Francois Pienaar

I've been riding for going on 8 yrs right now. I've serviced my bike at many different shops, but most recently I've been using Linden Cycles. Their services have always been great and I can't really complain. Normally when I query things, they are happy to fix it without question and the quality of their workmanship has been fine. They are however a bit out of the way for me AND with them being SO popular, you sometimes need to book like 14 days in advance. This is a bit of a problem if you just quickly want some running repairs done. I then decided to try a shop up the road from me - CycloWorx (Petervale Shopping centre). I was pretty surprised with their approach and it goes a little something like this (sounds I need a soundtrack here): - They don't have a flat rate for a service, they simply charge you PER ITEM that they do. - They also don't carry out ANY WORK until you've given them the go ahead on each item. - They FIRST quote and await your approval. This approach is pretty cool as I have in the past been in a situation where a 500 service turns into a 2000 service, granted we do discuss it, but I don't get a line by line quote before work is completed. I get a brief phone call where I need to make a call there and then without being able to digest it. In any event, I'm picking up the bike today and doing a training ride this arvy. Will reply to this post with how the bike is going (hope it doesn't fall apart, rofl).

Haha, so funny. My second bike is a merida tfs 500 donkey and I put new wheels and brakes on it. Mad a huge difference. Now if only I can shave some weight off the lead pipe frame.

The Absa KZN2Nkandla Epic

Yes, raw deal is an understatement. I was genuinely scared when going down the Umkomaas and I actually have a picture from ActionPhoto with the valley on the right (sheer drop), I'm cleeted out and my back tyre is going side ways. #PoopinpMyPants. (http://fhpienaar.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/15296277.jpg)

Glad to see the chatter re: Sani is continuing. Last year I broke my virgin in the Race and boy, what a jol it was. First day I got a RUDE awakening as Group I totally dropped us. Day 2 was a MONSTER MUD feast and Day 3 was some of the best riding I've ever done. People focus so much on Day 2 that they forget how AMAZING day 1 and 3 are. I can still feel the nerves of day 1 and see the views of Day 3. Vernon Crooks, Nandos Stop, Red Bull Stands, Jollievet. COME ON!!! http://fhpienaar.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/losing-my-virginitysani2c-2013part-1/

If I had no choice, that would probably be a better route. Other side Fratelli's and by PicknPay it starts getting Ga, Ga, GANGSTA!

I simply never ride solo along the spruit. Sad but true.

I've got v. Brakes, cassette etc how do we get stuff to you?

But don't the batches and different races give you enough options to still chill and have fun? I'm not a stage race veteran, but did Sani, W2W and B&B this year. Even in the Sani race, I found that you could just do your own thing if you wanted, but there is a competitive side for the guys that are going for time.

I did all three this year also. I really can't believe my luck. I also did a 3 day adventure in Botswana this year. Will post a bit of my views on the 3 rides here soon.

I own two pair of Assos bibs and they are simply amazing. The amount of protection they give you jimny is better than any other brand. I also have a pair of Pearl Azumi which compares fairly well on all levels. Can't go wrong with Assos.

A friend of mine rides in Bloem, email him on - Werner van Straaten (bucklebow@gmail.com) (bucklebow@gmail.com)

I completed the RIDE and looking back I really enjoyed it. Day 1 was a monster with that climb over Grabouw, but all in all lovely riding with amazing scenery and FNB supporting people all the way!

If your partner is unable to go, can you ride solo and still get an official time?

At Sani this year. Some idiot stole another person's back through bolt the night before the start! The poor guy had to go to a hardware store, buy a nut and bolt and could luckily compete. Doug Bird tried to name and shame the guy, but no one could point him out.

I was worried about the heat to start and my worries came to life just after the 52km water table. At 60km, I just couldn't go anymore and had to top for a breather. I managed (barely) to make it to the 70km water table where I literally lay in the water troph (kit and all) just to get my core body temp down. After 25min of chilling, my partner and I headed out and we pushed on to complete day 1 in 5h33m. Totally one of the toughest single day rides I have ever done, not because of terrain (or climbing) simply because of the relentless heat. The rest of the ride was spectacular, but I have to admit that if day 2 was 67km I probably would have struggled a bit also. Day 2 was still hot, but day 3 was lovely and cool and we totally smashed it. Man, the single track, what an EPIC ride, and I'll FOR SURE be back...

Sorry to say, but this is a bit of a BS rant IMHO. Alas you are entitled to your opinion though.

Snap, same here...

What was wrong with the riders at the S2C? Was my first time and I loved it.

My first time and I'm doing the descent. Any tips? Heard it gets hot out there.

Haven't read the entire thread, but just a note that I bought a BuzzRack 3 bike platform a couple of yrs ago and it's magic. Cost R4500. The equivalent Thuli costs R6500 and I've seen them side by side, identical.

Have been riding a 26" for 7yrs and had my first taste of a 29er today. I had a giant anthem on loan and it was a JOL!

VG is an awesome ride. Doing marathon for first time this yr. will be a toughy.

Are you able to substitute? I might be interested. Your entry is for a team right?

Missed it, any ideas on rebroadcast times?