BergForce

They have disafailianated, which means no more CSA with PPA. CSA is now in bed with Amarider, problem is PPA has got the events, so best thing for the cyclist is probably to support PPA till such time as Amarider has enough events to justify membership. What a mess, I think CSA is the turd in the drink-water here.

This split is bad for the cyclist. It means that basically the cyclist now has to pay to belong to a CSA affiliated club, then pay his CSA annual license, and pay his PPA annual license. I wonder if PPA will decrease their annual license fee now that a CSA license is not included?

Not sure if this is possible without trespassing. Why all the way to Villiersdorp? Going up Groenlandberg and doing Grabouw MTO, Oak Vallei, Thandi, Lebanon will be more fun.

The 42 is quite easy regarding climbs, and there is not a lot more climbing in the 60. I think the 60 will be fairly easy if no mud.

Weight training in the gym for legs, core and upper body is a very time efficient way of boosting your strength, but should not replace time in the saddle, you will still need long rides for endurance too. I would recommend changing your training when you need some strength for MTB. A few good strength training sessions from just 2 weeks before the event could make a big difference, then when you train for non-MTB stuff focus more on cardio before the event.

Now if this weather would just allow us to ride a bit more, damn I`m sick of this weather. From tomorrow there might be a few better days.

MTB is one tough sport, it requires much more power and climbing ability than any other discipline. Do more climbing and power weight training in the gym. MTB requires strong legs, core muscles and also upper body strength. Your training is too much cardio focussed.

No Ampie is thinking: "Crazy humans walking very funny, how do they move so fast but their legs move so slow? And their feet is not even touching the ground, very weird indeed."

1. Yep its kinda a done deal the only challenger to Wiggo is his worker bee Froomy. 2. I heard Mr Ligget say that they eat more solid foods like fruitcake in the first part of the stage, and later on they top up with energy gel type stuffs.

Ok so you got the bike, now its time to dig up the garden and build that single track with jumps.

The end of his career at Sky is the best thing for his career, if he was on any other team he would have won the tour.

I kinda lost interest in this years tour, why is Froome in the same team as Wiggo? Froomy you lost the Tour by accepting to be a worker bee for Wiggo, maybe it`s not your fault but I think it is. Its also the fault of Evens for not performing. The most boring tour I have seen thus far out of many.

Nice bike, whats the weight?

Been riding here often and I too miss the steep climb that is cut out now, but the new single track is very nice too. Maybe a black route section up the rocky climb and then right at the top to join the new single track? I got me an annual permit now, these trails are so close by and really enjoyable.

I think you should change the heading to "The most unawesome ever never-ending saddlebag-slinging thread"

Normally I dont drink that much, unless I add some beer to my Enduren.

Yep thats the XCT which is like a normal pack with added huge side pockets increasing the surface area. As for being cool, its the next best thing if not winning.

If you worry about heat/sweat on your back the XCT pack is the worst in that regard - it covers a big area on your back, go minimalistic for the camelbak and put some stuff in, strap stuff to your bike that you need in emergencies, and carry stuff in your shirt pocket that you need quick access to. This way you don`t need a handbag on your bike, strapping stuff to the bike is very cool and racesnake like, waterbottles is very uncool on a mtb cause its roadie like.

The 45 was a great ride with serious climbing and super fun downhills. Great area to ride in, fynbos as far the eye could see. There was no mud, as in none, even though a light rain came down during the ride. I could not believe my bike was still clean after the ride.

Get a grippier front tyre. As for technique, point 6 here is something to get into a habit, try to lean the bike over more and keep your body more upright and push down on the outside pedal: 1. Set your speed Set your corner speed before the corner begins. Focus on exiting the corner fast, rather than entering the corner fast and then skidding or braking heavily around the corner. Skidding and corner braking reduces your control. - 2. Change gears If you’re not going to pedal around the corner, before going into it, shift to the gear you want to use for pedaling out of the corner. This way you’ll be in the right gear to pedal back up to speed after the corner is done Lead the bike with your eyes - 3. Look ahead Look ahead into the corner, quickly scan the corner with your eyes, then shoot your eyes to the exit as you ride the turn - 4. Relax your hold Keep a firm, but relaxed hold of the handlebar and drop your shoulders so that you’re not shrugging them - 5. Position your body Put most of your weight through the seat and / or the pedals - 6. Push on the outside If you’re not pedaling the corner, push your outside foot down on the pedal as you turn. This technique works like magic to help ground the tires, particularly on off-camber corners! -

Check out these photos of riding close to Cape Town: Jonkershoek/Stellenbosch: Grabouw: Lourensford: Welvanpas:

People who you use CB products like to keep the weight down and is not the strongest but really great for non-fattys.

Go stay in Stellenbosch (Sauser`s home), it`s a town about 50km from Cape Town, from here I am willing to go show you some of the greatest mtb riding in South Africa. But be warned it can get very hot in December.

Bunny hopping is for 26", 29er just bombs though.

Go ride Schapenberg black trail if you want a off camber turn, its called the Cobra and dips and then turns against the banking and off camber back through the dip and over the rock - mega fun/scary.