flymango

Thoughts and prayers go out to the injured and family of the deceased. MODS: Given the tragic content of this thread, perhaps out of respect we should split it into two?

Strava?

Specialized Prevail. Super light and very comfortable. And try a Buff. I never believed in a Buff. Tried it once. Haven't not used it since.

Explore trails with mates - Welvanpas / Jonkershoek / Schapenberg / Oak Valley-Thandi / Tygerberg Arabella Challenge Houw Hoek Tour Sani Knysna Karoo to Coast Transbaviaans W2W Hell n Back Should keep you busy until Burger seeding ride in December.

It was more the Bar One girls that I missed. Gave that whole area a great vibe.

I learnt that Snickers have a bigger marketing budget to pay the organisers than Bar One. Would swop my goody bag Snicker for the Bar One girls on the bend just before descending into Misty Cliffs, any day.

Seems to be some divergent views. Maybe a function of your start time, i.e. the earlier and later groups were fine?

Sharks were impressive!! Steyn at 10 was a revelation. Jantjies was off his best for the Lions. And Reinach moving up the ranks in my estimation as a contender for the 9 Bok jersey. Bulls had a good outing too.

To be sure, I was 30 minutes earlier than my suggested load time - not my start time. I read all the instructions and studied the maps, but what confused me was that I had planned to approach from the mountain side only to find a fence and then duly directed to the middle entrance point which was a bottle-neck of note. Then, once they'd finally checked my chip and number, and clipped my start card, it was almost impossible to see where to approach your start pen amongst thousands of cyclists all trying to move in opposite directions in a confined fenced-in area.

Is it just me or did anybody else find the loading procedure slightly chaotic? I saw many cyclists getting quite anxious and even aggressive when several thousand people with bicycles were heading in conflicting directions to their loading pens. I had arrived at the start 30 minutes ahead of my suggested loading time and I only just made it into my starting pen. Several riders from other groups were in our group with others climbing over the fences. Obviously made no difference if you started lower down, but riders were not sure of the consequences. They really need to rethink the process and capture some learnings.

Had a lovely outing in Z. Finished around 4:20. That guy on his MTB towing "Anita" brought tears to my eyes. Very special. And then to the guys on their unicycles - HUGE respect!! And to the guys with SS - lots of respect. But then a gripe - the loading procedure was a shocker. Last year was bad, but today was really below par.

It was a bit of a leading question. I always carry my Camelbak.

17 - 21. I wouldn't. Question is should you be wearing a camelbak at all?

I still believe that the Stormers are too one-dimensional and conservative. If the opposition have your game plan worked out (although different teams and competition but the way the Sharks did versus WP in the Currie Cup final), it takes a bit of flair, creativity and variation to beat the best. But it was close.

On Sunday he'll need to pass a wind ...

Indeed. Luckily there's the apolitical Robert McBride with his exemplary track-record who'll sort out thugs like this. The DA would never have been so bold as to appoint a better head of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.

Truthfully? I hate the wind. But it's Argus. So I'll hang in there. The vibe and the stature of the event will pull us all through. But I won't pretend it's fun if it isn't. Litmus test will be the number of paid entrants who actually complete the second lap.

And they can't retain offensive ball at the tackle situation. Try before half time was soft. Goosen kicking well out of hand, but very suspect from place kicks. Game too lose. Cheetahs will have to tighten it up in the second half.

I heard they are performance monitored with GPS, including when they break the speed limit. Seems to conflict. My sources could be incorrect though.

Battery or solar?

Could it be that ... it was actually a case of attempted robbery? I put it to you that ... those cyclists were actually very thirsty and were trying to get to the water sachets in the back of the van. Thank you My Lady Lord.

Carrol Boyes wine stand was interesting ... Wonder why they don't move to CTCC? Show case event in a show case city with registration at a less than show case venue.

As one of the more loyal and passionate Cheetahs supporters out there, I certainly didn't see a problem with the ref. We were simply outplayed at every facet of the game.

Without fail, I get agitated with a motorist every time I go out for a ride. It's as if I don't exist, or because their actions will lead to an incident that could kill me or injure a friend or fellow cyclist. But I will always come second, even when I'm right. Unfortunately flesh and bones are more difficult to repair than vehicle dents and paint scratches. That's why I always signal when I'm turning, acknowledge or thank a motorist for doing something correct even if I didn't need to, and try my best to be road obedient. (Note: I did say try - I'm no saint). But one thing's for sure, nothing - and I mean nothing - can justify the violent mob behavior by that group of cyclists. Seriously, pepper-spraying the guy while he's inside a stationary vehicle? Motorists 1 step forward. Cyclists 10 steps backwards.