Simonpurdon

https://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/marvel-race-handlebar-tape In black, ass-blief!

Out of interest, what is the attraction here?

Well done everyone - what an event to be a part of! Super stoked with how my day went. 1hr08 swim - took a while to get into a rhythm with the chop and I also battled to see the yellow marker buoys, especially on the leg coming back, the glare made it quite difficult. Could have been my normal goggles, not sure if triathlon ones are polarized or something like that? According to my watch actually swam 4100m. 6hr02 bike - made the crucial error of changing something on race day. Mixed my usual carb drink to have on my bike but instead of mixing the two scoops to 750ml like I had done for most of my long bike rides, I followed the mixing suggestions on the carb drink bottle which was 3 and a half scoops for 750ml. It didn't sit well with my tummy and I was nauseas and had no legs for the first 90km lap. Had to fight some real mental demons in the early part of the bike. Being 2 hours in and feeling that ***, not knowing whether things will get better or not, it was really difficult to just keep on plodding along. Especially when you have a goal in mind and you're going way slower than normal! Overcame that thank goodness and smashed the second loop, probably went way too hard trying to get back to my 6hr ride goal. 4h50 run - slower than I had hoped but cramps just got the better of me. Had a few times where everything just seized completely and all I could do was wait for the muscles to unlock. I used the two turn around points as my walk zones, some-times I would walk up the hill and run down, sometimes run up and walk down. The crowd support in the middle section of the run was unbelievable and I think I managed to run that section every loop. I don't think I would have finished without the supporters - what an atmosphere and what an event!

I'm driving up from Stellenbosch/CT so if anyone wants a bike or any equipment taken up, I've got space for another 2 bikes.

Thanks. Super nervous but excited as well. Would be lekker to somehow display your username so you can check the bikehub guys on the route!

Was hoping for sub 12:00 based on my training, but that wasn't considering wind and that its my first so probably sub 13:00. If all goes to plan and we're lucky with the wind: 1:10 swim 6:00 bike 4:30 run 20 mins for T1 and T2.

25c vs 23c for IM? I'm quite new to the road bike tyre thing!

Also started munching the pumpkin seeds!

What tyres are you guys running? My rear tyre is pretty tired (haha) and thought I should get it changed now and ride it in a bit before the race so if there is any chance of a puncture I'll pick it up before race-day. Also not sure whether I should get my bike serviced. All in working order now, and scared that any sort of change might cause an issue.

I'd definitely be keen on a weekly race. What sort of numbers usually ride?

Anyone still do any races/rides? Just got myself a trainer and trying to decide whether to join cycleops virtual training.

Thanks for the info guys. On a side note - anyone have a spare triathlon saddle lying around at home? Preferably something short and narrow. Only got hold of some clip on bars for my bike about a month ago, and after my longer weekend rides with the clip ons, it has taken a few hours to re-gain feeling in the nether regions!

Anyone have any experience with PE water temps and a wetsuit? More than likely going to rent one, even just for the buoyancy, just would like to know how much of a deep breath I'm going to need when running (walking) into the water!

Attempting my first full after a few half's. Pretty excited/nervous already so can't imagine what I'll be feeling like when the goggles go on!

Has the Franschoek valley one grown? Drove past at lunch and it was a smallish fire in some reeds right next to the road.