Red Zone

So do we now know the reason why no mens Road team was selected for the Commonwealth games, looks like Sascoc got a heads up a month ago

Not really surprising considering the "fine" record that SA has with doping. Look at all the big teams that used to come over here to "train" Rabbobank, Telekom etc.. If I recall correctly Tyler talks about the SA being pretty sophisticated in the doping game in his book. It seems that the best riders are those who are best at evading detection rather than the most talented. Sad state of affairs, I don't think anything has really changed since the 90's and the 00's Let me go watch some reruns of Lance, Ulrich, Pantani, Virenque, Basso etc.. Same same as the current crop

uplighters under the bathroom counter could be nice

I find it somewhat cold and impersonal, bathrooms are bloody difficult to design for that reason, perhaps the lighting is too cold? I think a skirting with a shadow line could be introduced to give a cleaner look to the bedroom. Otherwise good job.

I had the same problem when training for Ironman, eventually you just give up and tattoo eyeballs on your eyelids. Seriously get to bed earlier, you need to get more sleep with a big training load the only way is to get to bed early and try catch up on the weekends with some afternoon naps. Coffee and other stimulants only work for so long, nature balances its books in the end.

The issue is the frankly ridiculous number of riders in the pro peleton who have asthma, estimated by some to be as many as 50%, of course WADA doesn't release the figures - no prizes for figuring out why

Why cant the dudes just play it old school, deny, deny, deny, threaten to sue, bribe the UCI and employ the best doctors. This nonsense of trying to hide behind TUE's, excuses of asthema, bilharzia, skin allergies and whatnot is just plain insulting. CF dont tell me that you dont know the history of the sport, never looked at a blood passport, dont know what Vinokurov was bust for, dont want to do a V02 max test on principle bla bla bla. This is a house of pharmaceutical cards waiting to come crashing down.

That's a good bike, give the man 8 - 10 k depending on condition, specs, wheels etc... You are buying a 3x9 with alu frame so it is old tech and you will probably outgrow it if you are planning on doing a lot of riding and racing. Dont worry about this whole 26 vs 29 thing, there isn't really that much to chose from unless you are planning on racing at the sharp end or doing long boring district road rides

Oh and since you are doing 70.3 I suppose clip on bars are going to happen soon, this will also bring a new position and probably a bit more discomfort as well

Is it the Carbon Arione? I have heard that they are pretty harsh. I have a really hard Selle Italia carbon potato chip of a saddle on my road bike, it always bites me in the bum for a while when I move from the TT or MTB, takes a few weeks of regular riding to get used to it.

I find it easier than running backwards while watching traffic, I fall less as well

Dude, all that riding around in the forest, catching air, railing berms, sluicing down dropoffs is pretty boring unless you can tune your ride as you go, record every moment and then upload to strava, youtube, and training peaks. You are clearly missing out on all the data with this "riding" stuff getting in the way

What I suppose you want to ride on the road as well? everyone knows that the road is only for cars

I have no available handlebar real estate on my MTB, with shifters, lights, brakes, shock lockout, dropper post remote, computer and go pro. Now you want to clutter up the front end of my whip with a bell as well. Sorry I will just whistle or shout

I have been a PPA member for more than 10 years, when I joined up there was a race whenever I wanted it, generally MTB in winter and road in summer, gradually the number of events has reduced, especially those close to home (southern suburbs) to the extent that last year there were only one or two events on my doorstep. For the last year or two I have questioned my membership for the first 8 or so years it was fantastic, got the discounts, raced league for a year or two, cracked a good seeding and really enjoyed it. I now do more triathlon, trail running and only do the One Tonner, DC & Argus so I don't really get any benefit from the PPA anymore and have decided to let my membership lapse. The PPA racing vibe just isn't what it used to be, there is far more agro in MTB and Road which has also made me less keen to race PPA events anymore. From my experience the largest benefit that you get is the opportunity to move up the seeding ladder and start with groups of your strength or if you want to ride league. I also think that you dont get timed if you are not a PPA member in a PPA sanctioned event???

I would rather not, facilities like these unfortunately tend to attract downhillers Seriously though, they would be nice, but I cant imagine they they would be very nice to step into after a few muddy bikers have gone to town in them.

Review from Slowtwitch. www.slowtwitch.com/News/We_Noticed_Fabric_Enve_Smith...__4403.html Its hard to get exited by a jacket, but this is pure genius, it fits under your saddle when you're not wearing it, no more bulging pockets. Sugoi RS jacket The Sugoi RS is a lightweight contoured Pro fit jacket is the ideal travel companion when the weather situation is not clear. Take it with you if you suspect upcoming chillier temps higher up, or wear it when you start your ride and know that you can take it off whenever the sun becomes to friendly. A jacket like this ought to be in the arsenal of any cyclist. http://www.slowtwitch.com/articles/images/5/99805-largest_SugoiRS1.jpg When folded together, the Sugoi RS packs down into a tiny little pouch that can be mounted under the saddle just like a saddle bag. http://www.slowtwitch.com/articles/images/2/99812-largest_SugoiRS2.jpg Colors: black, chilli red Sizes: S - XXL MSRP: $80

Nice Rupert the Bear pants.

Glad that the Manor house will be renovated, it is a fantastic building and landmark. The architecture of the Chapmans Peal offices is ok, cant really fault it. Its the land use that I have more of a problem with.

A new office building in the National Park? looks like a repeat of Chapmans Peak. Offices should be contained in Urban Areas. That being said that road really needs work and something to separate cars, bikes and runners.

The decision has been taken and its probably final and binding. But I want to look at the financial aspect, who paid the "fine"? If the club paid then I have a bit of a problem, as I understand it they are a development club who is funded in part by the PPA, i.e. a lot of us as PPA members therefore may in fact have footed the bill.

Admin acted correctly, a blatant attempt at trolling, it had to be closed down. Its posts that that that degenerate and bring out the tossers who just want to be rude, argumentative and abusive. All too frequently at the expense of some poor dude who gets caught up in it.

On a related point it would be fantastic if mountain bikers could keep the speeds down on the lower Tokai park paths, which are used mostly by walkers, runners and kids. If you want to rip it up, head to the mountain bike trails but its not really appropriate to try set new Strava times around the lower park where there are kids, dogs and others that could get hurt.

Agreed, just like heart rate is just a tool as well as RPE, but as you move from RPE to HR to PM, the ability to focus your training increases, it is even more important if you are coached so the boss can adapt your plan and check if you are slacking. Hey James Cunnama doesn't use any training tools and he is one of the best triathletes in the world. I personally stay away from power training because I ride and race to enjoy myself not to punch numbers. HR is good enough for me.

Ditto on the Garmin 910XT. Hands down the best on the market. The 310XT is the predecessor to the 910XT, has a claimed 20 hour battery life, but is quite a bit clunkier and doesn't track swimming very well. If you are on a budget get the 310, but the extra 2K or so for the 910 is probably worth it. Just try not to lose it in the swim