Kranky

Entered the long race on Sat. In the words of Rebecca Black: "We we we so excited, we so excited!".

It really is easier than Faerie Garden, even if you exclude the bridge that many people dislike. P.S. Are we being trolled?

I rode the trail this evening, in the dusk without a light (too dark for photos on my phone). It was piss easy, even without having ever ridden it before, and well built in my opinion. Descending Plum Pudding is just as technical. They've even made a lovely bridge to cross the river. I like it Big up to SANParks, if they built it. I don't recognise that section in the picture you posted. There is a fork near the end of the trail, I went right (towards the visible buildings), is your photo from the trail going left. That, or it just wasn't a memorable bit of trail. Please don't make SANParks ruin a perfectly good trail because you are too lazy to learn to ride your bike.

If you can't ride it, get off walk, study the trail and pick a good line next time. Or even session the spot until you get it right. You'll feel a great sense of satisfaction when you finally do it. At least, that is how I approach difficult trails. It also takes time and effort to make a trail. Resources are not always available to cater for everyone's ability. I'm actually excited to hear there is some legal 'technical' trail on Table Mountain. I haven't done the single track above their offices, must go check it out. Below the offices is fun but pretty straightforward. Lastly, is it difficult to lift your bike over the fence? South African's are well skilled at jumping fences Different gate, and maybe lower, but many people do it to get on the mountain before the gates are opened in the morning.

That would be great! There have been so many opportunities to slowly build such a lane, when roads have been upgrade, but sadly the foresight has not been there. Best example being the restoration of Main Road from Muizenberg southwards.

This guy might just be onto something #OccupyHospitalBend More seriously, a dedicated bicycle lane from the southern suburbs (even the peninsula) to town is sorely needed. Main/ Victoria Road and Malta/ Albert Road are completely unsuitable for bicycles. Government and citizens in South Africa need to start seeing private cars as the last option, not the primary one. But yes, that would require some initiative to change public behaviour, improve public transport and non-motorised transport infrastructure. It's the only way to go, don't believe me, just look at some of the most successful cities around the world. /rant

I have a 32T on my 1x9, and my legs cope ok. I'm not riding long distances though. I just ride in loops up and down as much single track as possible, usually 2 - 3 hours worth.

Slightly off topic, but why do people commute in full sporting gear? Is it really necessary? What are the advantages? Even if you're changing clothes at your destination. Maybe it's just a habit carried over from sports cycling many commuters participate in. I find my daily commute in t-shirt, shorts and everyday sneakers (I find normal shoes much more mobile in cities) to be comfortable (when the weather is good). Supposedly, wearing normal clothing is also good manner in which to normalize commuting in cultures where it is not strong, i.e. not looking odd or like a sports cyclist but rather a normally dressed person.

Cheap online stores is a reality better embraced than whinged about. LBSs must start being more service and knowledge orientated, and not expect to make easy money off sales. CRC can be cheaper than the local South African distributor in some cases. Some LBSs use CRC when this is the case. Just my two cents.

Just buy a single speed chainring and slap it onto your existing setup. *taadaa* Works like a gem for me. Chain sits as snug as a bug. Been meaning to shorten my derailleur cage but it's been working like a dream so I've yet to get around to doing it.

I've been removing tyres since well before I grew my first pube but only last year did I learn that you can clip the lever onto the spoke. Ridicule away

Busy building a hipster bike for my urban commutes. Looking forward to learning to ride a fixie. Also going to try some bike polo. Hopefully they won't convert me to their hipster ways...

Epic build! Now you just need to find a panda to ride it Can we all come have a look when it's done?

Because all mountain bikers race? Your attitude comes across more roadie than you might like to think The seat post is a gimmick but until recently 3x gearing was perfectly acceptable, 2x and 1x have always been available to those with an allen key, the only thing that's changed is trends.

I'm just hoping this storm doesn't break before I head home this evening.

If the seller is unaware of the responses on the Hub but fully aware of his phone ringing, I don't see the problem. People can't be expected to sit all day on the Hub refreshing constantly. You can't expect to hold someone to something they do not know about.

Very sad. With the draft safety regulations requiring a 1 metre gap when passing a cyclist, cars will probably have to wait for a single cyclist to ride this whole stretch without passing in the lane. Well, if motorist wish to act lawfully anyway. We all know the likelihood of that though. I heard that the initial plans for this stretch had a bike lane with two way traffic. I think they went with street parking instead. It would already have saved a number of lives. Anyone got any insight on this?

I don't get why people change the trails to accommodate their skill level. For me, part of the joy in riding is knowing that there are still sections that need to be conquered. There's no shame in pushing. The motivation to improve keeps me coming back for more. Do people ever make their own modifications to make the trails tougher?

I'm going 1x9 soon. Actually looking forward to making it a bit harder for myself.

Tuesday was very rideable, the single track had had some noticeable irrigation work done since my last ride. Big thanks to those responsible! However, after today's rain, I'd be surprised if there's still a mountain left behind...

Tokai mid morning during the week is a beautiful thing. It's possible to not see another person your whole ride. I feel safe there. Just keep an eye out as you would anywhere else in this exciting country. My only concern is my car but that can be parked at the shopping centre just up the road, if the Tokai car park is looking sketchy or the baboons are around.

Anyone else ever think that these wheel size debates are actually okes just confused/ justifying/ comparing their penis size? And yes, my comment is just as useful to the world

Many horse owners have insurance for damage caused by their horses. A friend's horse decided to take a seat on a car's bonnet, you can imagine the damage, insurance paid out.

Cool video! I now know there are jumps that I can kill myself on on the way to Tokai. Maybe I'll just watch ;-)

Mountain bike, especially as you say you've never owned a road bike. It's dangerous out there, you need to feel comfortable. I use a 2001ish Gary Fisher with 'slick' mtb tyres and a rigid fork, feels great. I prefer riding in the road but it still allows the odd pavement jump and urban off-road. I also find it stable when carrying extra weight in my bag.