latentree

I have hit more pedestrians on my bike than I have had ('bout 3-4 depending on classification) car/bike contacts.

'Will most likely join, 1 x clothed.

is it Hills or HILLS! I once found my lower back killed me on a steep, long, slightly tech MTB climb, even though the legs lasted. Your position is different then, back muscles working being streched just a bit more than on a flat. Also the case because you've got to keep weight on the front wheel. On tar maybe not so much, I would'nt know, have never done a 11km climb on tar Guess my advice is stretch your back as part of training if your're training for a hectic climb. latentree2008-10-19 15:04:28

_BBi, I'm in Helikonpark, Randfontein.

Since it is the photo forum...

From my side I start almost at the same elevation as the Nek. see http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/south-africa/randfontein/597016172364 Only did this full trip once I think. Always a nice ride & I would like some company!, could link up in Magaliesburg. Last time there met 2 guys comming from Rustenburg training for TB. Only the 8 km tar from M'gliesburg to the turn off I don't like. Finally I would really like to take this opportunity to recommend the Ginger beer at Norma's Nook. It's been the rondesvous spot for my wife to pick me up (when bailing out) of late and that stuff is the best!

I spent a day barefeet in the office this year. It was pouring down one afternoon so I took a lift with a co-worker, bike in his car's boot & still in my (always at) "work" shoes. It rained more for a day or two. First sunny day I was all happy-chappie cycling to work & only learned by predicament on the sight of the empty spot inside of my locker. Barefeet is actually very relaxing, but it was a day I only ventured to the tea room & back. great tips so far, get a reflective vest also at Afrox safety shop, mine was R16 or something. Learn where garages are en route, it can save effort in case of a puncture if you can inflate at one. Keep a tube of germaline or some antiseptic balm that does not stain at work. Just do it. a Band-aid or two is also a good idea to keep blood in it's place. Murphy's law: if it's there you won't need it. latentree2008-08-27 14:59:56

More like this are at http://www.24.com/applications/gallery/gallery.aspx?turl=sport&catId=a5ee2af7-32b9-4355-9169-b3788afd33b5 Looks like gravel, was wondering about those descends, "road" wheels & no real helmits. Why'd they not evolve to more MTB-like tyres?

This 11 Mb file, 684 pages pdf, is at http://www.scribd.com/doc/3285673/The-Barnetts-Manual-of-Bicycle-Repair registration is free & fast. Good source of reference, lots of illustrations & seems to cover almost all aspects. (I'm trying to get a spring back in the right position after dismantling a Exage 300 lx shifter ) Enjoy

Be sure to pull the brakes tight before switching on though, might beam you backwards.

My down light fits nice in piece of rubber pipe they use below sinks, U-trap? Takes heat well, would prefer fewer watts that would give more than 2hour's battery life. So I'm looking for decent starlight (10W) housing, got to be metal, got the one in pic from Carlton (0116601030) in Krugersdorp, not parabolic, terrible directing of beam with to much scatter. Used TV aerial fittings, cheap but won't do in rain. I strap the pipe down on my helmet, prefer to have light where I look, also better option should maintenance in the dark be necessary.

One aspect I also looked at going thru these same motions was service from the manufacturer should a stay, bracket or thing brake. HTails I see more or less inter-compatible but the back suspension parts to each DS model is quite unique. Personally went with a Raleigh RDS 5, 2nd hand for R7k which allowed for new Fox RP2 at the back @ R800 extra. http://www.flickr.com/photos/13591212@N04/2203767408/ Did not like the latest stuff in R14k range but that's mostly personal reasons, wanted something bit more sturdy & don't mind little extra weight. My '98 Trek 7000 HT is still going strong & I want similar service. Merida 800 was tempting though but stock was a problem in Dec. Bike's transportation was also an issue for me cu's it had to hang on the carrier with my wife's HTail or kids bike, don't want Thule route. But looks was final tip over. Also found my 5 year old likes standing on top tube hugging me for short trips to cafe, cables are on the side & tube is flat on top & lockouts take care of extra weight' strain concerns.

Krugersdorp area: one not mentioned yet. I did the plot after nearly coming down there a few weeks ago on the decent. It's just off Robert Broom, near what was Protea Offroad Centre, now Paardekraal something I think. Short & sweet/sweat.