NotSoBigBen

DR that's a roadbike ride on dirt, why would you want to go there? Will be riding Vodacom Race for Victory that weekend.

Doping, driving and no helmet - ai ai ai ! Spidey what kind of example is that?

I use one of those and have had that issue occasionally (3 or 4 times in the last nearly 3 years!) In fact the HRM belt 'broke' yesterday morning. Collecting a new one this afternoon! Still happy with it!

Hey EWEP - It is also the final Central Gauteng interclub MTB race at Rietvlei Zoo Farm sunday so I may have a problem. I would however rather get in the distance (preparing for Sabie experience as you know!). I will keep you informed!

I have been using the Lido route for about 20 years and have never personally experienced any problems. I have however heard of many incidents. I however don't ever ride it alone and am extremely fortunate that my brother and I always ride together (without fail!). We don't ride a set weekend ride as it depends on what we are racing on the weekend so can't really help with group rides. e.g. This past Saturday we did ride the Lido route but very easy (avs +-27) because we rode the Albion Wheelers TT in the afternoon and were riding the Northern Farm MTB race yesterday.

Hey Steve, I would second that! Had an absolute blast.

That's great, any idea what would be the smallest cluster gear he could ride with if he has a 53 chain blade? Or even better if some kind of table/chart is available? He has had Tiagra on his bike (up to today that is!) and had a 52/16 as you describe. He now has Ultegra 9 speed but it has a 53 blade. He will not be riding any races as a licenced u/16 for the rest of this year. He had a plate removed from his collar bone yesterday so will be taking it easy for now and will go all out again next year!

Thanks Stitch! For how long and is it the same 'restriction' as he rode with this year at 16?

Was offered the Joe's kit at Cajees today for R395-00! Getting one tomorrow, will be buying Maxxis CrossMarks before Sabie experience (Probably end October!) and will do the conversion then.

My son will be turning 17 in April next year. Does he still need to ride with restricted gears?

DR - I'll see you on Sunday, will you know what's what with this stuff by then? 430 ZA Rond seems reasonable! I was quoted 520 ZA rond.

EWEP - I will see Anton at lunchtime today and give him a smack around the ears!

I'm only gonna say this once so listen up leute (German for 'people/guys' for those who don't know!). Byron is using Maxxis Crossmark not UST with Stans with no problem at all. My brother is using Maxxis Larsen's on 1 bike and Hutchinson Pythons on another both non UST and also has no problem. Byron did his own Stan's installation (he's 16!) so most of you oke's should manage. As I said yesterday visit Anton at Summit Cycles in Midrand, he is not so full of ****!

I also saw it at Summit Cycles in Midrand - speak to Anton 011-315-8311. Apparently he is running it on one of his own bikes!

Scotty - Guess you're coming to N/Farm Sunday then? Looking forward to seeing you there.

Flip guys remember a few weeks ago I fell on my head (OK so it was my knee!) going up that little steep incline before the drop off! IanJ, the drop-off isn't too bad but as DR says you need to be careful! Come and play!

Thug - apparently it has to do with his age, as he was just a mere 15 when it happened that it is best to have it out. It is quite unsightly as the plate sticks out quite a bit. My wife says that he should have it out to prevent future problems! He reckons it's a good party trick showing it around!

Thanks DR and EWEP, I will pass your wishes on. He is having his 'pre-op' check up this afternoon. If all is clear i.e. he isn't sick (no he's not!) and the bone has healed good then he's there Thursday. EWEP you missed some good rides the weekend, Sat 100k through the nature reserve (I swear those hills are getting steeper!) 3:56, Sun 60k Mtb 3:40 and then yesterday the Sat ride again in 3:42! Was going to ride the normal Tue MTB ride this morning but decided to take a days rest (thankfully!).

I'll be there - if it matters that is! Junior won't as he is having the plate out of his collar bone on Thursday.

Check out www.flatdogs.co.za for info regarding this event taking place on Sunday the 1st of October. Some other info updated that may also be interesting for some!

Ewep - let that be a lesson for you roadies/MTB'ers that are confused about which discipline you belong in. Not many MTB'ers are complaining. Next year you know what race to ride! It wasn't perfect but it seems it was better than the road! Michelle - I must agree with you that even if you did drive the route (never done that myself to be honest) as per the normal 'maps' provided it doesn't show you the little but important details like which lane to turn into depending if the next turn you take is left or right or exactly what the finish 'area' will be like. In this case it wasn't even clear for the MTB guys after their finish where to go to get their medal / juice etc it was hidden behind that white house/tent thing. Also saw a few roadies finishing in the MTB area. I do pay for the marshalling to be safe and correct!

SF - yip notice the details, it's normal when one can appreciate beauty such as this!

SwissVan - Also had some issues with the 2 MTB's having 'very' different gear systems, the SRAM X7 (push push low normal) and the Shimano XT (push pull) but with an XTR (high normal) RD and from a previous post you may remember that I got so peed off with it that I eventually put a 'normal' XT on and gave up on the high normal. The push push of SRAM vs push pull of Shimano XT has not been an issue though!

Very nice! Do you mind telling the cost of just the frame / fork? Guess you should be expecting some of those clever 'hey look his chain's too long' posts soon!

W/end proposed training plan: Sat - 05:00 +- 105k Roadbike ride through the Suikerbosrand N/reserve (not more than 4 hrs!) Sun - 05:00 +- 65k MTB ride out to Blockhouse and some exploring in Walkerville etc. (not more than 4 hrs!) Mon - 05:00 +- 105k Roadbike ride through the Suikerbosrand N/rserve (not more than 4 hrs!)