Max Headroom

I still have some free left-overs here, if anyone interested :- https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/chainrings/451935/cleanout-used-free-collect-only-updated

on the trail yesterday, and did the new 'grysbok' and new climb (to mast) on 'ribbok' FANTASTIC well-done to the trail-builders !! Trails beautiful at the moment - so many colours - from white and yellow to rich dark green and purple

I know of just two water point, A) One on Yellow route: B) The other on the Red route Northern side. And unless I have always misunderstood, and trespassed, or it has changed - I think the Marker on the trail map is old or wrong Your Pic, I think is on the Red route. Further along than indicated - trail turns right down dirt road - then if turning right again into small road - immediately on your right, about 10 yards in, is a gate - The tap is on the lawn under a tree. (Unfortunately - That gate is sometimes locked !! $@%&*%$#@ !!

What/where are you guys doing/having for breakfast Sunday morning - I don't see anywhere available (for that early)

Oh, this gets me so F..$%^&...ing mad. I gave two sets of DT-S wheels and also do all my own maintenance on my four bikes - Can't change the farking bearings because the tool is so scarce - even shops will send you from pillar to post to find a workshop that has one - even then, they don't want to just remove the 'nut' for you - you must give them the job. After these wheels, will never buy DT-S again !!!

I just use a thin screw driver - scrapes the jockey wheels clean. By the way - if you have never serviced or replaced jockey wheels - pay attention when you take them out. They are 2 different designs - you cant swap them around- and also note the direction of rotation. Also Shimano and Sram are different - and get the correct wheels for your gear system (i.e. 7speed, 10speed) jockeys differ and when reassembling - be careful, it is easy to drop a spacer/washer and not notice

Firstly, thank you for these fantastic trails ! I ride there twice a week and love every inch ! (I ride mainly during the week, and have never seen another rider ! before approx 5pm. Further, I just don't understand why there are so few riders enjoying the trails even on weekends.) Maintenance Three trees down on new Ribbok re-route yesterday - about half way after where "extra single track" rejoins - and the exit. Note to riders - Ribbok (red clockwise route) - the 're-route' now exits at the 'top line' which was previously the return 'short-cut' forest entrance from the green route side. In other words if turning left after up and over Kaapzight climb and onto the very steep long climb next to the tree line (where going to left would be direction start of skaapsteker - right at very top was a return short-cut 'Green link' to the Ribbok forest.) Coming from kaapzight climb, and being in a hurry, I misunderstood the reroute swop and entered the forest trail at 'normal Ribbok exit'. (No signs or trail closure here unfortunately. I ended up with crazy hike-a-bike to get out of many cut trees, branches and sandy mess.) With the top route now reversed, I guess the only return here is now via skaapsteker ? Marker/Arrows - Further, as I was late getting to Stellenbosch, rather than going via 'skildpad ?', I decided to go over the hill (that 1.7km mostly single track (nameless?) where its downhill ends next to the wolwedans-vastrap - then past exit to overgauw on the right and finally right to get on downhill to Asara (as opposed to going around down to yellow route) I think riding this 'reverse' red is acceptable ? - but I did not see a marker arrow for the Asara direction ? So went too far before going right (ended up lost on 'a nursery farm' and exit to Devon valley road. If this counter-clockwise riding is allowed - then perhaps more markers, and a marker for Asara exit required. (also, I must admit I was going flat-out and route looks unfamiliar counter-clockwise, so maybe I just did not pay enough attention.) Fantastic trails.

New venue/routes - 15km,30km, 60km with 236m,466m,1886 elevation respectively. 60km route 1886m elevation. Done this long loop (60km route) and parts thereof a couple of times and its not a breeze. In my opinion they are going to lose entries. The 30km is too short and the 60km with 1,900 m climbing is too tough for the majority who previously did the CTCT MTB races. Those trails get dusty and hot in summer. Further, didn't see the mtb mentioned on the CTCT web - only on PPA site;- so is it possible that (unless a hubber) many won't know about the event ? Did not see other event page for this (?) ps. see you at the start line

Yes - Rocks not as serious as knives/guns etc. as long as you see the attacker (i.e. not taken by complete surprise (like a friend of mine who was hit in the face with a brick) I would try using bike as protection - and ideally finding some rocks myself. One-on-One with rocks is an option if you can help the other 'captive' rider.

RE : Take the service road along side the railway line until you get to Kromme Rhee road. Often ride this - but currently not alone. Too isolated, suspect pedestrians and no room for escape.

Although there have been many incidents on Paarl side R44 and SSW side R44 and Kayamandi and Kromme Rhee and Bottelary and Helsh., I still regularly cycle there during the week and weekends - as do many other cyclists. I was even targeted in an attempted attack once but escaped due to my awareness of the situation before it could escalate. My point being, that not all (everybody) cyclists on these routes are attacked - there are hundreds of riders (specially on weekends) using these routes. Yes, one attack is too many - but so is one car crash, pedestrian knock down, etc. i.e. what is the ratio of attacks to total riders using that route. (yes, it could happen to me or you - but so could a heart attack) We can not let these scum of the earth robbers and thugs make us give-up cycling, or all stay at home. Obviously the prime objective must be to avoid an attack - like other routes you are enquiring about, mtb trails, riding in groups etc. but this is mostly not a option every time you want to ride. Just be vigilant - much has been discussed on the hub about self defence weapons - I just carry pepper spray in my pocket (but know I will not even reach for it if a serious weapon threatens me - and I can't think of any other weapon I could safely and effectively carry or use) Further, I always look ahead at pedestrians on my side of the road - sitting or walking; what are they carrying; are they showing an interest in me; and I look behind me to see if anyone else (riders) are near, but most importantly, I check if the road is clear for my emergency swerve or sprint out of the way of attackers into the road. The most common attacks seem to be being knocked or dragged off the bike by one or two attackers or grabbing your handlebar - I always keep one arm 'on the risk side' free to knock away a potential arm stretched out at me - but as mentioned above, by observing their behaviour as I approach, I decide if I am going to turn around, cross the road or swerve and sprint, rather than getting close to a suspicious character or two. Of course multiple attackers could jump out of hiding (bushes etc) or will block your path and guys with knives, pangas and guns will probably leave you with no option but to drop your bike and run. However, if we all keep riding and keep the roads open to riding we have a better chance of surviving this madness we are faced with. So, I can just say that for myself, observation, alertness and awareness , will give you the best chance of avoiding an attack and only the worst most dangerous areas are to be avoided (an example for me is the old helshoogte road) Oh, re your question - as mentioned by others, you can cross over from R44 to R304 via Klapmuts, Elsenburg, or Kromme Rhee (careful of guys at the railway station) - then onto Bottelary and up and over Devonvalley. But I would just stick to the R44 all the way.

Bwahaha ...... yup happens all the time - followed by crawling on the floor to find it

Guys - I don't think this is the actual event site where organisers monitor or reply to questions - it is just an notification on a bicycle forum site. Send JEDLO a direct message or perhaps try on :- Try - https://www.facebook.com/PHILADELPHIAMTB/

Bottelary Hills Conservancy & MTB Trails Sad to report that we had an unfortunate incident yesterday just after 19h00. One of our riders was surprised by three youngsters on the green route between Zevenwacht and Hazendal. Two had BMX bikes and the third was on foot. When the rider fell, they grabbed his bike and sped off. The case was reported and a notice sent on the local Bottelary community group for farmers to be on the lookout for BMX kids and stolen bike. Spoke with SAP and will follow up with the investigating officer assigned to the case. Hazendal's head of security has been very helpful with sourcing footage, but could not find anything. Their security team regularly patrols the area and will be extra vigilant. This instance looks like kids up to mischief. Will keep you posted, but please avoid cycling alone and keep safe. Let's work together to keep our routes safe. Feel free to send any suggestions, comments or questions to christel@bottelaryconservancy.co.za Herewith pic of stolen bike

For more Ref see : http://teamprotouch.supportsatalent.co.za/

DONE

Hi Guys, Re Mitch and Keanan see:- https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/180607-classified-ethics-mitchell-eliot-and-keanan-roodt-are-they-trustworthy/ I can't comment on the lawfulness, ethics, or legitimacy of their comments on the above situation - BUT would like to let you know that the Ultegra crank I bought from Mitch (via Keanan) did finally arrive - as advertised condition etc. It took about two weeks after I had made payment From what I could make out - these guys are just plain bad administrators and communicators - and 'fraudulently' ? claim to own items, which then appears they are selling for others. (Probably parts etc from customer bike upgrades at the shop.) In my case the excuse for the delay was the same - They claimed to own the item, then later said they were waiting for the customer to bring the item back to the shop after they sold it 'on customers' behalf. In short - I received my purchase in the condition they described, two weeks after payment - but I gave them the benefit of doubt - i.e. just immature, not professional admin or communication. Perhaps if they were just honest upfront and advised that they will collect from the customer before deal is made, it would be more acceptable.

While on the subject of riders wanting to fly down hills ...last Friday was the THIRD time I had to dive into the bushes because of riders bombing down, against the flow, on Bloemenhill ! Guys this is a UP section. Pedal to the top of the mast - the down section (Bloemendaler) starts there ! - then the trail goes UP Bloemenhill ! per above post ....." Come to the Helderberg trails ..Or better yet join the next shuttle day, ..." There lies the problem - guys want to bomb down - but can't be bothered to ride UP. Thanks Lombards and Bloemendaler are just great as they are. --------------------------- As new options for trails go :..I would rather have/like/suggest a trail/route around the top section of the "mast koppie" joining the top of Hillcrest and Contermanskloof. Perhaps from top or Rooikat - around the hill, to join below cement section on the other side. Since we lost the Kliprug trails - I find it a bugger when returning home via the cement section on the mast climb after a playing on Contermans - Hoogekraal - Fairview loop all day.

I agree with most comments - and think you need a goatlink (or rapid) to maintain good shifting. Turning in the B-screw works in most cases where you fit a larger cassette, BUT it moves the dérailleur further away from the other sprockets - so, it reduces the number of teeth engaged by the bottom gears (11 etc) So, these tend to wear out sooner, and worse, the chain jumps under pressure (standing pedalling etc.) Very irritating.

Wrong side of the road: To the critics, Let me explain a bit about what happens - without name calling. There is no point in shouting at the 'faster' riders for being the trouble makers. Nobody sits at home planning to ride across the white line or on the wrong side of the road. Its all about the bunch size. Crossing the white line becomes inevitable when the bunches are too big. Its not just % # sign etc groups. The perception is that the front guys are baddies just because It generally is not seen nor happens further back (specially in the cape where routes can't stay flat for long) Because where such large groups seldom form due the hilly route and these riders do not have the same ability (speed, fitness, strength, determination etc.) to stay together etc. In other provinces and routes that are very flat the problems of crossing the white line happens at the back groups as well Even in the fastest groups, the bunch seldom goes over the white line deliberately unless:- - there is a sudden slow down in pace (for what ever reason) Riders can' t just slam on brakes so everything gets bunched up and fills the road. Problem; Bunch was too big. - Or with a gradual slow down, everyone wants to move up closer to the front to improve their position (usually for safety but also to make sure they don't get dropped due to gaps forming etc). So the back riders start coming around on the right, and instead of letting them pass - the riders in the middle of the bunch also try to get out, thereby pushing riders into the right opposite road lane. It is probably rude for mid bunch riders to also start moving out and overtaking i.e. causing riders coming from the back to move right. But, Due to the competitive nature of sportsman it is inevitable. Problem: Bunch was too big. -Or when approaching a hill, back riders start to move further forward in order not to get spat out the back of the group - bunch widens - riders pushed across the line. (This fine if there is road closure -but not otherwise) Problem: Bunch was too big . - Or when a Rider falls or nearly falls or there is a Pothole or a water bottle or a speed bumps, or glass, or stones/sand etc. riders start moving away making the bunch wider, pushing others even wider etc. Problem : Bunch was too big - Or there is a breakaway (often on a hill) and the front guys don't or can't react - then everyone has to try get past the front or bunch bulk to chase the breakaway - and soon the middle of the bunch also reacts and start pushing riders wide to go get a piece of the action. Problem: Bunch was too big - Or there is a sharp left turn - riders must keep up as much pace as possible because it is always a concertina sprint out of a turn - but then due to so many riders in the turn, riders have to go wide to prevent crashes. Problem: Bunch was too big Or, the bunch spreads out wide because its the finish sprint - and who doesn't like to sprint the bunch for the finish line. (fortunately the whole road is often available for this)

I think we will have a lot of riders. Many peeps trying to get Argus (CTCT) race fit. Lets just hope our legs don't let us down on Sunday following from Saturday's grinding on the Porcupine MTB.

Yup, I also went earlier - all the sms and emails about the access told me it was going to be a F up. But if as you say, everyone must come earlier - then we would have had the major traffic jam starting an hour earlier - so that is not the overall solution for the current venue. Basically the limited entrances and poor direction, narrow lane distances and marshall arrangements within the park caused the problem. Even if everyone was earlier, those hundreds of cars parked along the outer roads would not have made it. I just made sure I was at the further Drakenstein side entrance well before 6 am closing time. Great route - I like HellsH so late in the race - but the flat-ish first 30km was a mad max heart rate sprint.

Big Cape Cobra on road at Contermans on Friday - between top gate (to hoogies corridor) an tree lane to the start of trails.

Hi, sold my VIC and Commodore computers about 2 years back, but recently found I still have a "Speech 64" synthesiser. Pics below - let me know if you interested in it.

Flies! Only in winter have I managed to get up hoogies and faircape without swallowing a fly. Hate those little fvkers