Danger Dassie

http://redkiteprayer.com/2012/09/the-explainer-why-slapping-paul-kimmage-wont-work/ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/9622116/Michael-Ashenden-challenges-UCIs-reputation-in-face-of-Lance-Armstrong-fall-out.html http://nyvelocity.com/content/features/2012/michael-ashenden-armstrong-triangle

Then there was this from the FB page .... "I really enjoyed seeing the cyclist stick together and chase down a guy trying to mug a motorist when we started - any idea if they caught him?"

Wankers, sure they will get sorted! ... Santa suits though, think they got the 'gift of giving' all wrong

Ag no, was it two largeish okes? There were a couple at the start giving a driver **** and then in Fordsburg when one of them went down. Both times though they told by fellow riders to wind their necks in. Hope they were told to eff off! Otherwise was an awesome ride, mate and I took a friend with who rode her first critical mass, she was thrilled. First time in years back on a bike, bunny ears and all. We ducked early from Arts on Main back to Juta then hit the 'bar kroeg' at Xai Xai in Melville. Next thing, two other CM riders also pitch at the same spot. Classic.

That was proper (sounded proper at least) not too mention the laaitjie that bailed halfway down the slop by the fence line in Emmerentia. All in all a good pedal though

Maybe read what I said, in that same line I mentioned that.

Well yes and no, as healthy as a state marathon MTB is in, sponsorships aren't exactly being handed out willy nilly. Certainly not at the same level of commitment that Nedbank 360Life were providing, in terms of of finances and resources. Add to that the stigma, justified or not any potential sponsor has to consider that against the association with their brand. So with such an abrupt end to any athlete's contract in an important stage of the season, there's a knock on effect with income, even with a contract payout and any form of planning. The man's primary job right now, is racing and winning. Sensationlist, slightly, misleading, no.

I never mentioned BB hits, I was referring to cranks and the clearance thereof. Two different things.

"After finding himself without a pro contract for 2013, following the recent, sudden closure of his team due a doping infringement, multiple South African mountain bike-racing champion, Kevin Evans, has been thrown a lifeline by former rival team"........ http://www.treadmag.co.za/News/DisplayNewsItem.aspx?niid=15592

I like it when someone threatens physical violence on an internet forum, like a "tire-iron" especially stringing up a "closeline" the cowardice behind something like that is so in sync with keyboard warrior syndrome.

Been riding a 120mm travel 29r trail bike of late, that I reckon could end being an absolute blast for someone want to mess around but also longer rides. Good all rounder.

Of all the bikes I've ridden, my experience is different. Those 5-10mm definitely make a difference on a rocky climb, van Gaalen specifically.

Lots of speculation. Interesting was his opening remarks about being devastated, angry and then compassion. Which is entirely understandable, given that we're all human at the end of the day. What/if things are resolved between KE and DG on a personal level are just that. Personal and private. Partnering with someone like Schurter or Naef is unlikely, their focus is XCO not XCM/Stage races. Two different forms of fitness altogether and there are only handful of riders who can and do excel at both. In all likelyhood, we'll more than likely see Evans partner with an international rider. Don't think the team knows who that would be as yet, although it's very likely there's a short list. XCO (and DH) gets a raw deal in many ways in this country, a shame considering it's the discipline that gave birth to local MTB. Politics murdered the national series, with Burry and Buy's performances, alongside riders like James Reid et al though, XCO could regain it's place in the sport locally as a key element. No reason it can't co-exist with marathon and stage racing.

Exactly, but for the most part not everyone is on DH/AM rigs with big travel. The 5-10mm makes a huge difference. Explain how you keep your pedals level on an extended rocky climb?

Short answer, yes.

Likely to be larger scale team. We'll all know more after SS tonight and the official release with team profile et al ....

It's not hearsay entirely, DG and Evans run very similar setups. The shorter length helps with clearance, if 175 works for you though, stick with it. 175 is generally the standard crank length on all bikes, so no reason for them to ask.

Just about every bike comes standard with a 175mm crank length, incl 29rs. With many 29rs having a bb closer to the ground though, you can occasionally knock rocks on rougher terrain. If that's an issue for you, then maybe consider shorter cranks. DG ran 170mm or 172mm crank lengths.

It helps, but it's not very good for anodising. Another one is MrMin, keep away from brakes and tyres though

You were going incredibly well Martin, hope you heal up ok. Handlebar mark looked nasty! You were lucky you didn't see me at 3am in the forest! weren't we all! Likewise man. Cheers, we had a lot of work on our hands after all the mechanicals.

After the mudfest of this weekend's 24hr, absolutely even more entrenched on the Shimano SPD. XT all the way, bombproof and straightforward. Safe to say that generally the only spares and rebuild you'll ever need are spare cleats.

What a fantastic time overall, those were some trying conditions. Will admit, lost my sense of humor out there once or twice, it is what it is though. Was great to see everyone out there, Wendell and co did a fantastic job, hot water, a running wash bay and good coffee. Scotty you rode like a machine man, well done. Taking a friend to movies later, hoping my snoring isn't too loud.

Check you chopstix there

Whaaa?? That kind of nanny state law making goes against everything the Chopper stood for! **** **** up, burn it all down man!!!

Needs that three speed gear lever on the top tube, then it's 'hollywood' !