fastlegs

have practice falling lots just need to practice staying upright now

ok, great tips on downhills but any tips on riding really short steep inclines - this is where my nerves come apart

https://www.facebook.com/events/222904761156983/

Why Critical Mass is a GREAT INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT "As a country we have made bold commitments about climate change and lowering emissions. One of the most obvious and least expensive ways of doing this is promoting non-motorised transport, especially cycling. Our cities' mayors need to put their money where their mouths are and make our cities more bicycle-friendly. For example, we need a network of cycle paths and lanes demarcated on our roads. We also need public awareness campaigns about the importance of looking out for cyclists and ensuring their safety. And we need to promote cycling as not only a middle-class sport, but as a more affordable form of transport for everyone. The Bicycle Empowerment Network in Cape Town has been doing inspiring work along these lines, setting up cycling centres and bicycle shops in low-income communities on the Cape Flats.Given the lethargy of our politicians on this issue, we also need visible activism to give the issue more prominence. I am inspired by the efforts of Critical Mass Johannesburg, who have organised night rides on the last Friday of every month and take over the streets of Johannesburg. Let's build a critical mass to demand more cycle-friendly cities in South Africa."

I am having problem with my Compaq gearing (less then a year old) - lately it keeps jamming and can't go from the big chain ring to the small and and vica versa and only does so after a few tries (which is a bit frustrating especially in a race) what is the cause of this and can I fix it or should I take it to a shop?

did a teambuild last year with a company called teamgel in JNB, they use only lego to facilitate their teambuild - it was fascinating to see all these adults enjoying playing and building with these blocks - it was a room full of kids - highly recommended if ever you want to do a teambuild. My team had so much fun, our last challenge was building a dog from lego bricks and teaching it to walk and raced it against other teams - sadly it fell off the table and died and miserable death

below article was published in Citizen last night... Thanks to those cyclist that gives us a bad name http://www.citizen.c...e-a--fat-chance COLUMNISTS by Martin Williams Cyclists take a fat chance While driving to the office on Monday (yes, some of us had to work) I encountered a group of fat men cycling up Emmarentia Drive, Johannesburg. 11 April 2012 | MARTIN WILLIAMS http://www.citizen.co.za/citizen/applications/citizen/templates/images/rating/active.gif http://www.citizen.co.za/citizen/applications/citizen/templates/images/rating/active.gif http://www.citizen.co.za/citizen/applications/citizen/templates/images/rating/active.gif http://www.citizen.co.za/citizen/applications/citizen/templates/images/rating/active.gif http://www.citizen.co.za/citizen/applications/citizen/templates/images/rating/active.gif While driving to the office on Monday (yes, some of us had to work) I encountered a group of fat men cycling up Emmarentia Drive, Johannesburg. As they were taking up most of the left hand side of the road, I had to cross the barrier line to get past them. Upon reaching the traffic light at Carlow Road, I stopped. The guys on two wheels didn’t bother. They pedalled on, turning right in front of me and proceeded along Carlow. How many times have you and I seen this happen, cyclists ignoring the rules of the road? Far too often. And they wonder why they get knocked over. Usually I merely mutter “jerk!” under my breath and carry on. Much the same as when a motorcyclist speeds through a narrow gap between cars. They seem blissfully unaware of how treacherous Jozi traffic is for two-wheelers. But this time I thought no, sod it, so I hooted. You can guess what happened. They shouted at me and gesticulated, including a middle finger from the fattest one. Jerks. Do they imagine that because they cannot see any oncoming traffic they can skip a red traffic light? In fact at this intersection there is great danger because oncoming vehicles are obscured as there is a sharp corner nearby. The same cyclists who want to be treated differently from motorists when approaching stop signs have no qualms about taking up as much lane space as motorists, even when they are toiling away at under 20kmh. Obviously not all cyclists behave like this. As a runner I encounter and interact with many, on and off the roads. There is some etiquette and we treat each other with consideration. But there are more than enough out there, who are no doubt motorists at other times, who seem to lose all sense when in the saddle. In this city there is a proliferation of stickers exhorting us to “Think Bike”. The Think Bike mission is “to make the roads safer for two- and three-wheelers through: - “Increasing other road users' awareness of bikes.” - “Increasing safety awareness among bikers.” My wish is that more bikers would think. Road rage simmers constantly below the surface. Don’t tempt fate.

Honestly, I find no difference riding a male or a female bike. But in saying that, agreed to the above comments, see if you can loan a bike from friends, etc and test it out before purchasing your own bike. But definitely once the bug bites, you want to upgrade your bike (if you are indeed going for the cheap bikes), try not to just buy because its the cheapest for cheap sake but go for what you can max. afford and see if the bike parts can be upgraded at a later stage - but importantly buy from a reputable bike shop where staff and service is friendly, they will then always assist with recommending upgrade parts and they are just a wealth of knowledge (especially to a newbie)

so far, weather all looking good for Sunday's Argus!!! in case anyone was interested! Sunday 11/03 Sunny: 20/25°C (will not coincide with times below) 0%, 0mm (Forecaster modified detail below) Time Cloud Temp/Humidity Wind 0:00 http://www.weathersa.co.za/Icons/Waning_Gibbous_moon.png 20°C /88% http://www.weathersa.co.za/images/icons/w2-E.png E 31km/h 6:00 http://www.weathersa.co.za/img/pics/Nobg/i-sun.png 21°C /83% http://www.weathersa.co.za/images/icons/w2-E.png E 22km/h 12:00 http://www.weathersa.co.za/img/pics/Nobg/i-sun.png 24°C /65% http://www.weathersa.co.za/images/icons/w2-SE.png SE 13km/h 18:00 http://www.weathersa.co.za/Icons/Waning_Gibbous_moon.png 22°C /78% http://www.weathersa.co.za/images/icons/w2-SE.png SE 19km/h

The marshalls did an awesome job. Been also meaning to thank all the marshalls on bikes that ride with the weekend bunch in the south (kliprivier / swartkoppies), thanks for giving up your time. Its an amazing site to see so many guys/gals on their motorbikes with their brightly coloured vest on, escorting the bunches.

awesome ride, thanks to all the marshalls, you all did a brilliant job and race is always so well organised, definitely a highlight in my calender. BIG thanks to Dischem for an aaaaaaamazing Goodie Bag - wish all other race sponsors could give such amazing goodie bag.... makes the high entry fees sooo worth while

so in 2 days, using 2 different bikes, I have had a total of 6 punctures oh and a car tyre puncture as well.... anyone want to try and beat that!!!! When the puncture God has it in for you, there is nooooo escape!

Sportsman Warehouse has a few branches in pretoria - check out www.sportsmanwarehouse.co.za for a branch locator - last time I checked they had all sizes - maybe give them a call before you go

Sportsman Warehouse usually has and several different other brands as well

great thanks for the advice, will try that tonight

My handlebar keeps turning off centre whilst riding even though I have tightened all bolts on the stem, etc. anyone know the reason so I can fix it?

seems like cyclist are a big target now, heard on the radio yesterday that 8 cyclist were held up at gunpoint near the Diepsloot area and robbed of their valuables - so now even in a big bunch one is not safe - something has to be done!

Has anyone recently had any problems with Vittoria tubes. I had the unfortunate incident of having 2 burst vittoria tubes this weekend. One I had been riding with for about 3 weeks and just suddenly burst on my ride leaving a 15cm rip, I replaced it with another Vittoria tube and 100m down the road it burst again (tyres were not overinflated and only bought the tubes in October last year so definitely was not because they were folded too long in my pocket)

Just a note that it is joggers that move in large herds as well - and they don't give you any space! Whilst going on my morning cycle this morning along Klipriver in the south a huge herd of runners are running towards me all taking over the yellow lane, not one of them made any effort to move over to allow me to pass within the yellow lane, forcing me to move over onto the busy road. So thanks for endangering my life and making motorist think that I am the asshole for riding on the road lane. Oh but they did say good morning to me.... but that is besides the point!!

great, thanks for the advice, off to purchase silicone, superglue and voodoo doll for the next person that throws glass onto the road!

The conti gator duraskin has been great and has held up, all sliced up but no penetration to the tube (touch wood)

ok so i have been discovering lately that tyres don't like glass (from inconsiderate people that throw all manner of glass on the roadside), Last couple of rides I have been getting deep slashes, holes, etc on my tyres, that it is resembling swiss cheese, so how does one repair all the deep cuts and holes instead of having to purchase new tyres (as they are still pretty new)

I hear that sealant in tubeless tyres can dry out so how often does one have to add new sealant into tubeless and more importantly how does one add sealants into tubeless?

oh fab, but how will they control the neutral zone on the way back - everyone jostling for place - sounds like fun this!

I hear that this race takes on a slightly new route this year and has a sand road section to cross over for the start/finish (are they trying to do a Paris -Roubaix here). Some tell me it is not a smooth surface and really bumpy (and if it rains the night before it will be a mud bath) whereas others say it is fine ... who do I believe???