tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78757689116370311662024-03-13T17:46:01.400+00:00Tango CyclingTango Cycling - more fun for less!
By a keen mountain biker who loves the sport, has a passion for events organising, as well as meeting and connecting people!
TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-67990543059092822662018-03-11T11:39:00.005+00:002018-03-11T11:39:56.906+00:00Epic World Cup - Stellenbosch<div style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
What an awesome race was put on by the Cape Epic organisers. </div>
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The course was challenging, the scenery was beautifully created by God. The races thrilling with sprint finishes making it so exciting to watch right to the end, unlike a lone break away rider where it is a done deal on who will win unless they were to get a mechanical. </div>
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In the womens race Annika Langvad and Pauline Ferrand-Prevot were neck in neck and even tussled to get into a steep singletrack climb first, Annika got in there first just to come to a complete halt to watch Pauline ride away from her. She certainly didn’t have a faultless race, but showed that she is so well prepared and that even with the few mistakes she made she was able to claw back to Pauline, over take her and make it to the finish line on her own. </div>
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Anne Tauber from The Netherlands had the ride of her life. Coming from a flat country with no hills and a long winter she does ice skating as preparation for mountain biking, sometimes doing a 200km race with ice skates. She rode on her own, kept her composure and took a well deserved third place. </div>
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Jolanda Neff made a speedy recovery after breaking her colloarbone 6 weeks ago during a cyclo-cross race in a crash with Pauline Ferrand-Prevot. In my opinion I thought she was mad taking on this course at this pace so soon and thought the risk of hurting her shoulder again was very high. She started out fast like she normally does and had to fall back, but made a recovery. She looked like she was going to take a definite 4th place, but her team mate and dark horse Helen Grobert came back just before the end. This was the most exciting 3 way sprint for the line. Helen Grobert came from a long way back and out sprinted both of the Kross riders taking 4th, Jolanda gave up before the line and missed out on a podium finish. In a tweet after the race she mentioned the first thing in her training would be to learn how to sprint. </div>
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The men’s race was so exciting! We have all been wishing for a strong enough rider to give some competition to Nino for the past year. Nino was surrounded by 3 young guns and the ever consistent Maxine Marrott. Anton Cooper, cyclo cross specialist Mathieu van der Poel and Sam Gaze gave Nino a run for his money. </div>
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Samuel Gaze ended up riding neck and neck with Nino for the whole race. In the last lap they both attacked each other but managed to stay together. This was thrilling to watch as no contender has been able to stay with Nino in the past, or very few of them. I noticed Sam got out and forward to his handlebars through the start/finish area on the last lap and suspected that he was cramping, but he managed to ride through that and go with Nino’s attacks. In the last dual section, Gaze managed to get in on the singletrack before Nino. Maxine managed to catch up with them as Gaze tactically just cruised down, getting a bit of breath back through the switchbacks. </div>
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As they came onto the grass and onto the bridge, Gaze used the momentum on the bridge to start his sprint, around the final sharp corner down to the finish line. Nino followed him and was close, but his foot slipped out of his pedal leaving him to watch how his undefeated streak got broken. </div>
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It was nail biting stuff and my toes are curling even as I’m typing this and reliving it. A new contender arrived, it is finally Scott vs Specialized again. How did we feel about that? We were kind of quiet, surprised and almost disappointed. It is so strange as we want someone to beat Nino, but we also don’t want someone to beat Nino. It’s like Federer playing anyone, we want it to be a good match to watch, but we still want him to win. I’ve been trying to think why is that? Is Nino such a great character and down to earth sportsman with an incredible talent and work horse ethic that we just don’t want our hero not to win or are we just scared of change? I’m still not sure what it is, but I’m so excited for the rest of the season. </div>
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Happy watching!</div>
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TC </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Women's Podium<br />Photo: Christiaan Botha</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watching Women's Race with my Cape Epic blanket as company</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nino & Sam battling it out!<br />Photo: Stephne van Niekerk</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; text-align: start;">Watching mountain biking together is the new watching rugby together!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Photo: Tharina Cronje</span></td></tr>
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-56282761430822800772018-03-08T11:54:00.000+00:002018-03-11T22:27:55.979+00:00International Womens Day 2018<div style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
What do I think about it? </div>
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In my naivety I don’t even know why we need a special day, why has the world thought there is a need to create a day for it? </div>
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Positive me think that someone admitted that there is a problem, now the first step to a solution is admitting that we have a problem. </div>
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How this problem started I’m not sure. How we are going to fix it is a case of treating all humans despite their gender, race or social status fairly. </div>
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I’ve seen a push for women in leadership and yes I agree there is a place for it. My question though is, do I as women want to receive a promotion and become a leader because of my gender. Will our gender just help our employers to tick a box in the diversity section or will that be the right career move for us? Isn’t this the same thing as in South Africa where affirmative action is the order of the day? Where you get offered a job depending on the colour of your skin and gender first? </div>
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The same goes for women in cycling, I ride my bike to the best of my ability and I love it. I’m a women cyclist because of my gender, but by definition I’m a cyclist regardless of my gender and I’m expected to be treated fairly the same as in the workplace. I do my work to the best of my ability and use skills I’ve been gifted with to complete them, so I expect fair treatment on that basis. </div>
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Perhaps by the time I retire we won’t have the need to celebrate a special day for women.</div>
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Happy International Women’s Day! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-beskNuRWNck/WqUZ3eATuuI/AAAAAAAAKhI/ogVObPk4InkwppQxbhJSRNmvCD8BIFfuwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-beskNuRWNck/WqUZ3eATuuI/AAAAAAAAKhI/ogVObPk4InkwppQxbhJSRNmvCD8BIFfuwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_7529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We ride together most of the time, we push ourselves take on challenges that we don't think we can do - my TangoTwin, Liezl van Zyl. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of my best friends, we know each other so well, we encourage each other and forgive each others short comings.<br />FLTR: Dolla, Cherese, Pokkeltjie, J9tjie, Lindizwe & Daleentjie</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our work friendship trio, we move together constantly! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BFF, 27 years of friendship, she is an amazing mother!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My nieces, they have amazing futures ahead in life, why should they be treated unfairly? Press for Progress.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e9sWEprHnKc/WqUae3ybkiI/AAAAAAAAKhg/FAgV_iYtFhM4o7iIF0QTDkj21UGGSiU1ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e9sWEprHnKc/WqUae3ybkiI/AAAAAAAAKhg/FAgV_iYtFhM4o7iIF0QTDkj21UGGSiU1ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9441.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My mother, the most hard working women I know, capable of so much, why should she think she is inferior to anyone with all she has achieved. Her entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic of honesty and delivering on her promises is why everything she takes on is such a huge success.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Competent cyclists who know how to ride and handle their bikes!</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's all press for progress and fight unconscious bias for a fair and equal work environment despite your gender.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-10714214820334946792017-12-01T07:00:00.000+00:002017-12-01T07:00:27.308+00:00My 2017 Cycling Achievements<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'helvetica neue'; line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Achievements 2017:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Climbing Mt Ventoux (at walking speed but nevertheless) </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I reached the top by myself, emotion wanted to overcome me, but I kept it together, enjoying the moment. I mentally prepared myself before descending my first long descend on my roadbike</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'helvetica neue';">(</span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'helvetica neue';">sleeping in a bivvy bag for the 1st time in a grass field (thankfully I didn't have to eat dry camp</span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'helvetica neue';">ing food Carl threatened me with)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first night sleeping out in the open without a tent in sight, the highlight was waking up with the view and seeing the sunrise</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'helvetica neue'; font-size: large;">3. Cycling to Paris for the 4th time, this time a few times in the fast group</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mmm, what were we thinking? Not just a bit out of comfort zone, but so rewarding and exhilarating to ride at such a high speed that there were no time to talk, shout for potholes or complain. It was all about shut up and pedal, but so super cool! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: 'helvetica neue'; font-size: large;">4. Replacing inner frame routing of cable housing and gear cable! What a faff?! But so chuffed! October 2017</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>My not so fine moments:</b></span></div>
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<li>Tightening the bolt on my brake lever so tight that I snapped the bracket and had to replace the brake lever set completely</li>
<li>Pushing my bike down a steep drop, slipping and hurting my knee badly!</li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Goals for 2018: </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. To become a better climber for my ability and weight ratio (ok maybe I'll add in to lose a few kgs too)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Do a track cycling session at Lee Valley Velodrome</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Be in the fast group for the full 4 days from London to Paris in September</span></div>
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-52808548010042205512017-11-12T15:03:00.003+00:002017-11-12T22:38:22.286+00:00How mountain biking can prepare you for your career in the corporate world? <div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Mountain biking is a challenging and fun sport. I've started mountain biking 9 years ago with some friends from church.</div>
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Two weeks ago I was riding with friends around Brookwood and as we were winding our way along the canal over tree roots and fallen leaves the idea sprung that mountain biking can indeed prepare you for the corporate world. </div>
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Observing is important, the terrain constantly changes so you have to look ahead, strategically plan where to brake, which line to choose and where to put your body weight to correct your balance. </div>
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The same as in a corporate environment you need to look ahead into the future plan how you are going to respond with agility to the demands of your workload and adapt the correct behaviours and attitude to keep going. </div>
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Sometimes a drop off might just be too much to handle; it is fine to stop and assess before attempting it again or to find a chicken run. </div>
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At work we can feel overwhelmed with the amount of work we have to do or even feel that we don't have the skills for the task at hand. Stop and assess, decide whether to say no, just get on with it or seek help and expertise to complete the task at hand. </div>
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Mountain biking has a more relaxed approach, so we take breaks at the top of hills; we consider our achievements and admire the view before enjoying the blissfulness of going downhill. </div>
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It's important to reflect on your achievements in the business world, acknowledge the challenges you had to take overcome to succeed and celebrate those successes. </div>
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With anything in life there are always risks involved, crashing is one of them. The quicker you get up, assess the damage you can carry on. My motto is what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. </div>
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At work we are always scared of failing but like my manager always say if you don't try, you can't succeed or fail. Our failings make us more resilient for what might happen in the future and gives us the opportunity to improve a next time. </div>
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Mountain biking allows you to become friends with people from all ages and backgrounds. Riding with people expose you to how they will react in certain situations; whether it is being the first person on the scene of a crash, people with a different ability, those who lack endurance or those who didn’t fuel themselves correctly and reached an energy low. Riding with people from different countries teaches you the importance of being clear when you communicate, they need to know what to expect on the ride and where we are going. </div>
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All of these scenarios prepare us for similar situations in our diverse places of work. You need to apply emotional intelligence to each situation whether it is talking with the person who might not be prepared to follow the longer but correct way to the solution or the person who panic when things don’t go their way. You will have to motivate your colleagues when they are losing their momentum and exercise patience with new starters when they are still trying to find their feet. Often colleagues are from different backgrounds and might not share the same language, we need to be clear when we communicate by trying to simplify the explanation of their roles and responsibilities clearly.<br />
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Mountain biking is all about having fun, there is nothing like the thrill of riding your bike fast over swooping and technical trails. The adrenaline rush gives you the energy to climb back up to the top of the next steep hill. </div>
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In your corporate life it is just as important to keep things fun, use the energy and momentum you gain from the things you really enjoy and are good at to take on the challenges that are unfamiliar and out of your comfort zone! </div>
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6 things MTB teach us to keep going in the corporate world:</div>
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<li style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Observe </li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Plan</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Analyse risk</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Adapt quickly</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Communicate</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Have fun</li>
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Keep going and you will succeed! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MTB TC vs Corporate TC</span></td></tr>
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-15922388604002872422017-09-18T18:36:00.000+01:002017-11-12T22:27:12.984+00:00The Ex of Exmoor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>10 Things about The Ex (not my ex) </b></div>
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<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Really cool and friendly people, including whipper snapper cross country guys and hardcore downhill type racing guys, neither of these groups had any chips on their shoulders </li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Equality, not one of the guys made me feel like what are you doing here, we were treated as anyone should be; like we knew how to ride our bikes and guys even asked us about our bikes, they didn't assume we didn't know what we were riding</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Tracey Molseley is super cool and a true role model, an example that successful sports personalities are people like you and I who ultimately love riding their bikes</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The scenery was breathtaking and trails very varied. It surely wasn't a walk in the park, massive, steep and long climbs, followed by even steeper, technical, wet and rooty singletrack. </li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Uplifts were a faff in my opinion, lots of standing around (I am from a XC background though) as you had to take your front wheel off, queue up for the first uplift, get to the top, put your wheel back in. This was my first enduro style event, maybe others didn't mind it.</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Toilets should never be very close to where you are eating. It is a basic need, people will walk a mile if they have to. </li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Communication during the event could've been better, breakfast, uplift and dinner times should've been announced when we were all together </li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">80 riders = 80 chairs for dinner? </li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A vintage tea stop, wow! That was awesome and such a highlight of the race</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I had the privilege of having my bike washed by Carl from Squirtlube every day - thank you so much! </li>
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<b>People who made the race memorable for me: </b></div>
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<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Carl & Terri from Squirtlube for washing my bike and their great company </li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Liezl for being my riding partner </li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Paul Mansfield who also did the Black Mountains 3 day stage race</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Nicky the marshall</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Winners of the Mens Open and Hardtail category ; Jono and Fin for being so down to earth, interested and smiley</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Paul the photographer for being an all around lovely and encouraging guy</li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Rory Hitchens for showing subtle care by saying put a jacket on you are going to get cold; you don't want to hang around for too long & then just straightening my saddle when he noticed it was skew. He also chipped in with the organisation and offered his van as another uplift service. </li>
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<b>Quote of the day: </b></div>
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TC: “I was hoping my knee would be too sore to ride my bike.” About the only time I would rather go to work than ride my bike. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tango Twins ready to take on our first Enduro style race</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XeC8PDJ0Ueo/WgiXLPIRU5I/AAAAAAAAKaI/yivTzkabGGcywXTQb-UzMchLzzwcBgLfwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XeC8PDJ0Ueo/WgiXLPIRU5I/AAAAAAAAKaI/yivTzkabGGcywXTQb-UzMchLzzwcBgLfwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_8427.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love the photo, beautiful Exmoor</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-g4gWBrjgs/WgiXR1vDJRI/AAAAAAAAKZo/rkzl_FhOMekTe6CYAcEzSNC_iOAlHa6ogCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-g4gWBrjgs/WgiXR1vDJRI/AAAAAAAAKZo/rkzl_FhOMekTe6CYAcEzSNC_iOAlHa6ogCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_8433.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Enduro style to the top of Dunkery Beacon</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJxbTJ8CoIE/WgiW1JugVtI/AAAAAAAAKZo/cK0aF0ka-EkttgAdY61GEVqwVW--af_EACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJxbTJ8CoIE/WgiW1JugVtI/AAAAAAAAKZo/cK0aF0ka-EkttgAdY61GEVqwVW--af_EACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_8396.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Vintage Tea Stop</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKETSZawHgs/WgiZn0g0urI/AAAAAAAAKek/Y2X2_I5lrzQFGQuBD6NU1xTr71YBzs8IQCEwYBhgL/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5540.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKETSZawHgs/WgiZn0g0urI/AAAAAAAAKek/Y2X2_I5lrzQFGQuBD6NU1xTr71YBzs8IQCEwYBhgL/s400/fullsizeoutput_5540.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Spread</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-se_oWFWWC5s/WgjHVLvmvjI/AAAAAAAAKfk/J_p2PxtRyqw4Hyv23_sQAAvccWL0UuNgQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5641.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="640" height="396" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-se_oWFWWC5s/WgjHVLvmvjI/AAAAAAAAKfk/J_p2PxtRyqw4Hyv23_sQAAvccWL0UuNgQCLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_5641.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Best tea ever! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7goqx7h44dM/WgiY7Mvp27I/AAAAAAAAKdI/I9ZmgK12hlA9v_KX9MhYv0GUxg3opdz7ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7goqx7h44dM/WgiY7Mvp27I/AAAAAAAAKdI/I9ZmgK12hlA9v_KX9MhYv0GUxg3opdz7ACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_8520.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The view towards the bay of Porlock</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0L4si3LptM/WgiZQ1UUCZI/AAAAAAAAKdI/i_bpeIinPD0FfkcLEBzi26vnyUdPCKhPgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0L4si3LptM/WgiZQ1UUCZI/AAAAAAAAKdI/i_bpeIinPD0FfkcLEBzi26vnyUdPCKhPgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_8548.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cocktails served by a World Champion, Tracy Molseley</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nNJn79XSWgA/WgiZYIrJokI/AAAAAAAAKek/kw9nwfsoxT0iXA6Gs_VhxIO-8RSuea-AQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nNJn79XSWgA/WgiZYIrJokI/AAAAAAAAKek/kw9nwfsoxT0iXA6Gs_VhxIO-8RSuea-AQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_8600.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fin the winner of the Hardtail category</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCLEOxzbdQU/WgiZlDXlK6I/AAAAAAAAKeU/TT4V188sussB1ANCrD1iYgJOKZbwHdFCACEwYBhgL/s1600/fullsizeoutput_553f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1558" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCLEOxzbdQU/WgiZlDXlK6I/AAAAAAAAKeU/TT4V188sussB1ANCrD1iYgJOKZbwHdFCACEwYBhgL/s400/fullsizeoutput_553f.jpeg" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a privilege to ride with Tracy Molseley, she is a legend!<br /><br />WATCH a video from the event that Tracy made <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Ex-Enduro-1122299187881425/" target="_blank">here</a>!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Ex-Enduro-1122299187881425/">https://www.facebook.com/The-Ex-Enduro-1122299187881425/</a></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHt8d1GQ3j8/WgiYhEkpYcI/AAAAAAAAKb0/sppxKYetO6U8Q_jPjJfKWJgHdhyXq2YHACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHt8d1GQ3j8/WgiYhEkpYcI/AAAAAAAAKb0/sppxKYetO6U8Q_jPjJfKWJgHdhyXq2YHACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_8509.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Support from Terri & Carl from Squirt Cycling Products UK</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrEoUPCDbfA/WgiYxpYjlXI/AAAAAAAAKb0/K84c2Z7TL0cd72KI4xNbCu8Hg8PcbrpDgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrEoUPCDbfA/WgiYxpYjlXI/AAAAAAAAKb0/K84c2Z7TL0cd72KI4xNbCu8Hg8PcbrpDgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_8514.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Styling it out in our all time favourite shirts, Black Mountains 3 Day Stage race with Paul Mansfield. XC whipper snapper and all round lovely guy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-51390162513673414912017-08-02T15:05:00.000+01:002017-11-12T15:06:56.737+00:00Ride London Classique<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="s1">On Saturday I decided
to brave the rain and watch the women race @RideLondon. It was very tempting to
stay at home, but I thought no I will support as I had the opportunity to at
The Womens Tour, but didn't quite know about it. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="s1">In all fairness we were not
best placed to know what was going on tactically in the race and we completely
misjudged the route we took to watch the sprint finish and didn't see it at
all, but heard the commentators at least. The organisers made you walk a mile
around all the way down to Buckingham Palace, ok they had the layout planned to
serve a purpose for the Freecycle and Ride London the next day, but it was very
disappointing as I would've loved to see the finish. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="s1">Being able to watch the
race on BBC I-Player though I was able to see the perfectly planned attack by
@corynrivera that led to victory for her. She planned that perfectly, using the
wheels of her teammates then her rival before going all out, keeping her head
down,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="s1">knowing she had a clear line to the finish line,
staying low until she knew she crossed the Finish line in first! </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="s1">In the picture
is @ashleighcycling our South African star! Listen to the <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-646635937/ashleigh-moolman-pasio-gets" target="_blank">@voxwomencycling</a> podcast for an in depth interview with her and her thoughts on <a href="http://www.letour.com/la-course-by-le-tour-de-france/2017/us/" target="_blank">LaCourse</a> and
where women cycling currently is. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BGtMVcDmgoI/WghjFbsK6wI/AAAAAAAAKWg/P5n5ZyVpkHMMpU4vqNVv_KkIH8_xyyHOQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="859" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BGtMVcDmgoI/WghjFbsK6wI/AAAAAAAAKWg/P5n5ZyVpkHMMpU4vqNVv_KkIH8_xyyHOQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_7844.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div>
TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-3858508228291663702017-07-19T23:00:00.000+01:002017-11-12T23:03:01.804+00:00Throwback to Tour de France 2011<span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Throwback to the year, 2011 when I got to understand the </span><a class="notranslate" href="https://www.instagram.com/letourdefrance/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">@letourdefrance</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">for the first time ever</span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> after Kerryn gave me a crash course! I've never looked back since. </span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This day I did not know what to expect AT ALL! </span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q6aHB-i0qQ/WgjSbDhPhnI/AAAAAAAAKgA/RtfXpM_vT9wWTyaC0NBwywaQKqa7-UfpQCLcBGAs/s1600/Tour%2Bde%2BFrance%2B2011-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q6aHB-i0qQ/WgjSbDhPhnI/AAAAAAAAKgA/RtfXpM_vT9wWTyaC0NBwywaQKqa7-UfpQCLcBGAs/s640/Tour%2Bde%2BFrance%2B2011-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We parked further down the mountain than we thought. Someone said its just in the valley. There were literally 2 down hills in the first 5kms, I was on a mountain bike and were literally towed up by </span><a class="notranslate" href="https://www.instagram.com/simonozzy/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">@simonozzy</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> and Christiaan. </span><a class="notranslate" href="https://www.instagram.com/zanning99/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">@zanning99</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> gave me a helpful push later on. </span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Getting a tow is great, but also incredibly hard; you have to adjust your cadence to match the power, then you have to maintain it when you are already tired, when you let go you can feel how you literally go backwards, so mentally it is a really tough battle. </span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I've never been so happy to climb off my bike. I had the most uncomfortable mens saddle and couldn't speak up about it. Boy was I happy to reach the top. </span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I also had a hand injury so even going down was terrifying with thousands of other cyclists. I could hear crashes happening everywhere, it was something I have never experienced before. Wow just writing this has made me realise what a long way I have come as a cyclist especially after climbing up Mt Ventoux my first real mountain climb on a roadbike this year! I ❤️ cycling! </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/tdf/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#TDF</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/letour/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#LeTour</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/cycling/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#Cycling</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/france/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#France</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 📷 Zane </span>TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-29434363387513254112017-04-02T07:19:00.001+01:002017-04-19T13:19:31.381+01:00Battle on the Beach 2017<div style="color: #454545; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past weekend we had the privilege to be part of Battle on the Beach, the UK's largest cross country mountain bike race in Pembrey Sands. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went along with Carl & Terri from Squirtlube and we were responsible for running the bikewash. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last year Squirtlube kindly sponsored two entries as prizes for the Tango Cycling Competition, so this year was my second opportunity to ride Battle on the Beach. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We arrived at 12:00 on the Saturday and set up camp, gazebo, pressure washers, product display, pop-up stands you name it. People dropped in to get there chains lubed, degreased when they were worse for wear and others washed their bikes for race day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Squirtlube works best on a degreased chain, so when Carl offers to degrease your chain for you well then that is an offer you don’t resist, you take him up on that as you are investing in the future of your chain. You will NEVER have to degrease your chain again, you just apply Squirtlube and rinse it off with water when you are back from a ride as an added bonus you won’t have dirty hands or calfs from a black oily chain ever again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday morning the riders of a Cannondale tandem arrived for lubrication on their chains. Carl offered to degrease their chains as he was busy doing that I started speaking with the lady. I asked how they decided to get into tandem riding on which she replied she had a serious spinal injury and can’t feel her right leg, so riding a tandem is the only way that she and her husband can still ride together. She starts with her left leg in the cleat and then her right leg just follows as they pedal forward. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My sixth sense told me that there was more to this story and I somehow asked her if she went to the Olympics, she corrected me and said Paralympics, off course. I thought awesome and asked how did it go and was it amazing? She replied non-chalantly oh yes very well thank you, I actually one a gold medal in kayaking by 1.5 inches! Inside of me I thought, “What?????” How incredible here I was speaking so casually to a gold medalist at the Paralympics in Rio. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carl completed the degreasing work on the bike and we put Squirtlube on both chains, the tandem was now in top form and race ready! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Terri and myself were so apprehensive about this race, all the people made us nervous. I hardly rode this year for various reasons and wasn’t coming back from my ‘training camp’ as Carl refers to it in South Africa, instead I’ve gone into this fat and unfit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were lining up just behind the start of the beach as the beach was already filled up and before we knew it the gun went off and we had to make our way through the lose sand onto the harder sand on the beach. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started off well by making it through without unclipping, accomplishment 1. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first 6kms are fast paced on the beach and breathtakingly beautiful, before you turn right and head into more grassy dual track! I don’t particularly like that part it feels like you are on a bad kids ride at the funfair, up and down over little bumps. 8km in you turn right onto singletrack, unfortunately this part gets very congested so we had to have an obligatory rest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shortly after this part the first Dutch riders started lapping us followed by more pro riders, they thankfully give you plenty of notice so you have enough time to get out of their way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This race is for any type of bike, so you see people on fatbikes, regular mountain bikes and cyclocross bikes, anything goes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a thoroughbred mountainbiker who loves singletrack I find the cyclocross bikes frustrating, it just doesn’t look like they can have any fun what so ever on singletrack. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doing a race is such a mental game, I usually try to motivate myself just to get over halfway, once I’m over halfway I’m like a horse who smells home apart from on Sunday my legs went on strike at the 36km mark the same as two weeks before. Everything in the sockets of my hips just freeze up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lap one completed I headed back to the beach, my aim was to get through the sand without stopping. Job done! A lovely man local to Swansea offered me his backwheel on the beach as he was only doing a 2 laps, that was an offer I couldn’t resist. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On lap 2 I had some recurring issues with my saddle post and had to stop twice to sort it out, on lap 3 though the singletrack was now clear and you were able to ride it all which was fun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lap 3 also had a new diversion which was quite nice and fast, well it could’ve been faster if my legs didn’t seize up. My legs were also threatening me with cramps at 500m before the Finish, I just though please not now, just hang in there legs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My personal aim was to complete the race in a similar time as last year and according to Strava my average speed was down with one tenth of a kilometer per hour, I’m satisfied with that considering the amount of riding I’ve been doing this year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Competing in Battle on the Beach make me realise what great athletes Cross country mountain bikers are. To maintain the speed they do on a technical demanding course along with the fatigue in your legs and your brain’s concentration through singletrack. Battle on the beach is perfect for my riding style, long steady climbs are not really my thing and I’m so grateful that there ain’t any real hills in this race, if there was any well then I’d be in big trouble. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back at camp I just needed to sit down which I did. Two guys came round to wash their bikes whilst Carl went to the Finish line for Terri. They were able to use the Bio-Bikewash on their bikes, the bikewash is solvent free and completely bio-degradeable. The new improved nozzle creates a foamspray onto your frame and when water is added dirt just falls off and leaves your bike shiny. I explained the benefits of using Squirtlube to them after drying their chain before then lubing their chains. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we were almost finished packing up shop, the tandem riders arrived around the corner of the van. They just wanted to thank Carl for the work he did on their chain. The Paralympian, now identified as Anne Usher also brought her medal along for us to look at. What an experience and honour to hear about her journey not just to Rio but even coming back from Rio, the events she has had access to including receiving an MBE from Queen Elizabeth on the Friday before the race! Thank you Anne for popping past and sharing about your profiling, training, lifestyle and even doping control. All the best for your training to go to Tokyo, we will be watching you!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Anne Usher and Carl Hutchings, Anne wanted me to wear her medal, I had to decline as I couldn't wear something I didn't earn! </td></tr>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/210332420" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Watch the event video by clicking here! </b></span></a></div>
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0Pembrey, UK51.691573000000012 -4.286182999999937251.612837500000012 -4.4475444999999372 51.770308500000013 -4.1248214999999373tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-28044375396128745022017-03-18T07:46:00.002+00:002017-03-18T08:04:32.631+00:00Cape Epic 2017<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It doesn't matter how I disappointed I felt at the news that Ironman took over the Cape Epic, I can't but help myself to be totally engrossed and excited for this year's race. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The women change in combinations in the women's field will bring an exciting race. I would still love Ariane Luthi to take the overall title. She is an incredible rider, down to earth and races her heart out! This year she will be teaming up with Adel Morath from Germany who rode her first epic last year with Sally Bigham. Adel is quite light and got blown over when the helicopter followed them closely last year. Annika Langvad is finishing her studies in Denmark so Ariane and Adel will compete as Team Spur! This will be the first year that Team Spur will have a back-up team in the race. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Malcolm Lange team owner of Team Ascendis Health flew in the legendary Sabine Spitz who competed for the first time last year to race with Robyn de Groot. De Groot raced with Jennie Stenerhag last year, Jennie had to abandon the race after experiencing an extremely high heartrate which she later needed an operation for. The combination of De Groot and Spitz signals danger for all of the other teams. De Groot has been hungry for victory and Spitz's appetite got whet last year as she finished on the podium last year and got the hang of stage racing towards the end of the week. She also loves the heat which will definitely count in her favour!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jennie Stennerhag is racing for Meerendal Cape Town Brewing Company with experienced and previous winner, Ester Suss from Switzerland. It will be interesting to see what the two of them can do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Team Dorma Kaba features local girl and Olympian Candice Lill and Namibian Vera Adrian. They have been racing together before and did extremely well in the Tankwa Trek which serves as a good training ground for the Epic. Lill also won the Tour of Good Hope road tour two weeks ago. They are in good form and it will be great to see what the all African team will do in this year's race. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The men's field is back to the Epic battle for 6 Epic victories between Karl Platt and Christoph Sauser. Sauser is such a force to reckon with that even being retired from racing puts him right up there in contention again. Jaroslav Kulhavy asked him to be his partner and Sauser couldn't resist the challenge. My question is, why not? He has won it five times, twice with Jaro and he rides actively with the young guns he coaches and is an allround walking legend. My heart skipped a beat of excitement when I saw the news. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Manual Fumic will be back racing on their Cannondales with Brazilian, Avancini and I think they might have their eyes on a stage win or 2. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jose Hermida, the funniest Spaniard and great character are back after a year's break to race with road cyclist Joaquim Rodriguez from Bahrain Merida (also the new team of Vincenzo Nibali and Louis Meintjes) road team.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Team Scott SRAM brought Nino Schurter current Olympic Champion and rising star Mathias Stirnemann as their lead team. If they can win the overall title we will have to see, but they will surely fight it out! Mathias is in my opinion Nino's strongest team mate for the Epic and that makes me excited. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since Erik Kleinhans joined Team Topeak Ergon I really hope there bad luck has run out now and that Alban Lakata and Kristian Hynek will get a fair shot at the podium. They have the charasmatic team of Jeremiah Bishop and Erik Kleinhans to support them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">South Africans Phil Buys and Matthys Beukes are now racing on local designed Pyga bikes and they will sure hope to mix it up in the African Jersey race with Waylon Woolcock who will be teaming up with roadie HB Kruger this year and NAD Pro Nico Bell and Gawie Combrinck. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Further exciting news is that young Jenny Rissveds, Olympic Champion also from Scott SRAM will be racing with legend and team manager Thomas Frischnecht. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No-one can say that the Epic doesn't have an exciting line-up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Good luck to everyone racing! Hang in there and keep on pedalling! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Follow me on @tangocycling for live tweeting where I can. :-) </span><br />
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-64091079582693541832016-12-08T22:34:00.001+00:002016-12-08T22:42:37.050+00:00An Epic Christmas Shopping List 2016<br />
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="https://bikeboxalan.com/product/premium-bike-box/" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/b43220a2-1b07-4d90-a75d-622c1c989e92.png" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 427px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><strong><a href="https://bikeboxalan.com/product/premium-bike-box/" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">Bike Box Alan</a></strong>available from £415. This is a hardcase giving optimal protection</td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/7ec267ba-168e-4fc1-8fd5-281b09f04038.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 820px; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.bikebox-online.co.uk/shop/" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">The Velovault</a> is available at £449</div>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://amzn.to/2gsA11Q" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/efbc995b-acb0-46c0-8f8e-b44d5778db5e.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 338px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://amzn.to/2gsA11Q" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">STEADFAST</a><strong> </strong>by former World Champion, Lizzie Armitstead</td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/51127583" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/8db7688c-0d39-443a-9f9c-91c896e11d43.png" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 247px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://tidd.ly/51127583" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">GoPro</a>'s newest edition is now available at Chain Reaction for £349.99</td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://amzn.to/2fxpENr" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/7f5bf668-c873-4b41-bfaa-0b904a448d85.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 500px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><strong><a href="http://amzn.to/2fxpENr" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">Garmin VIRB</a> </strong>available at Amazon for £349.99</td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://www.bikeplus.co.uk/p/38696/Fenwicks-Foaming-Chain-Cleaner?kw=&fl=1000&ci=54665549201&network=pla&gclid=CMqlpt-8ztACFfUW0wodOf0Lqw" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/c003483c-6d8f-4aad-9fd8-6b918bd37bd6.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 600px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://www.bikeplus.co.uk/p/38696/Fenwicks-Foaming-Chain-Cleaner?kw=&fl=1000&ci=54665549201&network=pla&gclid=CMqlpt-8ztACFfUW0wodOf0Lqw" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Fenwicks Foaming Chain Cleaner</a> - £4.49<br />This chain cleaner can be sprayed directly onto the chain making it a whole lot easier than any other degreaser to work with.<br /> </td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://www.plainlazy.com/mens-23/bike-fix-reloaded-mens-t-shirt.html" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/ab5a933a-2b81-4c03-8a75-4a2be9e5c24d.png" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 1200px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/c0e0ddff" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/5b324a4a-f612-46e4-a700-793fe8f3f36b.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 1000px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/50234cf5" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/c599260c-7106-467b-a5a0-4f417eea7ee8.png" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 500px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/ca6488cb" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/90561c3b-e34b-4186-9462-f98fd7769593.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 484px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/aceslaces/product/cycling-enthusiast-s-shoelaces" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/0bf8101d-95bb-4905-82e5-9da4b489b5a1.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 350px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/cable-cutter-pro-quality.htm?reviewFilter=4" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/904761af-bb0d-4d65-bed4-8879b921c283.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 900px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/e8808de1" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/71fd767a-0f8e-48ee-a7b4-bb383cb5f491.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 258px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://tidd.ly/e8808de1" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Pizza Cutter from Park Tools</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/94ab49ad" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/7f58493d-1c5f-4fc7-873a-9a21c08eb157.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 430px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://tidd.ly/94ab49ad" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Torque Wrench</a><strong> - </strong>Handy tool to have to make sure all the nuts and bolts are as tight as it should be! A bit too scientific to me, but highly recommended as a handy gift to the home mechanic. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/ae5e84ee" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/d015dd06-5c93-455c-bbaf-ed847dc01cb2.png" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 500px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://tidd.ly/ae5e84ee" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Crank Brothers Tyre Leavers</a> - Rich showed me these this past weekend, they fit over your <a href="http://tidd.ly/4dc4bb72" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Crank Brother multi-tool</a>, nice & compact. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/63c63bde" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/79ecb0f1-a6df-45e0-9d96-09025a5d6b74.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 500px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://tidd.ly/63c63bde" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Park tool chain cleaner</a><strong> </strong>at 50% off from Chain Reaction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/c49d47cb" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/061ae585-c090-4bb7-8509-0ff81983b95a.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 430px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://tidd.ly/c49d47cb" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Park tool cleaning brushes</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/7f9af4f5" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/ec7e9d50-31d3-477e-84d4-d076b8277760.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 600px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146">Back due to popular demand, the <a href="http://amzn.to/2gs1pwJ" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Air Chuck Co2 Pump</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/masterlink-plier-set-open-and-lock.htm" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/501abf02-90b2-4740-a85c-c79106040c73.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 900px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/masterlink-plier-set-open-and-lock.htm" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Master Chain link opener</a> for those who do their own repairs - £13.99</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/59dc15ad" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/01404620-80c8-4f51-8cc7-d49143b37d22.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 430px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146">Dropper Seatpost, Rockshox Reverb comes highly recommended by friends who all have one!<br />Buy from:<br /><a href="http://tidd.ly/5d43f3f3" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Wiggle</a><br /><a href="http://tidd.ly/8b5a1a83" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Chain Reaction</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/61640985" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/a0aff3ff-8dca-4bd7-92c0-41d68892bd16.png" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 500px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146">Bargain rechargeable commuter lights from <a href="http://tidd.ly/61640985" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Lezyne</a> @ £9.99!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="https://shop.spreadshirt.co.uk/qhubekaUK/" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/ab626cde-99b7-4df0-8aaa-9ff2aff7eec4.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 500px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146">Support <strong><u><a href="https://shop.spreadshirt.co.uk/qhubekaUK/" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Qhubeka </span></a></u></strong>by buying something from their online store! Qhubeka hands out bikes to people who don't have an alternative mode of transport!<br /> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="columnWrapper" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 200px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="columnContainer" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/26c22a0a" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/c410e0c5-25f8-4430-b795-510ff66ee6fd.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 427px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146">Available at <span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><a href="http://tidd.ly/26c22a0a" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">WIGGLE</a></strong></span> for £249.95</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="https://www.queenofthemountains.co.uk/collections/all/products/base-layer-white" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/6a12ba56-e00c-4e54-8b8b-e3eb9282d1de.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 1000px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><strong><a href="https://www.queenofthemountains.co.uk/collections/all/products/base-layer-white" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">QOM</a> </strong>sleeveless baselayer<strong> </strong>£40</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://amzn.to/2geQJ70" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/227382a7-dbed-4830-a0f9-949206cce23a.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 398px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><strong><a href="http://amzn.to/2geQJ70" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">At the Edge</a> </strong>by Danny MacAskill who became a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z19zFlPah-o" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">YouTube</a>phenomenon!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://amzn.to/2gs5QHS" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/5b3d55b0-316d-469d-95a0-7b9a934dec7e.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 188px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146">Olympics Golden Couple writes their Autobiography,<strong> <a href="http://amzn.to/2gs5QHS" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">The Inside Track</a> </strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://amzn.to/2gE2il5" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/427e85cd-5ba7-40e2-a52b-bca9c0437b72.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 892px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://amzn.to/2gE2il5" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">TomTom Bandit</a> is a more affordable at £160 from Amazon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://in2dust.co.uk/product/squirt-seal/" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/f792e5e7-73cd-4c6b-97d4-3d60af7c6492.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 437px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://in2dust.co.uk/product/squirt-seal/" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">SEAL</a>, tubeless sealant from <a href="http://in2dust.co.uk/shop.html/" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Squirtlube</a>. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Body-Geometry-Grail-Womens-Short-Finger-Cycling-Gloves-2015_72892.htm" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/c5a26524-7e4e-43dd-b493-e16551cdeb5d.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 326px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Body-Geometry-Grail-Womens-Short-Finger-Cycling-Gloves-2015_72892.htm" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Specialized Grail finger less gloves</a>, ok maybe not the appropriate time of the year to buy these, but they are beautiful and has to be included on this list. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://in2dust.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Squirt-Lube-120ml-Woocommerce-image.jpg" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/e5b0ba93-ed38-442f-93ea-fae767935c95.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 449px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><strong><a href="http://in2dust.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Squirt-Lube-120ml-Woocommerce-image.jpg" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">Squirt Long Lasting Dry Lube</a></strong> - This will form the ideal gift with other products like the Fenwicks Foam Chain Cleaner! Best applied on a clean degreased chain.<br />Read a <strong>review</strong> from a Tango Cycling member <a href="http://tangocycling.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/review-squirt-lube.html" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">here</a>. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://www.howies.co.uk/womens/clothing/t-shirts/womens-mountain-woman-shirt-raven.html" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/62bf5bd5-5b83-44f9-8c7b-f95122369fde.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 900px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://www.howies.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/m/o/mountain-man-w-163-raven-parent_1_5.jpg" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Mountain Woman</a> T-Shirt from Howies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Fox-Clothing-Ranger-Cargo-MTB-Shorts-SS16_89317.htm" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/e1418113-7cdf-4822-b4f8-ffe88b7d242b.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 556px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Fox-Clothing-Ranger-Cargo-MTB-Shorts-SS16_89317.htm" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Fox Cargo Ranger Baggies</a><strong> </strong>40% off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/5851fea8" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/38456910-842a-42c5-98f0-52ccc2dac030.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 470px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://tidd.ly/5851fea8" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Womens Merino Long Sleeve baselayer</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/296e4d88" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/2be7c59b-13c8-4fc3-83c3-146d352e07f3.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 430px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://tidd.ly/296e4d88" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">DeFeet Woolie Boolie </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://www.gingerandfrench.com/christmas.htm" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/eed7c309-23d8-4c5f-b556-cb881859239c.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 400px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146">Cycling <a href="http://www.gingerandfrench.com/christmas.htm" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Christmas Cards</a> from Ginger & French</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://www.gingerandfrench.com/mugs/bike-mug-blue.htm" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/5186aa1f-0e67-42ee-8928-4200a149b337.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 400px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146">Can't stop thinking about cycling, drink your tea from a stylish <a href="http://www.gingerandfrench.com/mugs/bike-mug-blue.htm" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Cycling mug</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="https://vimeo.com/ondemand/mtbuntold" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/b948acf2-398e-4a9d-afa5-d054298d76cc.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 550px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="https://vimeo.com/ondemand/mtbuntold" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Mountain Biking The Untold British Story</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/8f35ec0a" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/a79253b2-825d-4dae-846e-cb25620aab8a.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 430px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://tidd.ly/8f35ec0a" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Cleat Covers</a> as used by Mark Cahill to protect road cycling cleats and to provide comfort whilst wearing road shoes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://www.tesco.com/direct/hot-hands-foot-warmers-5-pairs/542-0837.prd?source=others#" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/1cb6d998-e84b-414b-ac77-50adc350b5cb.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 241px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146">Get cold feet? These cheap <a href="http://www.tesco.com/direct/hot-hands-foot-warmers-5-pairs/542-0837.prd?source=others" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">toe warmers</a> might just be the cure! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/9ad502e9" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/39ef1e34-015b-41ed-a865-258df4d2df05.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 470px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://tidd.ly/9ad502e9" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Lizard Skin Lock On Grips</a> - £15.98</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/7f9af4f5" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/ed83baf0-9803-4fbe-933b-f5656980aa77.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 430px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://tidd.ly/7f9af4f5" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Assos Chamois Creme</a> has been the best in the business for years! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/59dc15ad" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/9ea567a2-3394-453a-ba67-c5316b702d4a.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 430px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146"><strong><a href="http://tidd.ly/59dc15ad" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">Garmin Edge 1000</a> - </strong>track your rides and training with this device.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://amzn.to/2gexTNo" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/2ea8d858-b666-4d67-99d8-89621369c539.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 500px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146">The <a href="http://amzn.to/2gexTNo" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Sahmurai Sword</a> was developed by ex-pro mountain biker, Stephan Sahm, use this kit to fix your tubeless tyres in no time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/e3f4842" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/ab1369bc-e39f-4b5f-9308-3a7457c041d5.png" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 500px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146">These <a href="http://tidd.ly/e3f4842" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">lights</a> will be a great asset for the seasoned commuter! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnImageCardBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnImageCardBlockInner" style="padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnImageCardBottomContent" style="background-color: #202b3d; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/11cf777f" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/488d13dc-f915-4b56-8e64-666b29db1e93.png" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 500px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="146">This is my commuter backpack and is honestly the most comfortable backpack on the bike, it stays in one place, has ample space and the weigh distribution is just perfect.<strong> <a href="http://tidd.ly/11cf777f" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">Vaude Splash!</a></strong><br />Read a <strong><a href="http://tangocycling.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/review-vaude-splash-2012-20-5-litre.html" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">Review </a></strong>here from myself. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-4014027923254202152016-12-08T22:09:00.000+00:002016-12-08T22:26:31.886+00:00Tango Shopping!<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; text-align: justify; width: 100%;"><tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter">
<tr><td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small; text-align: center;">A shopping list for everything you need to make degrease your chain and to convert your tyre to tubeless! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are two things that I would highly recommend you to do, both of these are a bit of a hack, BUT both of them are tasks that makes you feel you have accomplished something and you will reap the benefits for months after you have done them.</span></span></span><br />
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<br /><b style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">1. De-grease your chain</b><br /><span style="color: #202020;"><span style="font-family: "\22 arial\22 " , "\22 helvetica\22 " , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><b style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. Convert your tyres to tubeless</b></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "\22 arial\22 " , "\22 helvetica\22 " , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Both of these are straight forward, but can potentially turn into a major faff, below are all the products you need to make your life easier to complete these tasks!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><br />Happy Shopping!<br />TC</span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 16px; max-width: 600px; width: 100%;"><tbody>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://www.bikeplus.co.uk/p/38696/Fenwicks-Foaming-Chain-Cleaner?kw=&fl=1000&ci=54665549201&network=pla&gclid=CMqlpt-8ztACFfUW0wodOf0Lqw" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/c003483c-6d8f-4aad-9fd8-6b918bd37bd6.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 600px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://www.bikeplus.co.uk/p/38696/Fenwicks-Foaming-Chain-Cleaner?kw=&fl=1000&ci=54665549201&network=pla&gclid=CMqlpt-8ztACFfUW0wodOf0Lqw" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Fenwicks Foaming Chain Cleaner</a> - £4.49<br />
This chain cleaner can be sprayed directly onto the chain making it a whole lot easier than any other degreaser to work with.</td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://in2dust.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Squirt-Lube-120ml-Woocommerce-image.jpg" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/e5b0ba93-ed38-442f-93ea-fae767935c95.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 449px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="146"><strong><a href="http://in2dust.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Squirt-Lube-120ml-Woocommerce-image.jpg" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">Squirt Long Lasting Dry Lube</a></strong> - Is best applied on a clean de-greased chain. Many people have asked me how I keep my chain so clean, the answer is Squirt lube, I can not recommend it enough! Happy chain, happy bike.<br />
Read a <strong>review</strong> from a Tango Cycling member <a href="http://tangocycling.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/review-squirt-lube.html" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">here</a>. </td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://amzn.to/2glQGG4" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/d105f853-5f8f-4578-9bc9-15559e7f9d51.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 450px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="146">The need for easy and quick access to our smartphones has increased a lot, making these gloves a must have item!<br />
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<a href="http://amzn.to/2glQGG4" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">North Wave Etip Women's Glove</a><br />
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<a href="http://amzn.to/2gDDeLy" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">North Wave Etip Mens Glove</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/alloy-tubeless-valve.htm" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/ed0c854e-e3b3-410d-90e9-6ba7a2c0e003.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 900px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/alloy-tubeless-valve.htm" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Tubeless Valves</a> are needed to replace your current valves and to complete seal the valve hole. </td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/8e531587" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/4ac227fb-64c5-4a4b-b427-3069349aebc4.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 500px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://tidd.ly/8e531587" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Airwave Tubeless Tyre Track Pump</a> - this is only one of the pumps on the market that now acts as a compressor. In order for your tyre to seat onto the rim you need a fair amount of compressed air, this is a great gift for anyone who has been through the paces and frustration to convert their tyres. </td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://in2dust.co.uk/product/bio-bike-ready-to-use/" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/b12ed995-f44b-49e4-a817-87d3321dd700.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 800px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://in2dust.co.uk/product/bio-bike-ready-to-use/" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Bio-Bike Wash</a> is a concentrated & biodegradable bike cleaner. The concentrate can be diluted to 1:25 and still produce a heavy-duty cleaning solution. It is water based and does not contain any organic solvents.Can be used on any surface of the bike.</td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/63c63bde" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/79ecb0f1-a6df-45e0-9d96-09025a5d6b74.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 500px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://tidd.ly/63c63bde" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Park tool chain cleaner</a><strong> </strong>at 50% off from Chain Reaction, for those who would rather not get there hands dirty. </td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://tidd.ly/c49d47cb" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/061ae585-c090-4bb7-8509-0ff81983b95a.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 430px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://tidd.ly/c49d47cb" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Park tool cleaning brushes</a> gets into all the nooks and crannies to clean your bike. </td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://in2dust.co.uk/product/squirt-seal/" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/f792e5e7-73cd-4c6b-97d4-3d60af7c6492.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 437px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://in2dust.co.uk/product/squirt-seal/" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">SEAL</a>, tubeless sealant from <a href="http://in2dust.co.uk/shop.html/" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Squirtlube</a> is the last ingredient you need to complete your tubeless conversion. I find the more generous you are with the sealant, the better is your success to 'pop' your tyre quickly. </td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/tubeless-tape.htm" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/2dc50167-2da9-42f6-aadd-af7424b07b63.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 1000px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="146"><a href="http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/tubeless-tape.htm" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Tubeless Rim Tape</a> - To convert your wheels to tubeless, you need a few essentials of which rim tape is one, the rim tape helps seal the rim so that the spoke holes are completely blocked which prevents any air or liquid from escaping. </td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="" href="http://amzn.to/2gexTNo" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/2ea8d858-b666-4d67-99d8-89621369c539.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 500px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #f2f2f2; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 9px 18px; text-align: center;" valign="top" width="146">The <a href="http://amzn.to/2gexTNo" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Sahmurai Sword</a> was developed by ex-pro mountain biker, Stephan Sahm, use this kit to fix your tubeless tyres in no time.</td></tr>
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-72126583850312360692016-08-19T17:29:00.001+01:002016-08-19T17:29:25.291+01:00The who is who of the Olympics 2016! <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter">
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<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top">I'm so excited for this weekend's <img align="none" height="15" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/3d2b82ff-1173-47ff-a6da-1f7eea4c8031.png" style="border: 0px; height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 15px;" width="15" /> racing at the Olympics <img align="none" height="15" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/82e0ec7d-7511-4189-8836-6c2d3c114498.png" style="border: 0px; height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 15px;" width="15" /> in Rio <img align="none" height="15" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/24e22d1b-0c9d-499f-ad8a-6695cd619651.png" style="border: 0px; height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 15px;" width="15" />!!!<br /><br />I thought I'll share my thoughts on who I think it is worth looking out for during the races! </td></tr>
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<strong>1. Jolanda Neff, Switzerland</strong><br /><br />Blond bombshell from Switzerland and the best technical female rider with a hunger for winning! Jolanda's dad always says, "If you don't want to win the race, don't start it." She also mixed it up in the Women's Road and came 8th ahead of all time legend Marianne Vos and South Africa's Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio.</div>
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<strong>2. Jenny Rissveds, Sweden</strong><br /><br />Young, blond and beautiful from Sweden as you would expect Jennie has a total different style than Jolanda, she knows how to pace herself and usually ride a pace that she knows she can maintain. She won the U-23 World Championship with a huge margin and beat the Women's World Champion Annika Langvad in the next round of Elite Women's World Cup.</div>
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<strong>3. Annika Langvad, Denmark</strong><br /><br />Annika's strengths used to be long marathons and has been World Champion in Marathon racing twice, this year she became the third time winner of the Cape Epic with Arianne Kleinhans.<br /><br />Personally I think Annika's fitness peaked after winning Leadville 100 at altitude in August 2015 and she continued building on that base, improved her technical skills and became the star of XCO racing in 2016!</div>
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<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="564"><strong>4. Gunn-Rita Dahle-Flesjaa</strong><br /><br />In South Africa Gunn-Rita and Sabine Spitz would probably be classed as the 'tannies' of mountain biking, but let me tell you they are everything but tannies! Commentators often refer to their age, but as we can see age is just a number! Gunn-Rita is as legendary as Julien Absalon, she has won over 20 World Cups in her career and has been World & Olympian Champion.</td></tr>
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<strong>5. Sabine Spitz, Germany</strong><br /><br />Sabine has been on the Olympic podium twice before and has been working hard this year to reach peak performance. She raced the Cape Epic with Yana Bolemoyna this year and they came second. She loves racing in the heat so Rio would suit her very well.</div>
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<strong>6. Catherine Pendral, Canada</strong><br /><br />Catherine is one of my favourites! She has been World Champion before, won the the last World Cup on home soil before the Olympics. Technical, strong and friendly she is a force to be reckoned with.</div>
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<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><strong>1. Nino Schurter, Switzerland</strong><br /><br />Nino has won almost won every big title you can win in XC MTB apart from the Olympic gold medal which was robbed from him in a sprint finish with Jaroslav Kulhavy. If you have seen any of Nino's gym work outs you will know that he takes his training to another level. </td></tr>
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<strong>2. Julien Absalon, France</strong><br /><br />Julien is an absolute legend, he has been world champion numerous times, Olympic champion, World Cup over all winner and winner of the most individual world cups. He raced on a 26" bike until a few years ago, but has moved from Team Orbea to BMC where he has embraced 29" wheels and have now even started to race with a dropper seat post in the World Cups.</div>
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<strong>3. Jaroslav Kulhavy, Czech Republic</strong><br /><br />Jaro is a powerhouse and can usually deliver on at a big event. He has won the Cape Epic alongside Christoph Sauser on the two occasions that he took part and pipped Nino Schurter on the line at the Olympics in London 2012. </div>
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<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><strong>4. Peter Sagan, Slovakia</strong><br /><br />And what will Peter Sagan do? Current Road Cycling World Champion that started his career as a mountain biker decided to op out of the Olympic Road Race to rather compete in the Mountain Biking. I love Peter Sagan as he has a lot of personality and is very down to earth. I wouldn't mind if he did really well, but I don't think he will be on the top step of the podium. These athletes have been doing specific training for the Olympics and I'm just not sure if he is going to make it. I'm not confident enough to bet on it though as he might just surprise us all! </td></tr>
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<strong>5. Manuel Fumic, Marco Fontana and Jose Hermida, Germany, Spain and Italy</strong><br /><br />Will the likes of veteran Jose Hermida, Manuel Fumic, Marco Fontana and a few old favourites that have been battling this year peak at the right time?<br /><br />This year will be Jose Hermida's FIFTH Olympics, that is certainly some effort. He had his best result at the last World Cup in Mt St Aine and is certainly in good form.<br /><br />Manuel Fumic & Marco Fontana have been battling to get on the podium this year. Marco Fontana got the bronze medal in London after his saddle broke on the last lap of the course, he finished standing out of his saddle!<br /><br />Happy Watching!!!<br /><br />TC<br /><br />#Rio2016<img align="none" height="20" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/24e22d1b-0c9d-499f-ad8a-6695cd619651.png" style="border: 0px; height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 20px;" width="20" /><br />#Olympics<img align="none" height="20" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/82e0ec7d-7511-4189-8836-6c2d3c114498.png" style="border: 0px; height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 20px;" width="20" /><br />#CyclingMountainBike<img align="none" height="20" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/db4338d039fb8ce43ef55acf0/images/3d2b82ff-1173-47ff-a6da-1f7eea4c8031.png" style="border: 0px; height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 20px;" width="20" /></div>
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-88676032642214822942016-07-06T22:42:00.001+01:002016-07-07T07:28:34.657+01:00Birell Mountain Bike Marathon Czech Republic<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I bought tickets for the XCO Mountain bike World Championships in March, it was touch and go if I was going to go or not, I couldn't find anyone to travel with me so I had to first deal with traveling on my own for 5 days. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I started looking for flights and the timings seemed problematic two weeks before the event, I was ready to pack it in, BUT then I saw a tweet, 50000 fans at Nove Mesto Na Morave and I thought I really want to be one of them! I told Jules I won't be going and she said, "No TC you have to go, you will love it." So back was the doubt about what to do, so I procrastinated for another week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">The next Friday</a> I was ready to pack it in again, but then thought stuff it I'm going. I found flights on E-bookers with 2 different airlines and the timings worked, but then realised schucks 50000 people I need to find accommodation before I can book my flights. It took about 12 emails before I was successful in finding a place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also managed to rent a bike the night before I flew which enabled me to ride the marathon the day before and gave me something to keep myself busy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">On Thursday afternoon</a> I flew to Prague picked up a hire car and drove to my accommodation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I arrived at Nove Mesto Na Morave <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">at 8:15 on Friday</a>, registered for the race and met Petr at the race village to get my racing machine from him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like I've said before, once you ride a full suss you can't go back! My current bike vs the one I rode on Friday was like comparing a Ferrari with a Ford! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway I was grateful for some wheels so that I could ride. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I never thought I'd say this, but I missed people speaking English in the same way I miss speaking Afrikaans after a long week at work. I couldn't find the drop clothes bit in time so stuffed my baggies and baselayer in an already full camelbak. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since Wales I haven't eaten Clif Bars again as my stomach can't stomach them anymore so I had my trusty boiled potatoes and cashew nuts in my back pockets. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We set off from the same tarmac and under the start banner of the XCO riders into the woods. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As you would be expecting I went off course after 4km and took a few people with me, I followed the wrong red arrows which caused me to turn around and I headed back againdt thr flow of the trail to connect with the route again. I assume a few people had a go at me, but I was blissfully unaware or ignoring it as I didn't understand a word they said. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was also bouncing around like crazy, so stopped to let some air out, I don't know why I didn't check that?! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The tyre pressure was about the only suspension I had so I was happier for the softer ride after deflating tyres. Shortly after that I was rolling along a flat in my big gear when the bike came to a halt, I thought this is it, the chain had no slack in it and I couldn't get it to move forward, I was scared it was going to snap. Normally or should I say naturally I'm impatient but thought to myself, chill out and try it to drop to the smaller gear calmly. It finally dropped and I was on the go again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The course was along fire roads through farmland and woods.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I rode most of the way on my own, I tried to make friends or say hallo along the way, the majority was not so keen to speak, but some were friendly back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We went up a muddy climb and off course this bike created a chain suck problem instantly when the mud and chain connected! I stayed in my granny gear (small ring at the front) for most of the time just to avoid jamming the chain. I had a choice of completing at a slower pace or allow it to get the better of me. It did annoy me, but it didn't get the better of me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the feed zone I came across more non-English speaking Czechs, but thankfully where food or water are involved it is easier to get the jest of things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I always do better after the halfway mark of a race as mentally I coax myself to the finish line with less than half way, last 10km, last 4km, last 2km WHERE is the finish line? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The latter part of the route involved more singletrack, not too hectic, narrow fast and rooty and rocky in some places, there were also longer climbs, but nothing hectic. The final part of the course went past some beautiful lakes before we headed through the forest bit down to the Finish line past another lake. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm so glad I had the opportunity to ride in the Czech Republic and I can't wait to ride my own bike (Ferrari) again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Birell handed out cold non-alcoholic beer at the finish line and we also received a lunch ticket for after the race. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finished & Content!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I managed to lose my lunch ticket and found it an hour later again where I dropped it. It was a miracle! It was easier to find the lunch ticket that I lost than the 'Large tent' where lunch was served...! I finally found it after I went to the information desk. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The rest of the afternoon I spend watching the Juniors on TV in Hotel Ski which are on the premises as I was just too tired to run around on the course. This was the hotel where most of the athletes stayed so on my way out I literally almost walked into legendary Julien Absalon, I carried on walking and tried my hardest to be cool as Zane suggested. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>I was so proud of myself for 3 things this past weekend: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Travelling on my own</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Driving on the wrong side of the road</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Following the maps on my phone to the T! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Those that know me well will know that all 3 of those are small victories! <b>One</b>, I love people. <b>Two</b>, I usually say right when I mean left or the other way round. <b>Three</b>, well lets just say I don't like following instructions or someone telling me what to do!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>A few random observations about the Czech Republic:</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">They know how to drive, they put their indicator on when they are meant to</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Pepsi is big</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">They still take photos with cameras</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">They are crazy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">They are efficient </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Finding someone who speaks English is a novelty </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Young and old ride bikes, crappy ones and good ones; grand mothers cycle with their grandkids in the back around town</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have a good rider riding a specific bike brand, the rest of that country rides that brand, the Jaroslav Kulhavy & Burry Stander effect</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">They drink beer for breakfast</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Some can be very friendly and others not so friendly! </span></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Check your Czech to avoid these blips: </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. I bought 4 liters of lemonade instead of 4 liters of water</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. I ordered a small glass of red wine and received the biggest glass of white wine ever</span></div>
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-84409580952108375012016-06-18T21:17:00.000+01:002016-06-24T22:12:34.042+01:00My 1st 100 miler!<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">We were meant to do a ride from London to Cheddar Gorge with Strongher (a movement Marianne Vos and a whole string of other pros launched, their aim is to get more women to ride bikes) but unfortunately that ride got cancelled. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Claire and I decided that we still wanted to ride, but that we didn't want to take on such </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a big ride by ourselves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've only cycled to Brighton with the Heart Foundation back in the day on my first MTB with slicks that were too small for the actual wheels. Claire had an awesome <a href="https://www.strava.com/routes/5078009">route</a> that she did with her club a few weeks ago so we decided we will do London Brighton and back to London instead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I left my house at 6:55 and met Claire in Leatherhead from where we cycled to join the route just before the back climb up to Box Hill. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We cycled down to Betchworth, crossed the A25 towards Newdigate, Faygate and through the ever so quaint Rusper. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The route followed quite country lanes and it was honestly such a beautiful ride, we missed the bigger towns. We saw village names such as Bucks Head and Colgate. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stuffing my face with potatoes off course!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The route only got busier as we approached Devil's Dyke and as we dropped into Brighton.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have felt great all the way through and it was important for me to keep eating to make sure that I didn't run out of energy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We didn't stop for the normal fish & chips at the sea as it looked like a storm was brewing and we knew we still had some hard work to do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We stopped to fill up our water bottles at a pub in Shoreham-by-Sea, a visit to the ladies and bought a sandwich from the Co-op. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was fueled by my trusty salty buttered potatoes for most of the route. They are the absolute bomb! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As soon as we past Shoreham we were back on quite country roads passing through sweet Steyning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <a href="https://www.strava.com/routes/5078009">route </a>back was hard work, the whole route actually. It was never really flat, it was always going up or going down, generally very lumpy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Claire and I each took our turn on the front and whenever I wanted to slow down a little, this voice from behind haunted me... "Get a wiggle on TC!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was good to have the encouragement from behind as if I was on my own I would've just given up to freewheel a bit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We stopped a few more times as fatigue started to kick in. We were so delighted once we got back to Newdigate as we knew from there we only had to get to Dorking before it was the last stretch to Leatherhead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My favourite part was coming back towards Dorking from Newdigate along a long flattish drag. It was awesome just to go for it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once we arrived in Leatherhead we headed towards the nearest tea shop and treated ourselved with cream teas! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Celebrating in true British fasion with a cup of tea, scones, jam & cream</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had an absolute ball and it was for sure my best day on my road bike so far. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My lower body was tired after the ride, but I felt great considering the distance we covered. I have felt a lot worst after cycling before, so I think it could be one of two things, I either didn't ride hard enough or I am fitter than I thought at the moment. I don't care which one of the two it is though, as it was just so nice to cycle along beautiful QUITE roads with great company! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ps. I think I rode myself thin. ;-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My activity if you wanted to check our route out. Don't follow my way to Leatherhead though as I followed my nose</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1552178253"><br /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/613155548">https://www.strava.com/activities/613155548</a></span><br />
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-626706960176389342016-04-19T16:57:00.003+01:002016-04-19T17:23:08.623+01:00Wales weekend 2016 destination Machynlleth!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">There is still time to sign up for our annual weekend to Wales! Don't miss out, sign up now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /><span style="color: #355988;"><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.mbwales.com/agents/machynlleth/" href="http://www.mbwales.com/agents/machynlleth/" target="_blank">Machynlleth</a> </span>is a mountain bike hub that I've been wanting to visit for several years. It offers 4 marked trails, suitable for all capabilities. It also has a connecting cross country route linking to<span style="color: #355988;"> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.mbwales.com/en/content/cms/Centres/Nant_yr_Arian/Nant_yr_Arian.aspx" href="http://www.mbwales.com/en/content/cms/Centres/Nant_yr_Arian/Nant_yr_Arian.aspx" target="_blank">Nant yr Arian</a> </span>for those looking for a longer ride and <span style="color: #355988;"><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.mbwales.com/en/content/cms/Centres/Coed_y_Brenin/Coed_y_Brenin.aspx" href="http://www.mbwales.com/en/content/cms/Centres/Coed_y_Brenin/Coed_y_Brenin.aspx" target="_blank">Coed y Brenin</a></span> is a 45 minute drive away. I've managed to find a big bunkhouse as accommodation for us.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /><br /><strong>Where:</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps?client=safari&rls=en&q=machynlleth&oe=UT…" href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps?client=safari&rls=en&q=machynlleth&oe=UT%E2%80%A6" target="_blank">Machynlleth</a><br /><strong>When:</strong> 27 - 30 May 2016</span><br /><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cost:</strong> £240 if 15 people sign up<br />(including bunkhouse accommodation, shared petrol costs & 7 meals)</span><br /><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>RSVP:</strong> 22 April 2016</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6;">All you need to know about a </span><a data-cke-saved-href="http://tangocycling.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/tango-cycling-weekends.html" href="http://tangocycling.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/tango-cycling-weekends.html" style="color: #355988; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990033;">Tango Cycling Weekend </span></a><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6;">is in this blogpost; make sure you read this before you book on. </span></strong></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">The trip is subject to a minimum booking of 15 people. Secure your place by transferring a £100 deposit to my account. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #990033;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><strong>£10 discount </strong></span></span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">on the final cost for the first 15 bookings!<br /><br />I'm looking forward to a weekend in Wales with you! Drop me a line if you need any more information. </span><br /><br />TC<br /><br />Ps. To read more about our previous weekend, click <a data-cke-saved-href="http://tangocycling.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/the-official-tango-cycling-launch.html" href="http://tangocycling.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/the-official-tango-cycling-launch.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span>TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-89877206690815106802016-03-18T17:19:00.001+00:002017-06-09T11:20:02.606+01:00Tango Cycling Weekends <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;"><b>All you need to know about a typical Tango Cycling weekend</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;"><u><strong>Rough itinerary:</strong></u></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">First night </strong><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">- Arrive in the evening (No evening meal please sort yourself out on your way there)</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">Second Day</strong><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">- MTB, Road ride, Run & Chill</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">- Breakfast, After exercise food, Yazoo & Tango Crunchies, Evening meal included</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">Third Day</strong><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">- MTB, Road ride, Run & Chill</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">- Included: Breakfast, After exercise food, Yazoo & Tango Crunchies, Evening meal</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">Last Day</strong><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">- Breakfast</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">- Ride for those who want to fit another ride in</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">- Check-out before 10am</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><u style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;"><strong>How it works: </strong></u><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">What does TC arrange?</strong><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">All logistics, plan the menu, source meat locally at butchers, online food order, co-ordinate cooking & cleaning teams, provide all recipes & instructions for the menus, allocate rooms (single sex rooms & potentially a room for the couples if it works out like that), co-ordinate payments at the end of the weekend.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">What is expected of me if I come along?</strong><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">Ride your bike, Run, Chill and also help with preparing food and cleaning up and most importantly to have fun.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">How do the meals work?</strong><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">We will potentially eat breakfast together, lunch will be ready for whenever you are back from the trails, we will eat all evening meals together and have a daily catch-up of what happened out on the trails. If it is significant enough a prize will be awarded!</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">What is on a typical Tango Cycling weekend menu?</strong><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">Breakfast - Oats/Toast with jam, peanut butter</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">After Ride food – Pasta, Yazoo & Tango Crunchies</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">Evening Meal – Welsh meat (Lamb or Steak) with paptert/potato salad/dish and a funky salad</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">Do I lead the rides or how does it work?</strong><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">No, I don’t lead the rides. The routes are all well marked and everyone can pick a route that will suit his/her ability or the time that you would like to start your ride. Naturally mountain bikers don’t like missing out so we usually plan together and ride in groups that match our ability & fitness. There is a route to choose from for every ability, from beginners to advance riders, so don’t worry there will be something for you!</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">What is not included?</strong><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">Evening dinner on the first night, snacks & drinks</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;"><u><strong>Costs: </strong></u></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">Based on </span><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">minimum 10</strong><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;"> people booking - </span><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">£300 </strong><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">which will include, 3 nights’ accommodation, shared petrol costs, 7 meals and an administration fee</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Note on petrol costs: </b>I calculate the cost for petrol by allowing an amount per mile for the number of miles driven and a minimum of 2 passengers and 2 bikes per car, so the chances are that the cost will be less than quoted above</i><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">Based on </span><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">maximum 20 </strong><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">people booking - </span><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">£240</strong><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;"> which will include, 3 nights’ accommodation, shared petrol costs, 7 meals and an administration fee</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">The trip will only go ahead with a minimum of 15 people booked on and the maximum cost is quoted. I hate paying more than I expected and therefore promise to stay under budget and true to my tagline, More Fun For Less!</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;">After the event I will send out final costs of the weekend to each individual.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://tangocycling.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/the-official-tango-cycling-launch.html"><br /></a></span>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 13.75px;"><b><a href="http://tangocycling.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/the-official-tango-cycling-launch.html">Read more about Tango Cycling Launch Weekend</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><u style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;"><strong>The T & C’s:</strong></u><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;"></span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your booking will be confirmed once I have received your deposit</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you need to cancel your booking, you need to do so in writing to me as soon as you know that you will not be able to make the trip</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I will refund you your deposit minus a £10 administration fee if your place can be filled</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First come, first serve - 20 is the maximum number</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This trip will only go ahead once a minimum of 10 people have booked</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;"><u><strong>What to do now:</strong></u></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.75px;"> </span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hit <a href="mailto:tangocycling@outlook.com?subject=Tango%20Cycling%20Easter%20Weekend&body=I%20would%20like%20to%20join%20the%20weekend%20and%20will%20transfer%20the%20cash%20to%20your%20account.%20%0A%0APlease%20insert%20if%20you%20can%20give%20lifts%20to%20people%20%26%20their%20bikes%20and%20if%20you%20have%20any%20dietary%20requirements.%20" style="word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank"><strong>reply</strong></a> now if you would like to join</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Please tell me if you have any dietary requirements and if you would be willing & able to provide lifts to others and their bikes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Transfer £100 deposit to my account </span></li>
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-81831158173447324812016-03-18T16:21:00.000+00:002016-03-18T16:21:04.035+00:00Team Work - Cape Epic 2016<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Epic is all about team work. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year you can see it more than ever! </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are so many things that have to go right in order to complete the Cape Epic and one of the things that I think people could easily underestimate is team work! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Communication & Trust</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Karl Platt says they don't talk on a stage, he looks at Urs' body language to know what he is thinking or how he is doing, he sees it as a sign of weakness to talk during the stage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think others would say that if you talk too much, you are not riding hard enough. :-) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The better you know your partner the more trust you are going to have riding in front or behind them. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2Czfidz0RU/Vuwh5RTnKQI/AAAAAAAAJ8c/rQ_qz3rCC5I4z3KLkJyjvBMqoHwcsCylg/s1600/Bulls.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2Czfidz0RU/Vuwh5RTnKQI/AAAAAAAAJ8c/rQ_qz3rCC5I4z3KLkJyjvBMqoHwcsCylg/s320/Bulls.PNG" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I mean to be in total sync in a berm like this speaks for it self!<br />Couldn't see who the photo credit should go to, but what an awesome photo! </span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mentoring</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year's Epic is full of examples on how more experienced riders are willing to sacrifice and ride with amateurs. Christoph Sauser & Sipho Madola, Sharon Laws & Dalene van der Leek</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, Hannele Steyn & her partner who she also coaches, Anneke Viljoen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Personally I find this so encouraging that people who were used to earn their bread & butter from racing are now prepared to do this; the same as people who were prepared to ride with me when I was inexperienced and much slower than them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christoph mentioned that one of the things he taught Sipho was to be, "</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Calm, Efficient & Fast through the waterpoints. I personally witnessed Sauser putting a whole muffin in his mouth at the waterpoint. With calmness he opened his mouth wide enough in order to be efficient to fit in the muffin in one go and fast through the waterpoint... :-) </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5q0be3wWI1w/VuwjzBuVsoI/AAAAAAAAJ8o/dvdbD-PT0jYIcuu1hxhkjTJx9_qL16p4A/s1600/Songo.info.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5q0be3wWI1w/VuwjzBuVsoI/AAAAAAAAJ8o/dvdbD-PT0jYIcuu1hxhkjTJx9_qL16p4A/s320/Songo.info.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo: Ewald Sadie</span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stronger vs Weaker - Weaker vs Stronger.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Songo.info combination of Sauser and Sipho reminds me off the Scott boys, Nino Schurter & Phil Buys from 2014. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been on the receiving end of both of these situations. It is so important for both riders to be on the same page and know that you are going to give your all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a stronger rider it is sometimes harder to ride slower, personally I prefer to just get the pain out of the way. For the slower rider it is hard to always feel like you are holding someone up or motivate yourself mentally and the faster rider needs to be aware of the mind games going on in your head. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always tell myself when I'm dangling off the back that I am doing the best to my ability and that seems to get me over the hills. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hannele Steyn is the only women who have completed all 12 Epics so far, she has also won a few stages in the past. She was saying how hard it was to make that switch that she is riding slow for her ability, but that the speed they were travelling at was the fastest her partner could go. Her partner has only started mountain biking one year ago! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pressure that the likes of Sipho and Phil would've put on themselves would play such a big role in their performance. I can imagine them feeling honored to race with the world's best and wanting to perform well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The dangers of combinations like this, is that the weaker rider would ride out of their comfort zone too quickly or their body might boikot their plans which leads them to crashing & burning; which brings about dealing with the disappointment and trying to get confidence back. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sabine Spitz, multiple World Champion and 3 x Olympic medalist said it well earlier this week, <b>"When you do something that makes you weak, it makes you stronger afterwards."</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We saw this in Phil Buys' case and can also see how Sipho is excelling towards the end of this Epic! Finishing 29th today on Stage 5 and currently sitting 50th on the GC! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Caring</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Sally is always looking over her shoulder making sure she knows where Adel is. It is key to choose a pace that both riders can maintain and to look out for each other before, during and after the stage. Caring for your partner is so important as it is the little things that count; a small act of kindness in these situations when you are so tired can mean the world to them and will strengthen your team unit. :-) </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adel left it all out there on Stage 3</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good luck everybody you have made it this far, hang in there for the next two days! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read & watch more on the Cape Epic by following this link. </span><a href="https://www.cape-epic.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.cape-epic.com/</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ps. There is still so much to say on this topic, but these are the things that stood out for me today! </span></div>
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-87632241297642570872016-03-17T07:53:00.000+00:002016-03-17T07:53:57.879+00:00The Women's Race at the Cape Epic 2016!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is with great excitement that I've been following the Epic this week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At first I was frustrated with the organisation, but today they redeemed themselves. The Cape Epic is one of only a few sports that offers the same prize money for both the men's and women's divisions and also introduced a start batch for the women from this year. The legendary Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa and Sally Bigham campaigned for a women's batch last year. It is just fair to give the women their own start batch especially when you consider that they women do earn the same prize money. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year the ladies are also not allowed to draft in the slipstreams of any of the Men's teams as they might get penalised. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first two stages were really frustrating to watch as the Cape Epic interviewed the men's winners in the final kilometres before the finish of the women. The result was that we missed both deciding moves that determined the outcome of Stage 1 & 2. The fact that the men's race were broadcasted live via the 360 view, Project Zebra made it more disappointing. Project Zebra, a 360 live view from the field was made possible by Team Bulls. Stefan Sahm an ex-pro rider for Team Bulls is riding an e-bike and following riders around on each stage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stage 3 however made up for the lack of live feed from Stage 1 & 2. We had a helicopter following the ladies for the last 7 km of the 104km long stage from Tulbach to Wellington. We were able to see how Team Spur made their final move, Team Topeak Ergon were giving it their all and we saw how the elastic started to snap for Jennie Stenerhag. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The women's race is heating up! Annika Langvad & Ariane Kleinhans didn't have an easy ride to get in the lead, the competition is tough this year and the change in race format has definitely made this category a more even playing field and a whole lot more fun to watch. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The change in format has brought in the game of cat & mouse playing a bit and getting athletes to push their boundaries. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today they interviewed, Sabine Spitz, multiple World and Olympic champion. She is in her 40's and still racing at the top end of the field with the hope of qualifying for her 4th Olympics in the Summer. She is racing with the 23 year old Yana Balamoyna from the Ukraine who rides for Bart Brentjes' team. They are using the Epic as training for their World Cup season. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jennie Stenerhag collapsed after the Finish Line and had to abondon the race. This is such sad news as the team won both the Prologue and Stage 1 of this year's Epic and they were in the best shape of their careers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">British Cross country champion, Sally Bigham is hungry for a victory with Adelheid Morath and rode their hearts out today, but was 39 seconds off the pace. Watch this pair over the next 4 days as they are for sure going to try and shake things up for Team Spur. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would like to end this post with a quote from Sabine Spitz during her interview today, "If something makes you weak, it makes you stronger afterwards."</span></div>
TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-68531196677373874992016-02-16T15:03:00.000+00:002016-02-17T12:20:46.921+00:00Discovering the goodness of riding in South Africa! <div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I live in London 11 months of the year and get to spend a month in South Africa over Christmas! I've started riding about 8 years ago now and have only </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">been able to take my bike home with me once before and after being home last year I decided that it is the last time that I will be sitting at the farmstall and watch how everybody else rides their bikes. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">1. Local around our farm on the Garden Route</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had the privilege to ride with 'locals' around the farm; technically I was the local being born and bred in the area whilst they were just on holiday; although I was also on holiday! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At home I was able to ride in places I've only seen from
a far or driving past in a car. Some of the rides were a trip down memory lane
riding where I grew up with the sea right next to me. I was also lucky to meet
people to ride with which broke down my pre-conceived ideas of South Africans
back home being snobbish and unfriendly. How wrong was I? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One thing is for sure; these people can ride their MTB's fast on tar. We were averaging a speed higher than what I do on my road bike on the road when I'm fit on one those days into a head wind! I promised that I'll do a turn on the front when the wind was from behind. :-) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They were everything
but that. Friendly, accommodating and very helpful. Thank you Rozanne, Albert,
Grahame, Tim, Jean-Luc, Fanie & Marius! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Canopy trees towards the N2</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ImUrtjBTZ9M/VsMn39t4wzI/AAAAAAAAJuQ/2SD6hLE7h1M/s1600/IMG_9222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ImUrtjBTZ9M/VsMn39t4wzI/AAAAAAAAJuQ/2SD6hLE7h1M/s400/IMG_9222.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coastal road near Gourtizmond with Rozanne!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Riding with the 'locals' aka holiday makers in the area! :-)<br />TC the local, Jean-Luc, Rozanne, Graham & Fanie</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2. <a href="http://www.hermanusadventures.co.za/trails/">Hemel & Aarde Vallei, Hermanus</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Riding in Hermanus was with my best friends. This was my 3 day break away from the farmstall. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was like old times; like Tango Cycling Wales weekends, but just in
Hermanus. Everything revolved around a good ride, eating and kuiering! Awesome!
Thank you Steph, Gerhard, Christiaan, Kerryn, Si & Pokkeljie for the
memories! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The trails and scenery was out of this world and the trails form part of the well-known Wine 2 Whales race. My favourite part was
riding up The Gorge and following the wheel of Steph like old times down some flowy twisty singletrack.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Read more about <a href="http://tangocycling.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/heavenly-hemel-aarde-vallei.html">'Heavenly' Hemel & Aarde Vallei</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Day 1 </b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Tango Twins were lost & found again before this picture! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tango Train</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy place</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QeeiuDeiVME/VsMpY14hyTI/AAAAAAAAJvY/lrPvyK3_BHU/s1600/IMG_9671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QeeiuDeiVME/VsMpY14hyTI/AAAAAAAAJvY/lrPvyK3_BHU/s640/IMG_9671.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All together now! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Day 2</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I indulged a little bit too much in all the good South Africa food and it felt like my breakfast sat in my throat whilst riding, but I'm so glad that I rode as the scenery was just so beautiful! </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NF1NzHlp7B0/VsMpWRV_KSI/AAAAAAAAJug/p_S179E7QkA/s1600/IMG_9554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NF1NzHlp7B0/VsMpWRV_KSI/AAAAAAAAJug/p_S179E7QkA/s640/IMG_9554.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Early morning sunrise! </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZuh15m4coc/VsMqytb1gqI/AAAAAAAAJvw/pfI2MMY5F1c/s640/IMG_9576.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Steph & Si! :-) </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The morning after the night before! </span></td></tr>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>3. <a href="http://tangocycling.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/farm-life-trail-dog-sweet-singletrack.html">The Farm </a>:-) </b></span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of my <a href="https://t.co/rme9w5DTxI">highlights</a> was when our dog a good sized, Bull
Mastiff, Mincke invited herself to join me for some singletrack hunting on the
farm. She replaced me as laat lammetjie ('late lamb') or in English youngest child in the
house so has never been my favourite, she stole my heart and I would like to get a
trail dog now! She was so funny though, not used to all the exercise she went for a
swim in the dam and refused to run after that again. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Explore more about <a href="http://tangocycling.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/farm-life-trail-dog-sweet-singletrack.html">The Farm</a>!</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOmaKWMo6s8/VsMofc--qaI/AAAAAAAAJuU/UcGLc7erFls/s1600/IMG_9412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOmaKWMo6s8/VsMofc--qaI/AAAAAAAAJuU/UcGLc7erFls/s400/IMG_9412.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>4. <a href="http://www.welvanpas.co.za/index.php/leisure-activities/mountain-biking">Welvanpas, Wellington</a></b></span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The day before I returned was spent with Christiaan &
Elisca on trails that form part of one of the Cape Epic stages. It was the
hottest day on my whole holiday, the temperature was close to the 40's. The
trail was 95% singletrack, constantly going up & down and traversing round
the mountain. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because of the heat in South Africa there isn't much time for
respite, you ride to finish your ride before the heat of the day. That means
you shut up & pedal so that your ride is done by 10:00! The trail provides
you with views over the whole of the Bainskloof Valley before you head over to
the furthest part which spans views over to the Swartland! It has a good
combination of easy rideable fast flowing singletrack and a few pieces of nice
rock garden type singletrack. </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I still need to get a bit braver with the regular narrow little bridges that they sneak in regularly when you least expect it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Read more about <a href="http://tangocycling.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/wonderful-welvanpas.html">Wonderful Welvanpas</a>!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOXAtnRcudA/VsMqzFCYR2I/AAAAAAAAJv0/wMZamwJaEKo/s1600/IMG_9766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOXAtnRcudA/VsMqzFCYR2I/AAAAAAAAJv0/wMZamwJaEKo/s640/IMG_9766.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eCOw31LqQf0/VsMqzAyAAAI/AAAAAAAAJv4/2xcER1Wv47s/s1600/IMG_9775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eCOw31LqQf0/VsMqzAyAAAI/AAAAAAAAJv4/2xcER1Wv47s/s640/IMG_9775.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bainskloof</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--E-pNy68-0k/VsMqzYPHzkI/AAAAAAAAJv8/ZYMpiaMOgIQ/s1600/IMG_9777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--E-pNy68-0k/VsMqzYPHzkI/AAAAAAAAJv8/ZYMpiaMOgIQ/s400/IMG_9777.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Trying out <a href="https://www.iamsuperbar.co.za/">IamSUPERBAR,</a> a healthy dried fruit and nuts bar made by Elisca's friend</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YRSR1rbdhKg/VsMqzs_BU9I/AAAAAAAAJwE/HVjNx7w1n3c/s1600/IMG_9784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YRSR1rbdhKg/VsMqzs_BU9I/AAAAAAAAJwE/HVjNx7w1n3c/s640/IMG_9784.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">View towards the Swartland!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIJOWNFvKoE/VsMqz_uBnBI/AAAAAAAAJwA/oRKO0fzFJ0Y/s640/IMG_9785.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Singletrack for miles!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIJOWNFvKoE/VsMqz_uBnBI/AAAAAAAAJwA/oRKO0fzFJ0Y/s1600/IMG_9785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_rE9N-b_LI/VsMq0UwyD7I/AAAAAAAAJwM/LAG3ZZn75bE/s1600/IMG_9793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_rE9N-b_LI/VsMq0UwyD7I/AAAAAAAAJwM/LAG3ZZn75bE/s640/IMG_9793.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Singletrack satisfaction! </span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJWDt5GULNM/VsMq08-isVI/AAAAAAAAJwU/8iSbsvqmcdY/s1600/IMG_9815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJWDt5GULNM/VsMq08-isVI/AAAAAAAAJwU/8iSbsvqmcdY/s640/IMG_9815.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEI-rMjSuTc/VsMq091Io6I/AAAAAAAAJwg/gQAmBTXQVPY/s1600/IMG_9816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEI-rMjSuTc/VsMq091Io6I/AAAAAAAAJwg/gQAmBTXQVPY/s640/IMG_9816.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Elisca properly said something inappropriate to make us both laugh like this! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RstzbJnF8AA/VsMq1HSZWUI/AAAAAAAAJwc/6j0d-YHNE9M/s1600/IMG_9830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RstzbJnF8AA/VsMq1HSZWUI/AAAAAAAAJwc/6j0d-YHNE9M/s640/IMG_9830.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Dollas in action</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s96ql7GwNYw/VsMq1EHOKhI/AAAAAAAAJwY/V18MK-cTFxM/s1600/IMG_9841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s96ql7GwNYw/VsMq1EHOKhI/AAAAAAAAJwY/V18MK-cTFxM/s640/IMG_9841.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Welvanpas</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I found riding in South Africa much better than what I expected. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>TC's Observations</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. The <b>pace</b> as these people can klap/cane it on the district roads with! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. The <b>heat</b> is something out of this world and mostly not in a good way for us who are used to ride in mild to VERY cold conditions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Rides take place <b>early morning</b> and you still have the whole day to do other things</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <b>trails</b> are well built not as technical as what I'm used to in comparison to Wales</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. The trails are <b>dusty</b> and I'm sure for us from the UK that is one thing that isn't a problem! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9todcJoMnxE/VsNVlJWesQI/AAAAAAAAJ7k/SBG4maNoW9Q/s1600/IMG_9383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9todcJoMnxE/VsNVlJWesQI/AAAAAAAAJ7k/SBG4maNoW9Q/s320/IMG_9383.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Dust-O-Meter!</span></td></tr>
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-83136717243131142562016-02-16T12:13:00.000+00:002016-02-17T12:05:52.435+00:00Farm life, trail dog & sweet singletrack!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s_cptWBSl5E/VsMPIf83VWI/AAAAAAAAJsk/EbQ39oeiCXM/s1600/IMG_9383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s_cptWBSl5E/VsMPIf83VWI/AAAAAAAAJsk/EbQ39oeiCXM/s200/IMG_9383.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">South African Mud!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You might remember that I wrote about '<a href="http://tangocycling.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/finding-sweet-singletrack-on-our-farm.html">Finding Sweet Singletrack</a>' on the farm 3 years ago! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This year I rode quite a bit on the district roads nearby and only ventured out on the farm once. It was one of my highlights!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our dog a good sized, Bull
Mastiff, Mincke invited herself to join me for some singletrack hunting on the
farm. She replaced me as laat lammetjie (</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'late lamb') or in English the</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> youngest child in the
house. So she has never been in my good books, but she stole my heart and I would like to get a
trail dog now! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She didn't have any experience of any type of ride ever and she managed to not get in my way or cross the tracks! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She was so funny though, not used to all the exercise she went for a
swim in the dam and refused to run again after that. </span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxKi_TGweWhXNqf7DD2dpLuARgvYv4_9_5Cnw7quyGruDtNVPn8PQU2oUzXTba_Y0Dr2hpJKWO_QHYOfKIRfQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I just realised again that you can take me away from the farm, but you can't take the farm out of me. I love South Africa, I love the farm, I love our dog and some how these are the things that are still occupying my mind still a month after my return to London! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-87gFkNZP5Gg/VsMPIZdvvOI/AAAAAAAAJsg/t1Xp3Fp3SB0/s1600/IMG_9385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-87gFkNZP5Gg/VsMPIZdvvOI/AAAAAAAAJsg/t1Xp3Fp3SB0/s320/IMG_9385.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First singletrack 400m from home just after a short 'rock garden'!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O47O1y96bxo/VsMPILGbUUI/AAAAAAAAJsc/qEppE-kce0U/s1600/IMG_9384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O47O1y96bxo/VsMPILGbUUI/AAAAAAAAJsc/qEppE-kce0U/s400/IMG_9384.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ominous sky</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHrsTx-_W1o/VsMPI9h78fI/AAAAAAAAJso/QaF0-6Wq7m0/s1600/IMG_9386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHrsTx-_W1o/VsMPI9h78fI/AAAAAAAAJso/QaF0-6Wq7m0/s320/IMG_9386.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hopefully not my destiny... </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLX8ls3UXR0/VsMPJMwyA5I/AAAAAAAAJsw/7-oOZqepy7c/s1600/IMG_9388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLX8ls3UXR0/VsMPJMwyA5I/AAAAAAAAJsw/7-oOZqepy7c/s400/IMG_9388.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is going to be a slow ride! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FeKpPYH8RQg/VsMPJlW_xgI/AAAAAAAAJs4/CApXzTNKxh0/s1600/IMG_9390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FeKpPYH8RQg/VsMPJlW_xgI/AAAAAAAAJs4/CApXzTNKxh0/s320/IMG_9390.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Boerboon tree in bloom</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-varQ93mwZrg/VsMPKO6BoFI/AAAAAAAAJtA/edMOWUTxrjk/s1600/IMG_9392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-varQ93mwZrg/VsMPKO6BoFI/AAAAAAAAJtA/edMOWUTxrjk/s320/IMG_9392.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In die koppe</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1TdMAzFiK8/VsMPKtnt2jI/AAAAAAAAJtM/DUcaqdxn5eU/s1600/IMG_9395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1TdMAzFiK8/VsMPKtnt2jI/AAAAAAAAJtM/DUcaqdxn5eU/s320/IMG_9395.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mincke in full flight</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lAfxDkawXq4/VsMPKx6QSTI/AAAAAAAAJtU/vVxjLtNLCCY/s1600/IMG_9396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lAfxDkawXq4/VsMPKx6QSTI/AAAAAAAAJtU/vVxjLtNLCCY/s320/IMG_9396.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I thought they built a jump for me...instead an impressive home of a porcupine complete with two tunnels on the inside</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfSaY-otNY8/VsMPLfx9tdI/AAAAAAAAJtY/qoUBh3AFirE/s1600/IMG_9399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfSaY-otNY8/VsMPLfx9tdI/AAAAAAAAJtY/qoUBh3AFirE/s320/IMG_9399.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Q-oRoikyyA/VsMPLgO0-6I/AAAAAAAAJtc/Bw4CAiMTqMk/s1600/IMG_9401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Q-oRoikyyA/VsMPLgO0-6I/AAAAAAAAJtc/Bw4CAiMTqMk/s320/IMG_9401.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And then this happened! Seal was bulletproof! My tyre did deflate as I made the rooky error and pulled them out, but I pumped it up and all was fine again! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rnlIl9bXJUs/VsMPL-_lfJI/AAAAAAAAJtk/M0NNEyMyzqk/s1600/IMG_9403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rnlIl9bXJUs/VsMPL-_lfJI/AAAAAAAAJtk/M0NNEyMyzqk/s320/IMG_9403.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Behind the farmstall</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W54FebbAOWA/VsMPMCahLtI/AAAAAAAAJtg/pPcZ4tbb5NU/s1600/IMG_9406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W54FebbAOWA/VsMPMCahLtI/AAAAAAAAJtg/pPcZ4tbb5NU/s640/IMG_9406.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Queen of the Mountains, Mincke</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y39qYGJWqb8/VsMPMt2A43I/AAAAAAAAJto/38o_qOHmtjY/s1600/IMG_9408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y39qYGJWqb8/VsMPMt2A43I/AAAAAAAAJto/38o_qOHmtjY/s400/IMG_9408.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I ♥ the farm!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXtFWROV1ac/VsMPM1WqIWI/AAAAAAAAJts/nYe-0Y42-hg/s1600/IMG_9412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXtFWROV1ac/VsMPM1WqIWI/AAAAAAAAJts/nYe-0Y42-hg/s640/IMG_9412.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My new Bestie! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-91195686065176563832016-02-05T11:20:00.000+00:002016-02-16T12:36:30.512+00:00Memoires of a commuter<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I decided that this year I need to cycle into work and
save a few pounds where I can. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Random things that I've realised thus far:</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. It is harder to get up when you have to ride to work
than when you want to ride for fun on a weekend</span></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. There is annoying people on bikes the same as on the
tube (maybe I'm one of them)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
3. There is always that one person who gets to the lights
last, stand on the outside to pull away in front of you, you overtake them in a
few seconds or on the next straight, they push in again at the next traffic
light (repeat). This behaviour inspires me
to ride faster so I can just shake them off for good<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
4. There is always a few strays that think by jumping a
light or moving in front of the pedestrian crossing will give them an advantage
whilst 30 others stand behind the white line like well behaved school children,
this is not acceptable behaviour, please report to the head masters office
immediately<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
5. It takes longer to get dressed than what you think,
just as you think you are ready to go, you realise it might be best to put on
your overshoes so that your precious tootsies are nice and toastie!<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
6. Then you remember ag my waterbottle, oh and my helmet AND you end up forgetting your pass for work anyway...<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
7. There is no sweeter thing than to get your timing
right with a few consecutive green traffic lights (I think the timing gets
better as you get fitter)<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
8. Getting to work becomes a race from one traffic light
to another<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
9. You get a puncture within 2km from home, you lock your
bike & walk to the nearest station<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
10. The last 500m from your final destination is the most
dangerous<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
11. You see drivers swerving at you, you see drivers
taking their foot of the brake whilst standing still so that their van can
deliberately push cyclists who are trying to cross into the entry he is
blocking with the whole length of his van<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
12. It takes you the same time to cycle to work and
shower as it would to shower at home and travel to work by train<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
13. Somehow you forget the annoyances of your commute
much easier than the ones on the train<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
14. <b>FREEDOM</b> - You are free to pick your own route<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
15. You see cyclist pushing past HGV's - why? Do you read
the papers? If not, you will soon be in there too!<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
16. Commuting helps for homesickness. Coming back from SA
has made me wanted to just go home and sleep, on the days I commute I feel that
I want to do more<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
17. Last minute <a href="http://tangocycling.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/commando.html">underwear</a> purchases becomes routine<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
18. Brushing your teeth with a perfume infused toothbrush
is never nice, toothpaste and perfume have each their own purpose and should
never be mixed!<br />
<br />
19. Commuting takes you through different suburbs, from the trendy upmarket Clapham through the hustle & bustle of Tooting! In the morning you see all the neatly arranged fruit & veg, where in the evening you are seduced by the tantalising flavours of Tooting High Street<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
20. It is 2 birds with one stone, saving money &
getting fit<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
21. Like Gerhard van Niekerk says, I ride so I can eat
more!<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
22. You feel great afterwards! :-)<br />
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Tango Commuting Tips/Rules:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Don't under dress in winter, you will feel the cold to
your bones even if it's only an hour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Don't squeeze past on the inside of vans, HGV's or busses -
arrive alive<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Don't push in at traffic lights or jump red lights,
you give yourself and the rest of the cycling community a reputation</span><o:p></o:p></div>
TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com2London, UK51.5073509 -0.1277582999999822351.1912379 -0.77320529999998222 51.8234639 0.51768870000001777tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-76157531468047732442016-01-16T07:00:00.000+00:002016-02-17T12:39:33.833+00:00Wonderful Welvanpas!<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The day before I returned was spent with Christiaan & Elisca on trails that form part of one of the Cape Epic stages. It was the hottest day on my whole holiday, the temperature was close to the 40's. </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because of the heat in South Africa there isn't much time for respite, you ride to finish your ride before the heat of the day. That means you shut up & pedal so that your ride is done by 10:00! The trail provides you with views over the whole of the Bainskloof Valley before you head over to the furthest part which spans views over to the Swartland! It has a good combination of easy rideable fast flowing singletrack and a few pieces of nice rock garden type singletrack. </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I still need to get a bit braver with the regular narrow little bridges that they sneak in regularly when you least expect it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Head out early to avoid the heat as in start your ride at 6:00 if not earlier as you don't want to be caught in the furthest part of the trail with the sun beaming down on you. The wind also pumps like crazy at the back of the mountain, but I was quite grateful for the wind as it kept us cool. Riding in the UK doesn't make me hard enough for this warm temperature, it literally feels like I'm going backwards as soon as I'm not under the shade!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The trail was 95% singletrack, constantly going up & down and traversing round the mountains. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They do have a café at the start and finish area of the trail which sells cold cool drinks, beer snacks and even homemade jam. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Put it on your bucketlist for places to ride! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Find out more about the routes and how to get here by visiting <a href="http://www.welvanpas.co.za/index.php/leisure-activities/mountain-biking">Mountain Biking - Welvanpas</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bainskloof</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Trying out <a href="https://www.iamsuperbar.co.za/">IamSUPERBAR,</a> a healthy dried fruit and nuts bar made by Elisca's friend</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">View towards the Swartland!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Singletrack for miles!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Singletrack satisfaction! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Elisca properly said something inappropriate to make us both laugh like this! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Dollas in action</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Welvanpas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Lunch at <a href="http://www.blacksmithskitchen.co.za/">Blacksmith Kitche</a>n in Paarl! Beautiful setting, amazing food and great place to kuier</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Kerryn is friends with the owner of <a href="http://www.blacksmithskitchen.co.za/">Blacksmith Kitchen </a>in Paarl and recommended this place to us. The setting is beautiful and the food even better. Service is great with plenty of ice water top ups as an added bonus. Their crockery are personalised with parts of the deeds of the farm printed on them and it is evident that attention to detail is very important to them. They served the most amazing fresh garlic pesto with the pizza, I care more about the taste than the effects of the garlic. :-) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">HOT HOT Paarl! </span></div>
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0Wellington, South Africa-33.6404794 19.009656199999995-33.7462264 18.848294699999993 -33.534732399999996 19.171017699999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-15645219644974020302016-01-09T06:30:00.000+00:002016-04-01T11:46:22.018+01:00'Heavenly' Hemel & Aarde Vallei<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Riding in Hermanus was with my best friends. This was my 3 day break away from the farmstall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was like old times; like Tango Cycling Wales weekends, but just in Hermanus. Everything revolved around a good ride, eating and kuiering! Awesome! Thank you Steph, Gerhard, Christiaan, Kerryn, Si & Pokkeljie for the memories! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The trails and scenery was out of this world and the trails form part of the well-known Wine 2 Whales race. My favourite part was riding up The Gorge and following the wheel of Steph like old times down some flowy twisty singletrack. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Check out <a href="http://www.welvanpas.co.za/index.php/leisure-activities/mountain-biking">Hermanus Adventures</a> website for more details on the routes. We followed a combination of the routes, Steph knew the routes so she hand selected all the best bits! :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Day 1 </b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tango Cycling Global</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tango Triplets Re-united</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Tango Twins were lost & found again before this picture! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tango Train</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Breakfast at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Die-Plaaskombuis-513325958726588/">Die Plaaskombuis</a><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Obviously the best part of our ride according to me. Some of us didn't have breakfast before our ride and didn't take into account the South African heat. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Gorge!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the top of The Gorge!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy place</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All together now! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Steph nailing it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Psalm 24</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cream Soda Float vs Popeye Juice<br />The Popeye Juice was clearly NOT mine, but I can assure you that it tasted what it looked like!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kammabaai</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Delicatessen from the farmstall</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Day 2</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I indulged a little bit too much in all the good South Africa food and it felt like my breakfast sat in my throat whilst riding, but I'm so glad that I rode as the scenery was just so beautiful! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Early birds catches the worm</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Early morning sunrise! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The morning after the night before!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Steph & Si! :-) </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You scream, we scream, we all scream for Ice cream! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Prawn Flats</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coffee @ Voëlklip</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My Besties: Si, Pokkeltjie, Kerryn, Christiaan, Zoé, Steph & Gerhard</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://tangocycling.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/wonderful-welvanpas.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://tangocycling.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/wonderful-welvanpas.html">Read more about riding in Welvanpas</a></span></div>
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0Hermanus, South Africa-34.4092004 19.25044360000004-34.461596400000005 19.169762600000041 -34.3568044 19.331124600000038tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-11914753322645158392015-12-12T19:12:00.001+00:002016-02-05T11:21:06.884+00:00A road cycling dilemma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This morning I was meant to go on a ladies ride that Rapha organised. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I haven't been on my road ride for a while and noticed that I had a slow puncture. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you don't keep your finger on the pulse in terms of maintaining your bike and using your kit regularly you will end up like I did this morning; trying to eat breakfast whilst searching for a slow puncture, found it, used old fashioned glue patches to patch it, then I went to my room to fetch my lights as I'm halfway down the stairs I remember my sunglasses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally outside with my fixed wheel I go to the garage to collect my bike. I always battle squeezing the wheel back in through the brake pads, wasting more time, then I pump up my back tyre and finally ready to go, but realising there is no chance that I'll make it to Esher for 9:00. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back into the house again noticing that I didn't take my helmet! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What to do now? I'm not making that ride, I'm awake, dressed and ready to ride. Do I try and find a ride buddy or do I just ride on my own? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Decision made: I'll ride on my own. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I went up Cottenham Park Drive along Wimbledon Common, down to Putney and through Roehampton entering the park via the dreaded and well known Priory lane. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I came near to the park I realised... mmm London Dynamo rides Saturday mornings in the park. Not ideal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I started my lap regardless. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first group of about 12 riders past me in silence. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The second group caught me as I was almost at the top of Dark Hill, the 4th rider was the first to say allo to me. One more morning and that is it. At the top they regrouped, I was holding their pace and that is where my dilemma occurred...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They were chainganging it... for those who don't know, two rows of riders ride next to each other and they rotate anti-clockwise to each take a turn at the front. This is a beautiful thing to see when it is executed well like they were doing it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Where does this leave me? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can easily keep the pace and join their chaingang OR I can overtake them just to upset them and myself as I'll well out of my comfort zone and not be able to hold their pace on my own? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have favourite sections in the park where I like to open up a bit if I'm possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I sat about 2 meters behind their chaingang. We went down Dark Hill. I stayed behind their last rider and didn't overtake him, he caught up with them, I dropped off a little bit, but then caught up with them on their way back to Roehampton Gate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next problem, cars are coming from the front, their group is splitting up, I'm on the outside... The friendly ride captain tell me to jump on his wheel which I did. Suddenly I'm in their chaingang. I'm well capable of being their, but somehow they don't really know what to do with me as now I've messed up their perfectly organised formation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We turned the corner at Roehampton Gate and I was on the outside near the front, I wasn't sure if I should pull over to the left to drop back to the back again or what I should do.... So I accelerated a little so that I'm in front of them and not part of their formation. I took a left up to the Ballet School and they went straight on towards Sawyers Hill. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't like riding on my own, so it was quite nice to be in the mix and realise that I was able to keep up with them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I cruised along towards Ham Gate as I took a left turn to go down the dip at Ham towards Kingston Gate (one of my favourite sections of the park). I saw two groups of Dynamos coming down from Pembroke Lodge. I really hoped that it wasn't them and that it was the fast group. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I kept on riding and as we got to Dark Hill again, their they catch me again, some of them commented here you are again at which I didn't reply as I could feel that I haven't really been riding on my roadbike lately and was paying the price for it. Needless to say they came past me, dropped me and carried on, I took a right and left the park through Ladderstile Gate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am really glad that I've been for a ride, but can't help to think what would've been the right thing to do? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My options were: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. I should've asked if I could join their chaingang </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. They could've offered that I join</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Should I have stopped to give them some space so that I didn't get caught in their mix of things again? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. I could've over taken them, but that would just be arrogant as then they'll hunt me down and all I wanted was a chilled ride in the park. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Maybe if I felt different today I would've asked, but I didn't. :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ps. See with mountain biking we would've just talked to each other or waited a little bit to give a gap... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pss. Why didn't I think to do that, surely that the principle would've paid off on the road as well. Next time! </span><br />
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875768911637031166.post-80135329513021118332015-11-27T12:41:00.004+00:002015-11-27T12:41:59.897+00:00REVIEW: Specialized Women Specific Cycling Clothing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All of my bike accessories are already Specialized, but I've never splashed out on buying my own Specialized cycling kit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I happen to have met Olivia the Brand Manager for Women at Specialized UK on the Bella Velo rides and she kindly surprised me in June with this Specialized ambassadors outfit. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to take the selfie to capture my excitement, it doesn't quite do it justice, but if you look closely you'll see that I dropped everything in the kitchen to try on this outfit straight away! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From the moment I started trying it on, I could tell that this was good quality kit and understand why people pay the price for this kit. It is just so soft, it doesn't cut into love handles or upper thighs, it just feels great. This might be a strange thing for me to say and also very cringy, but you feel like a women! Oooh I said it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The cycling tights are my favourite, it is awesome bib shorts with a magnet fastening on the back which allows you to go to the ladies without taking all of your clothes off. You literally just drop your tights and go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Below is a video from <a href="https://youtu.be/qG1yjV8bDFM">Specialized </a>demonstrating how it works! </span></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qG1yjV8bDFM/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qG1yjV8bDFM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The padding is thin and ergonomically shaped for the best comfort. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v-gYcl1cIFk/VkEWob5nJCI/AAAAAAAAJoo/ByZBWAbdisI/s1600/IMG_8008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v-gYcl1cIFk/VkEWob5nJCI/AAAAAAAAJoo/ByZBWAbdisI/s320/IMG_8008.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soft finishes on the arm</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sleeves of the jersey and legs of the tights both have base layer material finishes which doesn't cut into your skin and doesn't ride up either as it has nicely spaced out elastic on the inside. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCQgAuVJ_kA/VkEXHrq9TVI/AAAAAAAAJow/wqqYuUiqWyA/s1600/IMG_8007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCQgAuVJ_kA/VkEXHrq9TVI/AAAAAAAAJow/wqqYuUiqWyA/s320/IMG_8007.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Same soft finishes on the legs</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The back of the cycling top has 3 pockets, including a waterproof zipped pocket. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kYgsl6Zi2fQ/VkEXICcw1FI/AAAAAAAAJo0/wCz-lGfXUXc/s1600/IMG_8004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kYgsl6Zi2fQ/VkEXICcw1FI/AAAAAAAAJo0/wCz-lGfXUXc/s320/IMG_8004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you look closely you can see the magnet dropper of the bib shorts underneath my top.<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I love this outfit even though it has pink it. :-) The bib shorts is a must! </span></div>
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12529437810561980038noreply@blogger.com0