beanz

Big up to Hayley for for participating / competing at the World Cup. She earned her points, qualified, earned her right to be there fair and square, took life by the horns and did something that most of us wouldn't even dare to dream of doing, let alone actually make happen. Does it matter what her reasons are? Huge respect. Meanwhile the vast majority of us sit in front of our screens and watch life happening to others.

I think to get to the top step you need: 1. Incredible natural talent. 2. Loads of hard work over many years, starting young, to develop it to the full. 3. Tip top physical conditioning. 4. Huge goneys and a willingness to put your body on the line. 5. Self confidence and self belief, the ultimate difference at this level is usually in the mind. Being a bit touched in the head probably helps a bit too. Aaron Gwin's run gave me a little gave me a bit of insight into this. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

That's a really nice generous offer. bike-components.de is a great shop with an excellent range and pricing - I recently ordered some stuff from them and including some schwalbe super gravity tyres - all in cost under R600 including shipping and vat. They even threw in a can of red bull. Not that I drink the stuff. I'd probably rather drink the shimano mineral oil that came with than that stuff. Speaking of which - if anyone (in joburg probably) wants to do a shimano brake bleed beforehand let me know. I ordered a 1l bottle - which is probably more than i'll need for the rest of my life.

The elbow guards came in pretty handy as well!

Healing vibes Slick, get better soon.

What's the tantrum-fit-toss all about? No, fully, totally agree, not looking to shell out huge cash here. Plenty of other things I sill need to throw money at. Just want to protect my noggin and the stuff inside. I'm in a youtube free containment zone, but I'll check it out later.

Sorry! Yea it looks like a good option, seems to tick all the boxes and gets good reviews. I am between size M & L and my head is kind of odd shaped as it is. I'll check out the lab this weekend , and if not, might just take a chance on the 661 medium - have 30 days to send it back if it doesn't work out.

Thanks for the tips guys (and girls). Cycle lab - who would have thought? It's worth sticking my nose in. Dial'd only have the 661 which seems like a decent option too.I would like to not go too overboard on cost - maybe 2-3k max, but if I get something that fits fine, breaths and not too heavy for less that's ok too. In any case I'm not one of those going huge. I'm going to taking it easy over there. When I get back it's probably going to server mainly ornamental purposes, so color schemes should be chosen to go with my "stuff" room.

I'm in joburg.

How do you find it compared with the Hans Dampf for instance (specifically for the rear)?

I'd say put the pacestar 2.25 on the back

Sorry about you arm Peach - I hope it can heal in time. I think it's 'moin que' for us now Still to do:- put on big rubber, big rotors, jack up fork. Acquire appropriate protective gear. Where to get a fullface helmet? Have to be able to try it on first. Might just have to start off with trail lid and when buy one there.

Are you running it on the back as well?

When you go to the Roag website to enter is says "53 of a Maximum 200 entered"

They're already on 51 entries

Did the 45 as well rather than the 80. Nice ride, has most of the technical stuff, but I did miss the digging deep needed, and the sense of accomplishment of finishing the full monster. Such a good event, great organisation and vibe, definitely one of the highlights on the calendar.

Thanks anyway Omega. And thanks in general for making alpine riding an affordable reality for many of us rather than just a bucket list pipe dream.

Sorry you had to bail.

Erm, I'm just not so sure. Don't mean to be funny, but this sort of arrangement doesn't always end well.

Sounds good, as long as they don' forget it's not a downhill bike (and thrash it accordingly)!

I only entered on Monday at about 1pm. A mate of mine tried to enter at about 4pm, and it was already full, so I must have just sneaked in. I am entered fpr the 45 this time, but having done the full monster last year I can feel a bit of fomo coming on. I might try to upgrade at registration.

Thanks Omega

It's on the road and you have to go through a access control gate (which is always open to pedestrians/cyclists). Ethel is pretty steep and you can pick up huge speed coming down there.

Anyone had experience hiring bikes in Morzine? I'm thinking of hiring a downhill bike for short while. I wouldn't mind getting the DH experience for a day or two, just to know what it's all about really. This doesn't look like such a bad option: http://www.toricomor...hire/mtb-pulse/ A nukeproof pulse comp for 84 EUR a day, not exactly cheap but manageable for a day or two. Some of the others I've seen online for hire look pretty old and knackered. Any thoughts? btw I sure like the look of the new trails they're building.

If you've only got 3 rides a week, don't waste them on training rides. Rather go do a lap or 2 of thaba trails every now and then and do the blue bits. Count that as and interval session with good technical value. Start your spruit ride with a push up to the northcliff ridge water tower, and join up the spruit at the top of Alberts farm. Maybe do the odd (non-enduro) race. Best way to get fit. Count your weekly casual ride as a recovery ride.