Robbie Stewart

Didn't take pics but I managed Tokai DH0 today. What an absolute gem of a line. My heart was in my mouth until after that rocky drop-off but my stoke levels are at an all time high.

A mate was riding DT Swiss 511 till it was square and in need of replacement. Due to the struggle to get stock he opted for a Lyne AMP 30 rim and it is bomb proof over trails like Black Rhino, Cobra and long sessions at the Leatt skills park. I also rate them highly and when the time comes they will be replacing the wheels on my Stumpy.

This ☝🏻 I must also admit to enjoying this regaling of your ride. It was captivating. You clearly have a story telling talent there.

At the end of the day I understand OP's issue in that money is tight and when you spend it you want the highest return on the investment and in that he has a valid point, on paper. In practice on the other hand the perceived value does not align with actual value. And therein lies the rub. The main problem from my understanding is actually the fact that mountain biking, as like any hobby these days, is super expensive. If you don't want to spend money hand over first with no end in sight, then exit the sport now. Stop the drainage, cut your losses and run without looking back. Failing that and he decides to stay then it's best to understand that buying the bike is just the beginning. Wait till it needs servicing, or you start doing events, or you fall and need new gear to replace the shredded gear and smashed helmets. Or the trip(s) , yes - trips with an S, to the ER. Replacement parts, new chains, new tyres, new grips, new brakes, new chains rings, new cassettes. I can go on. What I'm getting at is that this is a very pricey sport and you have to decide how far down the rabbit hole you're willing to go. I bought a new specialised stumpjumper Evo last November and within less than 100km it completely deleted the freehub body ending in a warranty replacement. Do I still ride the bike? Yes, and it's a complete beast of a bike at that. Since then I've had no issues. But I was willing to spend on a decent bike and still had a issue that was resolved immediately like OP has.

I absolutely detest lower limb injuries. There are few things in life I hate more than crutches, so I feel your frustration 'Dale. Well done on seeing the light in this dark cloud. I struggled with that during my recovery.

I checked pricing on there for a set of Maxxis tyres and they range between $84 and $100+ per tyre and that is before shipping. I can get those tyres for much cheaper locally. To be fair though, I didn't do a deep dive, but from what I saw the prices are not cheap, but I'm sure the odd special may pop up.

nou toe nou

This bit will determine my willingness to get a permit. I ride from home up via VRS and if I can't access from there, there's no point.

Reminds of a time I visited GoMX in Tableview. Shop owner had a mx bike on the floor and he was lamenting how expensive the mx bikes have got, and the one he had on the shop floor was around 150k. I just smiled and told him what top end MTB's cost. His response was that there wasn't even an engine between the legs. I had to remind him again that the legs were the engine.

so since plastic is so inherently dangerous, I would assume that latex falls under that same category, and thus my conclusion is that only metal or glass condoms will suffice henceforth. As you were. . .

I was blasting around Bloemendal for a quick spin on dirt and saw the EMS helivac come speeding low overhead and had that sinking feeling that it was heading to Hoogekraal. It seems I was correct?

My polar strap broke, for the second time, a couple years ago and since then I just stopped riding with any form of electronic monitoring device apart from my phone running Strava for mileage of components. I've been toying with the idea of a new device but I'm not fully convinced yet. Then if I do end up getting one it's either polar again or Garmin instinct, but again, not quite sold on the idea yet.

Well, at least he has a glass bottle so he should be fine . . . Tour de France 1927: Gustaaf van Slembrouck enjoying a cigarette. https://www.bikechaser.com.au/news/old-school-cycling/

I am also sadly missing out this time round. I have family commitments I can't skip, so enjoy everyone who is riding.

ja ja, en ek het die scars om te brag ook nog. dis nou juis die ding. Ek kan seker ook nie van myself ontsnap nie, ne

I digress

I agree with @The Ouzo I come to Le Hub to escape stupidity. I prefer not to have to be exposed to it here also.

The evidence speaks loudly and clearly, and is undisputable.

In mid January I was invited to ride the Cycle Tour. I started training the next morning on effectively what amounted to zero base fitness with 6 weeks to get ready. I very quickly ramped my riding up from <10 km per week to averaging 175 km per week spending most all that time in zone 2. My aim was to finish. On race day I rode my fastest tour after a fast start and finding myself in a bunch of riders chasing speed. I set my fastest time from town to Smitswinkel. In that time I took my first sip of water in Muizenberg and emptied the bottle at the Smitswinkel refreshment stop so that it could be refilled with cold water. Fast forward to the end and my legs started cramping up Suikerbossie and by the time I was sitting in the grass at the beer tent they went into full blown convulsions. What I learnt from this thread is that I was not conditioned for what I was asking my body to give. On top of that I didn't fuel it for the task and then this was all because I was pushing it too hard on the day until finally they literally blew up. 5 days later and they still hurt. I will be spending more time training and not only in Zone 2, but I will get them to blow up more often while fuelling properly for the required effort before and during those sessions.

I bought the Stumpy EVO Alloy Comp back in November, and it is a very capable bike. In terms of weight I comes in at around 17kg for size S5(XL) but I don't feel the weight. It has mullet wheels and a 30t chain ring so it pedals really easy up a hill. Of course it isn't a fast pedal bike but it flies on trails. That being said if I hadn't done that purchase I would seriously be considering the Skyrim Elite. Yes it's around 7k more on the recommended selling price but the spec on the drive train is higher. Titan Racing have specced the SRAM GX while the Stumpy has NX. As for the suspension its the same. Both have Fox 36 and Float X, although the Stumpy is 160/150 and Titan 150/140. This bike on paper looks to be a serious contender at the price point and modern geometry. Well done to Titan Racing for launching such a solid product.

WHAT!?! IT'S ACTUALLY POSSIBLE TO HAVE ENOUGH BEER?

So, I only stopped at three refreshment points. First I topped up my water bottle at the bottom of the steep part of Smitswinkel. Then I grabbed some Coke by Sun Valley and finally a 50/50 Coke and Water mix at Houtbay. Took my Coke and Water at the finish, and by the time I got my medal I was holding an empty can and bottle which I binned after the exit. Then I made my way to the hospitality area where I parked the bike, and ambled over to the beer tent and purchased 2 x 500ml draughts. Found myself a spot on the lawn, sat down and consumed those two beers in record time before I finally succumbed to the most violent cramps I've ever endured. After willing myself to my feet I made my way back to my bike and my car. Awesome day done. And already I am wondering if this is the year I keep the fitness going and already start prepping for the Karoo to Coast. Mmmmm.

My wife mentioned yesterday that a guy from the Vrystaat passed away after suffering a heart attack shortly after the start. She saw it on her news feed, but I can't pick anything up about that? I did see a guy being given cardiac resuscitation by what seemed to me to be spectators just before the turn off to Kirstenbosch as I passed around 08:55ish. Rest in Peace fellow rider.

Yes. It's just you.