Active Hobo

In this conversation Tyler breaks down his new deal with Giant and Envy, what it actually takes to compete at UCI level as a non-continental team, and why he thinks South Africa is sitting on a generation of world-class talent that nobody is watching. He also gives his honest read on the 2026 Giro and who he thinks wins the Tour de France sprint stages. If you follow road cycling even loosely, this one has opinions worth hearing.# === CHAPTERS ===================================0:00 — Tyler Lange: SA's Best Sprinter at 221:17 — The Giant & Envy Deal Explained5:39 — Aero vs Climbing: Which Bike Do You Choose?9:47 — Tour de Maurice & What UCI Racing Actually Means13:11 — Why South Africa Doesn't Have a UCI Race20:49 — The Hard Truth About Road Racing in SA22:54 — Why SA's Top Sprinter Is Racing Gravel25:40 — 2026 Giro d'Italia & Tour de France Predictions33:29 — The Future of Sprint Racing37:52 — Giant Grassroots Program: A Path to Europe41:57 — The World Tour Dream — and Why It's Still Possible# === LISTEN ON THE GO ===========================Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GselFmeym7YgYXtcyPUXUApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-hobo/id1846864699# === FOLLOW ACTIVE HOBO =========================Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@activehobo?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://activehobo.com/Instagram: @theactivehoboStrava: https://strava.app.link/ciVbx92FJ2b# === THE CREW ===================================Dave @davlewjenkins# === MORE FROM ACTIVE HOBO ======================Latest episode: https://youtu.be/VRIeP2JYf5UFull podcast playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc2XIoaiAXafwoZykJM-jg6HnrLkWlJXHRelated episode: https://youtu.be/lGfvanjllXY# === WORK WITH US ===============================Sponsorships & collabs: david@activehobo.comSend a question for the show: noah@activehobo.com#ActiveHobo #CyclingPodcast #SouthAfricanCycling

Photographer Ewald Sadie joins us to break down the stories, techniques, and split-second decisions behind some of his most iconic cycling images. From shooting off the back of a motorbike during gravel races to explaining composition, motion blur, black-and-white photography, and race storytelling, this episode dives deep into what makes a truly powerful photo. If you love cycling, photography, filmmaking, or visual storytelling, this conversation is packed with insight from one of the best in the game.Shift Media Co.Website: https://shiftmedia.co.za/Instagram: @shift_media_co# === CHAPTERS ===================================00:00 Intro01:12 Why Cycling Photography Matters03:45 Aperture, ISO & Shutter Speed Explained06:20 How Tracking Shots Actually Work10:18 Shooting From The Back Of A Motorbike14:42 Why Some Photos Work Better In Black & White19:05 Capturing Emotion In Cycling Photography24:18 The Art Of Composition & Storytelling30:14 How Ewald Captured His Favourite Shot37:42 The Challenge Of Shooting Gravel Racing44:10 The Story Behind The Swartberg Images51:26 Printing Photos & Why It Changes Everything56:40 Editing Thousands Of Race Photos01:02:18 The Reality Of Being Event Media01:07:32 Final Thoughts & Favourite Images# === LISTEN ON THE GO ===========================Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GselFmeym7YgYXtcyPUXUApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-hobo/id1846864699# === FOLLOW ACTIVE HOBO =========================Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@activehobo?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://activehobo.com/Instagram: @theactivehoboStrava: https://strava.app.link/ciVbx92FJ2b# === THE CREW ===================================Dave @davlewjenkins# === WORK WITH US ===============================Sponsorships & collabs: david@activehobo.comSend a question for the show: noah@activehobo.com#ActiveHobo #CyclingPodcast #SouthAfricanCycling #photography #gardenroutegiro

We took the Giant Revolt onto real South African gravel to find out if Shimano, comfort-focused geometry, and a more balanced setup can actually compete with the SRAM-heavy gravel scene. What started as a bike we thought we wouldn’t like quickly turned into one of the biggest surprises we’ve ridden this year. From brutal climbs and loose technical terrain to long-distance comfort and everyday ride feel, this is our honest review of the Giant Revolt.00:00 First Impressions00:42 Why We Didn’t Want To Like The Giant Revolt02:15 Testing It On REAL South African Gravel04:10 Shimano vs SRAM — The Big Debate06:18 The Geometry Explained Simply08:05 Why The Revolt Feels So Stable10:42 Comfort, Climbing & Ride Feel13:20 The Features That Actually Matter16:05 Is Mechanical Shimano Better Than Expected?18:12 Final Verdict — Would We Actually Buy It?# === LISTEN ON THE GO ===========================Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GselFmeym7YgYXtcyPUXUApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-hobo/id1846864699# === FOLLOW ACTIVE HOBO =========================Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@activehobo?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://activehobo.com/Instagram: @theactivehoboStrava: https://strava.app.link/ciVbx92FJ2b# === THE CREW ===================================Dave @davlewjenkins# === MORE FROM ACTIVE HOBO ======================Latest episode: https://youtu.be/VRIeP2JYf5UFull podcast playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc2XIoaiAXafwoZykJM-jg6HnrLkWlJXHRelated episode: https://youtu.be/lGfvanjllXY# === WORK WITH US ===============================Sponsorships & collabs: david@activehobo.comSend a question for the show: noah@activehobo.com#ActiveHobo #CyclingPodcast #SouthAfricanCycling #gravelbike #giantrevolt #giantrevoltreview

A bunch ride in Cape Town. A couple from Wellington. And a chain of events that changed everything.Charl and Roxy Kemp join the Breakaway this week... and it's one of the warmest conversations we've had on this show.Also this week: the Giro d'Italia GC battle (Vingegaard, Pogačar, Van der Poel — and the eternal debate about boring vs brilliant racing). SA National Enduro Champs at Karkloof — Keira Duncan defends his elite title on home trails. And a brand-new segment: "Bof in the Breakaway" — the show's new MTB correspondent covering schools, youth racing, and the disciplines that don't get enough airtime.# === CHAPTERS ===================================0:00 — Meet Charl & Roxy Kemp3:31 — How the Savage Tuesday Ride Changed Everything13:44 — The Double Century & Getting a Coach25:31 — Roxy's Story: From Surfing to Elite MTB41:00 — What Consistency Actually Costs45:00 — Vingegaard, Pogačar & the Giro d'Italia Debate55:34 — Introducing "Bof in the Breakaway" — New MTB Segment57:08 — SA National Enduro Champs at Karkloof Recap1:11:05 — Wrap-Up# === LISTEN ON THE GO ===========================Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GselFmeym7YgYXtcyPUXUApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-hobo/id1846864699# === FOLLOW ACTIVE HOBO =========================Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@activehobo?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://activehobo.com/Instagram: @theactivehoboStrava: https://strava.app.link/ciVbx92FJ2b# === THE CREW ===================================Dave @davlewjenkins# === MORE FROM ACTIVE HOBO ======================Latest episode: https://youtu.be/VRIeP2JYf5UFull podcast playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc2XIoaiAXafwoZykJM-jg6HnrLkWlJXHRelated episode: https://youtu.be/lGfvanjllXY# === WORK WITH US ===============================Sponsorships & collabs: david@activehobo.comSend a question for the show: noah@activehobo.com#ActiveHobo #CyclingPodcast #SouthAfricanCycling

What does it take to run the world’s biggest mountain bike stage race? In this episode, we sit down with Shannon Valstar, race director of the Absa Cape Epic, to unpack her journey from growing up around endurance sport to leading one of the most iconic events in cycling. From behind-the-scenes logistics and creative event strategy to lessons from Paul Valstar and the influence of festivals like Rocking the Daisies, this conversation dives deep into what makes great events truly unforgettable.# === CHAPTERS ===================================00:00 – Introduction to Shannon Valstar & the Epic Series03:45 – Growing Up Around Endurance Sport06:20 – What the Cape Epic Race Director Actually Does10:05 – Why Rider Feedback Is So Important14:10 – Lessons From Her Father & Loving What You Do19:30 – School, Sport & Finding a Career Path23:40 – Big Shot Media & Discovering Event Storytelling30:15 – Joining Cape Epic & Learning Logistics From the Ground Up33:45 – Building the Stellenbosch World Cup35:50 – Leaving Cycling for the Music Festival Industry43:20 – Returning to Cape Epic With a New Perspective47:10 – Cape Town vs Joburg & Creative Culture50:00 – Rocking the Daisies Stories & Secret Festival Stages55:45 – Why Events Need Creativity & Constant Innovation57:50 – Formula 1, Drive to Survive & the Future of Sports Storytelling# === LISTEN ON THE GO ===========================Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GselFmeym7YgYXtcyPUXUApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-hobo/id1846864699# === FOLLOW ACTIVE HOBO =========================Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@activehobo?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://activehobo.com/Instagram: @theactivehoboStrava: https://strava.app.link/ciVbx92FJ2b# === THE CREW ===================================Dave @davlewjenkins# === WORK WITH US ===============================Sponsorships & collabs: david@activehobo.comSend a question for the show: noah@activehobo.com#ActiveHobo #CyclingPodcast #SouthAfricanCycling

The 2026 Giro d'Italia has a new-look leaderboard — and Jonas Vingegaard's cautious racing style is dividing opinion. Dave and guest Layla Schwellnus dig into the GC battle, debate whether Tadej Pogačar's absence has changed how we watch the race, and break down what Mischa Bredewold's Itzulia Women win means for the sport.Closer to home: the conversation gets real. SA Track Champs results, the Western Province road scene keeping road cycling alive, and the Bellville Velodrome — a facility at the heart of a community that can't afford to lose it. Plus: Lisa Bone's 19th at the Mali Gravel UCI Qualifier, Lella Loops, and the question nobody's asking loudly enough — are cycling groups the new cycling clubs?# === CHAPTERS ===================================0:00 — Giro d'Italia: Is Jonas Vingegaard Too Cautious?3:44 — Afonso Eulálio, Felix Gall & the Pink Jersey Battle10:16 — What to Race in the Western Cape This Month18:35 — Mischa Bredewold Wins the Itzulia Women23:25 — When Do Women Peak? The Science Behind the Career Arc28:15 — Lisa Bone Goes 19th at the Mali Gravel UCI Qualifier30:11 — SA Track Champs Results & the XCO Pipeline39:41 — The Bellville Velodrome & the Riders Who Need It43:00 — Urban Cycling, Cape Town & the Bree Street Experiment49:44 — Western Province Road Race Results (All Categories)58:40 — Rehboks Kloof Preview & MTB Skills1:00:14 — Lella Loops: How a Thursday Ride Became a Movement1:03:06 — Wrap-Up# === LISTEN ON THE GO ===========================Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GselFmeym7YgYXtcyPUXUApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-hobo/id1846864699# === FOLLOW ACTIVE HOBO =========================Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@activehobo?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://activehobo.com/Instagram: @theactivehoboStrava: https://strava.app.link/ciVbx92FJ2b# === THE CREW ===================================Dave @davlewjenkins# === MORE FROM ACTIVE HOBO ======================Latest episode: https://youtu.be/VRIeP2JYf5UFull podcast playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc2XIoaiAXafwoZykJM-jg6HnrLkWlJXHRelated episode: https://youtu.be/lGfvanjllXY# === WORK WITH US ===============================Sponsorships & collabs: david@activehobo.comSend a question for the show: noah@activehobo.com#ActiveHobo #CyclingPodcast #SouthAfricanCycling

Sandra Sischka shares the incredible story of cycling from Portugal to Cape Town over two years with almost no prior bikepacking experience. From crossing the Sahara Desert to navigating conflict zones in West Africa, Sandra reflects on fear, freedom, hospitality, and the people she met along the way. This conversation dives into border crossings, survival, cycling culture, and what long-distance travel teaches you about humanity. Along the journey, she experienced overwhelming generosity, dangerous moments, and life-changing friendships. A powerful conversation about adventure, resilience, and seeing Africa beyond the headlines.# === CHAPTERS ===================================00:00 - Welcome Sandra Sischka02:10 - Growing Up With Bicycles in Germany06:00 - Why Sandra Sischka Chose Africa10:15 - Planning the Route & Preparing for the Unknown15:30 - Starting the Journey in Portugal19:45 - Entering Morocco & First Impressions of Africa27:30 - Hospitality, Family & Culture in Morocco35:00 - Crossing the Sahara & Mauritania40:00 - West Africa: Food, Borders & Daily Challenges50:30 - Malaria, Recovery & Finding Human Connection55:00 - Ghana, Travel Advice & Perspective on Africa57:00 - Nigeria, Conflict Zones & Dangerous Decisions01:02:00 - The Open Water Boat Crossing to Cameroon01:08:00 - Jungle Routes, Wildlife & Cycling Through Cameroon01:15:00 - What Africa Taught Sandra Sischka# === LISTEN ON THE GO ===========================Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GselFmeym7YgYXtcyPUXUApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-hobo/id1846864699# === FOLLOW ACTIVE HOBO =========================Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@activehobo?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://activehobo.com/Instagram: @theactivehoboStrava: https://strava.app.link/ciVbx92FJ2b# === THE CREW ===================================Dave @davlewjenkins# === WORK WITH US ===============================Sponsorships & collabs: david@activehobo.comSend a question for the show: noah@activehobo.com#ActiveHobo #CyclingPodcast #SouthAfricanCycling

What does it take to build the world’s biggest mountain bike stage race from scratch? In this conversation, Kevin Vermaak unpacks the untold story behind Cape Epic — from years of financial pressure and relentless risk-taking to creating an event that transformed cycling in South Africa and around the world. We also dive into the future of gravel racing, the vision behind Gravel Burn, and why Kevin believes the next era of cycling is only just beginning.# === CHAPTERS ===================================0:00 — The Vision Behind Cape Epic2:45 — From London Banking to Building a Race10:35 — Himalayan Expeditions & Adventure Mindset19:05 — Five Years of Losses & Extreme Stress20:23 — The Decision That Changed Cape Epic Forever31:05 — The Reality of Building Something Big36:50 — Riding Cape Epic for the First Time41:25 — Selling Cape Epic & Building a Legacy52:50 — Why Gravel Is the Future of Cycling2:09:30 — The Big Vision for Gravel Burn# === LISTEN ON THE GO ===========================Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GselFmeym7YgYXtcyPUXUApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-hobo/id1846864699# === FOLLOW ACTIVE HOBO =========================Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@activehobo?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://activehobo.com/Instagram: @theactivehoboStrava: https://strava.app.link/ciVbx92FJ2b# === THE CREW ===================================Dave @davlewjenkins# === WORK WITH US ===============================Sponsorships & collabs: david@activehobo.comSend a question for the show: noah@activehobo.com#ActiveHobo #CyclingPodcast #SouthAfricanCycling