scotty

Third year doing, unlike 2 previous years where I started getting mileage early and finished with 1 and 2 days to spare , I left it late and had to catch up finishing only on last day.

I would not categorise it as flat, but then the roads around my area make any incline seem a mountain.

Results are out https://ridejoburg.co.za/947-ride-joburg-2021-results/

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The start at Steyn City buggers me up with the climbs early on, this was more to my liking. Also once I finished the BraamFisher/Jan Smuts section and exiting Jhb City I found while still undulating it flowed quickly

Rode with group I trained with. Found parking easy, short ride to start, easy access to batch group, the water points we stopped at were well stocked, nice over cast weather (hardly noticed wind) route I found easier than previous and finished feeling I could carry on, exit through finish quick and efficient. Was sceptical about new start and finish but for me beats Steyn City easily.

Ready to go, batch confirmation, vaccinated, QR code received.

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Less than last year, but I was off the bike for part of May and most of June with bronchitis.

I'm one of those in the riskier category i.e. over 50, I'm also someone that seems to pick up cold. flu etc by merely looking at someone and then symptoms appear very quick. Happy to say no sore throat, cough etc. Must just stay that way.

Heading should be changed to coronavirus-and-training-outdoors indoors

I'm practicing social distance to include media as well.

Cant run, knee issues besides I have no intention of outdoor cycling either, I have an indoor trainer, large screen TV, spinning videos, movies etc. Only time I will leave my property other than get essentials is to mow my pavement, AND NOW if allowed take my dogs for their walk #freakinresponsible.

Health minister Zweli Mkhize, has told SABC News that people will be able to walk their dog, and go for a jog during a three-week lockdown enforced by president Cyril Ramaphosa. The terms around such activities however, have not yet been published. https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/384585/yes-you-can-walk-your-dog-and-go-for-a-jog-during-lockdown-minister/ I will wait for official go ahead but It would suit my dogs, I have a long standing agreement with the principal of local school that i can exercise my dogs there, Zero interaction with anyone, I sit on the grandstand while they run around sniffing.

Usual week day is up at 4 and out the door 4.20am on the bike, the thought of doing this on the IDT so early is not on so I will have to adjust and see what time works.

Under strict controlled circumstances you allowed to go to supermarket for essentials, so in theory you could cycle there. Individuals will not be allowed to leave their homes except under strictly controlled circumstances, such as to seek medical care, buy food, medicine and other supplies or collect a social grant. All shops and businesses will be closed, except for pharmacies, laboratories, banks, essential financial and payment services, including the JSE, supermarkets, petrol stations and health care providers.

Are Thaba trails closed.

Still hitting the outdoors, this mornings ride was with about 6 others all of varying ability so the distance between us was sorted as we were spread out most of the way.

The 2020 Super Rugby tournament will be suspended "for the foreseeable future" following this weekend's Round 7 matches. https://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/SuperRugby/off-super-rugby-suspended-in-wake-of-coronavirus-pandemic-20200314

Merida will be having 5 demo ebikes at ERPM's MTB track this Saturday

Paints a bleak picture, coincidence that the year Zuma is elected president the cr@p started, Ramaphosa who was tasked to oversee the SOE's including Eskom has to answer as well. Biggest bailout is during his tenure AND after "carefully head hunting" and selecting a chairman (no alignment to Zuma so no pressure) who admits he was not up to it and would not have taken the job if Ramaphosa had not asked him to. https://mybroadband.co.za/news/energy/340645-eskom-no-bailouts-from-1923-to-2008-now-r49-billion-in-1-year.html?source=newsletter

When the governments own departments do not pay and are in arrears, small wonder than in the street follows. CAPE TOWN – Following the suspension of trains in the Western Cape on Thursday afternoon due to non-payment to Eskom, the power utility has now confirmed receiving payment from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) with power restored. https://ewn.co.za/2020/02/27/wc-metrorail-service-restored-after-prasa-pays-eskom-bill

Eskoms Soweto debt had been wiped out twice already, each time with a "stern" statement that it cannot continue. Now demands for a third time. In 1992 residents of Soweto owed Eskom 100 million, despite this having been written off twice since then, today resident of Soweto owe 17 billion, good luck in getting a 10th of that back. https://www.iol.co.za/the-star/news/joburg-mayor-geoff-makhubo-joins-soweto-electricity-protest-43514320 Future's so bright I got to wear shades.

Not me but wish it was. Travelling from Jozi in your luxurious family car to spend the festive season in Cape Town is old news for Pretoria engineer Sven Kleine. The 48-year-old father of three girls took up the challenge of cycling from Pretoria to Sedgefield last year, not for a cause, but the experience. https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/dads-passion-for-cycling-takes-him-from-pretoria-to-the-southern-cape-just-for-the-ride-20200222