etienne_jordaan

Throw away and get a aluminium Thomson. End of story.

Just an amazing person. A big loss to cycling and the world in general. Condolences to his loved ones.

Congrats to everyone that rode. Well done. The Overberg can get chilly this time of year and the wind was pumping here in Hermanus. I was there last year prepared and ready to go for the 200 miler and since then the training motivation just hasn’t been there. ……. Maybe next year.

I live in Hermanus. We had a lot more than 88mm of rain. That I can promise you.

I went over TWK dam/overflow this afternoon at about 17:00. It was not trickling. Proper overflowing.

Hi With regards to your initial route. Ruben’s recommendations are spot on. Stay on the R43, do not go into Hawston. We’ve had incidents in the past on the R43, at the 2 traffic lights, but the last couple of months no issues. On the Karwyderskraal gravel section Ruben also changed a little loop you had. Please don’t go onto private property. Stay on gravel roads or the marked trails of Hermanus Trail network. Still extensive roadworks and flood damage from last year in the first 7-8km going up the valley, but you will be fine on a mtb or gravel bike. Ride on the side closed for vehicles. Stanford road is fine and safe, broad shoulder. From Stanford there is various gravel options. A nice 100km loop of mixed surfaces is to go up the H & A valley, turn right before Shaws pass towards Tesselaarsdal and onto the Raka/Stanford tar road, which has a decent/broad gravel shoulder, onto Stanford and back to Hermanus.

Novatec hubs are not bad, but I would say you’re better off with the SLX hubs. All Shimano hubs are cup and cone. Just have them serviced once or twice a year, depending on how much you ride and they will last for years.

You can hardly see an dent on that photo. Ride it as is, it will not do anything. You should see the dents on some of my riding buddies rims.

Trails are safe to ride alone. I do it often. Although it is always beter to ride with someone, not only for safety, but to assist with a mechanical or crash.

Hi I’m a Hermanus local. We unfortunately don’t have any trails to cater for Downhill/Enduro needs. Some of the terrain in the valley might allow for something to be built, but don’t think there is enough demand to make it worthwhile. If you want to go that direction, please speak to Kobus from Dusty Feet, he manages the trail network in the Valley and has the relationship with all the relevant landowners. And as a heads up, please stay clear of the Fernkloof reserve hiking trails. I’ve been in Hermanus for 30 years and it is an absolute No Go for mountain biking.

Depends on the area and surface you ride. For a fair amount of tar and smooth gravel a 35/38c tyre is fine. If the roads get rough and corrugated, you want to drop tyre pressure to take the edge off. For that you need volume and 45/50c would be the way to go.

Racepace

I think you misunderstood. I referred to shop owners paying low wages for mechanics and hence you getting poor workmanship and lack of experience/expertise. But they still charge the customers premium rates, because a lot of people don’t know any beter.

The old saying “ You pay peanuts, you get monkeys” is very true.

Spot on. Couldn’t agree more!!

I’ve also used Pudo and Courier Guy for some time and no issues.

Suunto Vertical.

What is the process for substitutions?

I’m considering this event for the first time, the dates have just never worked out in the past. My current gearing on my dual sus is 36 x 10/51. I’ll keep on training on it as i’m used to it in the area i ride/train. Will probably not be a bad idea to go for a 34 chainring for the amount of climbing at this event?

I got a Mango bag from them earlier this year. Did take a bit longer than is the norm nowadays, but did get it. Amazing product by the way, very good quality and value for money.

I bought an alloy Oiz a year ago. No issues so far. Very good service from Cyclelab N1 City. I did the deal over the phone and they packed and shipped within days. Orbea still one of the few brands with lifetime warranty and off coarse made in Spain. Constantly seeing more of the brand out there.

From the videos going around it looks like there could be structural damage. Detour route could be a reality again.

I’m staying in town. Started raining at about 05:00 this morning, nothing heavy. Hardly any wind.

I’ve been to registration. Swellendam is clear skies. Bit of a breeze picking up. At this stage the 200 miler is definitely cancelled, 🤦‍♂️, but we have the option to ride any distance on Sunday if the event goes ahead. As mentioned 1 big issue is the pont. So re-routing will definitely happen.

Nope, these kind of decisions come from higher powers. Disaster management will make that call. Feel for the organisers. They don’t have a say in the final decision. Accommodation already paid and car packed. Me and wifey are going.