MichH

No lack of self esteem around here!!

Phew, go away for 5 minutes (grumble). The Thug, not crazy about the bottom part of the Spruit, nearly put myself under a car on the Republic pedestrian path, fell on my coccyx on some singletrack, lots of squatters under dark trees... DirtRider, I know I saw you at 6am on Sunday last, you think you can make it 2 weekends in a row?! I'd prefer not to ride later with the current hot weather. Re starting at Greymont, I'll put it to public vote... also, we can always park at Greymont and venture across to Melville Cool Runnings for beer...

IanC, my question exactly! I'm guessing there's a non-rider? Maybe he/ she will sleep in the car (giggle!)

Ja, cat-i is strong but relaxed. She went orienteering on Sunday, and then chased it down with an hour on the bike through Groenkloof! You're always smiling, aren't you Cat-i?!

OK, let's make this fun and challenging. Start at Emmarentia top gate (off Thomas Bowler) at 7am. Meet at 6:45 to roll out at 7. Go up Alberts Farm, I'll probably walk the rock garden (sigh). Head back to Emmarentia and through the techie section top to bottom. All the way down to Delta Park, turn left, up to the top, down the tree avenue. Turn left, carry on down to Blairgowrie Over the roads, carry on to the loooong uphill at Randburg. Turn back at the top of the hill (I'm a sucker for punishment) and back. We can go back through Delta if we're feeling psycho. Make a bottom to top turn through Emmarentia, back to the cars. See you then!

Er... what was the question again?!

Mampara is very helpful isn't he? The road that you turn into is Thomas Bowler

There is a well thought out theory that MTBers invented helmets with visors (for all kinds of valuable reasons) and hydrapacks. Roadies are embarassed that they didn't think of it first and therefore shun these amazing inventions. Also, real MTBers are clever enough not to wear white socks. It saves a FORTUNE in bleach!!

Cat-i, chat to Slowpoke. She's looking for a ride on Saturday. Re Sunday, we will work out a route when we start. Everyone happy to start at Emmarentia? So far: MichH Dad (who turned 59 today and STILL kicks my butt on the bike!) Dirt Rider The Panda Cat-i (maybe) The Thug (maybe) Mampara (maybe)

Sorry my friend, Logwood will be calling my name. Have you spoken to our morning ride partner?

P.S. Mampara, if a hydration pack is all that is keeping you back, I have a spare 2 litre pack with spare bladder for you to borrow

This is deteriorating... the Thug, how safe to ride all the way down? Not better to stick to Spruit to Craighall park with Delta and Alberts?

Thug, you keen to ride? Tell me more about the planned route? we were thinking of starting from top Emmarentia gate... So, it's me and dad, The Panda, The Thug (maybe), Dirt-Rider... Hey, maybe if we're strong, we can venture up through Delta for an extra 30mins or so...

Disc brakes give you amazing braking power. I feel much more secure knowing I can stop at any time. But I'm still a newbie and wouldn't know how they really compare to V's. Dirt rider has much more experience falling, he's a more reliable opinion, hehehe!

I'm sure it's a bit tough getting him up, especially when he starts jolling on a Saturday night! Actually that's a great way to keep em coming home early!! I've also been rising with the sparrows, 6:30 to 8:30 at Logwood on a Saturday, was up at 4:15 this past Sunday to get to Babba's

Hi all, I'm looking to up my mileage by doing a 3-4 hour ride on the Spruit. Looking to cover about 40km if possible, so not a ride for the faint hearted. The Panda and I are in so far, any other takers?

Enjoy BigBen! I'm starting to coordinate a 3-4 hour on Sunday morning at 7am, need the miles

Not sure why you have more than one bottom, and personally if mine was red I would get it checked out by a professional. Heeheehee, couldn't resist!

Shopping around is an excellent idea. Also ask to try out the bike if you can as some frames will fit better than others. Look at the Raleigh, Mampara just bought and it was an excellent buy. Also, if you have a bike to loan, Geoff has a skills clinic on Friday afternoon at Logwood where he covers what type of bike to buy, how to fit it, how to trackstand, how to corner, etc. Well worth the R200, especially as you are a group of 10 with Richard Beswick as the second instructor. P.S. Geoff, if you're reading this, I am negotiable in terms of how you can pay me for my free recommendation!!

Nooooooo DR.....!

Also look at Linden Cycles and make a turn past Mike's Bikes in Greenside. Mike has recently started up ex Linden and has a lot of enthusiasm, especially for MTB. Just a hint to make your posts for readable: post your message outside the QUOTE brackets for your reply to be standalone

Suck it up! Just kidding, never done it so no read advice. But from what I hear, pace yourself. Too many people go out hot and end up killing themselves. Also, take spares, especially brake pads! And good luck! I'm training for the offchance that I get a late substitution for Sani2C, so I understand the excitement/ nervousness

Well Mazztazz, depending on whether you are Pretoria or Jhb based, there are some really good shops that can help you get started. Good luck choosing, I will always suggest the MTB option! Thyolo, brilliant signature!

Where did you ride BigBen?

mazztazz, you come on here and barge into every topic with completely unrelated philosophical mumbo jumbo. You don't introduce yourself, explain what you ride, why you ride it, what makes you smile, what makes your heart race. Instead you make enigmatic posts that make no sense for the most part, and you create a whole thread with over 178 views and no posts except for your own and one of mine. Don't you think that's strange. Why don't we start again. My name is MichH, I've been riding for about 2 years now and I'm passionate about my new Scott MC50. I've pretty much given up road riding this year to play on my MTB and try use as much of my 130mm of travel as possible throwing myself over gnarly ground. I ride the Spruit and occassionally make a turn past Pretoria to ride at night with a mad bunch called Dark 'n Dirty. Your turn