Wannabe

A few years back (can't remember the race} we were against a stiff SE on a rolling course (from Wellington to Klapmuts direction), and obviously the guys was starting to spread all over the road to get some shelter, but the Thinkbike Marshal (AZ was on his colours, I think) was having none of it. As soon as someone went over the white line, AZ pulled up next to him, and he was shown in no uncertain terms to get back in line and got shown a "1st warning finger". Should the same person transgress again, AZ pulled up next to him and showed/told him to fall to the back of the group. Third transgression, he got pulled over immediately and told to remove his race number and hand it over. It only happened a few times, and the rest of the group behaved themselves impeccably after that. All it needed was a short beep from AZ on his Hyabusa's horn, and order was restored. The roads was quite busy with vehicles racing to get to their destinations, but our group was controlled well and kept in check.. Admittedly this was in one of the alphabet groups (B or C if I recall) and not the racing groups.

FYI, my entry has already gone to a worthy recipient.

My e-mail came through at 17h05 today.

That's a rather short period allowed for substitutions. ONLY THREE DAYS!?

Many moons back when riding / racing upcountry, Winning Time was almost always referred to as Losing Time. Seems like nothing has changed in all these years.

To be honest, the day that the "Opel Corsa Bakkie" gang decided to take my bike, it was over within less than a minute. I was ready to defend myself and my bike, but when perp no 2 came from my exposed side, I let go of the bike and they chucked it on the back of the bakkie and was gone. I could not even take my Pepper Spray from my back pocket before it was all over and the fat lady sang her aria.

My own mantra. "Rather have a firearm and not need it, than need one and not have it" The attacks on cyclists are getting more violent and unprovoked. Not looking good for the pacifists/just hand over your property, lobby. I'm of the firm believe that these attacks at the hotspots will continue/escalate, until such time the perps are caught in the act and taught a good lesson before (or even invoving) the authorities. Who remembers the spate of attacks on Old Helz that was ongoing for a while, until the perps tried their luck with the wrong group of Mtb'ers and got a good dressing down. The attacks stopped immediately after that. And that is a fact.

How I long for the "glory days" of cycling when we had two races over the same weekend. All those little gems of the South that are all lost now.

Unfortunately, not. Too soon to sit in a forward crouched position for any length of time. Only allowed to sit upright after three weeks from date of procedure.

Sorry to derail the current hot topic, but I must just feel a bit sorry for myself. I WILL NOT BE DOING MY 20TH CONSECUTIVE ARGUS/CTCT THIS YEAR. (would have been my 21st was it not for the two cancelled years) My goal was to do 21 in a row, and then close the Argus/CTCT chapter. I had an emergency Laminectomy last week Tuesday after a bulging lumbar disc almost completely squashed my Sciatic nerve. (whilst doing my morning ablutions and getting comfy on the throne before my ride😪...) So I'm basically bedridden for three weeks, then rehab and only after about three months can I slowly get going on the trainer again. But I must admit, the discomfort from the operation wound is a LOT better than that searing pain running from my glute all the way down to my calf. It was hell, I did not know how to sit, stand or lay down without the most excruciating pain. But fear not, I'll be back for no. 20 next year......

Nolle Presequi

There is some really opiniated people on this forum lately. This is one of the big reasons I'm contributing a minimum, and I see most of the "old timers" has completely stopped contributing.

Still got 8km to go to complete mine. Will wrap it up tomorrow on the Mtb, seeing as I did most of my riding on the Mtb this year.

And the thought never crossed your mind that it might have been their crop growing there......

Reply removed due to a first hand account of events that was posted.

@NickGM, by all accounts it was your incident. Thank full that it was not more serious, and that you escaped unharmed.

I've heard unconfirmed reports of a bikejacking on Helshoogte today, at the corner/turn after Neil Ellis. 3 perps involved.

My trusty Scott Spark saw that my stress levels was reaching a critical point, and decided to take me on a relaxing ride through the local corn fields and cow pastures. I even encountered a Bovine Roadblock

I can't believe Jonah is turning 11 already. Feels like just the other day that we met the tiny human being.

Saddened to hear of his passing. R.I.P Thug.

That's unfortunately the price you pay when cycling on farmland that's actively being farmed. And I'm sure the trails are still too wet and muddy to cycle without causing more damage to the trails, and harm to your bike.

Don't forget about Wayne at Rapide. Not sure how many of his offerings are "local" though.

Great. Sending my contact details to you.

Currently running a Ultegra 6600 Shifter setup with a old SRAM X7 front derailleur and an 9spd Shimano Altus rear derailleur. 11-36 Cassette and some nondescript 2 x Chainring setup of unknown origin. Shifts perfectly on the tar / smooth gravel, but there is a lot of chain slap as soon as it becomes a bit rough underneath. Would love to fit a clutch rear derailleur to mitigate it a bit.

I might have one for you, in exchange of one of those mullet adjusters" of yours.