touringza

What an adventure! My 4 week XC trip from east to west coasts has now been extended to 8 weeks. Dbn to Springbok completed, I decided to ride south to PE. Presently in Prince Alfred, tomorrow I head for Baviaans via Knysna. And this is just the start! Early Nov. I will start a 3 month tour from Durban to Mombasa. Secondary roads, 90% tar, using warmshowers and couchsurfing where available. Exact route not confirmed but probably S.Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, (Burundi & Rwanda?), Kenya. Anyone interested in joining me for all or part of the trip?

I'm presently in Vanderkloof, N.Cape, on day 15 of a 28 day solo unsupported trip from Durban (east coast) to Honderklipbaai (west coast). Have followed the 30 degree line of latitude as closely as possible on minor roads and farm tracks. Using a Morewood Shova fitted with rear racks. The questions of whether hardtail, 29er, etc. are completely irrelevant. As the man says "it's not about the bike".

Problems fixed thanks to Cyclotech in Bloem. Parts will be couriered to Vanderkloof before 9am tomorrow morning. Then back on bike and continue heading west.

Broken XT jockey wheel. Anyone in this area with either spare wheel or complete 9 speed derailleur, any make or model. Please contact on 0720246493. Martyn

Don't the ridges act as 'knife' edges cutting into brake pads? Does this apply to welded rims only or also to the pinned variety?

Have seen a set of mtb rims designed for rim brake use and the braking surface is ridged. About 20 or so concentric ridges. Why? Surely this effectively reduces the pad / rim contact area and reduces braking efficiency.

The short version: This is the story of a Shova (dame) The bike her owner came to blame for everything that he never donePut her on a storeroom shelf But at one time he could have been Champion of the world (with apologies to Dylan/Darby) The long version: Was very happy with my GT IDXC (in go-faster red) and thoroughly enjoying the provincial XC and Marathon series (used to maintain fitness) between the extended off-road tours that I favour. Then I saw a virginal Morewood Shova and realised it was time, GT was now three years old and although still in perfect condition - well you know the feeling. LBS built her (funny that, since the GT was always a bloke) up, as per my spec. What a gal! Had two outings and then for various reasons didn't ride again for two months. Next ride I was generally out of sorts! What's happened? Aha, new bike must be to blame, right? So I compared it to the GT and set about fettling, "that'll fix it" said Jim. Stem first; angled down and 10m longer. Feels faster already. Bars; reduce width and change sweepback. Compare to GT, that's a match. Seatpost setback; check. Fork stiffness and rebound; check. A short ride thru' the cane and my position feels more like the GT. Very different suspension feel, but hey, a firm rear end is always desirable, right? Next time out was a multi-day trip through Eastern Cape. Disaster! She wasn't the sweet young thing I'd fallen for, honeymoon over already! She wasn't at all suited to my touring :-( *&^% it, what a waste of money; put the bitch (see how fickle we males are) in the storeroom and went back to the GT. Fast forward two years. GT finally worn out, time for a new bike. insert smiley hand rubbing icon here. 'Hold on a minute' says usually understanding partner, 'what's wrong with the grey one hanging in the storeroom'? 'Grey one'? says I. Upon checking, the bitch hasn't changed colour, but such a layer of dust on her! Time for a thorough wash, reinstall all the original parts (stem, bars, seatpost, etc.), lube and sell. Job done, test ride and . . . . . . what's happened, where's the bitch? Spend a bit more time on the suspension and double check the recommended settings. Wow, she's back, can this be true? Only one way to be really sure: next day I load up for a two day trip, 160km in the Natal midlands that I've done before. Come rain, come shine (and it actually rained all day, both days) but Ms Shova shone. Did I mention my fickleness? 'Cos, I'm in love again.

RTMC went bankrupt in 2009; corruption, fraud and nepotism were rife. It's never been officially resurrected so suggest you treat this as a completely irrelevant hoax and ignore it.

Mojoman: don't wish, "just do it". Dave: my pack weight - sleeping bag, tent, cooking and eating utensils, washing gear, clothes, spares, etc. is ±10kg. Allow another 3kg for food and water. Can be carried on one's back, but a rear rack does make life more comfortable. No need for panniers. Alan: yes, safety is a concern, but "Qui audet adipiscitur" as they say.

Thru' the heart of KZN; 11 day tour from Mtunzini to Royal Natal and return, 22nd April to 2nd May inclusive. Self sufficient, camping, dirt roads and cattle tracks through rural areas as much as possible, some sections of hike-a-bike. Six day outward leg: Mtunzini - Lilani - Mooi River - Bell Park - Royal Natal (average 70kms per day) Five day return leg: Royal Natal - Weenen - Kranskop - Eshowe - Mtunzini (average 85kms per day) Any takers? N.B. This isn't a soft tour like Cape Epic, J2C or Freedom Challenge. No support vehicles, catering, entertainment, genteel accommodation, masseuse, etc. :-)

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I'm planning on riding back to Hillcrest (Giba Gorge) after this event. Depart Sunday 6th. ± 180kms over three days, bush camp, self sufficient. 60 kms per day might sound really easy, but it's not called Valley of 1000 Hills for nothing. Any one keen to join me? Admin: why can't I upload kml (Google Earth) or gdb (Mapsource) files?

Always store water bottles or water bladders full of water, (no air at all, not even in the hose) in the coldest part of the fridge. That way you won't get any growth and save a fortune on proprietary cleaning products. Bladders can obviously be squeezed down to a small pack, I store my 3l bladder with just 500ml of water therein. Will stay mould free for years but if you're worried refresh every month.

Sorted! Thanks Troy, see you at the weekend. Martyn

Troy, Where is your destination in Natal? Which address would you prefer to collect from? R150 towards your expenses with a proviso: frame to be molly-coddled for the trip :-) It's a USA made 1996 GT Zaskar and is to be rebuilt as close to original as possible. My project for the next six months before I head north on my bicycle. Regards, Martyn PS PM Sent with my telephone number