flex

What confuses me about the above, is that when I did I triathlon at the Vaal recently, the water lab test results indicated that an EColi count above 400 parts per 100ml is considered to pose a high risk of gastrointestinal disorder. Have a look here

The commentary associated with the above results was as follows: I've had a look, and asked out water quality expert to have a look. The only concern would be the high ecoli count and high turbidity count on the inflow into the dam. The ecoli would be linked with the high turbidity, and the high turbidity would be associated with rain and run-off. The ecoli count does drop off significantly by the exit of the dam. The count at the exit is well within the standard for full-contact recreational use (standard being 2000 counts per 100ml). The rest of the results are within the standards. Just a comment on the pH - it is within the standard (standard 6,5 - 8,5), but this may be what caused the eye irritations to the paddlers recently. "The pH is well within the buffering capacity of the lachrymal fluid of the human eye but minimal eye irritations may occur." Out of interest the international standard is 6-9 (international being USA, Canada, Australia and UK).

I managed to get hold of some Dabs water test results for Emmarentia Dam, which look as follows. EDIN denotes the dam inflow, near the furthest buoy from the jetty; while EDOUT denotes the outflow, near the dam wall.

That is very respectable indeed!

Beautiful, coenie. What does it weigh?

I'll be there, looking forward to spending the weekend at the Vaal with mates. @Jules, knowing that area, it's highly unlikely that it will be very technical. I reckon you'll be fine in your regular running shoes. Of course disclaim that by saying I could be wrong

You'll have your chance in less than 2 weeks' time: Sasol Cross Series #4

Couldn't agree more, Face Plant. BTW, any idea where we can see the race photos? I posed nicely for one on the bike leg, tried to look like I wasn't hurting

Awesome event today, I found it tough as nails. Had a *** swim, even worse than anticipated, but a great ride in my new TT bike and a reasonably good run. If I could just swim better

Lol - let's not go there, Thuggy I'm still trying to forget that experience!

I've been using Lynda for a while now, and to say she is awesome would be an understatement. Highly recommended to anyone that takes their cycling/ multi-sport seriously. I just got to the office after seeing her this morning, what a way to start a Friday - good ride followed by good sports massage

Awesome, well done Admin. This is turning into eBay for bikes

Jeepers, I think its safe to say not many people doing this one. That heightens my chance of coming last in the swim

Thanks, Scotty.

Garmin Concept Store - where's that?

Still can't believe they haven't made a SportTracks for Mac. I used to use it when I was on PC and it was great. I can run Windows applications on my MacBook using Crossover, but its a mission. I'll stick to GTC for Mac for now, it does the trick.

Then the results:

First, the map of the area tested:

I emailed the race organisers, they have sent me the lab results for the vaal, which I will post shortly. Seems like the water is okay, particularly in the part of the river where we'll be swimming.

I'm also entered for this, anyone else? Judging by the website, not many people have (less than 40 competitors listed for the Olympic distance as at this morning). I also read an alarming article in the Times yesterday about the state of the Vaal water, I sure do hope that TSA tests the water before Sunday...

I'm in precisely the same boat this year, JMac. No specific training whatsoever, am aiming to get stronger as each day goes by and counting on my base fitness.

Shot dude, the pics look pretty good to me!

I spotted you there taking some pics, Dangle - hope you got a good one of me!

During today's event, agteros? Not cool. Its obvious I also need to work on my running. On the second MTB lap I was cleaning okes up that looked fit and strong, those same guys then came galloping past me on the second run and left me high and dry at the end. So, it took me a whole lap to make back the time they ran into me on the first run, and I couldn't ride enough time into them to stay away for the second run. Having to be good at more than one discipline is what's so cool about multi-sport. I've not done a single road race this year so far (very different to last year), and have absolutely loved Xterra, Troisport JHB City, Momentum etc. Bring on the next one (if my calves ever recover )

I really enjoyed it. Pros: well organised, awesome T-shirts in the goodie bag and a really nice transition/ spectator area. Cons: route marking a bit dodgy on the MTB course in two places, plus I have to admit that it felt like I was riding around a construction site. The one muddy section was disgusting, I could smell bodily waste as well as washing powder (luckily it was very short, though). That wasn't enough, in my opinion, to out-do the whole vibe of the day and I'll be back for the next one. The start was quite late, but man it was nice to wake up late for a change