NC_lurker

Yup, afraid to my knowledge Marius has it spot on. Various studies have been done around cramping in sport. No conclusive evidence that anti-cramping suppliments have anything other than a placebo effort. Bottom line is that your body just isn't used to the sustained race pace & subsequent fixed position that you put it into. Try incorporate some race simulations into your training. I'll try find the reference to some research.

My GF rode her 1st Argus on a mtb with slicks. We then bought her a roadbike for her 2nd Argus and she can't stop raving about how much easier it is to ride on the road now. Road bike is more efficient on the road.. Just make sure you get one with a triple chainring, then she'll have all the gearing she needs on a light, more responsive bike.

Checkout the CapeStorm cranium cooler http://www.capestorm.co.za/products/product_details.jsp?category_id=2937&prodCat=4024&prodDisplay_id=4105 Seems to work well, but I find it a rather tight fit sqeezing into my helmet when wearing it. Think I've just gotta find a better technique for putting my helmet on without shifting the headwear.

Wash it out with some Milton & warm water, will kill any nasties trying to hang around. I also stuff a clean drying-up cloth into the bag to ensure air can get in to dry it.

Let's just say that Methylate on raw wounds stings a little.. You'll feel yourself glowing.. Actually to be honest, blisters don't make you glow much. Chafe in sensitive spots, now that's another story. The 2secs of pain is worth it, fastest fix you'll find.

Methylate is the way to go if you're in a hurry. Run a needle with thread thru it a few times, therefore making a few holes. Then put methylate on the outside, it'll seep in thru the holes. Warning, it might make you glow a bit. Don't cut the blistered skin off as that'll just expose the softer layer under. Repeat Methylate a few times a day. Works 100% for paddlers that are silly enough not to use dubbin/vaseline on their hands in multiday events...

During the whole Detour time, even though Chappies was closed you could still ride it. You just had to lift your bike over the barriers and watch out for the potholes on the Noordehoek side. Actually one of those potholes was about the size of a car & had taken half the road down the mountain. Just think, 30 000 people taking part in the Cape Argus road & cyclocross event in March..

R610 But only if you take off the saddle, otherwise I'm not willing to offer more than R601.50

Size? Age? Components?

I've never had a problem with chafing from my shorts, until I got given a pair of Anatomic bibs just before K2C last year. Not only do/did they chafe me silly, but they went into holes after about 6months. Trust me, it wasn't because of huge mileage. My el cheapo Rapid sports bibs are yet to give me any issues, but am about to give the Cape Storm bibs a go. Looked at the First Ascent ones, but the body length is waaay too short.

I rode a San Marco Rolls from about '93 till I replaced it with a Fizik Arione last year. It didn't look great in the end, had seriously worn the leather on the sides, but it certainly was a comfy ride. If you're struggling to get one, have a look at the Arione, I switched with no discomfort whatsoever.

Hagar, do yourself a favour & try some shoes on. Some of the shoes can be very narrow. Also the sizes seem to differ. Personally, I'm riding a pair of Specialized MTB shoes (without a ratchet) and they're great!

Sounds like very good news. Might I suggest a few "thank-you" letters to the local newspapers once the road becomes operational. This way not only do you publicly thank those concerned, but hopefully spread the news to non-cyclists about how all road users can exist together (peacefully..)

mmm, I'd avoid jik. I use Milton(think it's used to sterilise baby bottles) to clean my paddling drinking bags & it works well. Doesn't leave a taste.