Serendipity

I remember getting tested at SA Champs swimming during the 90's at junior level - under 16 and under 18. I havn't heard about juniors getting tested in cycling before this. It is definately a good thing and a wake up call for some. It seems worth it if you don't get caught.

Yes, but what is the question?

There is really no excuse at all for striking a woman. I feel strongly about that. Both parties were at fault but nothing can justify a man striking a woman.

If you really want to know true weight - have a look at this site; www.weightweenies.starbike.com/

I got snapped going down Kaaimans Pass on the road bike near George by the permanent speeding camera they have got there. According to the GPS I was doing 72km/h at the time. They will have a tough time sending me the ticket though. If you do get trapped by the Camera with the Traffic Police operating it, technically you could get prosecuted. For the purposes of the National Road Traffic Act a 'motor vehicle' means any self-propelled vehicle and includes- (a) a trailer; and (b) a vehicle having pedals and an engine or an electric motor as an integral part thereof or attached thereto and which is designed or adapted to be propelled by means of such pedals, engine or motor, or both such pedals and engine or motor, but does not include- (i) any vehicle propelled by electrical power derived from storage batteries and which is controlled by a pedestrian; or (ii) any vehicle with a mass not exceeding 230 kilograms and specially designed and constructed, and not merely adapted, for the use of any person suffering from some physical defect or disability and used solely by such person; Which by definition also includes a bicycle.

I saw the bike of the Rocky Mountain lady - Pia Sundstedt - last year at the Epic. She had one of those Carbon Saddles on and did the whole Epic with it. That is what I call tough.

I have followed the letters in Die Burger, our local newspaper for three days now. A lot of pissed off motorists complaining about cyclists riding four abreast and showing rude signs when confronted. The unfortunate truth is that in almost all collisions between a motor car and a bicycle, the motor car is going to escape with less damage.

No one seems to know. It seems that the hearing was held two days ago. What is really amazing is that they have managed to keep it quiet for two days.

Oh no - someone mentioned the n word again. If it itches, scratch it. Don't replace a good wheelset without good reason.

These days you can run but you can't hide. If they link his DNA to samples found in the good doctor's lab, he is going to have some explaining to do. DNA is even better than fingerprints.

It seems like you should take a set of brake pads for most kinds of brakes. That way you could make a fortune selling them to riders who need them.

I got an email this morning : LISTEN UP!!!!! William's Bike Shop in Somerset West has just been burgled (Tuesday evening around 18H30) Stolen 1) White Rocky Mountain Slayer SCX (yes the raffle bike!!!!) Unmistakeable Green Chris King Hubs and Headset (details on www.williamsbikeshop.co.za) 2) Blue and White Rocky Mountain ETSX 3) 2009 Giant Anthem X1 - charcoal & silver 4) 2008 Giant Anthem 1 Blue and Silver (customer's bike) 5) Giant Fixed gear bike - black ( silver fork) phone William - 083 463 0383 PLEASE ALL, LETS GET THESE BIKES BACK!!!!! Spread to your databases!!! Meurant Botha 083 450 5313 021 884 4547 Amarider 021 884 4752 Dirtopia/Fax meurant@dirtopia.co.za www.dirtopia.co.za www.amarider.co.za I post it here in case someone gets offered a bike like this at an unbelievably good price. If the culprits can't sell it - it is not worth breaking in. Also if you happen to see one of these bikes, and the person riding it does not seem to fit the picture - let the SAPS know.

I had a good hard look at my stem after seeing that. I think the really scary bit is that you can probably feel something like that breaking for a few seconds, knowing that you can do absolutely nothing to safely stop.

I see that not only has the facebook group disappeared, but the entries on Stewart's website have too. It is possible that the man who pays his salary reminded him of the fact... The company would not like that kind of publicity or juvenile stunts.

I reserve my constitutional right against self incrimination...

I remember mistakenly going into a bar reserved usually for people who have different tastes in companionship to mine. As my eyes started to adjust to the dim light and smoke inside we decided to make a tactical retreat. That has to be one of the few times I left a full beer on the table.

I think an incident like this is great for the sport. It entices healthy debate and you can be sure next time they race there will be excitement and lots of emotion. The local racing has been a bit sterile and predictable of late. People should not underestimate the effect that Melt Swanepoel and Mannie Haymans leaving for other teams has had on Kevin Evans. They used to be his enforcers and watched his back. Now efectively he only has David George. It is important to remember I think that KE and BS rode on the same MTN Raleigh team for a few years too. I am not a racer, just a weekend warrior. I have spoken to Kevin on a number of occasions at races and he seems like a gentleman and a fair competitor. I have not heard of anyone accusing Kevin of negative tactics in a race either.

I had the same problem with 24 hole hubs and got the same advise. The only people who make 24 hole hubs as far as I could find out, is Sun Ringle and Token. The Ringle hubs (Dirty Flea) I think are very nice but ridiculously expensive. The Token Hubs you can buy from Tokenfreak - a regular on the Hub. They will set you back almost R2000-00. With spokes and paying someone to build it will be an exercise in futility. Take Mr Bornman's advise and buy generic wheels that can be repaired and serviced anywhere.

It was a great race. I was at the 4th waterpoint today - just out of Bonniedale. Francois Theron went past 6 minutes ahead of Evans with Paul Cordes in third. Francois Theron in the end held out for the victory by three minutes. Ishen Stopforth was alone in the front of the womans race after Yolande de Villiers broke the RD hanger on her Vulcan. Ishen won comfortably in the end. A lot of people came by later on who I thought would never finish and they finished in good time. This has to be one of the toughest races around.

Shamus is a great guy too. I asked my LBS to order some Boeshield for me and he delivered in good time. No hassles. Keep up the good work.

I had a similar problem with my Giant - also an XT RD. What worked for my was fitting an X9 RD . I also know of people who changed the guide for the cable to the RD by running the outer all the way to the last cable guide on the rear triangle. Apparently you just open the little holes your cable runs through to fit the outer as well. You then have less chance of dirt and grime causing friction. Otherwise - a new set of XTR cables always help.

I stand corrected om my initial view on Judge Nicholson's judgement. This is indeed a good day for the NPA.

I have the Red Route at Harkerville on my Garmin if anyone is interested. Probably the Green Route and Petrus se Brand too.

I have waited 14 painfull years for a series victory against the Aussies. I have watched them beat us time and again and gloat about it. Look who's gloating now.

I think there is a race in Groot Brak called the Grabadoo on the 27th of December. It is a very nice race with a lot of different distances for a variety of riders.