MichH

I'm riding tomorrow... in Waterval Boven! You're welcome to join, but it's a bit of a drive...!! JLDAM is a great guy, rode with him on Saturday. Fast rider but willing to hang back an make sure the group stays together so no matter your speed you should have a great ride.

I'm just concerned when they train intelligently! Sounds like Pinky and the Brain all over again!!! On the subject of rats and mice, dying to see Ratatouille!

Silly me! Of course you woulda been in Durbs already! Well, I'm sure we will run into each other at one of JL's rides soon (P.S. Saturday saw JL have to pump up his tyre, but I don't think he changed the tube, but later Graham got a leak in his tyre that he couldn't seal so he had to pull out his Stan's kit and put in a tube! Messy task!!

Agreed, let's discuss the lack of helmets somewhere else and leave this as a tribute. I also question the lack of helmets but want to keep this thread to remember a great cyclist.

Mice intelligent? What is the world coming to?!

Welcome to the Hub, and what a way to make an entrance! I'm the official Commencal PR agent, where I make do with sheer enthusiasm, JLDAM follows up with facts! Sounds like you had a great ride, where are you based in Gauteng? When is your next ride? Were you on the Commencal ride on Saturday on the Spruit?

Thanks Mampara. I have a tape measure in inches at home. I will bear this in mind when checking. But it sure is a handy way to keep an eye on it, just drop it in, and if it fits, check further.

Why don't you approach a local cycling club and find out about their development program, heck even your school could help you get started if you are really keen.

Went riding with Jade from Coolheat on Saturday (OK, we started together, I never saw him again!). He was on a 29'er. It suits him, he's tall. He says it's taking a lot of getting used to. There was another guy on a rigid 29'er that he uses as a commuter. They're always the fast ones aren't they...?

I have just bought a Park Tool chain measure. You can use it to very quickly check if your chain is worn, and should be able to replace chain before it damages the cluster. Unfortunately mine was already at 1% 'stretch' (yes I know it's not really stretched all you smart mouths!), so I'm changing mine. But it was 8 months old and I'm guessing I did close to 2000km on it?

I like the chairman's way of handling it as a last minute solution. Another solution is for it to be purely first across the line and put everyone into chutes to take their number? anyway, probably difficult to do especially at last minute...

Very good price. I would buy it if you are going to insure, and if you get to look the bike over before buying. I'm always cautious of what seems to be an excellent price, what is the seller trying to hide? But apart from that, hell, it's an awesome frame!

So it's all about apearances?! Hee hee, couldn't resist!

Hope he heals up fast!

I donate money to them through the normal route, what is the race and when?

I ride a Maverick, but heavier but they have a reputation for being indestructable.

Thanks Daemon. Will find out what second hand frames are around, plus prices on new 2006/2007 frame. Coming up on 94.7, I should be able to find one?

Some shops do recon shocks. Ask Bennie or ewep for the name of the guy in Midrand who does it?

I'm dying to go to Cycle Mashatu! It looks sooo great! What was sleeping under the trees like? Feeling scratched from head to toe? Buy some calendula ointment, best thing for wounds and scabs, mine from my fall was half gone after a week!!

OK, so in summary: TRY clean your chain regularly. Lube chain after every ride Check tyre pressure before every ride Clean shocks often (like 1-2 times a month) Clean bike often (like 1-4 times a month!) Check for chain stretch monthly Top up Stan's every 2-3 months When you clean bike, run your finger over the spokes to try hear if one is loose (?) Check headset, BB and wheel hubs for play once a month MichH2007-08-01 11:06:05

Aaah holy roller, someone who understands! I believe the guides from Cycle Mashatu did quite well in the race. I remember them being mentioned (although at that stage, most things were a blur!). That sand really hurts your legs doesn't it?!

That would be awesome, I know you're Jhb-based, I'll PM you...

Ah, but it's all to do with the challenge of the race... plus you need tubeless to stand the thorns and preferably some kind of arm and leg protection as well!