#drophandlebars

"Waiting on Mishaq to start the day; we'd begun #TourOfAra here July end, then also the last stage to Matjiesfontein early August, so there was a sense of familiarity between place, crew, riders of both. Community within cycling is a contextual thing, but with rides like these it runs deep, with bonds almost familial." Sutherland 10•October•2017 Photograph by @LiamLynchPhoto #Karoobaix #Stage2 #Moordenaars #Sutherland to #Matjiesfontein #185km #Karoo #SouthAfrica #MoordenaarsKaroo #Desert #GravelRace #CyclocrossStyle #DropHandlebars #400km #KBX

Panorama 3/3. "Riders, crew, friends, Tannie Poppie and even a paramedic welcome last man in, Eric 'The Machine' Basson, bringing #Karoobaix 2017 to a close. Like #TourOfAra, there is a level of respect shared amongst those drawn to the race that reflects as equally on the last one to finish as it does on the first." Matjiesfontein 10•October•2017 Photograph by @LiamLynchPhoto #Karoobaix #Stage2 #Moordenaars #Sutherland to #Matjiesfontein #185km #Karoo #SouthAfrica #MoordenaarsKaroo #Desert #GravelRace #CyclocrossStyle #DropHandlebars #400km #KBX

Panorama 1/3. "Riders, crew, friends, Tannie Poppie and even a paramedic welcome last man in, Eric 'The Machine' Basson, bringing #Karoobaix 2017 to a close. Like #TourOfAra, there is a level of respect shared amongst those drawn to the race that reflects as equally on the last one to finish as it does on the first." Matjiesfontein 10•October•2017 Photograph by @LiamLynchPhoto #Karoobaix #Stage2 #Moordenaars #Sutherland to #Matjiesfontein #185km #Karoo #SouthAfrica #MoordenaarsKaroo #Desert #GravelRace #CyclocrossStyle #DropHandlebars #400km #KBX

"Ettiene Jordaan, just in, chats with Commissaire Mishaq in the blazing Karoo sun." Matjiesfontein 10•October•2017 Photograph by @LiamLynchPhoto #Karoobaix #Stage2 #Moordenaars #Sutherland to #Matjiesfontein #185km #Karoo #SouthAfrica #MoordenaarsKaroo #Desert #GravelRace #CyclocrossStyle #DropHandlebars #400km #KBX

"Every time I mention Sarah Atmore riding #Karoobaix with a damaged rib to a local cyclist, I'm met with a reaction indicating nothing but respect. Many seem to know her as an example of absolute determination, and I'd gladly second that; I can't fathom rolling over in bed when my broken ribs flare up again. The thought of daring corrugation and sand and 18 hour days are beyond me, but Sarah showed only stoicism. When the van sweeping the course tried to collect her in the dark, ascending Oubergpas, they were greeted with a withering stare probably not unlike this one, and a flat 'Stan said I could finish whenever I want.' On the last night's dinner, Sarah offered to give her #KBX pin to someone from a table that had yet to receive them, as she didn't ride the last day, but I honestly can't think of anyone who deserves one more." Matjiesfontein 10•October•2017 Photograph by @LiamLynchPhoto #Karoobaix #Stage2 #Moordenaars #Sutherland to #Matjiesfontein #185km #Karoo #SouthAfrica #MoordenaarsKaroo #Desert #GravelRace #CyclocrossStyle #DropHandlebars #400km #KBX

" 'Slow and steady wins the race' seems such a falsehood in view of my pointless scramble to reel in the leaders on day two. I'd spotted what I thought was an ominous rock in the road and in avoiding it, saw this tortoise whip its head into its shell. A short stop (or stoop) and then I carried it out of harm's (or cyclists') way, when I saw..." Approaching Matjiesfontein 10•October•2017 Photograph by @LiamLynchPhoto #Karoobaix #Stage2 #Moordenaars #Sutherland to #Matjiesfontein #185km #Karoo #SouthAfrica #MoordenaarsKaroo #Desert #GravelRace #CyclocrossStyle #DropHandlebars #400km #KBX

"A rider I didn't recognise at all, as far as a name goes; another face at breakfast, I'm afraid. Without helmet and glasses I'd guess that's his bike on the right (Trevor Seinen) but if anyone could point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it. A moment at rest while stopping for food, the abandoned house apparently settled skew as the setting." Lunch Stop 10•October•2017 Photograph by @LiamLynchPhoto #Karoobaix #Stage2 #Moordenaars #Sutherland to #Matjiesfontein #185km #Karoo #SouthAfrica #MoordenaarsKaroo #Desert #GravelRace #CyclocrossStyle #DropHandlebars #400km #KBX

"Wors & Smoor braai broodjies to go, and a cake depicting Tannie Poppie in full #TourOfAra glory. For those who have ridden any of the Tours, Tannie is a fixture... she had a surprise hug for me when I pulled off my bike helmet and was reminded of her special place in the history of the race, now #Karoobaix as well." Lunch Stop 10•October•2017 Photograph by @LiamLynchPhoto #Karoobaix #Stage2 #Moordenaars #Sutherland to #Matjiesfontein #185km #Karoo #SouthAfrica #MoordenaarsKaroo #Desert #GravelRace #CyclocrossStyle #DropHandlebars #400km #KBX