Active Hobo

David Jenkins

The Active Hobo is a community of storytellers on a mission to make meaning. We’re rooted in Westlake, Cape Town—part café, part studio, all heart. Drop by for a great flat white, stay to enjoy our shows, or book a session to capture your own story.

  1. 2d ago

    SA Schools MTB Finals: Why Nobody Should Panic | The Breakaway EP36

    Episode 36 opens with the SA Schools mountain bike finals in Stellenbosch, and the question every South African cyclist has been asking: is our sport dying, or just getting started? Then Jemaine Jacobs tells us how a school league, a borrowed bike and a job washing bikes led him to sales and social media at Specialized Tygerberg. We also cover the opening of the Western Cape road season, the first Hobo Thrash group ride near Wellington, the RH77 Killarney crit series, and the free UCI nutrition paper everyone should skim. Plus the first look at the RH77 x Specialized kit, new gravel tyre thoughts, and the 2027 Cape Epic route. Chapters: 0:00 — SA Schools MTB finals: why South African cycling is not dying 5:27 — Jemaine's Spur Schools League years 9:29 — Meet Jemaine from Specialized Tygerberg 13:03 — Tour de Worcester 21:37 — How the sprint finish played out 26:45 — The first Hobo Thrash: Gravel Drop Ride 33:45 — RH77 Killarney Crit 37:44 — The scratch group rule 44:05 — The UCI's free cycling nutrition paper 47:12 — Pathfinder 2.2 vs Thunderburt 51:28 — Gravel Burn chainring debate 52:59 — The RH77 x Specialized kit collab 56:41 — The 2027 Cape Epic route 58:02 — What it is really like to work in the bike industry 1:01:52 — From bike washer to junior technician to sales 1:04:55 — Why the in-store experience matters 1:14:08 — Gravel, road safety and a guest we're lining up 1:16:16 — Next stop: Somerset West # === LISTEN ON THE GO =========================== Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GselFmeym7YgYXtcyPUXU Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-hobo/id1846864699 # === FOLLOW ACTIVE HOBO ========================= https://linktr.ee/theactivehobo # === PARTNER LINKS =================================== Doolhof Wine Estate https://doolhof.com 🔗 Code: ActiveHobo (20% off wines) RH 77 🔗 https://rh77.co.za 226ERS 🔗 https://226ers.co.za/ Code: ActiveHobo (10% off) SCICON 🔗 https://theactivehobo.short.gy/sciconsports-discount (URL and 10% Discount code link) East City Cycles 🔗 https://eastcitycycles.com/ Gear Change Bicycle Store 🔗 https://gearchange.co.za/ # === THE CREW =================================== Dave @davlewjenkins # === MORE FROM ACTIVE HOBO ====================== Latest episode: https://youtu.be/vSnCZ6pTguQ?si=4hvAobdbQznnyw10 Full podcast playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc2XIoaiAXafwoZykJM-jg6HnrLkWlJXH Related episode: https://youtu.be/mgogDtiB_vg?si=RBaUt8VItbQisdTd # === WORK WITH US =============================== Sponsorships & collabs: david@activehobo.com Send a question for the show: noah@activehobo.com #TheBreakawayPodcast #TheActiveHobo #StoriesThatMatter

  2. 4d ago

    RH77: The Kit Everyone Is Talking About

    We take an in-depth look at RH77, a Cape Town cycling brand that has become a familiar name on the local scene. From design and fit to performance, comfort and the details that matter when you're putting serious kilometres into a kit, we put their range under the microscope. But there’s more to this review than just the clothing — we explore what makes RH77 such a distinctive part of the cycling community. 00:00 – RH77 Kit Review Begins 00:31 – The Story Behind RH77 02:47 – RH77 and the Cycling Community 03:55 – Meet the Man Behind the Brand 05:42 – RH77’s Focused Product Range 07:00 – The Factory Racing Kit & Visibility 08:32 – Fit, Feel & Long-Distance Comfort 10:30 – Bib Construction, Chamois & Durability 12:23 – Pricing, Cargo Bibs & Practical Features 16:09 – Materials, Branding & Long-Term Wear 18:17 – Gilets, Jackets & Winter Kit 25:43 – Where to Buy & Final Thoughts # === LISTEN ON THE GO =========================== Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GselFmeym7YgYXtcyPUXU Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-hobo/id1846864699 # === FOLLOW ACTIVE HOBO ========================= https://linktr.ee/theactivehobo # === PARTNER LINKS =================================== Doolhof Wine Estate https://doolhof.com 🔗 Code: ActiveHobo (20% off wines) RH 77 🔗 https://rh77.co.za 226ERS 🔗 https://226ers.co.za/ Code: ActiveHobo (10% off) SCICON 🔗 https://theactivehobo.short.gy/sciconsports-discount (URL and 10% Discount code link) East City Cycles 🔗 https://eastcitycycles.com/ Gear Change Bicycle Store 🔗 https://gearchange.co.za/ # === THE CREW =================================== Dave @davlewjenkins # === MORE FROM ACTIVE HOBO ====================== Latest episode: https://youtu.be/vSnCZ6pTguQ?si=4hvAobdbQznnyw10 Full podcast playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc2XIoaiAXafwoZykJM-jg6HnrLkWlJXH Related episode: https://youtu.be/mgogDtiB_vg?si=RBaUt8VItbQisdTd # === WORK WITH US =============================== Sponsorships & collabs: david@activehobo.com Send a question for the show: noah@activehobo.com #StoriesThatMatter #TheActiveHobo #MountainBiking

  3. 6d ago

    THE ROAST featuring; Simon Stofberg and Charl Kemp | Road to Gravel Burn Episode 10

    No script, no plan, no filter: three mates the night before the Nedbank Gravel Burn. Dave sits down with Simon Stoffberg and Charl Kemp for the most unplanned conversation The Active Hobo has ever filmed. They argue about FTP, VO2 max and who is actually fittest, then get serious about why they're racing seven days across the Karoo. One of them is back for redemption after a brutal first Gravel Burn. Another is racing so his son can one day see what he was capable of. Charl is photographing and filming a wedding the night before the start, then being driven through the night to the line. Under the banter is a real question: what does it cost the people at home, and why do they keep lining up anyway? 0:00 — Cold Open: The Most Unplanned Thing We've Done 0:36 — Meet Simon Stoffberg and Charl Kemp 3:53 — FTP vs VO2 Max: Who's Actually the Fittest? 8:16 — Why Watts Per Kilo Matters More Than FTP 10:22 — Day One Strategy and Why We're Really Going 11:54 — The Brutal First Gravel Burn and the Redemption Plan 15:45 — The Brands and Sponsors Behind the Start Line 19:07 — Dave's Goal: Beat These Two, Top Five Is the Dream 24:53 — Why Simon Is Racing: A Son and a Standard 29:52 — Camp Life, Kit Bags and a Code Red Storm 40:44 — The Fan Poll: Who Do Viewers Think Will Win? 50:30 — Chainrings, Tyres and Last-Minute Gear Calls 1:02:45 — Racing as a Parent: Family, Sacrifice and Balance 1:10:35 — The Wager: Betting for a Good Cause 1:14:00 — Why Sponsors Matter More Than They Know 1:17:33 — Last Words # === LISTEN ON THE GO =========================== Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GselFmeym7YgYXtcyPUXU Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-hobo/id1846864699 # === FOLLOW ACTIVE HOBO ========================= https://linktr.ee/theactivehobo # === PARTNER LINKS =================================== Doolhof Wine Estate https://doolhof.com 🔗 Code: ActiveHobo (20% off wines) RH 77 🔗 https://rh77.co.za 226ERS 🔗 https://226ers.co.za/ Code: ActiveHobo (10% off) SCICON 🔗 https://theactivehobo.short.gy/sciconsports-discount (URL and 10% Discount code link) East City Cycles 🔗 https://eastcitycycles.com/ Gear Change Bicycle Store 🔗 https://gearchange.co.za/ # === THE CREW =================================== Dave @davlewjenkins # === MORE FROM ACTIVE HOBO ====================== Latest episode: https://youtu.be/vSnCZ6pTguQ?si=4hvAobdbQznnyw10 Full podcast playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc2XIoaiAXafwoZykJM-jg6HnrLkWlJXH Related episode: https://youtu.be/mgogDtiB_vg?si=RBaUt8VItbQisdTd # === WORK WITH US =============================== Sponsorships & collabs: david@activehobo.com Send a question for the show: noah@activehobo.com #RoadToGravelBurn #TheActiveHobo #StoriesThatMatter #MountainBiking #GravelCycling

  4. Oct 1

    Cape Pioneer, Road Worlds & a Call for Safer Roads | The Breakaway EP35

    Cyclists risk their lives every morning, and no political party has told us where it stands. This week on The Breakaway, we ask. Episode 35 starts with a simple question: why do one million South African cyclists have no voice? Jarryd Haley is back, and together we talk road safety, the muggings that are changing where we ride, and what happens when a community finally speaks up. Then the racing. Cape Pioneer on 32-inch wheels, the Lions Karoo to Coast in the mud, the Road to Desolation in Graaff-Reinet, and a schools league with over a thousand kids on the start line. We finish with the 2026 Road World Championships in Montréal: Demi Vollering's win, Brandon McNulty's solo ride, and Byron Munton holding his own among the best in the world. Plus the Hobo Thrash, a free group ride we are trialling, and our verdict on the Cannondale Scalpel. Chapters: 0:00 — Why community beats a tick-box race 2:55 — What we're covering this week 4:59 — The grit of cyclists, and why we have no political voice 13:57 — Road safety: what is being done in the Western Cape 26:28 — Cape Pioneer: Pritzen and Stehli win on 32-inch wheels 30:29 — Sarah Maré and the women's race 32:18 — Why the mid-pack race deserves the spotlight 35:14 — How Dryland keeps raising the bar 36:18 — Road to Desolation: a boutique gravel race in Graaff-Reinet 40:03 — The Schools League: over a thousand kids, one race 41:22 — Karoo to Coast: gravel bikes vs flat-bar mountain bikes 47:20 — Where is the racing outside the Western Cape? 52:09 — The Hobo Thrash: a free monthly group ride 56:20 — Road Worlds 2026: Vollering and the women's race 1:03:33 — McNulty's shock win and the del Toro question 1:07:46 — Tom Pidcock: the world champion that almost was 1:08:24 — Is a new Dura-Ace coming? 1:12:25 — Byron Munton: top 40 at the World Championships 1:18:42 — Cannondale Scalpel: is a modern mountain bike worth the upgrade? 1:23:12 — What's next # === LISTEN ON THE GO =========================== Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GselFmeym7YgYXtcyPUXU Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-hobo/id1846864699 # === FOLLOW ACTIVE HOBO ========================= https://linktr.ee/theactivehobo # === PARTNER LINKS =================================== Doolhof Wine Estate https://doolhof.com 🔗 Code: ActiveHobo (20% off wines) RH 77 🔗 https://rh77.co.za 226ERS 🔗 https://226ers.co.za/ Code: ActiveHobo (10% off) SCICON 🔗 https://theactivehobo.short.gy/sciconsports-discount (URL and 10% Discount code link) East City Cycles 🔗 https://eastcitycycles.com/ Gear Change Bicycle Store 🔗 https://gearchange.co.za/ # === THE CREW =================================== Dave @davlewjenkins # === MORE FROM ACTIVE HOBO ====================== Latest episode: https://youtu.be/vSnCZ6pTguQ?si=4hvAobdbQznnyw10 Full podcast playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc2XIoaiAXafwoZykJM-jg6HnrLkWlJXH Related episode: https://youtu.be/mgogDtiB_vg?si=RBaUt8VItbQisdTd # === WORK WITH US =============================== Sponsorships & collabs: david@activehobo.com Send a question for the show: noah@activehobo.com #TheBreakawayPodcast #TheActiveHobo #StoriesThatMatter

  5. Sep 30

    Bike Fit Essentials | Dan Loubser

    Dan Loubser, an experienced bike fitter, breaks down what changes when a rider moves from road and gravel riding into mountain biking. From suspension setup and saddle position to bike geometry, power delivery and technical terrain, Dan explains how small adjustments can make a major difference on the trail. Whether you're new to mountain biking or looking to fine-tune your setup, this episode offers practical advice to help you get more comfortable and controlled on the bike. 00:00 – Road & Gravel vs Mountain Bike Fit 01:27 – Finding the Right Suspension Setup 02:51 – Saddle Position & Suspension Sag 04:17 – Mountain Bike Geometry & Brake Setup 06:21 – Brake Lever Position & Hand Comfort # === LISTEN ON THE GO =========================== Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GselFmeym7YgYXtcyPUXU Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-hobo/id1846864699 # === FOLLOW ACTIVE HOBO ========================= https://linktr.ee/theactivehobo # === PARTNER LINKS =================================== Doolhof Wine Estate https://doolhof.com 🔗 Code: ActiveHobo (20% off wines) RH 77 🔗 https://rh77.co.za 226ERS 🔗 https://226ers.co.za/ Code: ActiveHobo (10% off) SCICON 🔗 https://theactivehobo.short.gy/sciconsports-discount (URL and 10% Discount code link) East City Cycles 🔗 https://eastcitycycles.com/ Gear Change Bicycle Store 🔗 https://gearchange.co.za/ # === THE CREW =================================== Dave @davlewjenkins # === MORE FROM ACTIVE HOBO ====================== Latest episode: https://youtu.be/vSnCZ6pTguQ?si=4hvAobdbQznnyw10 Full podcast playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc2XIoaiAXafwoZykJM-jg6HnrLkWlJXH Related episode: https://youtu.be/mgogDtiB_vg?si=RBaUt8VItbQisdTd # === WORK WITH US =============================== Sponsorships & collabs: david@activehobo.com Send a question for the show: noah@activehobo.com #StoriesThatMatter #TheActiveHobo #MountainBiking

  6. Sep 24

    The Future of Active Hobo + What Go2Sea Taught Us | The Breakaway EP34

    What does the future of Active Hobo actually look like... and how do you build an independent cycling platform without sacrificing honest storytelling? In Episode 34 of The Breakaway, Dave goes solo to give an open look behind the scenes of Active Hobo: how the channel is funded, why partnerships matter, and why maintaining editorial independence remains non-negotiable. Then lets talk Go2Sea. After seven days of racing, filming and experiencing the communities along the route, Dave reflects on a much bigger question: do cycling events genuinely make a difference to the communities they pass through? We also unpack Siabonga’s remarkable Go2Sea story, lessons from seven days of MTB stage racing, the Cannondale Scalpel, stage-race recovery and unexpected weight gain. Plus, there’s plenty of gear talk as we get into RH77, Ciovita and MBO cycling kit, upcoming long-term reviews, Gravel Burn preparation, nutrition testing and a serious 2.2" gravel tyre shootout. # === LISTEN ON THE GO =========================== Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GselFmeym7YgYXtcyPUXU Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-hobo/id1846864699 # === FOLLOW ACTIVE HOBO ========================= https://linktr.ee/theactivehobo # === PARTNER LINKS =================================== Doolhof Wine Estate https://doolhof.com 🔗 Code: ActiveHobo (20% off wines) RH 77 🔗 https://rh77.co.za 226ERS 🔗 https://226ers.co.za/ Code: ActiveHobo (10% off) SCICON 🔗 https://theactivehobo.short.gy/sciconsports-discount (URL and 10% Discount code link) East City Cycles 🔗 https://eastcitycycles.com/ Gear Change Bicycle Store 🔗 https://gearchange.co.za/ # === THE CREW =================================== Dave @davlewjenkins # === MORE FROM ACTIVE HOBO ====================== Latest episode: https://youtu.be/vSnCZ6pTguQ?si=4hvAobdbQznnyw10 Full podcast playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc2XIoaiAXafwoZykJM-jg6HnrLkWlJXH Related episode: https://youtu.be/mgogDtiB_vg?si=RBaUt8VItbQisdTd # === WORK WITH US =============================== Sponsorships & collabs: david@activehobo.com Send a question for the show: noah@activehobo.com #TheBreakawayPodcast #TheActiveHobo #StoriesThatMatter

  7. Sep 17

    The Week We’ll Never Forget - Reflections on Stage 7 Go2Sea 2026

    Day 7 at Go2Sea brought plenty of rain, some seriously steep trails, and what can only be described as Type 2 fun - it’s only fun once you look back on it! With the week coming to an end, the media crew sat down to reflect on the journey so far, the challenges we’ve faced, and the moments that have stood out along the way. Go2Sea has exceeded all of our expectations, and after a week of racing, riding and meeting the incredible communities along the route, we’re left with plenty to look back on and plenty more stories to tell. Thank you Go2Sea for an unforgettable week. 00:00 Intro 00:20 Final day brief 01:55 Media crew sit down 08:55 Final words from Dave 09:35 Last 5km with one crank === FOLLOW ACTIVE HOBO ========================= https://linktr.ee/theactivehobo === PARTNER LINKS =================================== Doolhof Wine Estate https://doolhof.com 🔗 Code: ActiveHobo (20% off wines) RH 77 🔗 https://rh77.co.za 226ERS 🔗 https://226ers.co.za/ Code: ActiveHobo (10% off) SCICON 🔗 https://theactivehobo.short.gy/scicon... (URL and 10% Discount code link) East City Cycles 🔗 https://eastcitycycles.com/ Gear Change Bicycle Store 🔗 https://gearchange.co.za/ === THE CREW =================================== Dave @davlewjenkins Noah @noah.futter Alec @alec.gates Regardt @regardstander === WORK WITH US =============================== Sponsorships & collabs: david@activehobo.com Send a question for the show: noah@activehobo.com

  8. Sep 15

    Tarryn from Karkloof Country Club

    Water point 2 was a vibe today. From the children to the staff people involved in this race are amazing.

See All (100)

About

The Active Hobo is a community of storytellers on a mission to make meaning. We’re rooted in Westlake, Cape Town—part café, part studio, all heart. Drop by for a great flat white, stay to enjoy our shows, or book a session to capture your own story.

Information

  • Creator
    David Jenkins
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Active Hobo

You Might Also Like