Jeanpg

Any chance on a SRAM GX-1275 cassette, please?

GX-1275 cassette for a happy day?

I read some Australian research showing that cars pass about half a meter closer to cyclists wearing helmets than to those who don't, adding a certain risk level to wearing a helmet. Never having been to Australia, I may be wrong, but I don't believe Homo Taxidriverius occurs there, so the research may well not be applicable here.

http://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/louis-garneau-t-flex-ls-100-shoes size 42 please

Morning Peach, Count me in for Groenkloof please

Is the BP group riding during the holidays? Weekdays or only Weekends?

Hi Peach, Any spaces left for the 16th or 19th?

Thanks for all the tips! And looking forward to the race!

Good morning, So, some kind of crazy inspired me to enter for the Attakwas. Been putting in quite a bit of time on the bike. Getting quite excited. On the other hand, the race sounds more "hardebaard" than I feel. Any tips, tricks and advice would be appreciated for preparation, packing, training etc.

Mmm... I have heard the ruling party consider ideas such as cycling routes to be "elitist". I commute to work, and there is definitely a group that mostly matches the description in the article - white, male, middle class (not necessarily under 40 though). There is however also a larger contingent of the poorer sort of commuter. Several women have discussed the option of commuting with me. The perception of danger is definitely a factor that discourages them (in spite of the fact that the routes we use are objectively quite safe). Another factor that seems to discourage women is the shower facilities - both guys and girls have pickiness regarding standard of facilities and willingness to use shared facilities - the guys who will settle will accept lower standards than the most accommodating girls (at my place of work at least...) It would be nice if the government looked beyond the "elite" riders and see the opportunity for the everyday guys and encourage that (not sure that number ones nephew would like opposition to taxi's though...)

Did 3 towers last week - absolutely brilliant! But we did joke that you wouldn't be able to see the trail for the signage if they let the guy who did the Central Park signage loose there! Some broad idea of level would be great - I have certain skills, and I lack others (i.e. jumps) - most places I've ridden either don't have jumps or the jumps are big enough to "activate my common sense" - progression would be fantastic. Geographically, what you are used to makes a big difference - rode a race at Cascades last year. Triple down arrows on a bit of rock garden and no signage at all on some slippery switchbacks bordered by drops - I found the rock garden a non-obstacle and thought I might die on the switchbacks - the locals considered the signage an accurate reflection of risk. Having these variations indicated in some way might be useful too.

Are the trails used for the race (or others at the Barberton Nature Reserve) normally open for riding - heading out to Badplaas and it seems like a good ride.

Has anyone here done the Homewardbound Challende before? Could you please give some reviews/ comments on it?

As noted - quite a bit tougher than last year! Thank you to the guy that helped me with a spare tube (after the tubeless and the spare decided that 68km was enough...) - It's great to see the sportsmanship and "paying it forward" surviving!

Good thread - the racing angle is tricky - I brought this up with the Doctor a couple of times with their reply being "Are you good enough to get tested" - fair comment but not good enough for me! Got a lot of chirps at Rooiberg this weekend from cameramen and spectators for riding with a buff over my mouth and nose - it helped a lot with the dust and asthma (not as good as a proper filter, but way less air resistance too)

Did the marathon last year - was tough but good. How brave do you need to be to make this your first Ultra?

Don't know if cleats would help - unless they're softer soled. Usually I give them a good rub (no fun... ) and hope for it to go away!

Also been finding this lately - I think the stiff soles have an impact, because on my old shoes this did not happen - the new ones are much stiffer. It seems to be worse on climbs when I sometimes tend to scrounge my toes.

The youngsters are excluded from the marathons. It seems fair to let them have "their" race at least (although a lot of the threads indicate that cultivating trail etiquette to just about everyone out there is necessary)

On the liability issue - has there been litigation here? I've noticed some of the parks (Modderfontein, Big Red Barn to some extent) has started posting warning signs that are more intimidating than the actual "obstacle". Any way to keep the lawyers and the helicopter parents out of the sport?

Still wondering how stupid it would be to attempt with a broken thumb...

I'm guessing the organisers get to see some pretty strange activities showing up on Strava...

Entered for the 80km, very excited! I am fairly fit at the moment. Tuesday night got two proper shots to the thumb playing action hockey... Still waiting for the swelling to go down before visiting the Doc... Any tips for doing this with a wonky right thumb?

Hi Matt, Just looking for some clarification on the badge requirements - does the "ride 12 hrs in 7 days"/"climb 3 000m in 7 days" badges run over any consecutive seven days, or from Monday to Sunday?

Commuting home, I cross a railway bridge. One Friday afternoon, we knocked off early. As I get to the top of the bridge, I see a troop of baboons hanging out on side of the road where the bridge descends. Most of the group notices me, and moves away from the road. One of the adolescents is lost in thought, busy with his own thing, right on the edge of the road. As I come up next to this youngster, he notices me and get the skrik of his life. Jumps close to a meter into the air and tumbles down the embankment, screaming something terrible. Realised that staying on the bike while curling up with laughter is a much neglected technical skill.