Super_mil

Pieter1 this petition is not about 1 homeless guy in a wheel chair, it's about the steadily growing community opposite Field n Study. Dusty that an interesting response, but as Hennie has replied these guys are desperate and I agree with him that a desperate collective could become a massive safety concern. Since these homeless guys add safety to the spruit, would you let your wife/girlfriend/mother utilize this stretch of river alone? I suggest you take a walk from the broken palisade fence on Willam Nicol down to the weir and let me know how safe you feel moving through the area. Uni these examples can be found no question. We all believe there are good guys in the 'camp', however there are a number of examples where these guys have either been directly or indirectly aiding crime in the area. Taking the 'do nothing' approach here will result in this portion of the spruit becoming a 'no-go' zone (again, like it was when the bike-jacker was active). Chances are the petition won't make any massive difference but at least there will be (hopefully) some noise made in the right peoples ears who could place at least assess the situation and hopefully in due coarse address the issues, both for social users of the spruit & the guys occupying the area.

Well as a resident of Parkmore I use the Field n Study weekly to walk my dogs. I've signed the petition. I have in the past year been approached by Police at Field n Study to say "Have I seen two armed men running through the area?" towards the vagrants open area as they have just been involved in a armed house invasion (fortunately the person managed to press the panic button as the guys entered), so I do believe that the area houses criminals. Furthermore, the bike jacker was definitely operating out of the area (numerous CamelBaks etc were found in the area) and prior to that when we used to still ride the DHL jumps guys were definitely selling weed there. Yes I reported to both the SAPS & the PCA but no one really wants to take it on as the area is partly owned by Forrest Farm and partly by the the city. The PCA kept telling me numbers are stable but I can tell you that numbers have grown massively since 2010 as we rode the area quite frequently. I would not ride there now and only shoot past the area, closest to the river while commuting or on a weekend ride. Forrest Farm obviously don't want to invest cash (or possibly don't have the cash), however I have heard rumours that the property my be sold off and developed, but that is only the top triangle portion alongside William Nicol. During the bike jacking spree Rose from the Field n Study center did a lot to help where possible which was a refreshing change. The fact is these guys are a security risk - FACT. Environmentally they are a hazard - FACT. The area is being illegally inhabited - FACT I appreciate that times are tough and it may not be easy for these guys (and I'm 100% sure that most of these guys are just trying to survive) but the fact remains that there is safety in numbers here and there is certainly an uneasy feeling when moving through the space. My question is why does Delta Park, Emmerentia or any of the other open spaces along the Spruit not see the same sort of informal development? - Probably because they are easy to police from a vehicle is my guess and they are frequented more often (more eyes & thus more aware of problems, growing numbers etc.). Would there be an uproar/petition if those areas did suddenly become 'inhabited'? - Definitely Areas like the area in question and the area below Old Parks are difficult to police due to there locality and it requiring some effort for any form of policing to be instituted and maintained, thus they have the highest population density. As DD has said it is a tricky scenario but I really do feel that leaving this issue to fester will lead to more problems (for all users) down the line.

So, once again I am merely the messenger, but the Harties race is set to happen 5 October. Numbers are limited to 50 riders due to logistics. You have to pre-register here: https://www.eventbri...vent/6893483595 I have yet to ride the track but I hear it's quite steep & technical, but great fun to ride. Harties Inaugural Downhill Race, With World Class Cable-Way Uplift, The first in South Africa! Programme: Practice 08:00 Racing 14:30 Prize-giving 16:30 Classes: Rookie, Junior & Elites Entry: Due to logistics, entry is limited to 50 riders on a pre-entry/ payment basis to ensure we cover all advance essential costs to make the event a success. Race entry fee is R500 per rider and that includes as many uplifts as your heart desires, or your body will allow! Enter early to secure your spot in the lineup. GPS coordinates: S 25°43'11.6" EO 27°53'04.8"

http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p5pb10100971/p5pb10100971.jpg

He must have had a cracking run. Good job Needles A good job to Stephan Garlicki for even qualifying for the main event.

"Go crazy cos I don't have to cover the costs on that bike!"

What happens if you break the plastic bike you're given?

AFAIK it's planned for 5 October.

If there are any pics of Kath (she was #109 and #230, the first number blew off on the drive home) and/or me (Mark) my number was #108, I would be most appreciative. Thanks

Definitely not me doing the climbing there. My guess (since you don't see him top out) is his mate who was waiting for him at the last stance had a harness for him and then they abseiled down the same route.

Soloing a 400ft hand crack in Zion National Park Got my palms sweaty. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vTELq0DSD4s

When you're riding up-stream (towards Fratellies) you have to jump from a lower level UP to a landing (Step-Up) and when you ride down stream you jump from the higher level down to a lower level (Step-down). What makes the step down a bit more difficult is that the ground slopes down hill & there is no lip to help you get the bike into the air so you have to time your hop correctly, otherwise it could be an awkward landing, but a successful step-up or down will save you at least 10secs

I did this on Tuesday at Hurlingham Nailed the berms then ate s**t on the first little jump leading to the drops. Fortunately there were two guys there watching. Stuffed what was left of my pride into my CamelPak, straightened my bars and hightailed it out of there. I blame it on the fact that I was going to ride trials and I was already feeling so ashamed of myself Also, the jump at Jan Smuts is much easier to Step-up than to step down.

If it is a case of dogs on leashes (as a by law) then we should set a speed limit for MTBers. Both are *** options (IMHO). It's a simple mutual respect (and in my opion MTBers lack it the most 'in general' on the spruit). If people can't afford to 'lose' 5 seconds slowing down for a dog, a child on a bike, some noob rattling away on an MTB for the 1st time then it needs to no longer be their decision (read: regulated speed & paths). Everybody loses. So chill out and try to enjoy your ride.

RACE POSTPONED Just received this from Dave Hogan "Hey Guys Unfortunately to my regret i have some dissapointing news, due to some admin and miscommunication our race this weekend will have to be postponed until a furhter date. We have been trying everything to sort it out, but unfortunately our budget does not allow for this race to happen for us as we cant just rock up and race we need ambulances and medics. We are meeting with Wendell next tuesday to find a compromise and will announce a date after that. Me and ryan proposed a race calnder in the beggining of the year and said one day timed runs for fun, with no official sponsors, and with that lack of funding we dont have the budget to pay for a ambulance and medics for a day and still pay Thaba trails entry per rider and fuel etc. We are trying to organise that a unnofficial event be organised now where we will just do timed runs but will not be classified as a event. Sorry About the late notice guys hope you guys understand where we are coming from David and Ryan"

Lapierre Gravity Team Vid http://vimeo.com/73840703

I reckon Polygon. Saw a pic where on FB where Tracey Hannah has tagged him!!! Nige rolls in those circles now that he's a world champ.

We used these guys last year: Mountain Bus Company We are a fully insured French Registered transport company. Our offices are based in Morzine and you can contact us by phone, email or in writing. Please use the information below to contact the Mountain Bus Company. Nick Woodhouse & Heather Sinclair Mountain Bus Company 21A l'Oree de Morzine La Ranche 74110 Montriond FRANCE For airport transfers and general enquiries tel: 0033 620 719 844 For cab bookings tel: 0033 682 888 550 Email : info@mountainbuscompany.com

The Gravy Stains account of the World Champs. http://www.vitalmtb....outh-Africa,562 Surprised to see he runs ghetto tubeless! Setup Frame - Yeti SB66c - medium
 Fork - Fox Float 36, 180mm @90psi
 Shock - Fox Float X @ 180psi
 Wheels - DT Swiss 240 hubs, Aerolite spokes, 500rims
 Tires -- Maxxis minion 2.5 Front, 3C Maxx Grip @27psi - Rear Maxxis High Roller 2, 2.4 Maxx Grip @31psi, Both Ghetto/split tube tubeless
 Cranks - Saint 170mm
 Brakes - Saint, 200mm rotor front, 160mm rotor rear
 Cassette - Ultegra 11-23
 Derailleur - Saint
 Shifter - Saint
 Chainring - Saint 40t
 Pedals - Shimano prototype (stiffer engagement) 
Chainguide - E-13 Lg1
 Seat - WTB Devo Yeti Team Edition
 Seatpost - Thomson Masterpiece
 Bars and Stem - Renthal 740mm Fat Bar Lite, 50mm Duo stem 
Grips - ODI Ruffian MX
 Headset - Chris King

So, just to confirm. the race is happening on SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER. Times are as per Patches post: And there is no fees for spectators. EDIT: Entrance will be through the Fire Station on Impala Road.

I'm not a GT fan per say, but if I were you I'd probably go for the GT... (You could also save & keep all your GT paraphernalia) I really like the look of the Evil (Undead & Uprising), but the pivot system looks like a PITA to maintain. That Devinci is really nice, I noticed they were very quiet too (perhaps all the riders were using clutch derailleurs), but it sounds like you'll be waiting a long time for a new bike. The Trek is a nice option, but will probably be pricey in the end (same as a V10c) I know I may get flamed for this, but I think Morewood are losing their shine. They had no presence at the Champs apart from guys who ride the bikes (me being one of them), and when I have contacted them in the past their service has been lackluster. What about a Yeti SB66?

Matt Thompson's review of the Masters World Cup Event. http://www.vitalmtb....tt-Thompson,560 On one of the shuttles up he said to me that the PMB track would not have happened in a Masters race back home, due to the track having too many big hits on it. He said he was actually worried that certain obstacles would be removed (like what happened in the XC event) or objections lodged at the 1st riders briefing, but was well pleased that that never happened

Moved to the correct forum heading

And that is coming from one of our very own WORLD CHAMPS!!! Well done Nige. Now get out there and sort the tape out on the Elites cos the wind is pumping up here in How-hick

Hopefully I arrive tomorrow night (late). Who you pitting with? I see you mention the Ozzy, so I asume you're with Phil et al. Will definitely see you around the pits then. May even squat in your shade