Gunzo

We were 4 guys that were brought down by the crash. They came down in front of me and I had nowhere to go. One guy was still lying on the ground when I got up. He seemed okay. (okay as in he was alive) His wife was with him and he was able to talk. What peeved me off the most is while I was pushing my broken bike, walking with my bruised and battered body to the finish line I saw 2 CSA officials crossing the road underneath the finish banner. They climbed in a car and drove off. This while there weren't even a medical team to attend the crashes at the finish. They are part of CSA's management. Aren't they supposed to at least see that the cyclist are safe? It's like they saw that there were too many crashes. They had to either leave or, if they stay, do something about it. At the medical tent the nurse on duty also complained that they had to deal with too many incidents that were caused directly because of the barriers. I don't think there is anything wrong with the barriers. The issue is they just suddenly start a few meters before the finish. They could at least set down cones that tapers for a few meters before the barriers. Flags or something more visible will also be a nice addition to indicate the start of the barriers. I usually don't complain this much, but after going down and still being sore today I might as well get it of my chest. What I don't understand is why guys are contending for the sprint while the whole race they were wheel-sucking behind the group. If you want to contend - come and show your face in the front during the race. This is amateur racing. If you want better times for seeding - coast behind the guys that are sprinting for positions. 1-2 seconds is not going to make a difference. And why did the u/16 start with AL? They were bobbing and weaving all over the place. And suddenly in the last couple of km's they were trying to move forward. It's dangerous for them and for us. This is an issue CSA should address. They also had to start in front of the group. Why? So that we had to pass them all? This does not make sense. On a positive note, I would like to commend the Marshall that was riding with AL. He indicated most of the potholes and he did a great job controlling the oncoming traffic and traffic from behind. If he was the Marshall to blame for the guy that went off-road and nearly into the fence. I'm sure it was not intentionally.

Bizzmark, I have sent you a PM regarding your original "dead" Fortius. I am busy building/hacking an automated indoor trainer. This might speed up the build a lot. Let me know!

The only place I know about: http://www.waenhuis.co.za/ I have not ridden there myself, but I know it's located on a nice "koppie"/"berg".

The guys in the Blue and Black kit is from the Lenmed Cycling Team.

You will be surprised of what roadies are capable off... Road riding isn't a soft sport compared to mtb'ing. In fact it's a tough sport in its own right. I do agree with some of the comment above. The mental capacity and fitness is already there. It's not that big of a jump to learn some technical skills. I know these skills come mostly with experience. Luckily, these pros have enough time to go out and put time in. I know a lot of roadies who does a little bit of mtb'ing in their off time. If you don't know them as roadies, you will believe they are hard core mountain bikers.

This is a discussion I try to avoid with non-cyclists. I've tried explaining this concept to friends and family. It's not so easy for them to grasp that even though someone, not in the elite's, may have a faster time, he will stil not be the overall winner.

Hoedspruit is not that far from Graskop and Sabie. Some if the best road climbs in SA!

I hope you're not serious?

Yes, but thats how far the tar goes. There is alot of gravel roads coming off from that road.

The relative safe road is the Twistdraai mine road. See map below. It's an out-and-back route. Link

The distance from your horizontal part of the handlebar (where the stem connects), to the bend where your shifters connect to, is called the reach.

I also changed to shallow drops recently and I find it alot more comfortable. I ride alot more in my drops, as it now easier to reach, and like Dewald ZA said, It feels if you have more control.

If asked why I don't rather ride MTB, I usually reply it is to mainstream. My answer is frowned upon. But truly, I ride both disciplines. And my first love remains the road.