Anine

yeah, my chain also didnt enjoy all the sand and started sounding angry at about 35km. next year I'll bring lube along. the last couple of km was probably the hardest with steep sandy dongas. running/jumping through them was faster and used less energy

thanx dude!

we did the 40km and really enjoyed the track. it certainly sharpened our sand riding/running/slogging skills I do feel they could have had a 'technical' warning at one or two points but luckily the field wasnt congested so slamming anchors endangered nobody. anybody know who took photos?

I have a 12+ year old Giant Yukon that started its life out as a hybrid and was upgraded with front suspension, wider riser handlebars and knobblies about two years ago. The rest is stock standard, including the v-brakes, wheels, gearing, chain etc. The bike is tough as nails. It did lots and lots of road kilometers and has now done close to 1500km offroad, including some muddy, rocky, scary (for me!) singletrack, some spectacular wipe-outs, a few races and I'm doing the mabalingwe lion-man with it next month. I see no reason to upgrade Just find a reliable bike mechanic to keep the bike serviced, and you're good to go.

a friend did the 35km route and wasnt impressed either. Apparently this was their first race and they were still busy sorting out route markings. One would've hoped that they would have that done by race day, specially since there are several very nice routes and races in the area.

we sometimes go on group training rides with the cycling shop in the centre across the road and then have a drink or breakfast at the same restaurant afterwards. so usually 10-15 cyclists and their gear/bikes, so it's not as if they're not used to bikes or are not bike friendly. The midrand branch is just about over run with horse riders and cyclists on weekend mornings. That said, we're not @sses about it either. if the restaurant is very full or busy, leave the bike on the rack or in the car, or atleast somewhere where it's not going to be an issue. right of admission is reserved after all.

Thanx everybody. I'll go hunt for a new stem

oh drat. thanx!

Hi All I bought new handlebars which is much thicker in diameter than my old set. Unfortunately, I found out (after I wrestled the grips off!) that this means the screws which clamps the stem onto handlebar is much too short. I'm talking a good 2-3cm too short. The stem is an older 40mm scott which has 4 hex-type screws. Can I get longer screws somewhere?

Perhaps I should quantify by saying that WE, as rank mtb beginners (I was a newly converted roadie at the time) found it technical. Winding switchbacks through the forest, rocky climbs, thick mud, very narrow, very slick singletrack next to the aquaduct. All with the 53km leaders looping the 20km and getting aggro behind you.

We didnt enjoy the northerns quicky at all last year. the short route was quite technical and overfaced us. and dont let anybody tell you it's flat and fast either! The fact that the longer distance looped the short one and I got shoved right off the singletrack and crashed into the bushes by an testosterone driven @sshat didnt help either.

anybody know if it's possible to do 'bulk' or team entries for this race? we're a training group of 3 riders would like to enter together for the 40km leg of the race.

Hi all I Hope I posted this in the correct section. We're looking to buy custom cycling kit (jerseys and shorts) for our mtb team of 5 members. Where would be the best value for money to do this? We're in gauteng. Thanx!