Cranky

Got some friends out from the US who'd like to ride occasionally. They have had no luck finding MTB hire in Gauteng. Is there no place, other than Groenkloof, where bikes can be hired?

Yip, no 6-hour and hopefully no golf balls falling from the sky!

Hurlyvale Primary School have organized an MTB race there on 10 October. 10, 20 and 40 km. Come try out the trails and support a local school. Entries on Cycle Events website.

It makes a huge difference to get an aluminium frame rather than steel. Kids bikes are heavy. My kids used the Silverback Atomic but I am not sure they make a 20 inch anymore. Titan have a similar bike which looks like good value. They could get one at Morningside Cyles or Westdene Cycles (probably cheapest there). Momsen make a brilliant 20inch bike (JR20) for just over R3000, but its not really worth it unless the bike will be passed down to younger siblings and be used for a lot of mountain biking.

I tried both and went with the Epic. Great geometry and I love the Brain. But both excellent choices.

You turn left, just before the green arrow on map above, and pass first guard hut into Modderfontein Reserve area. Continue along Arden Rd till you reach the new entrance to the Reserve where you have to pay. You then go on further, right up to the far dams and Isidleke building, where there is parking.

I bought my son a 24 inch Silverback MTB last year. R2200 at Linden Cycles, R2000 at Johnsons Cycles, R1800 at Finish Line Cycles. Moral of the story - head East for good prices and service.

Bush n Buck near Brits is great fun for kids with easy riding and lots of game. Nice camp site, good chalets.

But nice to see Nedbank still paying out contractual salaries to Evans and Reid, and paying George's remaining earnings to SA Institute of Drug-Free Sport.

It's disappointing that the statement from Kevin Evans doesn't more strongly denounce George's actions.

Greg Minnaar - on twitter I don't even know why I'm disappointed in David George's positive test, it was only a matter of time.... You can only dodge so many bullets

Garmin Forerunner 110. Basic GPS functions. from R1400 online to R1800 in shops.

Thanks Big G. We will be there with 2 or 3 families.

Keen to jojn in. Two questions: What time does it start? Can kids ride the route or is it too technical?

Rides start at the Modderfontein Sports Club (http://www.moddersportsclub.co.za/) From K Park, head along Modderfontein, turn right into Centenary Way, go to t-junction (after golf club), turn right, head into Modderfontein historic area, turn right when you see the sign to Sports Club (past Montessori school).

I picked up a new 2011 Epic Comp Carbon for R21 000 at the start of this year. Great all round bike. Look out for 2012 models on sale.

I read it this weekend. Easy reading, and definitely worth reading to understand how cyclists got into doping. Lance doesn't come off at all well.

I rode yesterday and paid the usual R40. There was no offer of a multi-entry card. But now I see on website that a Frequent rider card is R450 for 12 rides. Thats a tiny saving - R30 over 12 rides. Rather mean unless there is a price hike on the way for single entries? Since I last rode, there has been some great new track, making up for the burnt areas. Signage for various coloured trails is still a bit unclear at several intersections, though.

Harkerville forest, 15 min down the coast. Red route is one of the best rides in SA. Chat to guys at Kevin's Bike Shop in Plett. You can also head from Keurbooms towards Uniondale, up Prince Alfred Pass for a long ride.

I have both cards. But you get a lot more back from Discovery. Big discount at PicknPay, at least 10% at many shops (e.g. Cape Union Mart, Look n Listen, ToysRUs, Pro Shop, Exclusive Books), and others, like discounted kulula flights and 25% off Adidas gear.

Trails open this morning. Very much like Northern Farm, not technical but great fun riding all the way to the far end (by the two dams next to the Gautrain track just north of Marlboro station). Incredible to have such a big open space so near to city.

Awesome trails.... Only 2km from my house. Thanks to all the trail builders. I will be back tomorrow morning.

Ok, they're fast enough when you go from bright sun to a dark area, like when I ride into the underground parking lot to visit Virgin Active. Previously I nearly crashed into all the BMWs with my normal Oakleys on. But they're too slow to respond when riding in and out of dappled shade, so that's why you don't have any hassles.

I got the Rudy Rydon's on the Hub too from ASG and they're brilliant. Respond very fast. No issues riding in and out of shadows.

Website up now. Some good prices, especially on Specialized gear and bikes.