Vega

I lived in an estate close to Lanseria. Routes I followed were just in Cradle, through Cradle to Magalies, and through Cradle to Van Gaalens. Always done solo in the week. Never had problems except for odd protest action at split to caves. Avoid over weekends at all costs though!

I suspect Google got that wrong. The small Lord Roberts is on private land. The real Lord Roberts passes between Romansbaai and the golf course.

I am in the process of moving and thought the Spruit will do for weekday morning rides. I mostly ride alone. What is the consensus regarding safety on the Spruit at the moment? Specific areas to avoid?

Dryland races are always good and the Pioneer is (used to be?) my favourite stage race. However, I think the Pioneer is losing it's way. No Kamanassie, no Swartberg (not even once), less than 500km/10,000m in 7 days? A prologue that was mostly (70%?) ridden on tar and pavement in 2015 and to be repeated in 2016? I hope the changes increase the rider numbers, but this is not the Pioneer I came to enjoy.

Nice!

The shop that sourced the frame and other bits did a great job.

I've been drooling over some of the SS on this thread. At last I can add my own. It is even on the couch

OP, I share your frustration. Had lots of waiting (as in months) on more than one occasion trying to order Jawbones/Racing Jackets/lenses. Then by chance I found an optometrist in the old part of Rosebank Mall (Mews?), who not only get what I want within a week (even if they have to import), but are also generally cheaper than cycle shops. The owner feels strongly that bicycle shops should sell bicycles and optometrists should sell eyewear!

Wessel, let me clarify my question. For Clarens the mid-point cut-off was initially advertised as 6 hours at 83km. I believe it was then changed, on the day, to 5 hours at 75km. However, riders who reached 75km after the 4 hour mark were told they did not make the cut-off and were unable to continue. Thus, I would like to know what the mid-point cut-off will be, as I don't want to ride with a time in my mind for the mid-point cut-off, only to be told I am too late.

Can we have that update now please?

Wessel, can you please confirm the distance(s) / cut-off time(s) for the ultra-marathon?

Hi Guys This may have been mentioned before, apologies if it is a repeat question. Is VG open during the week?

Pierre, I used to migrate from one shop to another because of unsatisfactory service (Morningside was one of them). Then I found Summit Cycles in Midrand. I have used them for about three years now, and I have never been disappointed. Give them a try.

I rode there in December with a 32 x 17 (26). Was first time on SS and took some strain. Agree with 32 x 20 for Mamba.

Sad news indeed. Condolences Anton and family.

2013 World XCM Championship winning bike. Difficult to argue with that. http://stories.rotorbike.com/wp-content/uploads/freshizer/f6725b264b3d92ca20385f911255a9e9_SauserDET-940.jpg http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2013/08/110-659x440.jpg

The 'contact us' page is useless in any case. They have never responded to any of my e-mails. Good races, bad admin.

Erm . . . no. From the Cycling SA website: UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships heading for the Cascades Mountain Bike Park at the end of June 2014

Thanks for the advice guys. Now to get to the finish line . . .

Running 34:18 on a 26. It is my first stage race with a single speed though . . .

Anybody planning on riding SabieX with a SS? Would be keen to hear what gear ratios you plan on using.

Best race of the year. Wouldn't miss it.

Treat the girlfriend at Timamoon or Tana Mera while you go riding at Induna just down the road?

My first Pioneer and the start of a nice long holiday. Can't wait. Good luck to everyone who is riding!