Musashi

The tandem fits inside my wife's Kia Sedona without having to take a wheel of.

It take some guts to apologise, especially on an anonymous forum where it's easy to "disappear". You have my respect.

I must admit, I was at first stumped by all the riders pulled off next to the road in the final km. And then realised they're all ebikers waiting out their time.

Christine, your total disrespect for the rules and the reason for them goes against the spirit of road racing/riding. It shows a complete lack of respect for other road cyclists and the sport as a whole. Taking a self-justifying attitude is not helping.

I support the use of ebikes as it allows riders who otherwise won't be able to complete it, to ride and enjoy it. But do it in terms of the rules, take it easy and make a day of it. To go race it is pointless. Maybe I should just enter with my 800GS and claim a sub-1 hour? Ag nee man.

My son had pretty much the perfect first CTCT. We were seeded in 2C but I decided to drop to 2F as they're probably more our pace. We took it fairly easy at the start and he knows his job is to help on the climbs - I'll do the rest. And then of course enjoy the spectacular scenery. His young age (he's 10) drew a lot of attention and he felt obliged to wave at everyone that showed some support. He was waving more than the queen. Some sections of the route seriously needs a resurface but we kept a good pace while enjoying every moment. Chappies we grinded it out at a solid pace. When I told him on Suikerbossie it's the final climb, he really started to put down some power and I had to go right to start passing people. And then on the last 15km run to the line people starting jumping on the back - I was wondering whether they realise they're being towed by a 10 year old :). I was betting on a sub-5 with a 4:30 possible. I did not expect the 3:48 we did. Daniel is very chuffed having beaten the time I did with Oupa (then 72) on the tandem last year by 2 minutes. And of course I'm super proud of him, not complaining once and just enjoying every moment. Now to find out whether he was the youngest finisher on the 109km route... Thanks @ChrisF for the photo.

Starting in the tandem group was quite a challenge. We’re probably a G group pace and it took a long time to find a bunch and hang with them. But we had a good day. A close call with the E group crash on the way back from Malmesbury but fortunately unscathed. A huge congrats to the organisers. It was superbly run and the effort does not go unnoticed. And I’m super impressed with my boy who I’m pretty sure was the youngest (10 years old) finisher of the 95km route today. He didn’t complain once and even insisted on riding the hilly 8km home instead of catching a lift with mom. I think we’ll be ok for the CTCT.

E. Tandem (#). Riding the 99er with my son in preparation for the CTCT. I'll keep to the left to let the racing bunches coming up behind us pass.

Due to work circumstances, my brother-in-law won't be able to come to SA this year and our 2-person entry for the 12 August TransBaviaans is for sale. I'm open to offers. Niel 082 437 8000

I did MANY events years ago (before children), took a long break from them and then did the TransAugrabies two years ago. The whole family joined the trip (it's actually an easy drive from Cape Town, nice open roads). I can honestly say that this one is the most memorable. The vibe is just different and the scenery something else. There's something special about cycling across the Orange river with a fish eagle calling in the background. Make no mistake, it's not an easy, flat and fast route. I took it easy and enjoyed the experience. And man, what an experience. And camping at Augrabies is always worth it.

There is a nice, but short bit of jeep track from the air field to Melkhoutfontein. One can then also ride up next to the river, across the low water bridge and then back across the river further north, before heading back along the rolling hills next to the river. I'll be there the same time.

Makes sense. The Crest is designed for lighter riders. The Arch rims are for heavier riders.

I did the Pioneer and some way more technical riding with my Crest rims and absolutely no problems to date. Not even problems to true the wheels. The Crest rims are tougher than that.

I'm 73kg and ride that hub/rim combination. The weight is not bad at all and it really is very robust. It's been dealing very well with really technical terrain and long marathon rides. I reliable combination in my opinion. If you're based in the CT area, I might be able to point you in the right direction for a wheel build.

You can head south to Vermaaklikheid and from there to Stilbaai via Blombos. This route is however fairly flat. If you're looking for something more challenging, stick with the roads a bit further north (closer to Riversdal) and approach Stilbaai from the north west next to the river. You'll have 12 km rolling hills before a flat 8km into town.

And other riders in front of you on the single track.

I had a Scott Spark 50 and put on ZTR Crest rims with Hope hubs and Racing Ralph snakeskin tyres and I was very happy. I've sold the bike but still have the wheel set. If you're interested, drop me a PM. Today I have a Scott 29r with the same spec wheels.

I suggest you see a specialist to find out what's wrong (especially injuries that affect your riding on the IDT), whether you can ride and how much. I don't think anyone can give advice without a thorough physical check-up. Even if it is only to get the go-ahead that you can train, you'll have peace of mind that you're not injuring yourself further by training.

That's the truth! I was considering it, but was able to pick up a new RP23 for half the price. Easy decision.

The Fox CTD with remote is available.

The DT Swiss rear shock was sent back 3 times for repairs (under warrantee) and I got fed up and upgraded to Fox RP23. Recycles in Bellville did the installation. I also turned the rear shock around so a bottle fits easier. Keep in mind that you'll still need the remote for the fork's lock-out. The RP23 is an improvement, but I'd love to get feedback on the Fox CTD rear shock on a Scott Spark 29'r.

The accommodation at Leeuwenboschfontein is full. You have to arrange your own accommodation. They have a link on their site to a few places. Gecko Rock is closed for renovation, Drie Kuilen and Kopbeenskloof didn't respond to email and there is no answer when you phone them. I had success at Karoo Adventures: www.karooadventures.co.zawww.karooadventures.co.za

And of course there will be hubbers like me around if anyone wants to join for a ride.

Apparently it is a very nice social event. The focus is not on racing, but rather doing a ride for the fun of it. I (finally) managed to arrange accommodation this morning and will be entering later today.

Intervals have their place in normal training to make you stronger. I do 4 minutes hard, 2.5 minutes recovery x 5 on a regular basis (not more than once a week). I'm riding stronger than ever. Of course, intervals on their own won't give you the endurance for the Attakwas so LSD rides on weekends. It also helps a lot if you can ride technical terrain, especially technical uphills.