KnobbyMech

Our first group ride there tomorrow. Can't wait. If it is anything like Rietvlei it will be great.

My money is on Cavendish for today. Sure if he takes it (and breaks the wins record) he will abandon and head for London. Will be tough though to beat Greipel or Sagan. He cannot follow Sagan's wheel as he won't be able to come around him. So fight for Greipel's wheel and jump at the right time is the key or perhaps a Sky train for him? Also wonder if Darryl has been given the nod to go for a win as it does not look like Goss can do the job this year.

Correction. Wiggo only put 30odd seconds on him. The other 1min30sec came from a punchure Froome had late in stage 1. Second TT will be a completely different story with all those mountains in the legs. Advantage Wiggo who never rides upfront. Who is this?: qoop

The blond looks very familiar and the chick in the background wears a Cape Epic ladies leaders jersey. Can't be too many of those around.

So new pro-tour rules: No hanky-panky in October allowed.

So what is your thoughts on today's stage? A breakaway win? Will sagan or Goss actually try to get to the sprint spot in the front group or will they just try to survive the stage? Will we see some guys outside the time limit today? Will one of the Sky boys attack before any of the podium condenders try to do so, or just sit there again and wait? Will we see some spectacular crashes on the descents? Will we hear the commentators mention the incredible downhill riding skills of some of the guys due to their mtb background or hear about someone turning himself inside out? Is the Pope Catholic? Can't wait, this is the stage for make or break! Perhaps this is the stage that Frank will mark as the one to save his tour.

Or like Wallace from Wallace and Gromit.

The point made by Mojoman about lights makes sense. Register as a commutor, get a light from government every year and a set of rechargable batteries. How much can it cost vs the lifes it would save, er costs, social grants to the family left without the bread winner, etc. Also cycling commutors cost the government so much less in road maintenance than motorized commutors. Just do it JZ!

Sad to say another cyclist was knocked down this morning just South of Springs. He was a commuter and thick fog on the East Rand this morning contributed to this sad event. I drove past there 2 hours later and his body and mangled bicycle was still laying there. Very disturbing to see. My heart bleeds for his family. Condolences to them. Please be careful out there.

I don't know him, so I cannot tell yet whether I like him or not. I just know he is bloody strong and he races as smart as the experienced guys. Don't mind his celebrations either. I used to think Usain Bolt is a tjop for his showmanship, but now it is so part of him, I enjoy it. Remember when you were a kid, imitating your heros. This guy will be many a kids hero and at least they will be having some fun!

,..don't know if it's a repostthread but still Fixed

Did anyone else notice the guy in the front bunch missing the final turn and carrying on straight? His head was hanging and he was clearly stukkend and thus did not see the turn coming. Who was he?

I wish Gilbert was at his best. Was looking forward to his crazy breakaways and him and other power riders like Spartacus, Bosenhagen and Chavanell mixing it up in a stage like yesterday, especially now that Sagan is in the mix as well. Can't help to wonder how these two would compare if Gilbert was in his pre-tour form of last year. I see there is a hectic descent today shortly before the finish. Breakaway on the final little climb inevitable IMO. Can't wait.

Oh yes, and getting a 29er will help too

Agree on the balls. Most important for beginners is gettting comfortable with clipless pedals. For intermediate it is balance, steering and traction at low speed (steep and technical climbs). Also to loose fear of speed (whick is your friend, see first comment above). Ultimately confidence is the main thing and you only get it with practice and more practice, preferably riding with friends that have more skill than you. Nothing beats adrenaline and testosterone to get you to try something you would never try when riding alone. Nice topic.

We have so many riding shirts that I know we will never wear again, but I cannot get it over my heart to get rid of them. Memories, Induna shirts, etc. Same goes for some free race entry t-shirts. Did start to cut some of these up as bike wash rags though, but it hurts! Cannot get rid of old worn cycling shoes or helmets either, you know, just incase. And then socks, socks and more socks! Old tires x billions.

There may be a bit of bob, but I cannot say that I ever noticed it or that it ever bothered me. I do not want a complete lock-out.

What wheels and components did you fit? How much does yours weigh? Mine has a Reba fork, XT derailers and brakes and SLX cranks. WRC low-rise carbon handlebar and KCNC Scandium seatpost. American classic wheels with Racing Ralph TLR tires. XT pedals. Comes to about 11.8kg in size L. I would love to know what diffs the XTR makes (not that I can afford it though ) Edit: typo

Banned or suspended?

Sabie and Nelspruit area (close to Kruger National Park) has awesome mountain climbing riding. Google Mankele mountainbiking park. Rain and mud is a given for this area in January though, but it makes it even better.

Haha. Ja, I can see why. No coffee, no ride!

Joberg2c. Seriously a must do if the enjoyment of the ride and route is important to you. The vibe, food, etc, etc is a bonus.

What about Frank Schleck?

I should give credit where it is due. Well done organizers, much better. Routes always great, but this time marshalling, venue, final kms congestion, etc also spot on. Thank you.

Love the part about the bicycle mechanic. Bicycle mechanics are smarter than doctors and this guy proves it. Indian dentists.htm