DHR. Those Specialized Butchers have the softest sidewalls! Saterday morning I returned to Jonkers and headed up to do Iron Monkey again. Felt good with the new tyres but got it very wrong on the Rock drop and had a sweet OTB into the rocks. Nursed it down the rest of Iron Monkey and then did the Plumber, I have done it 3 times now and starting to find a bit of flow on it. Some sections you just need to hold on and pray for the best. Finally i did the last section of Armageddon into Zululand and binned it on one of the last berms on Zululand 3. I think the nerves of the race are already showing and I was trying to go that 5% harder for prep of the race as well as trying to get to know my new 2.5inch tyres capabilities. havent fallen in such a long time so it good to push the limits again. See you on Sunday!

It is a 22mm internal width, but as stiff as hell! My 1st proper ride was the Trans Baviaans this weekend and I must admit it felt great. Now to get some proper trails in to see how she handles the rough stuff!

Weather predictions anyone?

I also think it’s a lot of bang for your buck. For sure, Tubeless will be done today and my road bike saddle is going on for the weekend. Pleasantly surprised by the new surface saddle, very similar to the power saddle in look and feel.

She has arrived! 2020 Silverback Stratos CF 1. Quick ride this afternoon and then it’s a baptism of fire at the trans baviaans this weekend.

Finally replaced my old road shoes with new Specialized Torch 3 in candy red.

Stretch, that’s jumping the gun a bit, I just made an observation, it’s definitely a 1st for me. Read the article, thanks, but I still don’t get why she needs to compete. Sure, go ride bikes to your hearts content, but why compete when you definitely have an advantage.

And a man in 5th in the elite Ladies. Kiwi Kate Weatherly was a mid pack racing man a few years ago, now giving it a go as a lady.