Mats Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 I was in DL with a couple of friends. Started towards the back of the bunch and saw Wyatt and Carpet towards the front. Wyatt was putting us all in the gutter which made it hard to get to the front. Clearly you were not trying hard enough.Gutter se gat.We could have used your help in the front.Wyatt was doing most of the work.
Frosty Posted February 23, 2015 Author Posted February 23, 2015 It was a good routeroute was clearly marked and well indicated no gripes at all As for the actual race, I found it allot harder than the R4S, stayed with he elites till we hit the hill at 96 km, and my legs just couldn't go anymore. Myself Stefan, Bryan and Jarrod formed a pace line and chased but that blew to pieces when we went for the second loop, and I basically solo'd from 120km on wards, legs started feeling good at 130 km, ended on a 4:13, not to bad I rate seems to be about 13 min of the main group. My only suggestion to you guys would be, is to try and get something up like the have at the Lost city classic. A pavilion with shade close the the medal station so your spectators or people waiting for other people to finish can have a seat and some shade. Brilliant raceYou make a very good point - I cooked out there too with the limited shade. We had a mobile pavilion 2 years ago, when the Elites rode passed the finish line.That was supplied by CGC, and not sure what happened to it.You can see it (barely) just above the people's heads at the barriers.
Frosty Posted February 23, 2015 Author Posted February 23, 2015 The food could have been better I agree I had a boerewors roll that was drier than a stick of biltong.As I took a bite, a call came through on the radio for me - just couldn't chew it fast enough. Gerald, I didn't find the "bad" road surface bad at all.Where the road narrowed just prior to that I took charge of the DL bunch and made sure to get Carpet out of any bad traffic or guys trying to muscle her in to the gutter.By our standards, that was a dangerous section - better to be over cautious than having to deal with complaints and crashes. The route was well laid out and the only place that raised alarm bells for me was at the intersection where we came back from Heidelberg to head back to the finish.I am sure some cyclists will be tempted to just hook left, but then the results will raise alarm bells.We've already DQ'd a few obvious short-cut turns. I see another few on the results. The parking was great and the chap that cleaned the portaloo's needs a medal and a good pay cheque for that job.We pay for that service, but I'll pass it on. Everything else was just top notch and I got this feeling that the race was more about the rider whereas other events are a big PR. engine that revolves around making money .It's a hard fight with the committee to keep the balance between rider interests and raising funds for charity. As long as I'm still there, I will continue to plead the case for the cyclists - after all, they are the customer.
Frosty Posted February 23, 2015 Author Posted February 23, 2015 I was at the front but in black and blue kit. Myself and Wez-O where next to each other. We got quite close to them but where told to back off, But then they upped the pace and we never saw them again. We did pick up a few of the dropped elites just after going down heidelburg hill and turning left.I know someone on the front put their hand up. He asked me afterwards what it was - that's when I realised it might be better not trying to explain.
Frosty Posted February 23, 2015 Author Posted February 23, 2015 Gerald, you being very modest. You the brains behind this race without you it would be a completely different event.Give yourself the credit that you deserve !!!!Thanks bud! A plan without a team is just a piece of paper (or spreadsheet). I must tell you I was nervous when the VA's caught the Elite bunch - especially after last week's problems in VC, AL and Woman. Whatsapp group chat is fantastic - cheap and reliable means of communicating with every lead car, sector controller and start line management.
Barend de Arend Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 Well organized, as I come to expect from this race. Lots of marshalls, plenty of road markings, and generally a great atmosphere. I appreciate the extra distance for the vets; although yesterday my stomach didn't play along. On the way back I swear some aliens pick up and move the whole of Carnival City 10km further away.
Escapee.. Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 Clearly you were not trying hard enough.Gutter se gat.We could have used your help in the front.Wyatt was doing most of the work. Sorry Carpet, I was barely hanging on
Frosty Posted February 23, 2015 Author Posted February 23, 2015 Hate having had to miss this. But not being able to properly breath is sort of a requirement... Just could not get rid of the germs in time. GNext time let me know - you can always help out on the day and you get to see things most cyclists take for granted. We're close to running a skeleton crew - from our standards, not other event standards. One person out of place, and things can go horribly wrong.
Wyatt Earp Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 Sorry Carpet, I was barely hanging on Didn't see you there pal .
Wez-O Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 Well organised race, thanks Gerald and team However, please request that ChampionChip update/improve their website which looks as though it was created before the internet.
Frosty Posted February 23, 2015 Author Posted February 23, 2015 Well organised race, thanks Gerald and team However, please request that ChampionChip update/improve their website which looks as though it was created before the internet. Edit: seriously - are you referring to the results page?
RastaMan Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 I think I saw you after the race, I recognised the propel! In a FORD ranger? Was busy waiting for someone I couldn't miss otherwise would have said Hi.Indeed that was meCome and sigh high next time
RastaMan Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 You make a very good point - I cooked out there too with the limited shade. We had a mobile pavilion 2 years ago, when the Elites rode passed the finish line.That was supplied by CGC, and not sure what happened to it.You can see it (barely) just above the people's heads at the barriers.Maybe a bit small but will def do the job.I saw quite few peeps waiting for there family members in the cars because there was no shade.
Keithc Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 Pic of Wyatt and myself waiting to start.Great ride you 2! I rode in the same bunch DL. Was good to have you sitting on the front!Thanks for all the work done!
Frosty Posted February 23, 2015 Author Posted February 23, 2015 Monday morning trivia: ChampionChip weren't physically there yesterday.They have timing companies that are effectively franchises - if I can describe it that way. Peak Timing were the operators that were timing the event, just like Qua-Trangular Consulting were timing Gauteng Champs - same timing company, but different timing operators.
Frosty Posted February 23, 2015 Author Posted February 23, 2015 Maybe a bit small but will def do the job.I saw quite few peeps waiting for there family members in the cars because there was no shade.It's a flat bed truck trailer with a fold down section - see my quick drawing.It can take 50-60 seats. But anyway, point taken and will be addressed for 2016.
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