Servetus

Lance had the option to defend himself - and cross-examine, and he chose not to.

OK, that sounds like an actual answer

I think spotting the difference can be turned into a whole sport on its own!

Bananas are nice nice theoretically, but they sometimes go black and mushy on long rides, and then I lose my appetite for them completely, which doesn't help my hunger?

So, awesomeness also has its drawbacks?

I've also never got the point with gels. When I ride, I get hungry and gels don't do anything for hunger.

Well put it this way, the current minister of sport IS a former ANCYL president

I've wondered why they decided on tags on you arm and not feet - would mats be more expensive or just impractical in off-road situations?

I hope you're not serious ?? The further we can keep government, regulation, ministers, etc away from sports (especially the amateur "funrider" kind), the better!

If I remember correctly, the Alpine 1 was about half a kilo lighter for a R1K more, so if you're a weight weenie... , and of course, most of the drivetrain components are one level up. The reason I settled on the Alpine 2 was that it was the cheapest bike with an air fork (as opposed to a coil one, which is apparently less stable), while the Alpine 1's fork is not that different from the Alpine 2's (in my own noob opinion!).

Oh no, please! That will probably double the length of the entry forms and quadruple the membership prices! At least it will keep the minister occupied for a few years...

On the topic of licences, how many (former?) PPA members have taken out CSA membership instead, since PPA doesn't include CSA anymore? I used to be with PPA but haven't renewed for 2012/13 (yet) and I'm a bit undecided?

I got my Alpine 2 in April this year and so far I really love it. It looked at the time like the best available specs for the price.

Hi Diverdi Your story sounds a lot like my own - I also had a very old ('98 model) MTB with slicks on that I used for many years to ride on the road, just for fun, exploring neighbourhoods and training for one or two races per year, nothing serious. Then, when a friend suggested I try an MTB race, I put on a pair of knobblies, rode out to the nearest MTB track... and a whole new world opened up! I kicked myself for not doing this years ago! So if you're unsure about whether to invest in a new MTB right away, I would suggest you go to your nearest bike store (or Sportsmans Warehouse, etc), get the simplest pair of knobbly tyres, and put them on your old bike, and try some (easy) off roading. Chances are your enthusiam (and budget!) for a new bike will go up a few notches.. ....oh and sorry for dishing out advice as if I'm not a total noob myself!

I had serious (multiple) puncture problems in the first half, and ended up doing most of the race dead last, and completely alone. Must say I felt quite sorry for myself going up the 'molehill', with no company except the bicycle tread marks in the sand to show that I was still on the right route! +1 !

Anyhow, I I can actually tell some stories about "access" to the road - know about some people in that area who simply ignore the roadworks and drive over the pass anyway.. Anyhow, I'll just mentally prepare myself as Bear Grylls for Saturday!

So you mean the organisers didn't know about the roadworks? They've been busy for quite a few months now!

Hi guys I did the 30km Staalwater last year and it was my first mtb race ever (which turned out to be 26km or so and quite easy), so I thought I had to return to do this one "properly"! Things is, I've never done race of more than 40km and entered the 60 on the basis that it's a "fast" one, only to read today they've made it more difficult! Bit nervous now. Does anyone know where the "new" section replacing the tar mountain pass is exactly? I don't see an updated route map on the website.