BrianMTB

I understand the route is almost completely flat and not technical so the race should be as the name suggests - fast! :-)

Thanks Hairy - sending the email now.

Just an update - I emailed Pyga twice asking for specs on the complete bike. No response. Not as though I'm yanking their chain, I'm a serious buyer. Perhaps the interest generated by that Bicycling test has them swamped, but not responding to customer queries isn't a good sign. I guess they don't need my business. Will probably now go with a Specialized.

Ah... yeah they do. 8ft is actually on the small side for a Mamba

Not as big as a cobra's, but when they rear up they do spread the neck area in a similar way - damn frightening. See pic above (addition)

Where did you order Airborne? I think I need to get in now too... I think the Pyga is the way to go.

Yep, loads of the Giant Anthems around. Popular bike!

Me too. Ruined my lunch...

Thanks for the input. Looks like the PYGA is the way to go. It seems they'll only be available in May or June - I guess I can wait for that.

Sooooo gummibear... exhibit A is the Trek and Exhibit B is the Pyga? Redhead with loads of tats vs. a brunette with a smoking figure. Hmmm... I'm guessing you're recommending the Pyga? Edit typo

I'm in the market for a new bike in the lead up to the Tour de Tuli in August. Does anyone have any advice on the Trek Superfly 100 AL Pro vs. the PYGA ONETEN29? Would like to support local bike builders but not sure about the backup.

It was day two, so my guess is somewhere near the back. You were probably already having a beer and taking in the lovely sight of those bike washers Edit = typo

Peptosport is really good - has casein hydrolisate for protein which is quickly and easily absorbed together with a good mix of various sugars for the energy side.

Not that far thankfully, it was near the end of the stage. I thought a lot afterwards about what would happen if one was alone far out on a trail with Mamba bite - I guess it would be tickets. Wow! That is close! I've never heard of anyone being bitten while on a bike - I wonder if it is possible, even if you do run it over?

So this guy actually went over it and wasn't bitten? There is, I suppose, some minor comfort knowing that. The adrenalin shot I received as a result probaly took 20 minutes off my time

haha, yes the skidmarks weren't only on the trail

A couple of weekends ago I participated in the Route 69 MTB Experience. Day two ran through the Cradle of Humankind and towards the end of the stage I looked up to see a 7-8ft Black Mamba crossing the trail just ahead of me. I swerved as hard as I could to avoid running it over and skimmed past its tail with no more than 10cm to spare. The snake must have had as big a fright as me because it reared up behind me, mouth gaping and with its hood spread. Luckily I was going fast enough that I escaped further danger but had I run it over I am certain it would have bitten me. Has anyone else had any close shaves with snakes like this?

I've seen this same behaviour in JHB. Road cyclists riding 3 and 4 abreast and getting aggro with motorists that ask them to move over (it seems that other than the legs, their middle fingers are the most excercised body part). Despite what the Road Traffic Act says, riding in bunches on busy roads, swearing and gesticulating at motorists and generally acting like douche bags is no way to win the favour of fellow road users - its also no way to improve the already bad image of cyclists in the minds of motorists.

Rode yesterday's race in the place of my boss - used his entry and number and did a substitution at the info tent. Wound up riding my best time ever. Sure hope Racetec will post my time?

Yep, the price is heavy - but I figured worth the experience. I guess you agree if you are doing it again. See you there Only six?

At the risk of sounding cliched, two wrongs don't make a right. Motorists often get away with driving badly because they have a couple of tonnes of steel around them. Taking your cue from poorly mannered motorists whilst on your 6 or 7 kgs of carbon will at best further blacken the name of cyclists generally and at worst send you to an early grave (god forbid). Stick to the rules - it's better for everyone.

After having convinced myself that the entry fee is worth the experience and then doing the same with my brother, I'm now entered to ride the 2012 Tour de Tuli Anyone else entered? Any advise from TdT veterans?

I wash mine in the dishwasher too but the prints seem to remain intact - I need to get some of the detergent Grumpy is using Same problem though - bottle cage makes them look really used really fast. Doesn't bother me because it suits my rugged mountain-biker look B)

I did this race last in 2007 and I remember there being punctures galore. Going back this year for the 65 and packing plenty bombs!

5H10 in 2009 (the windy one) on a 26 MTB - training consisted of three 90-100km races in the preceeding weeks. It sucked!