danimal

Dr Shipman

I rode stage 1 with Captain Morgan at the weekend. Awesome. Thats one mean hill. Rideable, but a killer.

1 week to go, and Day 2 is now ready. As good as day 1. Just the marking to do. I think there are still some entries left. Hope to see you next weekend in the beautiful wild coast.

Stolen last weekend, in the eastern cape. 2009, red, black and white.

The weather is pretty unpredictable at that time of year, but it's stunning whatever. Day 2 is always the toughest, and this year will be no different, just a new, equally challenging route. Bring it on.

When are you going to be here? I'm based in port st johns at the moment, organising the Wild Coast Rampage. I'd be happy to take you out, if your in this area in the next few weeks.

Day 1 is completely ready. Mind blowing. Forest, hills, coast, tons of single track, river crossings, dirt roads, remote villages, super friendly locals and some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. I hope I'm not giving too much away!!!

You see it is this kind of attitude that attracts trouble. I ride through the wild coast regularly, and out of the main towns, these are the friendliest people you could meet. A wave and a molo goes a long way. People, even surly youths light up when greeted in a friendly way. Give it a try, it's got some of South Africa's most spectacular scenery and it is naturally a mountain biking heaven. The tapestry of footpaths

The final piece of the day one puzzle was found yesterday. An amazing path/singletrack through indigenous forest, linking everything up. So, today I'm off to put it all together.

I rode the first half of day 2 yesterday, it really is special. Apart from the staggering scenery and diversity, the thing that keeps blowing me away is the friendliness of the locals. I've been here for weeks, riding past people houses in the middle of nowhere and I haven't experienced 1 negative vibe. Heart warming stuff.

Good stuff, I'm sure he's going to love it.

That was test not 21st.

The routes are looking amazing. I'm off doing a 21st ride for the first half of day 2 now. I love my job.

I have been busy getting the tails ready for the race, (in less than 4 weeks, yikes). It is simply staggering, the quality of the trails out here. There is such diversity. I am out everyday on the routes, and am constantly overwhelmed by the scenery, warmth of the locals and the amazing trails. This is going to be a unique race, not least by it's location. Bring it on.

Cool, bring your zula. We're trying to turn Hogsback into a mountain biking mecca. There are already quite a few trails, myself and a few of the staff go out all the time.

Aha, The initial chisler. I remember it fondly, I had a bit of a sense of humour failure as it was a brand new bar counter. All cool though. We haven't sanded it down yet, so it's still there. Somewhere under all the other scatches. Don't worry about it at all. There have been thousands of massive nights since, so all forgiven.

I'm going to be offering the job as profit share / kitchen rental, and it is live in, in modest accomm. We basically need someone who is keen on the lifestyle and not too money driven. hogsback1@gmail.com

You can look like John Merrick as far as I'm concerned. As long as you can cook, run a kitchen and chat to guests, then all is good.

Because it's a backpackers lodge, and you need to be able to mix with the guests. Also the staff accommodation isn't on the luxurious side. The benefits are amazing mountain biking on your doorstep and a fun place to work.

Mountain biking chef needed at Hogsback. Job requires someone to run the kitchen at away with the fairies backpackers. Preferably someone young and vibey.

So, what would a bargain price for ZTR's be (roughly)?

it's the bike I'm looking for. Unfortunately I blew the engine up on my father in laws land rover yesterday. Gutted.

A physio did show me how, but it is rediculously easy. The tape stays on for 4-5 days. I use one thin strip down my patella where I used to get pain and a thicker strip down the outside of my knee. Now I'm not a real doctor, but I basically keep my leg straight and put a strip vertically where it hurts. pain gone, instantly.

I've only been riding for a year, I'm 39 and have stuffed knees from rugby, years ago. Riding, i've had a lot of constant pain in my knees, to the point where I thought I would have to give up. I tried physio, knee braces etc, always pain. I then started using that kinesiologist tape and doing some good stretching before I ride. instantly, no pain at all. When I say no pain, I mean from constant pain every time I rode, to not even a twinge on training or racing. It's remarkable. As an example, I rode the oxtober mtb last weekend in Queenstown. It was very tough. 20 entered and 5 finished. Not once did I feel any pain on a very demanding course. I finished mid table and got my first ever podium. Happy days.

The dischem special runs out on sunday.