flymango

I was just taking a meander down memory lane with the Vrystaat/Cheetahs. Off the top of my head (forgive spelling): Klippies Kritzenger, Wouter Hugo, Gerrie Germishuys, Edrich Krantz, Barry Wolmarans, De Wet Ras, Eben Jansen, Gysie Pienaar, Theuns Stoffberg, Vleis Visagie, Ros van Reenen, Helgaard Muller, Andre Bester, Piet Bester, Lourens Steyger, Pieter Muller, Brendan Venter, Pieter de Haas, Lourens Prinsloo, Eben Scheepers, Chris Badenhorst, Andre Joubert, Henry Honiball, Danie Anthony, Jannie Els, Frikkie Botha, Stompie Fourie, Thabu Thomas, Andre Greyling, Heinrich Fuls (maybe Transvaal?), Ruben Kruger, Naka Drotske, Andre Venter, Ryno Opperman, .... my memory failing me now.

Welcome to my world. It's been tough as a Vrystaat/Cheetahs supporter since the 1970"s. But loyal always.

Well, 'Dale, you and I both at the bottom of the log. My Cheetahs really were poor not to win against the Chiefs. But the Stormers? My previous comments stand now more than ever. Time for renewal. Hopefully Smal brings something new to the party. But mid-season? Tall order!! The way refs are now blowing the breakdown, in field TMO decisions, and the chip into space more recently, all lend themselves to more of an attacking game plan with a rush defence. The Stormers game plan has become stale - injuries or not.

Race? Correct. Trail? Incorrect. That actually describes the Adventure. Trail is about new entrants who haven't yet worked out if they want to race or cruise, or have no choice and find themselves in the same event. Adventure? See Trail.

Firstly, condolences to Lee's wife and family. I can't begin to imagine the grief they are experiencing, especially with Lee's wife pregnant with their unborn baby. Regarding the land access comment, I do have a difference of opinion. I don't believe we should confuse land access with liability. If I'm not mistaken, when you sign up as a TMTB member you indemnify the club against any claims for damages of any nature. Similarly, the club would indemnify the land owner against similar claims. The sport of mountain biking, whether recreational or competitive, has inherent risks which could result in injuries, possible hospitalisation, disability or under rare or freak circumstances even death on the trails. The honesty box might have some problems though. Point is, it will be extremely difficult to apportion liability or fault with the club and/or land owners when riders suffer damages and/or injuries. In the case of the deceased in this thread, one could argue that his passing away was a consequential event. Based on my limited legal knowledge, consequential damages are extremely difficult to claim and prove. I think it is merely sensational journalism. It would be a complete article if we knew more about what causes blood clots and why that happened after physiotherapy. Perhaps I'm mistaken?

It just seems one cannot leave a bike on a rack anymore, even if it's locked. I'm insured with CycleSure and they specifically state that bikes must be locked with an approved lock and cable, otherwise no cover. How one would prove the latter if bikes are stolen I wouldn't know, other than to take a few snaps with your mobile every time you leave your bike locked on a rack in a public place.

Did you carry the ring with you during the last stage, or did somebody hand it to you at the finish? I would've been nervous as hell about losing it.

And open toilet doors!!

How is it that so much is known about this? Have I been under a rock?

I never realised that!! Hope I haven't been scammed?

Or if the route is too easy then "Doctor Glen"?

According to a good friend of mine who is well connected with Kevin Vermaak, founder and director of the ABSA Cape Epic, the 2016 version of the event is under extreme pressure from the Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula to move to the rural KZN Midlands from 2016 for a period of five years. According to ANC National Government, such has been the success of the event in promoting the country and specifically the DA lead Western Cape, that it views a rotational strategy around the nine provinces as a major catalyst to stimulate equitable tourism across the country. It seems the decision has already been taken in principle for KZN to be the next host province, and that Glen Haw of Sani2C fame will be responsible for planning the route. Reliable insiders have said that Farmer Glen's entrance fee for this year's Cape Epic event was paid for by a prominent businessman from KZN with ANC connections, with the specific objective of allowing him to experience the toughness of the route and to prepare a KZN route which isn't perceived as getting easier. This will be interesting to follow! Wonder if they'll insist on using or avoiding Nkandla as one of the stop over venues?

Wonder if it's going to get easier? Congrats Tankman!!

Well written and well ridden over the past week. Thanks for the insights and experiences. Congrats.

I don't know if it's too easy, but I for one am in awe of every single rider who crossed the finish line at Lourensford. It's a lot more than I can ever dream of achieving. Respect to all the pros and weekend warriors alike.

In the context of this thread, the word "tjommie" seems more appropriate than boyfriend. Back on topic, I've found "bactroban" used together with Assos cream bullet proof until now. But admittedly never done anything longer than three days.

Nice to see Farmer Glen of Sani2C fame doing rather well. Team 91 Pitstop. GC 88 / CAT 5. Impressive!!

You're in the Cape and haven't called for a Hub beer? Eish!

Bad captaincy from Jean. Should've taken the three points.

He had a shocker today. Actually, his season's been average.

Gerrie? Barry?

Hectic!! Saw your better half this morning and she told me what happened. I'll pop in at G's home. Sorry about your lost ride too.

Oh. It's early. My brain hasn't engaged yet.

I don't drive fast as a rule, but I don't have plates either. That's why they don't catch me. There are more serious crimes to worry about in our country.

Sorry for the hijack, but what the heck happened? G ok?