Wannabe Posted March 3, 2014 Posted March 3, 2014 Wanna drop to F batch and tow a few pathetic wannabe's along? Can I then be one of those pathetic wannabe's?
Wannabe Posted March 3, 2014 Posted March 3, 2014 Wanna drop to F batch and tow a few pathetic wannabe's along? Can I then be one of those pathetic wannabe's?
3wings Posted March 3, 2014 Author Posted March 3, 2014 Btw the wind is another one of those "enemies" you have to face, both mentally and physically. 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 ! lone one and DJR 2
3wings Posted March 4, 2014 Author Posted March 4, 2014 (edited) 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...... Edited March 4, 2014 by 3wings
DJR Posted March 5, 2014 Posted March 5, 2014 ...............Sunday March 9th and said: 'Look, between 8 and 9 knots you shouldn't have anything to worry about'......... I so hope your mate is right! TALUS 1
Caerus Posted March 6, 2014 Posted March 6, 2014 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 !What is the site? Me being a bodyboarder as well, I would love to know
udxcob Posted March 6, 2014 Posted March 6, 2014 Talus, drop to J and pull me along on my mtb Caerus 1
3wings Posted March 6, 2014 Author Posted March 6, 2014 I so hope your mate is right! 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.....
3wings Posted March 7, 2014 Author Posted March 7, 2014 (edited) OK, so here's my secret weapon......This is a live weather station broadcasting from the Cape Flats on Zeekoe Vlei - that's Hippo Lake to you and me.From what I understand it has been strategically positioned there to pick up the prevailing False Bay weather conditions and is particularly accurate for the Blue Route and Muizenburg to Miller's Point stretch of the coastline - namely the part of the Argus route that will take a direct hit from a strong South Easter should it decide to blow.It doesn't predict, but merely records the wind and other weather factors minute by minute as its happening. I live in Somerset West and always check this site before I set off for Cape Town on race day.This year, now I'm (at long last) the proud owner of a smartphone, I shall probably be monitoring it from the starting pen as it will surely be able to tell me more or less what to expect as I crest over Edinburgh Drive for the next + 30kms. Riding smart on that important section is key to achieving my goal... I think everyone agrees by now that there will be wind - it is just the direction and strength that is the subject of much speculation at the moment. FWIW I'm putting my trust in my surfing mate's 30+years of first-hand experience and he says not to panic. Guess we're all in the lap of the Gods from here on in, but if you want to know on race day what's going on over the other side of Wynberg Hill, log on to: http://www.trax.co.z...lei_weather.htm Good luck ! Edited March 7, 2014 by 3wings GaryvdM 1
3wings Posted March 8, 2014 Author Posted March 8, 2014 (edited) Just checked out Zeekoevlei...don't you all wish that it'll stay just like this for the next 24 hours at least Edited March 8, 2014 by 3wings
GaryvdM Posted March 8, 2014 Posted March 8, 2014 Just checked out Zeekoevlei...don't you all wish that it'll stay just like this for the next 24 hours at least Yes nice and still till about 8:30, and then it picked up. (I think you jinxed it.. ) If it does that tomorrow I will be beneficial to people starting at 7:00. No wind until Smitswinkel, and then a tailwind after Smits.
Reece_Rower Posted March 8, 2014 Posted March 8, 2014 Yes nice and still till about 8:30, and then it picked up. (I think you jinxed it.. ) If it does that tomorrow I will be beneficial to people starting at 7:00. No wind until Smitswinkel, and then a tailwind after Smits. Wind is starting this evening (as I am sure you can feel), and will be this strong if not stronger throughout the night.. nobody gets shelter tomorrow
3wings Posted March 8, 2014 Author Posted March 8, 2014 (edited) Wind is starting this evening (as I am sure you can feel), and will be this strong if not stronger throughout the night.. nobody gets shelter tomorrow Enough of the wind-whinging already !People are nervous enough as it is without you adding to their anxiety....This is The Cape, anything can happen in the next 15 to 18hours.Think positive - and if it blows tomorrow then just HTFU and deal with it ! Edited March 8, 2014 by 3wings
3wings Posted March 8, 2014 Author Posted March 8, 2014 Hope you have a great ride tomorrow 3wings! Many thanks DJR and all the very best to you too ! GaryvdM 1
3wings Posted March 9, 2014 Author Posted March 9, 2014 Who says I was whinging? who rattled your cage? and FYI - the wind doesn't bother me. Idiot. The wind doesn't bother you ? - what an extraordinary boast - 40 knot winds and you're not bothered ???Guess I'll let the jury decide who's the idiot......
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