Squier

"...there are only three things wrong with this South African team: they can't bat, they can't bowl and can't field. That might sound overly harsh and it's not an original line in cricketing folklore, but if it makes the Proteas the laughing stock of the World Cup it's because they are." https://www.sacricketmag.com/proteas-fast-bowlers-world-cup-slow-lane/ Pretty spot on.

My first thoughts were you need a new mechanic. Firstly, a crank doesn't "loosen itself", but a crank that hasn't properly been fitted comes loose. Secondly, if the Ocho was fixed under warranty should they not be sorting out the entire issue relating to the failure under warranty, .i.e. any subsequent damage like the scratch on the stanchion? Not a CPA related comment but to me that just makes sense. Lastly, my GX runs like a well oiled machine so I would refer you back to my very first line in this post. That being said, I have a friend who has had issues with his GX since getting his new Pyga and he was told that there is a manufacturing fault on some of the cassettes. Hearsay though, can't confirm but perhaps something to explore.

The Gran Fondo is not a high intensity plan and even though it does get progressively more intense the focus is not on doing explosive intervals but rather long sustained efforts. It's aerobic exercise preparing you for a long marathon effort, not anaerobic efforts, like intervals and sprints. Think of a steady 100km ride VS an XCO race. That is how the plan was designed. In contrast, the Cape Epic plan is designed to prepare you for short sharp efforts mixed into a long challenging day. It pushed me to my max quickly to the point where I couldn't finish some of the workouts. I still need to muster the courage to go and finish the plan... I started doing the Hunter's Challenge plan last week. Looks like a cool one as well.

Don't. I had one. Just don't.

I saw Alan post that he needed a bit of a 'rest and reset'. I'm sure the early season is taking its toll. He has been rather busy (and successful). I'm sure getting a racing calendar right for an athlete to compete with the best in the world on multiple fronts is a very fine balancing act. That being said, if you're carrying some fatigue and still finishing in the top 30 of a World Cup you are something special. 6 weeks to Vallnord! Looking forward to see him go!

I had a 1x11 11/42 setup and it nearly killed me last year on Baviaans. You are short at least two gears when the going gets steep and the legs get tired. Riding around PTA East the setup was generally fine, but when I got outside of the province on the big climbs I was in trouble. I rode Sani with it and even there I managed, even though I was searching for gears on some steeper places, but on Baviaans I missed those extra gears badly. I've now upgraded to GX 1x12 and it changed my life. Running a 46 at the back would alleviate the issue somewhat but you'd still miss that 50 on the rough and steep stuff, a problem that the 2x setup will sort out.

Good on you OP. Make a decision, stick with it and live with the consequences.

That still seems rather expensive for old stock of a discontinued product.

Would love to see his power file for that last 10 km.

Perhaps I'll join you. I'm feeling a bit under the weather but seeing it's not that hard it's probably better to join you for the Everest than those intervals on the IDT. I'll bring some soya hot dogs.

Yes, that's the A-line section on the Maniak trail. That last drop I don't think is rideable without a dropper post, for anyone of average skill level... and I don't mean average in a negative way. For something that steep you need your weight way back and your saddle will just make it difficult, although not impossible.

Theoretically only authentication information is stored on your chip so they need to link to another data source to retrieve your name/nickname. Interesting...

We ended up only riding Day 1. After the rain came down again Saturday night, with more forecasted for the morning, we made the call to skip Day 2. A decision I later regretted when the sun came out, but hey, spilt milk and all that... Day 1 was amazing. Yes, the muddy conditions made it more challenging but generally everything was rideable. Fighting for traction on the muddy climbs made a 50km day extraordinarily hard and by the end of the day I didn't mind the kms they had cut due to the rain at all. Views were spectacular and the trails fun. I'll definitely be back for another go next year. Here's my little GoPro snap of the day: https://youtu.be/efMogxfydiM

We're making it quite complicated. Actually, it's as simple as the number 8 848m appearing on your strava ride. No Bill Nye or Khalid Galant verification required.

Looks like it could be a little wet...

At least Alan and Matt can race their own race now. No more worrying about giving wheels to the 'main team'. They are decimating the other locals! Was expecting a bit more of a tussle between them and Pyga, but it was not to be. Phill has more health issues than a state hospital.

Quite the about turn there from The Colonel of the old days. I still remember the day when he closed his account after almost the entire hub absolutely slated him for saying Lance doped. You were right then, hope you're right now.

I haven't ridden there in a long time, but a few years back I drove through to Virigina Farm when we were in Winkelspruit. It was fantastic riding! About 30km inland from Winkelspruit. Give it a google.

I was also following your training and bummed to hear that you couldn't finish.You certainly did put in the training.

Nice ride!!

I see they found a few extra metres in the last couple of months... Originally said Day 1 to be only 1150m now reported as 1600m Some more bang for buck, I say!

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I've also entered with the missus. Some nice Sani prep. Looks to be a fun outing.

+1 for Jacques @ Cogent.

Bud, you don't need a sponsor. You just need a credit card. You're welcome.