zaShadow

Groenkloof is really an awesome place to ride. My wife and I started there too. It has really nice single tracks sections with loads of jeep track in between. If you do one lap, following the most obvious trails, you end up doing around 18km. But after two years of riding there almost every weekend, I still enjoy every ride. And its so easy to forget the abundant wild life GK has. We regularly see the Giraffe, Zebra, Impala and Wildebeest. But if you are lucky you can also see Kudu, Sable, Red Jackle and many other. Try riding early morning or late afternoon if you wanna really see it coming to life. GK is also safe enough to ride alone (I agree with Grondpad, I won't ride in the Irene fields alone, or in a small group for that matter). Adjacent to Groenkloof is Fountains XC track. A little more technical (wouldn't ride it the first time) but an absolute stunning track. Its possible to skip the more technical areas, but that will take out most of the appeal. I don't ride Fountains with my wife though, a little too technical for her (or too slow for me). Fountains' entry is also included in the GK entry. If you want, PM me and I will meet you there some time to show you the track. Northern Farms aren't too far away either. Have heard some roomers that makes the security there quite questionable.

I found a metal clipping in the tub I bought. I took a photo, and logged a complaint. USN responded promptly, requested full information and handled it very professionally.

I have to compliment USN. I logged a complaint on their site about a faulty product, and received a replacement product delivered to my house today. Very well done, and thank you for taking my complaint serious.

I must add my happiness to this thread. I ordered a set of Conti tyres on Wednesday (after their daily scheduled pickup time) and it was waiting for me when I arrived at the office today. And the set, including delivery, was R120 cheaper than any of my LBSs AND it was delivered to my door CWC, you gave me a BIG fast-downhill smile !!

I've never ridden Redwood, but this is a concrete-type road as well. I remember being very thankful the climb was over, but that the downhill was still very enjoyable (i.e. I didn't die from the climb; and on the 60km you have to do it twice) The climb is such a small part of the race, so don't focus on that. It's nice and early in the track too, so when its over, it is OVER. Get up and over it and forget about it. Like Dorrie would say "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..." The downhill has nice flowing lines which I loved, and kept going in and out of dense vegetation. There are fast jeep tracks sections, some slower single track descends closer to the end, but overall an awesome ride. This race gives you something of everything: steep climbs, technical bits, fast bits, recovery bits and a sense of achievement when your done. It's a true mountain bike race, not a dusty road race. Bearing in mind, this was my experience. I will definitely ride it again.

The uphill in the race is quite tough, but not by any means the worst you will find in a race, followed by a kick-"donkey" downhill section. Just know that its over before you know it. I'm by no means a race snake, but in IMHO if its your second race then take your time getting up it. I found it to be a real lekker race. Enjoy it.

Entries are open. I'm entered, YAY!

O, and is very well marked. Can't miss the arrows, and probably the only race I've been on that has 3 "Danger, Slow Down" signs for an ALMOST technical bit. ...okay, some required extra care, but all were quite easily ridable.

I did the Vori-Berg race on Saturday and was pleasantly surprised. It offers something of everything: nice climbs (not technical or too long), great single track descends, very limited jeep track and had some lekke technical injections here and there. Overall a great mountain bike track. I will definitely be back to do it again. One request though: it would be great if this race could count towards seeding. I prefer this race to Babas (Babas just has way too little technical bits; its like a dusty road race).

I recently bought a Scott Spark 40; stock standards weighs in at 12.6 kg (Large frame). I only paid R18k for it. You can get the Scott Spark 35 (carbon frame) for around R24k. Should weigh much less.

I will second this post. I have taken my bike to Epic for the last couple of months, and have never been disappointed in anything. Excellent service, good prices and a great bunch of guys too. (No, I don't have any relation to them other than taking my bike there now and then)

I have Fulcrum Red Metal 5 rims with tubeless conversion done. I am using Maxxis Monorails LUST front and back. I check my tyre pressure before every ride, and haven't lost any noticeable air over the last two months. My Kenda Navgals (non-UST) lost a lot of air continuously. Got a nasty side wall cut up milkshake rocks, but felt it was a blessing in disguise. Very happy with my current setup (though probably worthless for the coming wet season).

This was posted on another thread:

Nothing frustrates me more than someone walking on a nice trail. I snapped my chain on 15 km, just at the starting point of the one single track bit, and HAD to walk. I made sure I got out of the way and pulled my bike well off the trail to let other faster riders past. As far as the downhill bits go: I rode like a demon down any hill I could (obviously with a fixed chain), but I though at some places I was setting a new land speed record DAMN, I love MTB!

If it is about safety, for those unexpected ground introductions, then surely UCI should also regulate the type of material, make up, length etc. a sleeve should be. Otherwise it is just a power hungry few forcing their will on the majority. I don't see those little sleevies doing anything safety wise.

So, other than the fact that some people don't LIKE it, why is it not allowed? I have never been a person to follow fashion anyway (I don't shave my legs either). I use a sleeveless shirt for AR racing. I find it comfortable and ehm... cooler (as in not as warm).

We were almost taken out by a group of antelope running very fast across our path. They luckily saw us just in time and mad a very sharp turn. The poor marshal at the gate had to stand in their path to stop them from running into the road. With us coming from one direction, fence on left side, them coming from right and gate straight ahead it could've turned out quite different. I also snapped my chain at around 15km. Walked a bit and a very nice guy (think he had a halo hidden) helped me to get it fixed. His race number was 22549. If any one has his contact details please PM me; I would like to thank him again. Was still able to get a decent position. If all Nissan races turn out like this, I am their newest biggest fan.

I really enjoyed the Nissan Diamond Rush 40k ride this Saturday. I found the route, though very little single track, to be lekka technical and challenging. It reminded me why I am a mountain biker and not a roadie. That incline near the end was a shocker! Who woulda thought they'll take us over a mine dump ). Great descend after that though. How did you find it?

You are one lucky guy. I have tried to contact Omnico about four times. They only responded once, asked a question and then forgot about it again. I have never came across such a non-interested supplier in my life.

I was looking at buying a new GT Sensor frame (+- R7k), but they do not have stock and have no idea when they will receive again. I have seen a second hand Giant Anthem 2 frame (2006 model) for R4500. Should I rather wait until Omnico brings new stock in, or should I buy this frame now? Since I don't plan on buying another soon again, my worry is buying such an old frame. Please let me know what you think?