andydude

Just to understand - are you saying it's ok to dope out of competition, but not in? Practically it's just impossible for an "amateur" to not "dope". And on your question about your mate beatig you - read my post again, he will be in tier 2 where he'll get a time, but not a placing. You in tier 1 will get a time and placing. Cycling is about your placement, not time.

Benjamin & JGR - that is exactly the problem, it is complicated. Like I said, almost any medicine contains some or other banned substance. Even some supplements. I can't see normal folk not taking anything through life, whether on purpose or not. The more I think about it, the more the two tier systems could work. 1st tier would be competitive racing (including pros, vets, etc.) And they would open themselves up for testing, and the 2nd tier where they don't test, but you don't get a placing, only time.

Is using my phone's GPS also against the law? Or is it only talking?

Some of the guys, like sluiper, has alluded to it, but if they test everybody at Epic, they will probably have to ban half the field! The positive would probably be that I can get a cheap entry for next year. But seriously, you guys seem to be missing the point between PEDs and normal medicine. In most cases, almost all medicine have banned substances. Cortisone, asthma, pain pills, etc. Are we saying it's ok the "dope" if you're an amateur, but not if you're a pro? Seems like double standards? Or do we draw a line somewhere and say, right, you either race and can be tested and win, or you still do the race, but don't get position or prize money, but get a X category time.

So I was thinking of doing my very first cradle ride this coming weekend after relocating to Jhb (well almost - 400km away), but is the Northcliff ride out of bounds now? I'll actually be staying in Northcliff for a few months.

Please mark my answers above... can I join?!

Oh ok I see one thing is when you do a segment you can select the club and it only shows those members' times.

I've joined The Hub SA club, but what else can you do instead of Recent Activity and Members?

And Argus...

Firstly, thanks Icycling for all your time and effort! We do appreciate it! This comes back to my point of what they are actually responsible for. According to their consitution, funriders and the races are only one part (and not the largest) of their duties and in my mind that is where the disconnect is. That's why I'm saying that maybe it's time for them to draw up a plan for the next year, five and 10, and maybe narrow their focus. At the moment they're almost more a charity and for commuting & cycling in general than for funriders and funrides. Coming back to the topic, and being conservative, I would like to think that one year's expenses, although more than enough, is probably good enough to keep as reserves. Thereafter the money should be spent! And if the reserves are still increasing, spend more! I think Icycling is right in that it's easier to do nothing, but then have no mistakes, than do something.

I guess you can't really compare one with no machine and another with a machine, but I like your style! I was reading yesterday about I guy saying he ran 8.5 miles in an hour and that he can probably ride 8.5 miles in 15 minutes which means cycling is 4 times better

Hopefully eating. I'm already hungry! Went for a beautiful ride this morning.

You can download the pdfs or register here: http://www.bicycling.co.za/training-programmes/argus-cycle-tourtraining-programmes/

Why?

Thanks!

Yes. Just watch out for a too small frame with a too long seat post.

You talking about this one? Dis-Chem Ride for Sight Super Classic 2013 Category: Road Biking Events Event Date: 17 February 2013 Entries Close: 8 February 2013 Venue: Boksburg City Stadium Province: Gautang East Distance: 125km (R240) 82km (R220) 62km (R130) Starting Time: 06:00 Timed By: Racetec

For the record, my inseam is 88 - 90cm (depends on how hard I squeeze my balls) and I took a large Giant.

More importantly, what is your inseam (feet to balls) and if you really want to go further, what is the length of your upper leg?

Bicycling is sharing 12-week training programs for sub-3, sub-4, sub-5 and novice rides. It might be worthwhile. Check just below the top on the right hand side http://www.bicycling.co.za/ There is a book you can buy or you can subscribe to their weekly email.

Isn't lactose threshold where you can't get enough oxygen to the muscles? Oxygen to the muscles are delivered by red blood cells in the blood [which EPO can boost]. Oxygen is obtained from the lungs which comes from breathing. Over simplification, but that is what I understood.

Is jy Jean se broer?

I'll try... we all make mistakes, and by mistakes I mean not by accident, but by taking the wrong decisions. With your decisions come consequences and normally the severity of the wrong decision dictates the degree of consequence. Having said that, most of us have gotten away with wrong decisions and without punishment. That's part of growing up! If you stop making mistakes, you stop living. That's what I meant about us being so judgemental. It reminds me of Mathew which said, "You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

First thing, it's so difficult to compare two races. A 1,500m scratch race on the track can be harder than a 100km race on the road. Secondly, I think those three are great races to ride across great roads. But if you want to compare stats, here is what I've got for the 2012 99er (which was longer due to road works - I wish they keep that route), 2012 Argus and 2012 Burger: 99er 2012: Distance: 121.5km Elevation gain: 1,182m Argus 2012: Distance: 109.5km Elevation gain: 1,152m Burger 2012: Distance: 91.8km Elevation gain: 912m

I agree with this part, Happy. Still the same old omerta going around. He's been involved through so many years and things and could've come clean with everything, but I guess he's waiting for a book deal. On the suspension, I think two years is good and fits the "crime". Why we're being so judgemental on someone breaking a rule in sport I don't know.