Black Line

Thanks for the tag @Shebeen And all of a sudden, FOMO kicks in... Won't be participating this year because we start fasting about a week before the CTCT. That said, just typing this response puts a smile on my face. Nothing better than a reflecting on good memories. I did the tour with my wife twice. The first time was a bit strenuous, mainly because we only rode the tandem 4 times before the tour. Last year was much, much better. We put in more training hours and got our communication in order. My wife even got to the point of asking, what was our max speed downhill!!? (she doesnt do mtb enduro with me, so i'm not sure where that adrenaline junkie vibes came from. lol) There's no better feeling when your stoker is chatting away, taking videos of the views, and passing you snacks whilst cycling. Its never about the race time for us, its about enjoying the gees from start to finish... suffering together, and then laughing and congratulating each other when we peak those climbs! Best of all, are those cyclist that chip in when they pass us - I simply love the fact that 2 people on a single bike can spark a conversation out of thin air towards a fellow stranger. I did the 46km Durbie Dash with my 14yr old daughter a couple of weeks go. Boy oh boy, did she enjoy it. She was chatting away about the cows on the farms, birds flying next to us, watching the eagles, and simply enjoying the views. Funny enough, she asked me at the 43km mark: "daddy, is it weird that i'm not sweating!?" - that said it all!! The tandem for me, has been my best investment. My youngest daughter will get her chance in 2 years time. For now, she just gets on and keeps her feet on the top tube while I zip around the block every now and then. What i've learned since joining the tandem club: 1. Make sure you communicate clearly with your stoker: stopping, coasting, turning left or right and more importantly when you're about to power the gas to overtake... 2. If you dont tell the stoker when you're about to put the pedal down hard, you risk them losing their footing on the pedal (if not clipped in) 3. Make the stoker feel more useful during the rides (especially if they are young). Ask them to check if there is any oncoming cyclist before you overtake. Ask them to open the snacks for you that you store in the jersey pocket. Ask them to check your average speed and distance (if they have a gadget infront of them or on their wrist to do so). It makes them feel more useful during the rides. 4. Do not forget to stop and take pics - selfie pics!! because ten or twenty years from now, those pictures will definitely spark a lovely conversation! I've got loads of pics, but here are three images that summarizes my short tandem experience to date.... Top of Chappies 2023... (Wife) Top of Chappies 2024... (Wife) Durbie Dash 2024... (Daughter)

What are the chances of Hoogekraal / Faircape mtb trails being open this Sunday?

So, 2023 CTC done and dusted on the tandem!! Soooo much fun to say the least We back on it again for 2024 CTCT, God willing. I didn't expect us to hit speeds around 65km/h mark during last years CTCT, and 72km/h on a training session down Taal Monument road. Thankfully, my wife doesn't have much of an issue with speed. That said, I would like to change the tandems rim brake system to cable disc system. The current wheelset is designed to take 6 bolt disc rotors. Just not sure if the rear wheel takes a 203mm rotor or 220mm rotor? Couldn't find anything on the internet. I think its a 2010 model Cannondale Need to source a disc fork as well - will post a "wanted" ad soon (unless someone knows someone else who might be able to refer me) (yip, non-drive side chain is due for replacement)

So our tandem communication is getting there, and so is our relationship. lol - Its heading in the right direction! Now the Mrs has enquired about matching cycling tops. Is "Monton" the only store that stocks matching cycling tops? If this matching thingy turns out to be too expensive, then i'm going to hire super hero outfits instead... with huge cloaks!!

Hi All, Thank you very much for the tips and experiences! Just reading these few responses puts a smile on my face already... that gut feeling of saying "YES!! lets do the tandem thing next year". Its good to know that Tandems can accommodate my sizing, that was my biggest concern. I was lagging me klaar for "communication" advice!! LOL - it will certainly put us to the test. Its something new, something different and most of all, i think it will add to our memories of things we achieved together in a lifetime. She taught me not to be afraid of proper zip lining, stood by me during my 5 year life and death sickness. I taught her that she could complete a proper 2 day overnight hike, complete the cycle tour despite never being on a bike for 25years prior. So, why not just go for it hey! Plus, i've got 2 daughters aged 8 and 12, itching to join me on a Cycle Tour soon. The tandem might just be my best investment to date 🙂 Appreciate the responses and looking forward to being on the receiving end of "she's not pedaling hey!!!"...yes, i was that guy on the tour. lol

Hi hubbers, I come from an mtb background, and fairly new to road cycling. My wife and i completed the cycle tour in 2020 on mtb's. We enjoyed it so much, and want to do it again next year, but on a road tandem (we do everything together, so thought it will be fun to complete CTCT 2023 in this manner). That said, we dont want to buy a tandem as we both (fortunately) own mtb's and road bikes, so its simply futile to buy a tandem for just one event. I ride a 54cm and she rides a 48cm - chalk and cheese!! 1. Whats the chances of finding his type of combination? 2. Are there places that hire out tandems? 3. How much practice does one need to ride a tandem i.e. getting on the bike in sync etc. Is it something we can try out a month before the time while practicing separately from now till then? Any advice / guidance welcome, please. Rezah

anyone know where I can buy a shimano 105 flight deck nameplate? old version. Perhaps someone has a spare that they want to sell or give away.

Some guidance / assistance needed please. Both my wife and her sister are not able to do the CTCT as of today (they both fell ill). They want to sell their ticket at a reduced price. Would a potential purchaser be able to substitute their race number at the expo? Does my wife / sister in-law need to sell their race chip as well?

That's hectic! Trying to make an honest living and then trying to make sure you live to see another day :(

Has anybody ever arranged for them to collect, and then give them a lovely a#se whippin'!!! Teach them a lesson once and for all.

very insightful knowledge indeed. thanks for the offer, but no need for the derailleur.

Please share link. I'm pretty sure there will be lots of interested parties for this component!

Thanks Martin. Very helpful indeed

Holy smoke, that's some really useful information indeed!! Now time to go back to all those precious searches that I ignored. Lol. Thank you very much

Ah ok, only been doing online shopping, occasional phone calls.