mr_stig

Couldn't agree more about the power of the placebo effect - it's precisely why we have a rhino horn trade.

Anyone who completed the TDF in it's earliest years. They rode double the distance, on unpaved roads, with no support (in fact support was not allowed - you had to carry your spares yourself), had to ride at night and had to arrange their own accommodation and food. There were still cheats though - some took glass bottles of milk which they'd break on the road to shred competitors tyres.

If you do get your biked serviced do it a few weeks before the race and do a test ride before the day. I once serviced my bike and found that the technician hadn't tightened the handlebars correctly, something that made a fast descent at Suikerbosrand less fun than you would imagine.

Not sure if doping authorities should be proud of their tenacity or ashamed of their incompetence in bringing him to book.

If I have accidentally bought tickets for Bieber I will euthanise myself.

Also got tickets pre-sale. Dare I say it but it looks like Computicket, after years of server crashes prior to big events, are on the brink of being competent?

A worm, a cheat, and a snitch. Good thing he is a cyclist and not in the mafia. He might find himself wearing cement cleats.

What cyclists can all learn from this, is that to be the best you need to follow a good diet. I recommend steak.

I last heard they were closing Suikerbos to cyclists - did this ever happen?

If you switched to one what other changes/adjustments would you need to make to derailleurs etc?

And in how many TDF's have you managed a podium finish?

Sad news indeed but can someone explain the logic - why would someone use a diuretic to mask using other banned substances? You still run the risk of failing a test.

Sad day indeed. In other news I'm having a braai this weekend and have some imported steaks. Anyone keen?

There is only ONE type of grass worth indulging in....

Are there any kits that the average joe or josephine can use to test water before swimming in it? I should imagine that while the water may have excellent vis now and be clean, after heavy rains that may change. Any ideas?

I have started commuting from Weltevreeden Park to Houghton. The ride in is pleasant but the afternoons are un-nerving. The routes I have been trying out are between 25-32km one way. Looking forward to cutting down on my fuel bill!

I instruct at VA but we still use the old bikes. One thing I can say for Planet Fitness (having instructed there) is that their bikes are not a great deal better.

Strictly speaking all helmets would have to pass some kind of SABS or similar approval wouldn't they? An expensive helmet may have more aerodynamic and comfort benefits, possibly be better fitting, but given that helmets are pretty much moulded polystyrene, is there a major safety benefit of a 2K helmet over a R500 one?

Not a good race personally, but enjoyed the challenge of the 114km route. Hekpoort was less fun than I remember! Despite excellent water points and good marshalling, I am not sure if I would enter this one again. I was not mad about the start/finish venue though. It lies between two of the main routes to Harties, which is good for neither motorists nor cyclists. I am not sure what the reasons behind moving from the radio observatory were (I remember parking and access being a problem there), but the new venue does not offer much better parking or access and is on a much busier route. Maybe guys who finished before traffic picked up found the last few km's less unnerving?

@Thug Good point, never thought of stem length. I seem to be on the cusp of medium/large for most brands so a small frame would be way too small.

BL, starting 6.35 on the 114km route. This will be my longest ride since IM in April. It's going to be a loooooooooong day on the bike.

Also in the process of getting a TT bike. I posted a similar question a few weeks ago: https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/107115-tt-bike-frame-size/page__view__findpost__p__1474673__hl__mr_stig__fromsearch__1 There are a few tips in there that may help.

I entered the longer ride because I figured I will work harder once my bunch drops me at the 60km mark.

Not sure you can rent a bike for a day and don't think it's a good idea - rather be comfortable on a road bike you've used all along than one you've had for a short time. I bought clip-ons but didn't enjoy them - either get a proper TT bike soon or use your road bike.

No hippo's at present but there were at some point in the reserves history. But I wouldn't worry - if the Chomp or Hippo.co.za adverts are anything to go by hippos are actuallly friendly, jovial creatures that make brilliant swimming companions.