Rob K

Greetings iTeam, May I share some interesting observations from our Rolling Turns practice with about 15 riders recently. Everything went well and the main fault we encountered was the rider reacing the front "thinking" they had to now PULL the group, accelerated away and kept opening a gap. The guy behind now has to really push because he has to overtake the front guy and before you know it - there's chaos. So very important advice is this. When reaching the front, you only have to account for there being no draught anymore, SPEED MUST STAY CONSTANT, and it's only until the next rder passes you. The time to accelerate is when you join the paceline from the back and start passing the draughting riders, This is very clear on the videos Tombeej has posted. Go back and watch them - we need to get this right. Good luck to everyone for Sunday

947 2014 3:14 947 2013 3:09

I hope everyone is watching these videos. There is a lot of good information there.

Hi Tombeej, Finally mader a decision. Please ad me to the group. Thanks. Rob

As I've said earlier - Tombeej - you are the natuaral leader - a crucial element of the groups success is having strong leader. Don't leave us now....

Just for everyone's knowledge - the Bryanston downhill- is it Cowley? - has been completely retarred and is in absolutely perfect condition. Rob

Great motivational post Tomeej. Have you decided on Paceline vs Rolling turns? Rob

Just read every single post in this thread and am absolutely blown away. We could sort our country out with this sort of attitude. I am seeded in E and have really trained hard for my (hopefully) first sub 3 this year. Was up for it last year and then they changed the route. :cursing: I'd really love to join you guys, the teamwork challenge is right up my street - BUT I am undecided. I will follow the thread and sleep on it. There is some brilliant advice in this thread and whatever happens, I really really hope everyone achieves the groups ambition. Tombeej - you are a natural leader - you need to be easily identifiable from the start. My little 2c contribution from my experience is a) the paceline is much easier to participate in by a random group (ie without previous practice) and b) the group needs to start off a bit slower than normal until, whichever system is chosen, is properly bedded down and working, when the pace can then start building to the level required. Good luck to you all!!! :clap:

Saw this at The Lost City Classic this weekend. Really looked good in the flesh - don't think you can go wrong. Let us know what you decide?

A cursory glance at their website just put me right off. Bicycles 2011 ???

Look - they were at full speed and going a little bit faster than us. So I suppose that gives them right of way - King's of the Road status etc (compared to our steads offcourse) So we should have just dutifully pulled over when we heard those roars, approaching from behind, and when we didn't jump out of their way, it's to be expected that they got a little bit irritated and were forced to make rude gestures and hand signals to us lowly road users. I mean, would you not get a bit irritated if a cyclist didn't immediately give way when you came past on your R400 000-00 excuse for a motorcycle - capable of 120 km/hr on the Dainfern downhill that only needs 4 lanes to execute a U-turn without falling over. Really - what were we thinking. Guys - I'm sorry - I'm really sorry - won't happen again - promise.

I saw this pic recently and as soon as I can get my staff back will fabricate a few prototypes for evaluation.

Offcourse you guys are100% right. One always just hopes for that elusive piece of advice we know is never coming? It's also hard to decide when you actually clear. Rob

Hi Guys, My 2nd year with CycleLab and all I can add is that it's a NO-BRAINER value for money deal. Even if you just ride once or twice a month - there is no way you could replicate this experience - the price is absolutely immaterial IMO. Never mind the race tents which are sponsored anyway and really welcomed after a hot sweaty ride. The vibe is totally dependant on you and the people you with and it's what you make of it. As my good friend always says -" there's always one arsehole in a group and if you don't know who it is - it's probably you" I highly recommend the Club and - it's well run and it's a real bonus if you within easy reach. Rob

Guys, What's the advice when just getting over a cold. Should we wait it out until completely clear or start light indoor work? Will starting too soon after being sick jeopardise the recovery? Rob

Has the route changed from last year? Where does this 1850m come from? Rob

A really worthwhile read from the trenches and well worth it. We only get to see the highlights on TV and they mainly concentrate on the pro's. We get very little info from the troops and your articles are much appreciated. Good luck and keep them coming.

Ok EDIT I just found out that Presta or Schrader valves are the tube valves. I need the little rubber washers inside the Pump Nozzle - which I suspect are worn. Thanks in advance. Rob

Presta or Schrader valves Where can one purchase replacements - mine seems to have worn out and won't stay on the tube valve unless I hold it in place?

Hi There j, I don't know what or who changed at Argus management but I am get a distinct taste of that horrible word 'greed' coming through. Maybe that's too harsh a choice of word, but with the charging of cyclists, first to just enter the Expo more than once and then for the second lap - mmmm - something's not right up in the tower. Now your experience - what happened to the Spirit of Argus I wonder?

Agreed Mike, I posted an Accuweather screengrab which is relatively accurate. We need the locals to give us feedback on the trend and see if Accuweather is on the numbers.

Now that the training is done - let's focus on the next BIG thing. Looks good for now - let's keep an eye on the trend.

Mine also requires a password - maybe a MAC thing??

Well done 3Wings on initiating an interesting thread with, notably, lot's of positive feedback. Probably some of the best advice I've seen on The Hub and so well done to all the contributors - I'm sure there are many of us who are quietly lapping it all up. I'm have trained for and am going to try for my PB this year and am also grappling with all these interesting issues and mindsets. I think psychology is a huge factor and probably the best advice I can give myself is - ride within yourself for at least the first half and ride your own race - don't let the odd overtaker or passing bunch change your strategy. If you can get to the bottom of Chappies feeling relatively strong - then go for it - you'll enjoy the climbs more - feeling strong - and finishing strongly really feels good. Sometimes I feel I finish with too much energy and kick myself for not going faster - but it's nice to think - "what if" BTW your average speeds you quoted earlier would give you a 30.8 km/hr average - around 3.5 hours. Best of luck to everyone riding and here's to everyone finishing safely and with there new PBs

We have just this morning decided - Full Road closure only - from now on for us.