Danger Dassie

Merida is a solid brand with good backing. Definitely agree, at under 10k, stick to a hardtail. On any wheelsize. As deals go that's a fair price, don't forget a helmet, gloves and eyewear. Obviously 29rs are the dominant wheel size on bikes in the market. But don't stress too much about the 26/29r/650b debate, as a newcomer to the sport, the arguments for and against are largely irrelevant and are unnecessarily complicating your purchase. The most important thing is to find a bike within your budget that's a good fit and that you're comfortable on. The rest will follow.

Ditto. Recently got rid of two shoeboxes worth but have come across a bunch more. Can I drop these with someone at CHOC in Jhb?

Recently got rid of two shoeboxes worth but have come across a bunch more. Can I drop these with someone at CHOC in Jhb?

So ..... chatted to a colleague who works as a cameraman for the 'Beeb' (BBC) just returned from traveling across central African regions doing a story on the Ebola virus. Currently watching World War Z on dstv. Think I'm going to stock up on tinned food and weapons tomorrow!

Mechanical.

Where is this sign, there's more than one entrance to Emmies. FYI, the botanical gardens entrance where the duck/decking is, also happens to be a none entry point for bikes and dog walkers. Yet we all use it. Generally if we give each other consideration, I don't see the problem. As riders we need to realise the onus is on us to give way, no matter what we think.

Suntour Epicon - adjusts from 100mm to 120mm, stock standard. Rock Shox - Revelation

Yes, and there's a lot of factors there other than the number of tests. 300 tests across 60 competitors isn't bad, provided it's done in line with the bio passport/where abouts. Any competitive category should be open to testing. Agree that testing some midfield sport rider is probably more for good PR than anything. But, if in this particular case the rider is licenced and competing in a registered category and not in the open field. Then actions must stand. There's a lot that could be done better, but there's also a lot of uniformed assumptions out there. Bio passports have been implemented, maybe not enough, theres a review of the international framework for doping authorities come 2015 locals in each nation wont have to rely on receiving permission to test foreign athletes. In whatever country. Bans will also span four/five years, not two. Not exactly a silver bullet, not pissing against the wind either. Fact is, people are always going to try cheat the system some way, it's human nature and constant battle. At least it's encouraging to see younger athletes taking a harder line against it. Lets also not forget, much of the time it's not always the athletes who have instigated the doping, but they're always the ones put to the sword. Anyway, we can discuss this death. For sure it's a topic that's not going to go away anytime soon. In the meantime I'm going to clean out my medicine cabinet (except the Coryx, theres one left ) get some frikin work done and stare aimlessly out the window pining to go ride ....

Was giving a general scenario to a general question. As for HA, if he does have a full racing licence for Vets and was competing in that catergory, then the test and decision should stand. If not and he was in the open field, then I feel it's open to debate.

No it isn't difficult. You have your general local licence and then a full racing licence for serious/top amateurs and pros who compete in the registered categories. If you enter a UCI sanctioned/level event like Masters XCO, CPT etc for a registered category ... then click, automatically up for a test at anytime. Saids has a database of all the sporting codes and positive tests.

It's a formal process, but surprise tests are normal and not always in conjunction with the where abouts program. Part of the where abouts program is for riders to check in wherever, knowing that they're subject to a visit at anytime by testers. So, if you're supposed to be at Harry's Sex Shop for two days and the testers arrive but you're in the next province. Problems. Unfortunately this isn't in place a helluva lot, it comes back to money once again.

All nations (SAIDS in South Africa) that subscribe to the WADA code have a local whereabouts program within the guidelines of the ADAMS system and sporting code's governing bodies. How widely and efficiently it's implemented though is another thing. There again though, there are efforts to simplify the administration and use via the app. http://www.wada-ama.org/en/adams/ http://www.saathlete.com/athletics-news/international-news/5638-wada-adams-whereabouts-app-for-smartphones-now-available

Imho there's a lot of prescription and even over the counter medication that form part of treating a number of bona fide medical conditions/illnesses. Dope testing and TUE procedures should really be focussed on properly categorised racing classes with a full uci/racing licence, even if it's just a day licence. Not so much on a 'cyclosport' or general licence, this isn't where the doping gains are an issue at all. Especially given the tight funding. CSA/SAIDS could also provide a bit more context than simply stating a tribunal was carried out by an independant panel. That aside, they generally do a good job considering the resources available and for the most part it's more than easy enough to check up on your medication. Theres a useful app available, which can be installed on your phone - http://www.drugfreesport.org.za/medication-check-4/ Which my meds, Coryx is listed for "banned in competition" so now that had been turfed from the medicine cabinet. With SA Champs at Thaba Trails coming up I decided to not race because of being sick, the meds and still having a head full of snot and what not. Can't afford for manflu to end of in my chest, plus I don't make a living from racing. Farkit, I barely have enough to training to get around a course looking fully composed!

Only cars eh? .... Get in your car early one morning and keep doing errands for an hour!

Ya, and after 6 laps with fatigue setting in it's much of a muchness there. I've measured it and the A line is maybe a second or less quicker. That said, I've seen some guys take that A line really smoothly.

Definitely on that course, a fall there can be very unforgiving. Although right at the top when you hit the first rocky drop, I reckon the B line is slightly smoother.

Rode it in the week and did 18.55 for a lap, Danny Fowler managed 16.45. So the pro's should be be clocking 15/16 minutes odd I reckon.

Psht, Ballz Radio .... Outside of his BMX/MTB comments on the Olympics, lost respect for Ligget from those radio interviews, His interviews showed one of the biggest contradictory turn arounds with LA imho, on public record nogal ... Make of it what you will,

Except that the bio passport could very provide an insight either way. That's one of the reasons it was introduced.

Very difficult. And lets be honest, it's nothing we haven't heard before over time. It has to be taken on a case by case basis with each athlete though, hopefully something (truthful) does come up in defence. Too much is being looked at from an accidental perspective though I feel, surely or options should be looked at and a purposeful contamination considered. How to find that though and prove it, is something else. Hopefully all these arguments are put forward. Either way, post ruling the final decision will have have to be accepted.

Not at all. It's a constant battle, like everything else.

He protects his sources as well, and would understand TW. As would Kimmage.

Plus one on ditching that rubber band mount. Have one or two break, they just don't last. Have a look at the Lezyne mounts. Simple, clean and works.

OKO is another one, well priced and can be decanted with water. Stuff works like a bomb!