L’Étape South Africa

[gummibear]

I wonder if the announcement of Andy joining in has caused a spike in entries.

Not sure but the race has been getting quite a bit of publicity over here since it was announced.

[Veebee]

So is it all still a go for the recon ride this weekend? 

I have already said "no" to my mtb buddies for this weekend ....because I'm banking on this this one!

 

I am sure its still on, will check for updated on Vertical Space FB page. Have been out of contact with the world for the past 4 days, so will catch up on whats going on.

 

Definitely need to put in some miles this week.

[Gen]

That would be a negative Gen - about 3% increase since it was announced. What would be defined as a spike.

Not 3%

 

Hope they don't do a last minute event cancellation.. I would be miffed.

[blondeonabike]

I am sure its still on, will check for updated on Vertical Space FB page. Have been out of contact with the world for the past 4 days, so will catch up on whats going on.

 

Definitely need to put in some miles this week.

For sure....we have two weekends left to put in some serious mileage and then the day is here!!!!

[Frosty]

Not 3%

 

Hope they don't do a last minute event cancellation.. I would be miffed.

Letape Australia had 1882 finishers, if that makes you feel any better.

[TALUS]

I am definately going with discs. I have no alternative anymore. If they want to disqualify a fat fifty year old unlicensed rider - so be it. I guarantee that it will also mean that they will never reach the 5000 rider mark. Tandems and MTB's????

[Guest]

MTB have to ride on the side of the road according to Hub law.

 

( Youll probably find it easier there as some of those potdongas are BAD)

[Nibali]

One of my posts above, I mentioned how little (quality) information is showing on their website. You make a valid point - pros aren't amateurs, so technically shouldn't be in line to compete if they refer to amateurs.

 

That said... I don't see any of the big names in the men's elite/U23 category - never crossed my mind to check for their names. There are a few familiar names, but none from the current pro teams. It also includes a few Vets, including one serial cheat (will have to watch the short cuts).

 

Yeah, the level of detail is a bit shocking. Ah well, hopefully I'm in with a shout at the White Jersey if no U23's pitch up...that would be seriously cool!

[Gen]

I'm a bit confused about this whole competition. It says it's the opportunity for amateur riders to compete for the TdF jerseys (and the prize), but why is there an elite field then? Or don't they qualify for the prizes?

Our local elites and Pros are two different things completely [emoji12] [emoji6] [emoji39]

 

I think all you need to be to race as an elite at the event is buy a racing licence

[Gen]

One of my posts above, I mentioned how little (quality) information is showing on their website. You make a valid point - pros aren't amateurs, so technically shouldn't be in line to compete if they refer to amateurs.

 

That said... I don't see any of the big names in the men's elite/U23 category - never crossed my mind to check for their names. There are a few familiar names, but none from the current pro teams. It also includes a few Vets, including one serial cheat (will have to watch the short cuts).

One would think they have timing mats along the route to make sure there is no cheating.

[Nibali]

Our local elites and Pros are two different things completely [emoji12] [emoji6] [emoji39]

 

Haha

[carbon29er]

Just wondering if they would stop anyone riding an MTB?

 

BTW, there are plenty people riding events with disc brakes, road and MTB - especially in the open seeded groups. The officials are a little more strict in the licensed groups, but don't actually care about the open groups (their words, when I questioned them).

 

 

I am definately going with discs. I have no alternative anymore. If they want to disqualify a fat fifty year old unlicensed rider - so be it. I guarantee that it will also mean that they will never reach the 5000 rider mark. Tandems and MTB's????

I find it particularly stupid, and you know for me that must be an extreme level not just the usual level stupid, that they will not accommodate disc brakes on road bikes at these sort of events. I'm willing to give them my cash, bring some mates along and even be the only person who wants to talk to Andy. But no, two different guys at the local organisers have said no, no disc brakes allowed.  I take the double negative as illiterate, not yes as in ja, nee.

 

So my anticipated road trip for a funride with a difference is off.

 

Good luck on filling the event with an attitude like that.

[Gen]

I find it particularly stupid, and you know for me that must be an extreme level not just the usual level stupid, that they will not accommodate disc brakes on road bikes at these sort of events. I'm willing to give them my cash, bring some mates along and even be the only person who wants to talk to Andy. But no, two different guys at the local organisers have said no, no disc brakes allowed. I take the double negative as illiterate, not yes as in ja, nee.

 

So my anticipated road trip for a funride with a difference is off.

 

Good luck on filling the event with an attitude like that.

Reckon the biggest safety issue is all the potholes not disk brakes.

[carbon29er]

Reckon the biggest safety issue is all the potholes not disk brakes.

Ja, disc brakes are really unsafe. This must have been a pretty useless rotor with all those teeth sticking out. And the offending tandem definitely had rotors.

[Gen]

Ja, disc brakes are really unsafe. This must have been a pretty useless rotor with all those teeth sticking out. And the offending tandem definitely had rotors.

PS1118.jpg

Indeed.. my son had a very nasty fall and the rotor took off a lot of skin on his leg..you can just picture it.. as he fell the rotor dug into his calf and tore away a large part of skin. He had to be operated on was in hospital for 4days and booked off for 10 days while the Dr pampered that wound which had to be treated very very carefully for almost 6 weeks to ensure that the few remaining skin cells that remained could heal the wound.. it was a real ordeal..

 

So yeah I know all about the dangers of those teeth.

[rattlesnake]

I was expecting to see the usual names on the start list - I don't recognise any of them.

That said, entries only close next weekend.

Where do you see the start list Gerald? Couldn't find it on the site.