Mamil

I have cycled elands bay aurora a few times in recent years with no permit and no difficulty .

93kg of pure South African Mamil meat, with a 3.7watts/kg FTP and CDA of a Putco bus seeks DC team ....

That's the kind of day where you just have to accept the pain and know that you can expect no relief.

No

I wish more people would do this event - I worry about it's future because de villiers cycling marketing of it is so incredibly bad - the event itself has been consistently good (I've done the last 3) - it is very reasonably priced, there's 10k ITT up bainskloof, there's mountain top finishes, including Paarl the one year and Bains from the Tulbagh side ... there's a lot to like for roadies, even part time ones like me - and then when you see the guys you've been racing with the whole week at CTCT it's a fun way to end the week.

CTCT is Stage 6 of Tour du Cap for me again this year. Annual take a week off work and pretend to be a pro cyclist in the open unseeded group with all the other wannabes.

Can anyone confirm that there is a patrol / police presence offering sone safety on woodstock bridge / N1 in the mornings these days. Considering a max effort interval through there on Monday morning.

Oh that was such a nice meeting!!!

There was a J number in the big blob that led E and D on old Malmesbury ... I said "wat maak J hier?".... Noone laughed except me.

Lekker bike ride. Well marshalled by motorbike accompanying us in E who had to deal with a huge Zwift style blob when we caught D 20km before the turn around at Malmesbury. Annoyed with myself for being out of position at the bridge and as a consequence having my 2 minute power weakness let me down when the guys at the front hammered up to Adderley. Sweet school kids cheering at the finish and all the way back to the rugby club, very lekker community vibe around the whole event. Thanks to all for a fun bike ride.

Just so long as you not coming down to E to make me suffer ... Unless there's a push up adderly....

Case in point

Roadie weekend warrior but I don't identify as a weekend warrior. I prefer to think of myself as a commited amateur, an enthusiastic hobbyist, a seriously competitive mamil .... the curve in the bell curve.... jlHowever, judging from the photos from the trailseeker a few weekends ago there is a serious discrepancy between my mental picture of what I look like on the bike and what I actually look like ... so what I identify as and what I actually am may not correspond.

I'm demoted to E - from the lofty heights of C I think at the peak of the curve - so obviously I've p1ssed someone off. Not that I mind - maybe I'll only get dropped on Adderly

That's a lot of bicycle riders - looks like no shortage of wheels to suck.

Could you post a link to where you bought your permit online - can't seem to find it

The woman was quite hardcore too - maybe I betray my gendered assumptions about the world but I'm always surprised when a woman steps into a fight like that and physically challenges a man - the guy she was yelling at did well not to retaliate against her.

Ja last time I was there was before the big rains and some of the jeep track was properly sketchy - be interested to hear what it is like now

Sounds like there's a history here I've missed. I remember Mr Dlamini had a run in with the SANParks people and had his arm broken

Something about the tone of the comments here on this olympic cycles announcement that makes me uncomfortable

MMMMMM ---- PIIIZZZAAAAAA

Was also going to be my first time - entry fee refunded and this email received Dear Road to Desolation Participants, It is with deep regret that we must announce the cancellation of Road to Desolation 2025. We understand this news is disappointing, and we want to assure you that we did everything possible to avoid this outcome. Full refunds will be issued to all registered participants. Organizing an event in such a remote and unique location as Graaff-Reinet presents significant financial challenges. For several months, we have worked tirelessly to secure the necessary sponsorships and partnerships (international, regional, and local) to make Road to Desolation a reality. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, we were unable to secure the required financial support. Making this difficult decision now allows us to provide full refunds to riders and minimize the financial impact on Community Connect. We are incredibly disappointed, as we are passionate about showcasing the beauty of the Karoo region and creating a memorable experience for the gravel cycling community. It is disheartening that we lack the resources to produce the event at the high standard it deserves, whether as part of the Gravel Earth Series or as a successful grassroots event. We remain committed to the vision of Road to Desolation and are exploring options for a third edition in 2026. We hope to have your support in the future. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely, Julian and the Road to Desolation Team

Very disappointed that this event has had to be cancelled because of a lack of a sponsor.

Also just done this on the strength of this info.

Inside