rattlesnake

+1

Here's an earth shattering tip - If you want to be a better climber....... CLIMB MORE and when you done climbing, climb some more! eventually you wont be at 90% HR up climbs, you will be able to sit with slower climbers at 60-70% HR. Oh and by climbing more I mean, ride them, ALOT.... at different exertion levels, intervals, recovery, tempo, endurance. And if that wasnt clear enough, CLIMB lots. Oh and core work and pedal stroke specific strengthening movements in the gym wont hurt either.

Think thats a good idea - will post if I get any positive feedback from the probike boys

Thanks - I saw the KHS frames, not super appealing unfortunately. Ws hoping the likes of Scott, Trek, Merida etc would have a go at the 650b. I think one or two guys were riding Scott 650b's at Pietermaritzburg XC a few weeks back.

So - does anyone know if any of the big brand name manufacturers are (or have already) going to start supplying the 650b frames in SA? Methinks that I want one of these instead of a 29er - best of both worlds.

I could be in CPT by tomorrow if you need me to stand in for you Hehe - sorry, bad joke. Check your resting heart rate, if 5-10 beats higher than normal, you aint over it yet. Also (and/or), when you start riding if your HR pushes up very quickly and doesnt recover as fast as usual, you aint over it yet. Either way, I would ride the first 2-3 days easy, when you are recovering from a virus / cold your body uses up more resources than normal, especially when training. Good luck, hope you feel better.

Thanks!

Any idea what system / programme kevin was using to track his fitness levels? (The blue line on the chart)

So you know wjo to speak to then - can we try and do something about this (again) ?

Awesomeness! let me know if I can help.

Its technical but not really rocky. Tight twisty singletrack, but nothing too scary. The most that you are likely to lose if you arent strong technically is time.

then its up to us, next time we see a fellow rider behaving like an idiot, give him a little talking to! Probably wont do much for rider relations, but hey it starts with you and me (the responsible riders)

Anyone know him? Would be good to get stuck into this now, at the same time as all the other cycling safety initiatives going on. Would be great to get all the local cycling clubs on board too. (Idealistic I know - but its worth giving it a go).

We all know the reason, some cyclists ride like they own the road, truth is they probably drive their cars that way too. But taking measures which jeopardises the safety of all cyclists is not the way to address the problem. We as cyclists should take issue with the guys that ride like idiots. (That is another thread in itself.) But punctures on bicycles at high speeds are no joke, especially on a tandem, its a one way ticket to hospital or worse. My suggestion is that if this is such a serious issue (cyclists riding inconsiderately) get the police / community involved and issue spot fines to cyclists doing stupid things like; - riding 3 or more abreast (I say 3, becuase you can comfortably ride 2 abreast INSIDE the cycling lanes in the cradle) - cycling in the middle of the road when there is PLENTY space in the purpose built cycling lanes. etc etc etc

Looks like our old farmer friend is at it again. Many many punctures in the cradle yesterday, and the culprit - industrial drawing pins painted black. My wife got one in her front tyre. Farmer boy, we going to find you and we are going to press charges when we do. Grow the ****up, you're not going to stop cyclists from riding in the one place that is supposed to be safe for cyclists to ride.

anyone?

This sucks - SB is one of my favourite training rides. Is there no way that we can set up a forum / panel and try and negotiate with the park??? Anyone keen to try?

That can't be a bad thing.... I can picture it now... "we will kill for mouwnten biking!"

Would you like some cheese with that whine Rudi? Some kleenex maybe? Ridden Sani 2011 and yes, suffered on day 2 too. Now the way I see it is Day 2 Sani is a breeze compared to Sabie Ultra. Oh and enjoyability factor - I thought the single track and technical descents were superb at Sabie.

I find that I build more power by climbing using the road bike due to the tougher gear ratios, same should apply to the power crank decision??

Come on guys stop moaning! Yes it was a tough race; if you are looking for easy then there are MANY flat and fast road races you can go and enter. If its too tough for you, enter an easier event. I personally bled for 7hrs22 minutes, but I loved the fact that I had the opportunity to challenge myself on a course that eveything. Proper climbing, proper technical decents and single track and proper waterpoints and marshalling. Race organisers, thumbs up from me!

Toughest day ever on a mountain bike. After 100kms, looking up and seeing that last waterpoint 100+ meters higher nearly killed me. heard that 2 canandian guys out here training for epic got the to same point at 100km's and threw in the towel, turned around and went back down the mountain. I didnt expect it to be as tough as it was, but what I am happy that such extreme challenges are around to be conquered. Overall Tim, I must say that the event was really well organised, waterpoints were well stocked and manned and the route markers and marshalls were spot on. Well done guys, I think you showed the world that SA can put on a world class event.

+1

My wife is 1.63m and rides tandem with me, bought her 170mm crankarms. - that still too long?

Was R200 for berge en dale on Saturday (R400 per tandem) and they didnt even provide goodie bags. Don't remember seeing a waterpoint along the way either, one wonders what the entry fee covers...