Robrider

Sneaky buggers those underpants! Always seem to be hiding. More lights means more visible, and that means safer in traffic. Recommend more lighting if possible.

2006 - 2013 and going strong, except for 2009 which was won by a Peugot diesel. I believe 2014 is this coming weekend.

I use Joe Friel's method of setting zones by finding lactic threshold HR rather than Max HR. According to him the max tests are not good for you, esp if you have an unknown heart condition. He also argues that setting up zones according to lactic threshold is better for training.

I just read your post again. Fast Forward was only talking about HR and not cadence (I thought), and my reply was only about HR. I am in full agreement of an efficient cadence. We on the same page there.

I will try and find the research. As far as I know it is pretty commonly held view. For example if you take a look at the pros their max HR range between 175 and 195 BPM. So you are saying the ones with higher MHR produce more power? That the ones with lower MHR should train their hearts? um, sorry, but not true. Unless we are talking past each other, max HR is not an indicator of performance in any way. Edit to add. This is about HR, not cadence.

No benefits, no implications. People are different. There is no point comparing your max heart rate with anyone else and it is in no way an indicator of performance.

They don't do it for the race prize money. As Eldron said, they get more in sponsorship. If they could win the double or triple, they would with out question give it a shot, and not for the money.

For me: First prize, indoor trainer with dedicated bike. Disadvantage is the cost and space. Second prize, indoor trainer with bike and dedicated wheel. Disadvantage is the schlep changing wheels and mounting the bike all the time. Becomes an excuse when the motivation is low. Advantage is that there is only one bike taking up space. Third prize, spinning bike. They are not bad, but I find it more realistic to sit on an actual bike. The fixie pedals never bothered me. Rowing machine. These are great full body workouts. People almost ALWAYS have terrible technique, and don't get the benefit from them, and risk injury. They are also painfully boring (even more so than an indoor trainer). They are also quite pricey and take up a lot of room. I would avoid unless you a) have a massive home gym with lots of equipment, or b) are a serious rower. I have spent a few too many hours of my life on these.

I've been using my phone in my pocket for a while, and have recently got a garmin. Here's my take on it. Phone Pro's: No extra cost if you already have one - ie cheaper Big screen (if its on your bars, which mine wasn't) You will probably take a phone with you anyway Good apps Cons: Fragile Not built for purpose - apps are good, but not as good as garmin I don't like having it on the bars because of bike jackings, as well as falling and damaging it. so it becomes only useful for post ride analysis. I dont know how good the HR belts are, I've heard mixed things Garmin: Pro Built for the job - good data, battery, works seamlessly. con connect HR, Power, Cadence, speed sensors seamlessly. doesn't look as bling on the handle bars (for theft) more rugged. Cons Expensive Extra unit.

If it were me I would go for this one: http://www.extremelights.co.za/shop/extreme-1200-mkii-cree-bicycle-light/ Its very bright, good enough for riding or running trails. You can also look on deal extreme, prices are great, only problem is the waiting time for shipping and no local support.

Seeding is not about how good your fitness is but about how good both your technical skills are as well as your fitness. Don't be the guy that holds everyone else up when you get to something you can't do. This is not a "ride in the veld". Even the 45km has fairly technical riding for a new mtb'er. If you cope fine then move forward next time.

1) first mtb race 2) Monster = Seeding at the back. Don't mess with this race.

I think it was a joke because of Hairy's triple post.

My advice with the running, would be start slowly. Do most of your fitness training on the other sports, and use running training as your light sessions to build up your joints and tendons to avoid injury. See Tim Noakes beginners running programme in "The lore of running" (its on-line too) to see just how slow he recommends beginners to start. It is s-l-o-w. 6:00min/km is a pretty reasonable and comfortable speed to aim for to be competent. You wont win anything, but you will be far from last. Once you are there you will know how much you can improve.

Yeah... I think he seems a bit overly arrogant. I agree that there is a style to commuting. I commute with my wife very occasionally and it freaks me out. She is so cautious that she is dangerous. There comes a point where you have to let everyone know what you are going to do, and do it. If you "um and ah", cars will loose patience, or not understand what you are trying to do, and try take gaps or pass you etc. Be polite Be cautious but confident Expect everyone to do the unexpected Follow the rules

Got the free album and their first one. It is really good! Thanks. Always good to hear a good new band

How is shameless UK vs shameless US? I love the US version

Hey, I haven't read the whole thread, but I've been in a similar place and have even done long ride like j2c and transbaviaans with my wife. In other words, long training which we had to do together at her pace. 1) work out a training plan. I found I enjoyed doing high intensity intervals on the trainer and LSD rides with the wife on the week ends. Generally my hard trainer sessions were enough that I welcomed the slower pace. 2) Places like hekpoort were great for long training, because I would do the climb over and over again. 3) Get her girlfriends involved. If you have "common couple" friends, the boys can ride together and girls can ride together (as long as the area is safe) 4) I would ride to emerentia over northcliff while she drove there, to ride the spriut.

Me too! It's great still.

Cool thanks. Will give those a shot, haven't tried any of them. I've always been sceptical of walking dead, but I will succumb to peer pressure and give it a shot

Haha, thats pretty funny, but no. I was still behind in the book then, so I was reacting like that too. But I've caught up and finished them now.

Love it! I've read the books, so I won't spoil anything, but I will just say that it is going to be a cracker of a season. Edit to add: I need some new series. Going to have to read through this thread. I've finished Dexter and about to finish Breaking bad. Up to date with: Shameless Game of thrones Suits (season also finished now) Big Bang Modern family Also sometimes get: Community family guy south park There's a few others that I've been trying that are ok, but not in the same league as breaking bad: Once upon a time Once upon a time in wonderland Vikings

Do the drag benefits of high altitude count for more than the negative aerobic effects? Interesting.

Probably mixed them with the 2x 18 year glenfiddich

I don't see how that's a bad thing. They should be promoting cycling for commuter transport in the middle class, because lower earners all get transported in taxi's and trains, middle income earners probably make the majority of road traffic users (people that drive 1 in a car). I know I made assumptions, but I think they not too far off.