3wings

Saw him again this evening - still isn't calling a hectic wind on Sunday and plans to surf Nordhoek. Reckons there will be a South Easter that will pick up in the mid/late afternoon, (he'll be done by then) Says that Saturday's outcome will determine how early that begins to blow - the longer it stays overcast and chilly, the better. As I write this I'm tempted to use words that will only provoke the situation to prove me wrong - let's just say that he left me with no reason to feel too pessimistic.....

Just thought that midget tossing might be related to the sport of Hub spoofing ..... Anyway, may I wish you a wonderful ride on Sunday and many, many more in the future.

13,000 + posts and you live in The Cape - so who's the noobie ? ?

NOT WATER.....Aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh !!!

Fear of water = hydrophobia Hydrophobia = symptom of rabies Rabies = a viral disease of the brain in humans and other animals, notably dogs. Rabid dog = sure I've heard that term used on this thread somewhere.....?

Banksy sure has a way of hitting the spot....

Just floating this idea - so feel free to criticise. 1) Our sport, and cyclists in general, was dealt a severely negative blow by the actions of a tiny minority in Camps Bay on Sunday. 2) The Argus is just a few short days away - we need to win back the trust and respect of the general public, in particular motorists, before then. 3) This thread is seriously HOT, looks to me as though it will breach 50,000 views in a couple of hours. 4) The media are watching, this week isn't just about the Oscar Pistorius trial, this issue isn't going away anytime soon. 5) The Hub is the number one cycling forum in SA, so..... How about conducting an online Poll ? Could someone write a quick bit of code so that each of us get to vote on whether we condone or condemn the actions of those cyclists in Camps Bay on Sunday ? If we speak with one voice, and follow through on this by being exceptionally vigilant, patient and considerate toward other road users in the days ahead, it seems to me as though we might stand an outside chance of turning this unfortunate incident around.

It wasn't just the wind I was battling against yesterday, there was something else, something less tangible but present nonetheless. And it wasn't until late yesterday evening that I discovered what it was... In Sun Valley a van, approaching from the other direction, turned right, cutting straight across my path, causing me to brake hard. These things happen a lot out on the road, we shout at the driver (who doesn't hear and probably doesn't care anyway) and carry on - but there was something deliberate about it this time -something out of the ordinary... Later, out on an open stretch and keeping well inside the yellow line, a beat-up old Toyota Camry with darkened windows came speeding up behind, overtook very close, too close, cut across my path into the 'yellow lane' for a few seconds and sped away. WTF ? What was all that about I wondered, swearing at his smoky exhaust as it disappeared into the distance ? But I generally don't allow such things to get to me for long, and dismissed it as possibly some tik-fuelled jerk wanting to impress his mates, and forgot about the whole episode. Until last night that is, and after reading through 26 pages of comments in response to the cowardly attack by a bunch of road riders on a seemingly innocent and helpless van-driver... Then it made sense - I had unwittingly become the target of some misplaced sense of revenge. Why ? Because I ride a bike and two drivers thought they could somehow put things right by bullying me as well. I worry that this is going to happen to a great many more riders in the next few days, and somebody is going to get hurt. Tensions between cyclists and motorists are going to get strained to breaking point, and we will come off worst. And so somehow, and from somewhere, cyclists in general are going to have to find the strength to suck this up. We are going to have to bite our collective lips and NOT react when some idiot in a car decides he wants to do his bit to get even... Whether we like it or not, thanks to the behaviour of a bunch of ill-disciplined hooligans in Camps Bay on Sunday, we are all on trial at the moment. But it will pass, the status quo between cyclists and motorists will eventually be restored just as long as we all keep our cool......

It wasn't just the wind I was battling against yesterday, there was something else, something less tangible but present nonetheless. And it wasn't until late yesterday evening that I discovered what it was... In Sun Valley a van, approaching from the other direction, turned right, cutting straight across my path, causing me to brake hard. These things happen a lot out on the road, we shout at the driver (who doesn't hear and probably doesn't care anyway) and carry on - but there was something deliberate about it this time -something out of the ordinary... Later, out on an open stretch and keeping well inside the yellow line, a beat-up old Toyota Camry with darkened windows came speeding up behind, overtook very close, too close, cut across my path into the 'yellow lane' for a few seconds and sped away. WTF ? What was all that about I wondered, swearing at his smoky exhaust as it disappeared into the distance ? But I generally don't allow such things to get to me for long, and dismissed it as possibly some tik-fuelled jerk wanting to impress his mates, and forgot about the whole episode. Until last night that is, and after reading through 26 pages of comments in response to the cowardly attack by a bunch of road riders on a seemingly innocent and helpless van-driver... Then it made sense - I had unwittingly become the target of some misplaced sense of revenge. Why ? Because I ride a bike and two drivers thought they could somehow put things right by bullying me as well. I worry that this is going to happen to a great many more riders in the next few days, and somebody is going to get hurt. Tensions between cyclists and motorists are going to get strained to breaking point, and we will come off worst. And so somehow, and from somewhere, cyclists in general are going to have to find the strength to suck this up. We are going to have to bite our collective lips and NOT react when some idiot in a car decides he wants to do his bit to get even... Whether we like it or not, thanks to the behaviour of a bunch of ill-disciplined hooligans in Camps Bay on Sunday, we are all on trial at the moment. But it will pass, the status quo between cyclists and motorists will eventually be restored just as long as we all keep our cool......

So I went out today and faced the infernal wind enemy. Waited until just before noon because the breeze was due to seriously pick up in the early afternoon, parked up in Simon's Town and hit the Jubilee Square to Chappies section. The wind didn't disappoint - consistently in excess of 30/35kph and gusting well over 40kph at times. The Ocean view - Sun Valley stretch was worst and by the time that I'd finished a coffee and muffin break close to the Nordhoek Farm Village and headed back the way I came, it seemed as though it had picked up even more. Tired, deflated, wind-burnt and saddle weary, I drove home thinking only that if this is a precursor for race-day then I'm in for a very tough ride. Made two stops on the way - the first told me not to take Wind Guru as 'Gospel' and that things could well change before Sunday. The second was to see a Western Province surfing mate of note to see what he had to say... Serious surfers study the wind patterns very closely - and he said the same thing ! In fact he went further, dialled in a few key spots around the Peninsular on his favourite weather-oracle-site for Sunday March 9th and said: 'Look, between 8 and 9 knots you shouldn't have anything to worry about'. Of course things could still change - but I'm a whole lot more positive about cracking four hours than I was three hours ago !

Okay, so here's a call out : Anyone in RR wanting to do a sub-four please raise their right hand PS: For the avoidance of doubt - I'm the stupid one !

Man, this thread is getting SERIOUSLY depressing......

I have always ridden with "The Mad Bunch" - a charity group founded by Francois Pienaar, who have a start time of 09.04 this year. But have just discovered that I can start earlier so will be off at 08.22 with group RR. Just hoping that I can use those extra 42 minutes to some positive advantage....

Michael. The wind will do what the wind will do - and there's absolutely nothing we can do about it other than be prepared; ride smart and/or battle when its in our face, be cautious when it comes from the side - and rejoice when its on our back. The wind factor is, I guess, very much a part of 'The Argus Factor' - so we mustn't let the fear of it get us down. If we'd ridden the race today, in the howling wind and the rain - I guarantee that more people would have chosen to take part and endure the weather - than pack up and go home without even starting. That's the spirit of this extraordinary event and although we all dream of perfect conditions come race day, those dreams seldom come true. I'm not even going to look at the weather forecast between now and next Sunday - because I know from experience just how easy it is to talk myself into defeat BEFORE I've even crossed the starting line. I shall rock up, as prepared as I can possibly be, and give it my best knowing, as always, that every other competitor will be in the same boat as me !

So, with any luck by this time next week, we shall all be safely back at Green Point Stadium enjoying a cold one. Some will be pleased, others disappointed with their performance. We’ll listen to the tales of conquered hill-climbs, pile-ups averted, soul-destroying punctures and spine-chilling cramps. And although such stories follow a similar pattern year after year, what we don’t know yet is just how they will be embroidered with dramatic accounts of both wind and shine. What we do know however is that by this time next week it will all be over, our hard work, preparation and training will have been put to the test and whatever our personal achievements may have been, it will be too late to do anything about it whatsoever. But today is March 2nd and fortunately we still have 6 more days to fine-tune our game-plan, iron out the wrinkles and look for ways in which, for those of us who consider these things important, to shave off a few vital minutes in order to achieve that PB that will keep us smiling for many weeks to come. Yesterday I met with the enemy, attacked and beat the bugger – don’t ask me how – it just happened. My split-time chart shows that I have about 55 minutes to get from the SunValley/Nordhoek turn to the top of Suikerbosse – and yes – that involves climbing Chappies in between. I did it with over 5 minutes to spare even after negotiating the Saturday morning shoppers who insist on ignoring cyclists, double parking and generally making life difficult in the centre of Hout Bay. So elated was I that I flew up Chappies on the way back – (the gradient MUST be more gentle heading toward Cape Point ?) stopping at the peak to enjoy the fabulous view and catch my breath. So, what have I learned ? That there is an "Argus Factor" after all, its not all-together positive and I think it affects us older riders more than the guys half our age and younger. I think perhaps that the older we get the more prone we may become toward talking ourselves into a bad game; be that cricket, rugby, golf, cycling – whatever. Take golf. We practice for hours on the driving range, hitting shot after perfect shot. And yet come match day, we look at the ball, we look at the bunker up ahead, we know how to select the right club that will leave us well safe of the hazard and yet what do we do ? Land it right in the sand ! Why ? Because the bunker intimidates us so much psychologically that we lose all mental control of our stroke. Youngsters know no such fear – the thought of messing-up doesn’t occur to them – (at least not to the degree that it does us) and so they stay much more in command of their game. What they can do and we can’t is to mentally project, to visualize that perfect ball flying high through the air and landing pin-high on the green. That’s not to say that older players haven’t learned that trick as well, because of course many, many of them have... It’s just that I only learned this about cycling during the passed few days – and now that I know where the 'bunkers' lie on Smitswinkel, Chappies and Suikerbosse – as well as several others in between – the course doesn’t intimidate me anymore. And because I’m no longer scared of messing up – I can now dare to put my foot down and that means saving valuable minutes at several key points throughout the race. So is The Argus the most intimidating event out there ? For me it certainly was – no question. And you know what? I honestly believe that for 90+% of the crowd that will be cheering us on next week – they believe it’s pretty intimidating as well. That’s why they are there – to take away our fear – to say: ‘don’t give up’ – you’re almost at the top’, ‘well done’, ‘go, go, go’…. "The Argus Factor" is in our head – and that can be a very intimidating place for it to hide. So, even if you don’t have time, make time – go out and meet the enemy – laugh in his face - and on race day let the crowd lift you toward achieving that ‘impossible dream” – and achieving a new personal best ! The Argus Factor can either work for you or against you – the good news is that there’s still enough time left to turn it to your advantage – go for it and good luck !

There's a great deal of information whirling around in my head at the moment and so I'm going to spend the next few hours trying to sort the good, from the bad and the ugly. Only one way to do that - gonna meet the enemy..... I'm convinced of one thing - THERE IS AN ARGUS FACTOR ! But the funny thing is, I don't think that is as simple as a 'magic' bost from the crowds on the day. When I get back from Chappies, I hope to have distilled my thoughts sufficiently in order to pen a coherent post. Till later guys - and be careful out there.

No worries, the 'meet the enemy' climbs tomorrow or Sunday will be the last heavy work I do before race-day and I will be sure to hydrate properly as you said. BTW: I'm now officially and most decidedly off the booze after slightly overdoing it last night at the Santana gig

Interesting the way this discussion is moving – mirroring as it does the actual build-up to the race. We’ve talked about the route, working the bunches, managing the weather, getting to know the climbs and now, with under nine days to go and all that hard training in the bag, how to correctly taper so that we are at our best, or peak performance, on the day itself. Heady stuff… My biokenticist mate, and unofficial trainer, recommends that I continue my ‘meet the enemy’ preparation over this coming weekend, pushing hard on Chappies for a couple of climbs and the same with Suikerbosse. He wasn’t the bit surprised that I went up Smitswinkel in the fastest time yesterday morning on the third consecutive attempt, because, as he said, “it doesn’t scare you any more”. And he’s right of course – knowing your enemy is half the battle, once you know where his weakness lays you can then use that knowledge to your best advantage. By Monday afternoon I should have familiarised myself with the route and on Tuesday do my final hard session on the Wattbike. Wednesday some interval work, Thursday the Cycle Expo in the morning and a round of golf in the afternoon. Friday nothing, Saturday some brief leg-warming and an early night. As for nutrition, carbs become the dominant factor on my plate (taking over from protein) starting Monday. Not sugar-packed cereals but basic low GI carbs with the emphasis on honey-sweetened oats in the morning right down to humble baby boiled potatoes in my back pocket on race-day. One thing’s for sure – I’m looking forward to competing in this year’s Argus more so than I have ever done in the past – I am going to ride hard, and I am going to have fun !!

Calm down ??????? I don't see anyone getting overheated here - and as far as praying is concerned, well......March 9th will deliver whatever weather it decides to deliver and I, like any other rational rider, will deal with that eventuality on the day. Being prepared for that eventuality, rain, wind, or hectic shine is simply common sense..... If you look at the stats for the 2009 'windy' Argus - that included Boyes Drive by the way - there were some quite extraordinary finishing times. I, for one, am certainly not going to winge about weather if I fail to achieve my goal. These next few days give me the opportunity to go out and 'meet the enemy', I am lucky in that regard of course, and I will confront Chappies, Suikerbosse and Edinburgh Drive beforehand so that they don't intimidate me on the day. I have done several Argus's as so-called "fun-rides" but this year my target is a sub-four. Anyone over 50 years of age, or in my case 60, knows that in order to make that happen you need to make a plan... This thread is about assembling all the ingredients, including the elusive "Argus factor", working out a strategy and going for it. In many ways I wish I was 25 years old and could party the night before, get on my bike and whizz round babalas as hell, in 3 and a bit hours. But I'm not.

So I went to meet the enemy this morning... Smitswinkel. Did three consecutive ascents from Millers Point car park to the top - the Cape Point nature reserve turn off. The speedometer dropped briefly to 11km/hr on the first run. Stayed hovering nicely between 12 and 14 on the last (third) run. Amazing !!! Still trying to work that one out.....? So now I'm wondering what percentage of the Argus steep climbs does that part of Smits represent ? They say that Edinburgh Drive is steeper in places.... And that Chappies is more gradual but longer. (average 4.4% ??) Suikerbosse is about 2km and reputedly 6% So does anyone know the figures for Edinburgh and Smits ? What I'm basically trying to get a handle on here is the total steep-climb-distance, the same for everyone of course, but where my speed may drop to 12km/hr.. Can anyone help out please ?

OLD LEGS ? pffffffft ! At 48 you're in the prime of life buddy - don't let anyone convince you otherwise - least of all yourself.

Solid advice DJR, makes a huge mount of sense and received with grateful thanks. An Epic rider (and Argus veteran of note) mate of mine came round last night to chat about strategy/tactics/do's and don'ts and his words very much mirror your own, and those of one or two other contributors to this thread. One monster lesson I've learned is not to use the start of the Blue Route as a recovery section after slogging up Edinburgh Drive at the wrong pace. That said, my climbing skills have improved dramatically since last year' Went up Helshoogte by way of example at the start of the Medallion a couple weeks back and never dropped below 12km/hr - slow, I know, by some standards, but that would have been an unheard of achievement for me just 12 months ago. Even made it out to the 68km water point in just over 2hrs 15mins and was so happy with my performance. But then the heat, coupled with the head wind, demolished any hopes of a decent finish and I ended up hitting the wall, stopping at every water point from then on, and finally crossing the line more that two and a half hours later - ouch ! Weighed myself when I got home and had dropped 4.5kgs, about 6% of my body weight. Insane I know, and a hard lesson to swallow - but I won't ever make that mistake again. Perhaps that's why I took it a little easier on the Bay City run - but at least OKW, Smits and Boyes Drive didn't get to me. The Argus, of course, is an entirely different ball-game. It's about 'knowing thyself' and setting the right rhythm, working the bunches, staying out of trouble and enjoying the privilege that this spectacular event affords us all. And if there really is an "Argus factor' out there, I hope my antennae pick it up, respond and propel me to the finish in the time that I'm reaching for.

From an earlier post...."This year I'm setting myself a new target - and I promise that it will be the last one. In fact it will probably be the last Argus I ever ride....but that's another story." Thanks for your kind good wishes and yes I'll let you know how it went....

Sorry DJR - and with respect - that's almost like a schoolmaster telling the kids that its the competing that matters not the winning. I didn't believe that when I was at school and I certainly don't believe it now. As Tiger Woods said: "second sucks". When I rocked up for my very first Argus - the windy one in 2009 - I met with guys in 'Barlowworld' lycra who said 'no way' and were heading back to their cars. They had their reasons - living to fight another day perhaps - but I figured that those of us who decided to take part would all be in the same boat - and so I did it. On Sunday March 9th I will focus on one thing and one thing only - a sub-four. If the SE wind howls I shall endure the Blue Route and think only about the wind on my back from the top of Smitswinkel. When I had my bypass surgery I focused on getting well again - even WALKING (no wheelchair for me) out of the Netcare hospital in Kuilsrivier 96 hours after a surgeon had wired my sternum back together. Since that time I've set myself goals - like stepping stones - and my life progresses - and improves - as I step from one to another. The 2014 Argus is one such goal and come rain. wind or shine I'll do my damndest to get round in 240 minutes or less......only time will tell if I succeed or not.

Yes, I have averaged over 27km/hr, so what I'm aiming for is within my capabilities. Its just that my last 3 races have been disappointing - the Medallion most of all - but I've learned a great deal from each of them. As I've learned a lot from the kind advice freely offered on this thread. The Split Time Calculator is a very useful tool and it has shown me the key stretches where working efficiently in the bunch is going to seriously pay off - so thanks for that DJR. If I don't allow the climbs to get the better of me and ride smart on the day then yes, I'm in with a shout. I believe that each of us has the ability to reach deep inside ourselves at times and pull off something extraordinary - its what motivates us to make that effort -and the encouragement we receive from perfect strangers along the way - that eventually decides whether we succeed or not.