First time I've done this race and a big thumbs up to the organisers, marshals and the involvement of the local Metro. Coming across a female rider in a rather big bunch talking on her cell phone was a first for me! Thankfully she ended the call when I suggested it wasn't a good idea and she could cause problems for the riders behind her.
1. Mini pump? Y 2. Co2 inflator? Y 3. Chain tool? Y 4. Allen key set? Y 5. Small loose bolts/chain links etc? Only on MTB 6. Tyre levers? Y 7. Patch kit? Y 8. Money? Y Do you carry tools in the: 9. Camelbak? One or two extras on long MTB rides otherwise all in saddlebag. 10. Saddlebag? Y 11. Cycling top back pocket(s)? N 12. Are you concerned about the weight of the tools you need to carry on a normal day ride? N. The thought of getting stuck in the middle of nowhere far outweighs the concern about weight! 15. Would you like fewer objects to carry in terms of tools? If it can do all that I carry at the moment. 16. Would you prefer to carry the tools attached to the bike rather than on your body? Y 17. And a final open question: What do you find most problematic about your current setup of tools while biking? (If you have time, please write a small description of problem(s)) Nothing. I've spent good money on good tools that I know will last.
Bought my daughter a Merida MTB for Christmas from them. Although they were busy, they fussed around her when she came in for the bike set up which made her feel special. As a 15 yr old she was more impressed with the service than getting a new bike!
Suggest you get the medical aid details of the kids who will be playing in your back yard incase one lands up in hospital. Parents might not be readily available in an emergancy!
Free fitting should be standard on all new bikes but I know some bike shops who are just looking at turnover don't have the ability or the desire to offer this.
I've come across a couple of other riders when I have ridden there. I suppose they might be peed off if too many riders start riding there but so far I haven't had any problems.
I got a quote from Strides in December for a five bike rack. Rack R4387, stronger gas shock R550 and fitting R350. 10% discount for cash/EFT. http://www.strides.co.za/
Great video-well done. I regularly ride between William Nicol and Witkoppen Rd and haven't had any incidents yet although I'm always aware of my surroundings. I always greet the various vagrants as I ride past and they seem to appreciate it as I often get a positive reply. The trail is getting overgrown with all the rain and if you not familiar with the area it can be quite difficult knowing where to go. Trying to get City Parks to cut the grass has been err rather difficult! For some nice hill training I ride up the proposed extension to Maxwell Dr which takes you up to Paulshof. Do that a couple of times and your legs start complaining. Want to extend your ride even more?-duck into Leeuwkop Prison via the back gate and there are some great trails there with even more hills to train on.
I also bought the Giant MTX250 for my daughter when she was 9. She's now 11 and so far it has been a great bike. I modified the wheels to quick release and taught her how to fix a puncture. She regularly rides in the 10km MTB races while I ride in the longer ones.
Are you not worried about being over trained? I did a race- road and MTB- every weekend for about 10 weeks prior to the 94.7 plus my usual midweek training. Had great 94.7 MTB race but my legs felt realy flat for the road race a week later. Took a two week break and I couldn't believe how great I felt on my first training ride after the break.
