Give it a TRI

[IceCreamMan]

Yesterday I went to my local supermarket for a few goodies. I was on my motorcycle so carried a backpack, backpack was the IM SA bag from 2017. It’s seen a lot of wear and well past its sell by date but hey you know emotional connections and all that. 
 

As I was walking out a young lad approached me , about 25 or so, and said he noticed the bag and would I have 10 minutes to chat about Ironman. He runs a bit, knows how to swim and has a bike. Asked me if it’s worth it and would I recommend. 
 

so we went to the cafe in the supermarket, he bought me a coffee and we had a quick chat. Of course I recommended it and told him in no uncertain terms it’s well worth it. Do it. And being a youngster with an obvious level of fitness it wouldn’t be as hard a journey as it was for me. 50 year old fatty. 
 

During the conversation it struck me just how epic Ironman was for me. Probably the best thing I have ever done in my life to be honest. Given me confidence in all areas of life and realised anything is possible. My Ironman journey was not always easy. Faced some real hardships during my IM events and overcame them. It’s the nature of the journey. 
 

( so some chit chat) 

[Andymann]

I'm doing MB on the 16th - haven't had ideal prep but should be able to at least have an enjoyable day......

[Andymann]

36 minutes ago, shaper said:

 

It is not only triathlon, bikehub is no longer a chat place as it is focused on buying/selling.  Even the cycling threads, if you look closely it is mostly a few diehards that keep the chat going and are regulars.

Majority, just pop in now and again, myself included, just see what is going on and comment occasionally.

 

Fully agree - I used to chat fairly often but after a few incidents just decided I wasn't bothered anymore.  So I also just lurk and rather say nothing. 

A pity because there are some really informative threads but inevitably someone says something which triggers someone else and then the whole lot just collapses.  

One of the exceptions has been the Motorbike thread - I can't think of one time where it has ever got even remotely heated - and its close to 700 pages now.

[reteid]

I will be in MSB for the race on the 16 th.I will be on the back of the motorbike as TO . Followed some of my friends at Knysna Extreme and 0.5 over the weekend as I have done both and realy is a special race. Last few weeks was taken up by being TO at prison break , wellington kona race and slanghoek. It amazes me sometime how little some of the athletes know ie puncture repair etc. At slanghoek I helped 6 athletes fixing punctures. Sometimes its difficult fixing if the person does not have a tube or a cannister or he has both but no valve adaptor etc. I always try to help and dont give the people grief if they are just there for the experience and wish to finish.

 

Stay safe on the roads and dont forget to enjoy what you are doing and dont get too bogged down in the numbers without enjoying your health and the race.

[reteid]

On 10/28/2025 at 2:22 PM, Andymann said:

I'm doing MB on the 16th - haven't had ideal prep but should be able to at least have an enjoyable day......

Will see you there. What bike are you riding so I can greet you when checking in your bike?

[Andymann]

3 hours ago, reteid said:

Will see you there. What bike are you riding so I can greet you when checking in your bike?

Cool - its a Matt Carbon and Teal Green Fuji Norcom.  Very underrated bike in my humble opinion - its a pleasure to ride and so comfortable.

[reteid]

23 hours ago, Andymann said:

Cool - its a Matt Carbon and Teal Green Fuji Norcom.  Very underrated bike in my humble opinion - its a pleasure to ride and so comfortable.

I cannot fault you on your bike choice and echo your sentiments. I am on the oooold Fuji SL Team edition roadbike and had the Fuji Norcom Strait TT.So yes I will def see your bike at transition checkin.Travel safe and have a lekker race.

[Gripen_85]

Hello Hubbers,

I see the 5150 in PE next year looks quite affordable. R1000 an entry.
I hope it's not a typo!
My partner and I are seriously considering giving it a shot.

Our goal will be to enjoy it, and finish within the cut off times.

 

I see the swim cut off is 50min.
I'm not a strong swimmer, and after filming myself, realise I need a lot of work with form and technique.
Are there any swim coaches you can recommend in the Bedfordview area? I do my swims at the Bedford Planet Fitness.

[IceCreamMan]

1 hour ago, Gripen_85 said:

Hello Hubbers,

I see the 5150 in PE next year looks quite affordable. R1000 an entry.
I hope it's not a typo!
My partner and I are seriously considering giving it a shot.

Our goal will be to enjoy it, and finish within the cut off times.

 

I see the swim cut off is 50min.
I'm not a strong swimmer, and after filming myself, realise I need a lot of work with form and technique.
Are there any swim coaches you can recommend in the Bedfordview area? I do my swims at the Bedford Planet Fitness.

That s a great price. Think my first 5150 was 1200 back in 2013.

 

good luck. Try get a book called swim smooth. Well worth the coin. 

[Zama7]

On 11/4/2025 at 4:17 PM, Gripen_85 said:

Hello Hubbers,

I see the 5150 in PE next year looks quite affordable. R1000 an entry.
I hope it's not a typo!
My partner and I are seriously considering giving it a shot.

Our goal will be to enjoy it, and finish within the cut off times.

 

I see the swim cut off is 50min.
I'm not a strong swimmer, and after filming myself, realise I need a lot of work with form and technique.
Are there any swim coaches you can recommend in the Bedfordview area? I do my swims at the Bedford Planet Fitness.

 

Pretty sure its a typo, did Mossel Bay last year and think it was around R 4k. 

 

The amount of organization required (ocean safety, roads closed, nutirtion on the road) etc probably cost around R2-3k per athelete. 

[Gripen_85]

2 hours ago, Zama7 said:

 

Pretty sure its a typo, did Mossel Bay last year and think it was around R 4k. 

 

The amount of organization required (ocean safety, roads closed, nutirtion on the road) etc probably cost around R2-3k per athelete. 

Not a typo, I registered.

 

The 70.3 and full distance are about R9800 an entry.

[Zama7]

5 minutes ago, Gripen_85 said:

Not a typo, I registered.

 

The 70.3 and full distance are about R9800 an entry.

 

Ahh yes messed up the 5150 and half ironman (70.3). Very good price for the 5150! 

[Gripen_85]

Hi Folks,

 

I see Garmin has rolled out a Triathlon Coach.

I had great success using the running coach for a half marathon earlier this year, and I think the triathlon coach could be beneficial. However, the watch support/compatibility seems to be limited.

I was looking at upgrading my FR 265 to the Fenix 8 (as I'd also like the recreational dive functions), but I see there are posts saying the triathlon coach is only in the beta phase on the Fenix 8.

Does anyone have a Fenix 8? Have you used the triathlon coach?

The other option is the FR570, which I know IS compatible with the triathlon coach. But... no dive capabilities, and I also like that the Fenix 8 has a built in flashlight (albeit at a much higher price point than the FR 570).

Thanks.

[IceCreamMan]

I have the enduro 3 and had the fenix 7 before. Both have the flashlight. It’s such a Lekker handy thing to have. Highly recommended. 

[ChrisF]

Condolences to the families of the two swimmers.

[IceCreamMan]

Damn, that is sad. RIP.