Jules

The toppies overseas are just like the ones here: they have the best equipment

I suspect it's just cuts from glass. The compound is very soft and Johannesburg roads are littered with glass from beer bottles and car accidents.

Just make sure they have them in stock before you make the trek there

I think it was because the Roadies were in Egypt and the MTBers had a national. But it could also be because they heard Neotel were coming

Great pics. Didn't even know this event was happening. Did you snap any crashes?

does anybody here repair cracks in their tyres? I find my gp 4000s get cracks long before the tread goes. Then the damn glass gets in the cracks. And at R450 a type you want to make sure they last as long as possible :-)

Got your lunch in that saddle bag?

Bwahahahahahahahaahahahahaha!!!!. I'm sorry but that is hilarious! PPA, you can delete my results too: I am also not a member. The only reason I would become a member would be to gain access to your financial statements, so I can investigate deeper the links between yourselves and WT.

Dunno about Dunkeld Cycles, but there is a nice group that leaves from Illovo weekdays. You can find more info on www.cyclesafe.co.za

So given the overwhelmingly biased response in favour of CC, I believe the question should be asked: Are we as cyclists being held hostage by a supposedly non-profit entity (PPA) to support a for-profit entity (WT) with which it has links? Can anyone enlighten me what WT charges PPA to time its races? Let's compare that cost to similar-sized races timed by CC. This information should be in the public domain.

This is a straightforward poll. Let's see what hubbers say.

Is it common knowledge that the PPA vice chairman is also a director of WT? I disocvered this by performing a director search for Winning Time (Race Administration Systems WTSA Pty Ltd). It is not immediately apparent on the WT website. It seems that WT is appointed as time-keeper for all PPA races, including the Argus, 94,7, Ride for Sight, Herald etc. Is there an unbiased process to select the timekeeper for these races? After all, the PPA is, as far as I'm aware, a non-profit entity incorporated to "promote cycling and the interests of cyclists." Surely securing a decent timekeeper is "in the interests of cyclists"? And then this from the PPA constitution (garnered off its website): "All Committee members shall annually and not later than the first meeting after their election to office in any year, in writing, declare any commercial or other conflicts of interests which they may have with the Association, in such form as the Committee, from time to time, may stipulate. Nothing herein contained shall preclude anyone from being a member of the Committee, notwithstanding that he or she may have conflicts of interest with the Association, provided that the person concerned declares such conflicts and the Committee is nonetheless satisfied that the Association is not substantially prejudiced thereby and provided further that the member concerned shall recuse himself/herself from all voting in regard to all issues in which he or she may have a conflict of interests." And this from the PPA AGM 2004 (also off the website): "TIMING As mentioned above, David Clarke left the committee to head up a new company providing timing services to the Cycle Tour and other events. After careful consideration of all of the alternatives, it was decided that the Association would enter into a timing contract with the new Winning Time SA company. We have outlined strict deliverables and are in the process of finalising the contractual relationships on an arms length basis, but are confident of the ability for this company to deliver the necessary service demanded by our members and us." Oh well I'm relieved that the conflicts are declared, the necessary recusals are made and that everything is done at an arm's length basis. I was worried there for a second.

Wait till you have to deal with CC. Probably never, but if you do you will find them to be seriously jacked up. The difference in service between WT and CC is like comparing a k*k Cannondale with Shimano and a lovely Scott Addict with full Record and Boras. CC's race appointments are made on merit...

Nice wheels

I think it's about R130 a can. It's worth the money.

I can thoroughly recommend Motorex dry lube for both road and MTB. I use the one in a spray can because it's easy to apply and seems to penetrate the links better. It lasts longer than I expected it to. I ride my road and MTB bikes a lot, and I have not yet finished two cans in a year. I clean and lube my MTB chain after every ride. The lube doesn't wear off on my road bike and lasts much longer than white lightning, which I found to be bad. Jules2008-01-30 05:24:28

Bruce I'm glad I'm not the only one who found that bunch difficult to ride in. I found myself riding at the back because I just didn't have the confidence to move into the thick of things. I prefer it when there are a few hills to make the bunch smaller. Today was very scary. Quite a few close calls.

And this race cost R165

I hope that descent bike of yours is good on ascents as well I'm riding Geax tyres at the moment, but not that impressed. They are alright for hardpack stuff, but very poor in the rain. I had the Kenda Karmas (with tubes) before and they are really the best tyres I've ever ridden, but I got a ridiculous amount of punctures. I think the tubeless ones won't have this problem. The other good thing about them is they have very strong sidewalls. Apparently some tubeless tyres are not very good in the sidewall department.

Thanks Mr LOOK

I must admit, this is the one Shimano product I would consider buying. I'm told you can adjust the cleats while the pedal is in the shoe, which makes the job much easier.

I read somewhere that the Keo Easies are very light because they don't have a tension adjustment mechanism. I know they are marketed at beginner riders, but I wonder if the tension is high enough for other riders too?

I rode the spruit recently and thought that it is looking great, apart from the construction site. Thanks to all the people who have contributed to making the ride more interesting. Perhaps we could start some informal hall of fame on the hub for these generous souls?