Daideron

And when you are tested, declare it. You will be asked by the SAIDS officer when you are taken in for the test if you have taken anything, or if you have a TUE certificate. No use crying foul after the event, rather be honest and upfront with the test.

V12man, there is a great sadness in that very point, yes they reveal the fact that someone has tested positive, and from that point damage is done. Its true, nobody ever goes to equal lengths to apologise or explain should it be found there was an explanation behind the positive test. Especially if there is debate with regards to this particular substance, surely SAIDS are aware that certain substances should warrant further investigation? Or am expecting too much? However, for me this is still a positive test, and needs to be clarified both by the rider and SAIDS. As for Eldrons narcississm, I think we should all have this approach to anyone that has tested positive AND been found guilty. There should be such a stigma attached to it that no one would want the shame or indignity attached to them. From my experience and observation of our local pro's, they seem to care less. So there is a few days of slander on the Hub, but then the offending rider is either working at a bike shop or managing a team. There is no sense of "its the end of the world" to any of them. Most of them seem to find it funny. If the 'tar and feather' approach was more widely adopted, maybe riders would think twice? In my opinion, if you test positive and it is proven it was not a TUE medication, you should have to pay a fine regardless of the duration of the ban. It should be a non negotiable consequence of a positive test, that you have to pay a near crippling fine regardless of what the substance was (cannabis, MDMA, Growth Hormone or EPO) The mandatory fine should be so high that nobody will want to take the risk of bankruptcy. Now, riders accept their bans and go and open bike shops, stand behind the counter and tell tales of their racing days. Am I harsh? Yes, and Eldron I am sure you will agree that the punishments currently do not fit the crimes? Well, thats just my 2c

Well, some say it is a PED and others say its quite the contrary, to the point it retards performance. But, it was picked up in a test so there must be a reason for that. If it was taken as a prescribed medicine he wont have to worry because he will have the paperwork and Doctor to validate this. If not, I hear the villagers with their pitchforks closing in

Well, from that picture alone I think the resemblence is uncanny! So there are a couple continuity mistakes, they will never get everything spot on. Any idea when this movie/documentary/sci-fi/crime-drama will be out?

Linus Gerderman? Was he on MTN for 2013? Nice for the team to have a former TDF yellow jersey wearer. Wishing the team a brilliant 2014 season, and I am sure we will see JLA back at the top (mountains and podiums) very very soon.

Ok Gummibear, thanks!! Nice info on the Chronoverse!

He wants the Chase-Durer as its different. Yes, that price sounds ok, but just curious if you know if there is anyone in SA that sells them? Thank you Gummibear

Dont have the time to read every page, so if it has been mentioned, aplogies. So, does anyone know where to get a Chase-Durer special forces watch here in SA, is the brand available here? My son has his heart set on one.

@Blokman, that filming went on for three weeks! Also had to wait for ages while they filmed. You will notice that the old farm buildings are all re-thatched now, I presume thanks to the film producers as I saw them frantically thatching during filming. The reserve is such an interesting place! You go for a training ride and there's a movie set to contend with!

RIP

Ultimately each person has to decide for themselves as to the route they wish to take when selling their goods. Forewarned is forearmed in my opinion. Believe me I dont have an arsenal of machine-guns or burly bodyguards at my side, but if I were to be selling something and had to arrange a meeting I would consider the following, a very busy public place that is well covered by CCTV cameras. And I would never go alone. Personally I dont have a problem with someone coming to my home to buy something. I am fortunate to live in a private estate and in such an event I would ask the security guys to be close at hand and only to let the vehicle out if I say so. But thats just my feelings on this matter. And I would not allow anyone to my home if I did not live in a security complex. Crime happens all around us, and we more often than not dont know its there until we are faced with it. Just pay attention and YOU dictate the terms of the meet and deal, never the other way. And never let your goods out of your sight or into the hands of another person without full and final payment.

This is really bad. Glad you are ok. If I may don my Sherlock Holmes cap quickly and add my feelings on this, if the ad that Tumbleweed posted is the ad to which this guy has replied and then apprehended the OP and stolen the bike, it is quite possible that the thief is not a Hubber. The ad clearly gives a cell number for the OP and anyone browsing is able to see that, they need not be a hubber. Is this correct admin? Maybe all personal details should be removed from an ad, and only members can contact each other in the event of a sale. I know this does not prevent crime, but it at least requires more info from the party wanting to buy. Just my 2c And to the OP, most shopping centres have CCTV cameras running, so even if your transaction took place in an isolated place, there is a chance a camera would have picked up something. Even if its the vehicle leaving the carpark. Its just another piece of evidence at your disposal. Glad you are ok.

You will not go wrong with the MAVICS in my opinion. I think their hubs are incredible, and the wheels just feel lively and sound awesome. You wont regret it. The Shimano wheels look great, but I am not really a fan of their wheels. And I cant really say I know anything about the other wheels, so I wont! Just my 2c

A well deserved win! Awesome year for SA cycling. Congrats Reinie

Only been a handful of times, but each time I was made to feel like a long lost friend! Great service and a nice shop that I would gladly and confidently refer to anyone.

@MTBaaisikilist, this is clearly evident! Calling it the August is the same as your username, it requires humour and intellect.

The "August race",thats funny! But I believe this is a great play on words and has nothing to do with a Blue Bull mentality or someones actual belief that the race is called the August! Its like calling Edvald Boassen Hagen "Buzz Aldrin", or Cadel Evans "Cuddles" "August" is merely a term of familiar humour in reference to the Argus, generally used by seasoned riders with a sense of humour, and no certainty that they have blue balls hanging from the back of their "bakkies"

I think its funny because the majority of us here made similar mistakes with our very first bikes! (If we are honest) At least he was able to sell it on to a person who will be able to use it. One of my colleagues bought a similar bike for her son, it was impossible for him to ride! They knew I was a cyclist and asked me to have a look at it. Wheels needed truing, in fact I almost had to rebuild the wheels. Hubs were so tight I was amazed the wheels turned. V-Brakes had so many washers in, they had been put on incorrectly. It was a challenge for me to get it running! And the weight! Crikey! It was heavier than any bicycle I have ever lifted. These bikes are mass produced for what I am guessing will be a neighbourhood run-around. Its an easy mistake to make buying it from Sportsmans as they have plenty other good products. @Andyr249, not so long ago I was in a Cash Crusaders looking for a hidden gem and I stumbled across a similar mountain bike to the one being discussed here. I was amazed when I read the branding, it was a HUNTER mountain bike. I went in for a closer look and the head-tube insignia was "RH" and then I spotted the sticker on the top tube that said "proudly endorsed by Robbie Hunter", I was amazed! Now, the graphics and decals were expertly done, so there is no way it was an aftermarket application. At the time I wanted to take a picture and post it here on the Hub for discussion, but thought better of it in case it transpired into an argument. Does anyone here know the background on these HUNTER bikes? (Please dont misunderstand me, I am not mocking Robbie Hunter here)

@Tumbleweed, that alone proves you dont need EPO or huge amounts of talent and backing to make a bazillion dollars out of cycling! Just a good idea and the right marketing team! Sure, Johnny G never won the Tour de France, but I bet he has a villa or two in France thanks to cycling1

Thank you Cyclewizz, I know the of the shop but didnt know that was the name.

I do agree that people should learn to do their own repairs. But sometimes you might not be able to do the repair, or have the time or even be bothered to do it. And if you send it to a shop for that repair/service then they should do it. Afterall, you are paying for it. Why should someone be punished for not knowing how to do something, and have to accept the shops abuse of your bike? That defies logic to me. And is totally unacceptable. With all the online stores you would think shops would up their game and make sure they give the best service. Where is Cycle Tech?

I hate to sound like someone who cant let go of the past, but from 1992 and SA being allowed back into the sporting world, we had a lot of guys and girls who competed at worlds, Commonwealth games and Olympics but never had the stellar performances that we are seeing now. I believe these guys and gals put in performances that ultimately built the riding scene to what it is today. Sure Malcolm Lange never competed in the Tour de France, but his experiences abroad lifted his ability which in turn benefitted the guys around him. Doug Ryder and Nick White are other examples, both class riders but without their "experience" our racing scene would never had prospered. Like I said, I hate to live in the past, but when you consider what Burry, Greg, Robbie and Darryl have done, it shows even better things are on the trails/passes and tracks that our future stars are to pedal! With all due respect to Burry and the others, lets hope we have multiple XC world champs, Tour stages aplenty and dare I believe a final yellow jersey one day?! Dont foget Willie Engelbrecht's bronze medal from the 1994 Commonwealth games, it was our first medal at international level.

I always thought my C-group ride in the 94.7 would be up there? My mistake! I am a roadie, but have to agree that Greg Minnaar and the late Burry take this one hands down. Minnaar has three world titles to his name. Thats big! Burry's U23 world title was a forecast of what should have been. And lets be honest, every race Burry did had a sprinkling of something special to it! Hunter and Impey have done us proud, make no mistake. But I think with the right support and effort, Meintjies will add to his medal with other notable rides in the years to come.

@NotsoBigBen, I think thats why he was crying on the podium! He suddenly realized that had he waited, he could have negotiated a ride with a team using Specialized! At least his riding shirt wont have pink in it!

Horner crashed with Impey and then withdrew.