Testing traction on day two of Tour de Braai
Settling into the swing of the Tour de Braai means striking a healthy balance between bike riding and “kuiering”. It’s a refreshing change from many events where dining halls empty by 9pm and the only drinks shared are recovery shakes. Don’t be too mistaken by the party atmosphere though, the Tour de Braai does still […]
Passes and Pinot Noir on day one of Tour de Braai
It’s not every week you get to spend five days on a bike touring through some of the most scenic parts of the Western Cape. The Tour de Braai is a five day tour by gravel from George to Swellendam. Marketed as “the most relaxed multi-day cycling stage ride in South Africa” it’s all about […]
7 iconic scenes from the 2017 Berg & Bush
The Grindrod Bank Berg & Bush took place in early October this year, with something to please every level of mountain bike rider. The Berg & Bush has it all, a three-day mountain bike ride in the shape of the Great Trek, a race in the shape of the Descent, and a relaxed, family-style MTB […]
Review: MRP Stage Fork
MRP’s forks are made and assembled by hand in Colorado, then individually dyno tested before leaving the factory for quality control. Attention to detail is of such high standards that the technician who assembled your fork signs his name to the QC card. The MRP Stage has been around for a couple of years and […]
Review: Bontrager Velocis MIPS
The Bontrager Velocis has undergone a complete redesign for 2018. The new Bontrager road helmet tries to do it all, with a focus on reducing drag while still providing vents for important head cooling ability. While weight gains are easily measured, aerodynamics is more of a dark art for those without access to a wind […]
How to take that much-needed off season break
Every season has a beginning, middle and an end. What happens when it ends is often a source of confusion for athletes. “Transition phase” is a term that is frequently misunderstood and often not known about. This is traditionally a phase of active rest and recuperation and commonly prescribed after the season has finished. Some […]
Knysna Bull: Riding from the ashes
In July this year, the Knysna area was ravaged by fires which damaged large parts of the town and surrounding forest and farmland. Renown for its natural beauty, and with tourism a key driver for the economy, this was a devastating blow for the town. But Knysna is rising from the ashes, with it the […]
First ride review: Bianchi Sempre Pro
The Sempre Pro is a carbon road bike from legendary Italian bicycle manufacturer Bianchi. Founded in 1885, Bianchi has over 130 years history and experience which goes into their bike design. It may be a good job by the Bianchi marketing team, but to my mind, Bianchi epitomises Italian road racing pedigree. I also tend […]
Long Term Review: YT Jeffsy CF Comp
YT’s 29er Jeffsy has been part of our long term fleet since February and has been put through its paces on a variety of trails during the test period. For those who are not familiar with the Jeffsy 29, it is a 140mm 29er trail bike with geometry that can be adjusted using a flip […]
Chandelier finale at Cape Pioneer Trek
The final stage of the 2017 Momentum Health Cape Pioneer Trek presented by Biogen was a loop through the Chandelier Game Reserve outside Oudtshoorn. For the last time, we rustled around in our tents, wriggling into lycra, looking for clean socks, and applying suncream before dragging ourselves and our bikes to the start line. Photo […]
Dust, sweat and the Swartberg Showdown at Cape Pioneer Trek
Today was the queen stage of the 2017 Cape Pioneer Trek with a mountain top finish on the renowned Swartberg Pass. Morning routines are serious business. Photo credit: Oakpics.co.za And what a stage it was. The profile was too terrifying to comprehend. Over 90 kilometres, with the mammoth climb up the Swartberg Pass in the […]
Montagu momentum at Cape Pioneer Trek
The fifth stage of Cape Pioneer Trek took us from George to Oudtshoorn via Montagu Pass. Once again, the day started with a neutral zone to navigate riders safely through the George morning traffic to the start of the pass. While getting dropped by the bunch in the neutral zone, I had a moment of […]