Ratty

I'm undecided on which distance to do. The 60km I know has some really nice singletrack, but I'm just not convinced I'm fit enough. Want to find out what the total climbing is compared to Knysna 75km.

Don't always be so suspecious. I've had people say they will take a bike just like that. However I always insist that they organise the delivery and that the EFT is cleared in my account before it gets delivered (I leave the bike at a reputable bike shop in the interim to protect them as well). Haven't had a problem yet. I'm not saying don't be careful, but just that this particular instant might not be a scam. It might just be someone who knows what they want and are really keen to get it.

They aren't cheap, but have an adjustable seat which seems to be an issue with the other ones. He was able to ride it at just over 18 months. Is 3 now (and fairly tall for his age) and the seat can still be raised. What I like the most on the ktms is the hand protectors. His hands would be smashed by now if it wasn't for those. Oh and they handle mud well :-)

Its wasn't as muddy as the XC course! The XC riders were a lot dirtier than the fun riders.

Plus, who says it wasn't the people that sent it to the bike shop that tried to cover the scratch. The bike shop might be completely innocent especially as has been said, its difficult to see.

I had the same problem with pronutro, but mostly because of the amount of milk it required. Have NO bloating with future life.

it is the opposite for me. Future life keeps me full. I was constantly hungry by 9/10 and didn't know why as I was eating 2 1/2 weetbix in the morning thinking it was "filling" stuff. When I told the nutritionist she explained that Weetbix is no low-gi and is digested quickly which is why I was hungry so soon after. I LOVE Future Life !!! Especially as I'm lactose intolerent.

It seems to me that there are less people riding on the road these days. Went to paddocks today by car and there were loads of cyclists on the path and i didn't see one on on the road. We even commented that there was a group +- 8 riders riding on the cycle path.

Sorry to hear about your loss. At least you managed to hold onto the wheel (doesn't do you much good, but makes its harder for them to try sell on). Really sad that we can no longer ride safely on our bikes.

My BIL was taken out last Wednesday by a Metro Cop of all people. Was completely the cops fault. He is still in hospital with 1 broken leg and his other legs is very swollen and they are not sure what is wrong.

A few things seems as you are asking for comments: a) a lack of advertising of the XCO events, which seems to have got better this year. B) website - no offence, but its not the greatest. Info isn't always updated etc. Hard to find results. c) not responding to emails sent. d) price - can be a factor for some as its more expensive than entering most fun rides. I did my first race in sub-vets ladies this year and it was an absolute blast. There was one really fast girl, but other 3 of us weren't that quick and there was a great social vibe. I have a friend who I will be dragging along so there will be another girl to come play in sub-vets. What I enjoyed is the more personal feeling to it than doing fun rides. You aren't just one of the numbers and you get to know the people you are "racing" with. I'm looking foward to doing more. And the more technical the course, the better for me :-)

If you are in Cape Town, the Tygerberg club organise kids group rides on a Wednesday where they help them and then they all enter races etc together.

I think probably rider demand. There are so many of us dying to do it and current contestants just aren't dropping out.

Very good, both the video and your ability to do all that. I like the track as well !! Keep it up.

Wow, awesome story. You must be a great person to have your friends and family do something so special for you.

Yup, on my 2nd pair of Specialized lady specific shoes. First pair are still in great condition, my feet just grew when I was pregnant (or as someone said its just cause I'm fatter). I had the more entry level specialized shoes and now have the fancy ones. The fancy ones are super comfortable, but I can't fault the other ones.

My dad has the Thule on his car and I have it on my little hatch back and on both it works fantastically.

Do you honestly think the agents make that much money that they can afford to live in Camps Bay? Maybe you should do some research before coming on here and making comments like that. There are demo days i.e. the "Ride before you buy". They have done one at Tokai and Contermans. Different brands come with a range of bikes that people can try out. Strangely though the last one wasn't that well attended.

Do you like suffering? If yes, do the 50km :-) Tru Cape for me is one of the tougher mtb races. Its got nice hard climbs, technical sections etc. No one for attempting your first 50km's IMO.

I wish I'd known it was going to cost me so much. Seriuosly though, I wish someone had told me how much better mtbing was than road riding. Also wish there was more info on the different trails available (6 years ago, there wasn't much). I had to do PPA races as my introduction to mtbing and they are not the best. If I had found Jonkershoek earlier, I think the mtb bug would have hit straight away and I wouldn't have wasted 2 years riding on the road.

According to my dietician, Instant Oats aren't anywhere near as good as the non-instant oats. She also mentioned that its better to soak oats in hot water for 20-30 min than cooked them. They open up when cooking and there realise energy quicker. I got Bircher Muesli from Pick 'n Pay. Its in a shaped box (wide at bottom, narrow at top). It is absolutely DELICIOUS !!! You just mix it with yoghurt or Apple juice if lactose intolernt and then leave it over night. If you want, grate some apple over it in the morning (I'm lazy and don't bother with this). I now alternate between the Bircher Muesli, Oats and Future Life which helps with the boredom factor.

So, how is everyone's training going??? Mine is non-existent. I have been sick for the last 3 weeks, 2 x courses of anti-biotics. Finally went for a ride yesterday. Felt fine, but then this morning I woke up with a sore throat again..... grrr. Think i'm just going to stay off the bike until the 14th and hope for the best.

Burry had no issues with the rock garden on the previous laps, he looked smooth going through there and even over took some of the other guys. He just got it wrong. It just takes a second of lapsed concentration and you go down. Absalon was also very close to going down there and he is a legend of XC racing. Great course !!!

Nookie comes with all the added extra's which is not neccessarly a good thing. Singletrack is just pure and simple

One of my colleagues had a heart attack and died just over a week ago after playing a hockey game, he was only 37 and kept himself fit. You think these things only happen to people when they get older. Really sad to hear, must be tragic for the family.