Cycotic

Agree with what's already been said. I did the 60km MTB and the 103km road and, other than what you've already listed Gerald, I can't think of anything else. In fact, I would even go as far as to leave out that the cost is high. Maybe it is, but I relate everything to value and I feel got really good value for my money. Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

That's for sure. But it is just indicative of the general attitude in Joburg. "Me first". Whether it be on the bike, in the car or in a queue at the bank. If everyone with that attitude got a smack in the gob, dentists would own the world.

It might be difficult to police it, especially as it is happening all the time and in pretty much every group, including the groups where bunch riding and working together is pretty much non-existent (which is baffling).

It's a pity that the various cycling unions and associations in South Africa weren't more cohesive. It would have been great to present this guy's previous issues in the Cape and now here in Gauteng and simply get him banned from any organised events in the country. Starting with next weekends 947.

I hadn't considered the backup and support at the races. That is definitely a huge plus. And if the group could be kept to 30-40 then it becomes much safer.

Sounds like a great plan. We used to do something similar many years ago at Wesbank raceway, which used to open to cyclists in the afternoon. Flat as a pancake so it was perfect for learning how to ride a paceline and how to ride in a group at high speed. I would love the opportunity to pick up pointers from the likes of Gerald and the other accomplished hubbers. However, I would just be a little cautious of how it is organised. I know plenty of cyclists who are keen as hell and plenty fast enough, but are a danger to themselves and others in a bunch. I realise the aim is to give them these exact skills, but I'm not sure that a race is the best place to do that, especially when there are 100+ guys in the group. Wouldn't want to be the guy 2 inches from somebody's wheel when they run out of skill.

What a brilliantly organised and executed race. That goes for both Saturday and Sunday. Route markings, marshals, start, finish, parking. All without a hitch. I started from EL but blew up spectacularly early on. Limped home in 3.45 ish. I suspect I burnt too many matches in the MTB race but enjoyed myself too much to regret it. Although I must admit, riding most of today's 103km on my own was a little more than I was banking on. That wind coming home was unbelievable. Well done Gerald and team. What a weekend.

I agree. Great event. Had no issues with any markers and everything went off smooth as clockwork. And as a roadie I really liked the fact that it was not technical. The only time I climbed off my bike was the 2 or 3 times I stopped to fight with my front brake that was binding slightly (unfortunately not enough to blame it for my poor time). Now I just hope I haven't worn the legs out for tomorrow. ????

Gerald, any idea how many entrants there are in the 60km MTB ride? I was (extremely) surprised to see I got seeded at AL44. I'm starting to worry that there are only a few handfuls of people doing the long MTB ride and they are all racing snakes. I'm a roadie who is a pretty k@k MTB rider just doing the ride for fun as a lead-up to the road race on Sunday and because I really enjoy riding off-road. Don't want to be the one that everybody stands around waiting for as I really meant to just take a cruise around and enjoy myself.

To all you guys and girls that have done this race before. How technical is the 50km route? I'm assuming most of it is run on the black route and the website describes the route as having "some major obstacles". I'm a roadie who really enjoys a spin on my MTB bike a couple of times a month, but my technical skills are not what they should be. I did the 50km USN ride at the Big Red Barn a while back and found that to be manageable. How does Northern Farm compare?

Small consolation to hear I'm not the only one. Had laryngitis and sinusitis about 2 weeks ago, which cleared up with antibiotics, but the post nasal drip and general lack of energy just isn't going away. HR much higher than normal, even in the gym (on the positive side I'm earning more Discovery points than normal). Was supposed to ride the Magalies Monster this weekend but just felt too rotten. So sat at the finish line and watched everybody come in. Which made me feel more depressed. I think it's safe to say I'm not the best person to be around when I'm off the bike.

What a great day's riding. The course had just the right amount of difficulty (for me as a roadie anyway). Not too much that it became a chore to do another lap and not too little that you could sit back and coast. Marshalls and support were amazing and the organisation at the school was superb. Great vibe. Our team unanimously agreed to be back next time. There are some seriously fit people out there. With 20 minutes left of the day, one of the Affies youngsters steamed past me like I was riding in quicksand. Didn't feel so bad when I heard they had won the junior section.