Groadie

I currently use Endomondo as a riding app to map my rides etc. Over the past year a large group of us have also connected as friends etc on the Endomondo forum and, like any app, I'm comfortable with the the page set-up; my stats; all my logged rides etc. There was a certain amount of functionality included in the free version with an option to upgrade to the pro version. As of a few days ago, Endomondo have shut down certain functionality that was available under the free version and have now put a healthy premium on all the tools that made the app such a great tool for mapping rides. In other words, I must now pay to see that data that was initially free. I can't download Strava on Blackberry (as that's the most logical next step) and I'm not due for an upgrade to a iPhone or Android handset as yet. I guess that's how they do business - but rather add new functionality to the upgrade version rather than taking away from what was free. Makes a bit grumpy!

Lance was a fighter - but he's rolled over like a pussy on this one. I've posted a story on it..... http://smoothknobblies.blogspot.com/2012/10/its-all-about-drugs-cycling-without.html

I posted a story about this on our cycling groups blog. A lot of you guys went on and gave your support - but there is a frighteningly large number of people who actually defend this guy. If you have the time, check out some of the comments that have been posted over the last few days....they are close to Neanderthal! Andre Gouws may have a few loyal friends but they do him no favours with their primitive outbursts. http://smoothknobblies.blogspot.com/2012/10/this-is-not-death-threat-but.html

Hi Guys. That Leon chap has found my blog and is busy with his threatening stance there too. Check his comments out - I actually think he needs counselling. http://smoothknobblies.blogspot.com/2012/10/this-is-not-death-threat-but.html?showComment=1350022838835#c6921566225998406028

here is our cycling groups response to this: http://smoothknobblies.blogspot.com/2012/10/this-is-not-death-threat-but.html

Bassman - Welcome to the Dead 3 Club. its the nowhere land between Sub3 and everyone else. We must've rolled over at the same time - I'm in at 3:00:41. The Dead 3 Club. Embrace it - and then aim to kick its ass next year (thank goodness I MTB!)

Thanks for the replies.... I await with baited breath...

Does anyone know if SRAM is going to be bringing out (or have already) MTB 10 spd gripshifters? I had 9 spd gripshifters on my old bike and prefer them to teh trigger shifters. I've searched the net at all the usual places with only 9 spd results. Anyone have any inside info....? Many thanks.

I've been using the newer Garmin Edge 800. Rather get yourself the current best-in-range. It has amazing features. I rode the Transbaviaans with it - lasted all 12-plus hours; plotted cadence; temp; heart rate; GPS en route; average speed; plots all altitude climbing; links to Maps etc etc. I was truly impressed with the functionality. I'm not a geek on these things (check out many blogs online with guys who compare these gadgets against each other) I just use them.

Its a tough debate - but safety is the key issue here. I ride XC and use the single track in Tokai as technical uphill training. I am well aware of other riders (of all shapes, sizes, bike, and competency) that have right of way on the downhill. If you're educated about the risks, the up-rider needs to know that they must make way for the downhill rider. This point hit home pretty hard for me about a month ago when I was rolling down Faerie Garden and a dad and his young son popped around a corner - right into my path. I had no choice but to go down like Flynn! I left a lot of elbow and knee skin on the track - and the dad still looked down at me and said: "wow - I saw you coming..." I was not a happy camper! He should've given way. Like surfing, we need some hard and fast principles out there: DOWNHILL RIDERS HAVE RIGHT OF WAY. (Then those going downhill also need to come to the party and alert those coming uphill; send some earlier mates down to clear the track; warn others; tell uphill riders how many riders there are still to come etc - whatever. We all want to be safe)

Dear Agony Hubbers Its my first TB...hooked up with some monsters though - they clocked 11hrs last year. I've done 3 x DC's; Sani2C; W2W; K2C - but this race seems super far compared to those! I expect to get wet from the river crossings etc - does anyone advise taking a change of clothing en route? Is this practical? Maybe put some dry stuff on at a checkpoint? Anxious Cape Town

I thought everyone who rode with Compression socks looked like real chops - but I started using Medac Rocket socks this winter...apart from the benefits of compression, they provided that extra bit of warmth and NO discomfort. I also wear the rockets tights after long rides (used them at Sani2C). I like to support local thats of good quality - so Medac Rockets gets my vote. You can order them online so that they are tailormade (bespoke) for you and they are much cheaper than the overseas brands. (www.medac.co.za)

Then I reckon move the cleats more towards the centre of your foot where the power/force comes down off the leg.

I had the same problem. Hot feet is normally caused by the metatarsal bones being too cramped. I also have high arches and my actual shoes needed to be changed. The wider shoe helped me greatly i.e. no more hot feet! So I would first check that you have enough space - that your foot isn't being squashed into the shoe (cuts the bloodflow - it can even cause temporary discolouring of your foot and your toes can feel like ice after a long ride!). I had to go to a specialist who assessed my feet fit in the shoe. But it can be fixed.

I'm riding a 29er with 3x10spd. Before this I was on a 3x9spd 29er. As a heavier rider (95kg) who loves multi-stage MTB, I got great use out of the 3x10 option on Sani2C. BUT - Whatever works, I guess - although there's no reason to make your own ride tougher just to please critics who swear by cutting out 10 speeds!