Innholdsfortegnelse for Sep/Oct 2025 i Bicycling South Africa

AGENCY GURU BY DAY, event organiser by night. Jeremy Crowder fell into the world of cycling events because of… his wife. “Yes, you can blame her for making me an event organiser,” he says. “About five years ago, I was looking through some photos and I couldn’t tell what event they were from, because they all looked the same. “I started moaning about the sameness of everything, and my wife said, ‘I don’t care about it. But if you care so much, then just start your own event!’ It immediately got me thinking.” The following weekend, Crowder was in his car on a journey of discovery. He drove to the South Africa-Namibia border at Vioolsdrif, taking as many gravel detours as he could, including the famous 207km-long R355 – the…

EVEN IF YOU HAVE ONLY A PASSING interest in South African history, you’ll have heard of the Battle of Spioenkop – one of the most brutal, bloody clashes of the Anglo-Boer War, in which British forces suffered heavy losses trying to seize the famous hilltop from the Boer defenders. ‘Spion Kop’, the British spelling, is still slang for a type of terraced stand at various UK football stadiums. The most famous ‘Kop’ is at Anfield, since many of the young men who died in 1900 had enlisted from Liverpool and surrounds. Before today, I had an abstract idea of the significance of the hill; but now history is coming alive under my tyres as I ride the 50-switchback climb to the top, following the same route that the Boers used to…

ANY BIKE BUILDER worth his or her salt has a story that starts with ‘I loved cycling as a child.’ It’s the custom-bike equivalent of the author’s ‘Once upon a time…’ David Mercer – the man behind Mercer Bikes – fits that bill. “When I was a green, keen teen, I think I was half bicycle,” he says over the pounding of hammer on anvil in his garage-band-hangout-meets-mad-scientist-lair of a workshop in Cape Town. His workspace is inside the Bijou, an old Art Deco cinema in Cape Town’s Observatory suburb, now repurposed as a studio space that he shares with blacksmith Conrad Hicks (hence the anvil) and other artists. It’s exactly the kind of place you’d hope to find a custom bike builder, with steel tubing and machined parts and…

IF YOUR BIKE-STYLE PREFERENCE veers towards ‘muted’ or ‘understated’, don’t bother calling Adam Connor at Azishe for a custom build. However, if your thinking runs more towards ‘paint grenade in a blender, dusted with glitter’ or ‘neon leggings put through the wash on high, with chilli sauce’, then Adam is your man. With build names like ‘Island Girl’, ‘Candy Meth’ and ‘Blah Blah Blah Fishpaste’, his bikes lean into the outlandish and embrace the absurd, challenging the very concept of what makes a bike aesthetically pleasing. Like many good (and bad) ideas, it all started on a bike. Connor, an industrial designer by trade, says inspiration came during a disastrous attempt at a tandem riding adventure. “My partner Patricia and I wanted to do an overnight outride on the tandem,” he…

16 000 KM2 That’s the size of the Makgadikgadi Pans – one of the largest salt flats in the world. When bone-dry, it looks like a blinding white desert; when flooded, it turns into a surreal, shallow inland sea. Makgadikgadi was once an enormous lake, estimated to be at least 80 000 km² in size. That’s bigger than Ireland! 450mm Average annual rainfall. For most of the year, the pans are a parched, cracked moonscape. Just a little rain transforms them into a watery oasis. 100 000-PLUS The number of flamingos that arrive in wet years. Lesser flamingos use Sua Pan as one of only two breeding sites in southern Africa. 30 000 ZEBRAS Zebras everywhere! Botswana’s zebra migration between the Boteti River and the pans is Africa’s second-largest wildlife…

Flights: Lufthansa, to Frankfurt/Frankfurt to Milan  Bus: Malpensa Airport to Centralo Station, Milan Train: Milan to Peschiera del Garda Accommodation Day 1: Hotel Riviera, Desenzano del Garda Day 2: Bellavista Hotel, Tignale Day 3: Garni Enjoy Ledro Hotel, Pieve di Ledro Day 4: Albergo Rifugio Graziani, Monte Baldo Estimated cost (incl. flights): R22 000 per person. Best time to go: Summer! What I packed 2 Pairs of bibs 2 Cycling shirts 1 Rain jacket 2 Pairs underwear 1 Pair slip slops 1 Helmet 1 Pair cycling shoes Arm warmers 2 Socks1 Buff 1 Casquette Toothbrush and small toothpaste 1 Pair shorts Swimming briefs Cycling gloves 3 Sachets Open Fuel Ultra Fuel Scan the QR code and download the GPX files…

WHETHER YOU'RE A BEGINNER or a seasoned cyclist, you've probably heard of carbo-loading. But what is it, exactly? Is it really necessary to help you ride faster and longer? And… how do you actually do it? Here’s where we explain the science behind carbo-loading, how to put it into practice, and how to avoid some common mistakes. CARBOHYDRATES AND GLYCOGEN Cycling and carbohydrates are inseparable – carbs are the main source of our energy. If you don’t eat carbs before or during your ride, there’s a good chance you’ll hit the wall at some point. Carbohydrates are the best source of energy during (intensive) rides because they require the least oxygen to burn; that oxygen becomes increasingly limited during physical exertion. Burning fat, by contrast, demands much more oxygen. The…

YOU MIGHT FEEL AN EXTRA BOOST OF energy in your muscles after ingesting caffeine, but it’s actually your brain that’s responding. When your body breaks down caffeine, the resulting chemicals bind to receptors of a neurotransmitter called adenosine. When adenosine levels are high, it makes you feel tired. But caffeine blocks these receptors, preventing the fatigue signal from reaching your brain – so you don’t feel tired. Other research shows that caffeine can also improve muscle contraction and reduce the perceived level of pain or effort, which can help you push on for longer during tough rides. Studies have shown that about 2 to 6 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight (roughly 2-4 cups of coffee, for a 70kg cyclist) can improve endurance by 2-4% and boost average power…

SHIMANO ALSO DEBUTED new XTR brakes, which are offered in two familiar formats: a lightweight two-piston version for XC, and a more powerful four-piston set-up for trail and enduro riding. The four-piston version introduces several key updates, while the twopiston system remains largely unchanged from M9100, except for a switch to new low-viscosity mineral oil. The lever’s pivot has been moved 5mm closer to the bar for a more natural pull, and the lever blade now features a 5mm upward sweep. Shimano claims this “asymmetrical upswept design” aligns better with the rider’s finger angle, improving control and encouraging a more aggressive riding position. Ceramic pistons have been replaced with a more durable material that won’t crack. However, Shimano still doesn’t offer replacement pistons – if one is damaged, the entire…

ADMIT IT: half the fun of cycling is dressing up. That feeling of pulling on a favourite pair of bibs; zipping up a jersey that fits you just right… Quality kit enables you to push your limits and enjoy being on the bike, whether you’re racing your mates to the coffee shop or lining up at an event. We went shopping for some of the best new kit available from our favourite local brands – everything from waterproof jackets to the raciest lycra, in a range of funky colours. Check it out.…

CIOVITA ADVENTURE SHIRT R1 499 / CIOVITA.CO.ZA Get your grunge on with this funky technical shirt, which is great for a long day out on the bike, or for when you want to go riding straight after your board meeting… The long sleeves protect against the sun, but the WR Dry Check fabric is nice and airy, so you won’t overheat. The cut is more relaxed than for a traditional jersey, with clever details like a scooped back and a hidden zip pocket for your car key. There’s also a short-sleeve version. CIOVITA AE TRAIL TEE R1 299 / CIOVITA.CO.ZA Simple, comfortable, flattering… This is a great shirt for any kind of riding, but it’s especially suited to off-road adventures. The fabric is soft, with a natural feel, and it…

LEATT MTB 3.0 ENDURANCE R495 / LEATT.COM You can’t go wrong with a pair of Leatt gloves. These bring the usual tech – breathable fabric and padded palms, with a lens/sweat-wipe panel on the thumb and touch-screen functionality on the fingertips – plus a dash of design flair. Don’t like the ‘art’ colourway? They’re also available in more muted hues, and in black. ENJOY ALINE TRAIL SHORTS R1 350 / ENJOY.CC Every mountain biker needs a good pair of baggies in their kit collection. These are simple and durable, and most importantly, they’re the right length – just above the knee. Pockets on MTB shorts are non-negotiable – these have a waterproof pocket at the back and a zip pocket on the side. The waist band is adjustable and you…

NILS HANSEN IS MOVING. If you ride a bike in Cape Town, you will have heard of his shop – the one-and-only Woodstock Cycleworks. It’s the kind of place where you’ll pop in for some chain lube and leave two hours later, having bumped into three old friends, watched a wheel being trued, discussed why internal headset routing is the dumbest thing ever, and run your hand over a steel-frame Colnago that you want badly but can’t possibly justify adding to your collection. Woodstock Cycleworks is not only beloved by Capetonians; people from all over the country visit when they’re in the Mother City. The shop has been featured on The Radavist in the US and it’s regularly used as a location for film shoots. Globetrotting cycle tourists are pulled…

MY BIKES ARE TELLING THE CUSTOMER’S STORY. IT’S NOT ABOUT ME, IT’S ABOUT THE RIDER.– ADAM CONNOR, AZISHE CABAL CABALBIKES.CO.ZA / @CABALBIKES ■ Cabal is a local brand, based out of Cape Town, and they play in the tightly contested premium market – with ‘custom’ as their differentiator. It starts with the ordering process: you first have a bike fit, where all your measurements are taken. That determines your frame size, bar width, stem length, stacking and crank length – everything, basically. Then the fun part: you get to fully custom design your paint scheme with professionals, to truly set your dream bike apart. No two bikes will ever look the same. There are three bikes in the range: Aero 2, a sleek and fast road bike; Project X, an…

Natural Selection’s standard Makgadikgadi Cycling Safari is a six-day, five-night trip from Thamo Telele near Maun, to Camp Kalahari in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, via Meno-A-Kwena Tented Lodge and Planet Baobab; but the duration and details are infinitely customisable. You ride through wilderness areas and there are no fences between you and the animals. Groups are accompanied by two guides at all times. All accommodation, transfers, daily activities, meals and local drinks are included – you can also have laundry done, if you need a clean pair of bibs. A back-up vehicle follows the group, and there’s basic mechanical support available. That said, it’s advisable to bring any spares you might need for your particular bike. Don’t forget a spare derailleur hanger! E-bikes can be charged each day. ◼Best time…

ENJOY ATOM R1 195 / ENJOY.CC This is the kind of jacket you can carry on every ride – it’s incredibly versatile, and does a brilliant job of keeping you warm, especially during early-morning starts when the sun isn’t up yet. When you don’t need it anymore, it scrunches down super-tiny – into its own pocket-bag – and you hardly notice it in your jersey pocket. Pack it if the sky looks ominous: even though it’s not ‘waterproof’, it will definitely help in a downpour. ENJOY PROXISION R2 350 / ENJOY.CC These might just become your favourite bibs. They’re so comfy you forget you’re wearing them, which is all you really want from a pair of bike shorts. The mesh back is breathable, and there are sneaky pockets to stash…

1. Save your frame Cut a section of tube and wrap it around your chain stay. Secure the ends with insulation tape or cable ties. No more scratches on your frame from a bouncing chain. 2. Make a shim If the clamp on your GPS or GoPro mount is too big, put a piece of tube between the mount and your handlebar. You can also just wrap a length around your bar to stop it being scratched by a light or a bell. 3. Bike rack protection You know those hard plastic straps that go through your wheels when you mount a bike on a tow-bar or roof carrier? Cut a length of tube and slide it onto the strap for extra protection. You can also wrap the parts of…

Hydration packs had their moment in the early 2000s. But they were terribly uncool, and most cyclists opted for bottles, despite how practical it is to carry a bladder on your back. They’ve since had a resurgence, however, especially in marathon and gravel racing circles; thanks to sleek and clever new designs that stop the pack from bouncing around on your back. This is local brand First Ascent’s latest pack. The harness system might look similar to that of a well-known Swedish brand, but we’re not here to fight about who did it first. What matters is that this is a well-priced, practical pack that ships with a 2-litre TPU bladder, and a removable exterior pocket that offers a useful stash space for your snacks and a jacket. There are…

I THINK – PERHAPS BECAUSE so many serious corporate types seem to be enamoured with cycling – that there’s sometimes a lack of creativity in the sport. We all know that scientifically, if you want to become a ruthless CEO and Captain (or Captainess) of Industry, you have to be a mirthless, raging psychopath who loves nothing more than money, private schooling and Specialized S-Works bikes. You can see how such dour ambition might sometimes seep into the fringes of the sport. Because similarly, to ‘prove yourself’ at major events against other A-type riders, you have to take cycling incredibly seriously. You must remove all joy from life and eat only energy gels for 39 days while building up to your race, eschewing anything remotely interesting. Like beer. Because being a…

IN A RELATIVELY SHORT RACING CAREER, Hayley Preen has packed in a lot. She’s the current South African National Gravel Champion (for the second time, after winning the inaugural Gravel Champs in 2022). She’s been a National Road Champion, Time Trial Champion and Criterium Champion. In case you still hadn’t heard of her, that would have changed at this year’s Cape Epic. Riding with partner Bianca Haw, the two effervescent mountain bikers endeared themselves to South African cycling fans with a gutsy, flamboyant performance to finish third overall at the event. Their sheer enthusiasm for the challenge, their honest post-race interviews, and their hearts-on-sleeves approach caused many to sit up and take notice. Since the Epic, Preen hasn’t stopped. She swiftly won the 2025 National Gravel Champs before jetting off…

The 2025 UCI Road World Championships are scheduled to take place in Kigali from 21 to 28 September. The elite women’s race will be on 27 September, and the elite men’s race will end proceedings on 28 September. Both will feature multiple laps of a course around the capital. 268km The distance of the elite men’s race. 5475m The total elevation gain, making it one of the toughest races in modern World Champs history. 14% The maximum grade on the Côte de Kimihurura, a 1.3km cobbled climb that will be repeated 21 times during the race. 165km The distance of the elite women’s race, which will feature 3 350m of elevation gain. For comparison, the course in Zurich for the 2024 World Champs was 10km shorter, with a thousand metres…

1 DON'T CARBO-LOAD FOR THE WHOLE WEEK When you eat carbohydrates that you don’t use immediately, they’re stored in your muscles as glycogen. However, you can only store a limited amount of glycogen. If you eat extra carbohydrates every day starting on Monday, for a race on Saturday, a large part of those sugars will be stored as fat. Before you know it, you could be standing at the start line weighing a kilo or so more. Research shows that it’s enough to increase your carbohydrate intake only on the day before a long ride or race. 2 DON’T LOAD UP ON FATTY FOODS During cycling, your body always burns a combination of carbohydrates and fats (and a very small amount of protein). The higher the intensity, the greater the proportion…

CIOVITA APEX HYDRO REPEL R4 999 / CIOVITA.CO.ZA This is CIOVITA’s flagship waterproof jacket – a highly technical piece of kit that doesn’t come cheap. But you get solid protection for your money. The Sympatex fabric (like GoreTex on steroids) is an almost impermeable barrier, and the pro cut and articulated sleeves ensure a fit snug enough that no drizzle will creep in. There’s reflective trim for dark and stormy days (and nights), and a double zip, so you can open it from top and bottom for maximum ventilation when the sun finally comes out. It’s the type of jacket you might only wear once or twice a season; but when you do, you’ll be very glad about it. Also available in white. ASSOS SPRING/FALL GLOVES R1 090 / JJCYCLING.CO.ZA…