XPD8

Looks like a great ride. Was a bit surprised when I saw a continuous 1000m climb! (but luckily we've now realised its only 1000ft... {I'm too young to know what a foot is though }) Anyway, I'm going through from Durbanville... anyone interested in sharing the drive? (PM me) or email leighsascha@hotmail.com

Nice bike. If you put a little kid on it, it will look a lot like an adult riding a 29er (sorry, just stirring the pot)

How long till he melts the Cervelo's wheel with that exhaust?

If you're just trying to finish easily, I'd recommend doing longer rides: around 100km, to get used to the 'long haul'.Put in at least one 6 hr ride too. Don't forget to include horrible dirt roads with lots of corrugations! You won't be doing much high intensity stuff on the course (its not that hilly), but I'd still throw in a few intervals (say twice a week). Remember to eat and drink enough (and bring a snorkel if its like 2009) and you'll be fine.

A big hooray for charity. Don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I hope they supplied helmets too.

Unfortunately I'm not surprised by the result. Maybe that's the problem: too much bad karma

Did a 3:08 on knobblies (from G)... I'm seriously stoked. Heard about a guy doing a 2:55 on his dikwiel. As for slicks on a MTB... its just wrong I tell you...wrong

Was in G group. Was about 5 metres back when it happened. Stack of guys went down on the left, then 2sec later 2 more went down just in front of me. Glad I was riding with disc brakes!!

I've run non-UST Crossmarks on XTR rims tubeless setup for 1000's of KM's. No problems usually, BUT: 1) You can't run a low pressure as you risk sidewall cuts. 2) Eventually the back tire 'fails' - air escapes through the carcass and bubbles the tread up (only when tyre is very worn though). Viable option, but for the epic I'd go the UST route... reliability, before saving grams.

Also in G. Stick with me and we'll do a 2:45 ...sorry, went hypoglycaemic and a bit delusional... Seriously, I'm aiming for a 3:15 (if the weather gods are kind).

Hey Edman... looks like our avatars are from the same cycling zoo!

Pedaling like a possessed man

Hardtail with knobblies... like to see the roadies get all flustered when I pass them

Can't state the importance of helmets enough.Seen enough organ donors. I get P.O.'d when I see an ad in a bike mag featuring someone without a helmet. I've even phoned the editor/publishers before. Maybe if enough of us did this (or threatened to boycot the adsvertisers product) it would make a difference. Anyway, Cycle Safe

Thanks guys. I'll definitely grab a pair.