Karooryder

I started focused training in mid-2011 but towards the end of last year I hit a plateau with my cycling performance and progress, which left me super frustrated. I decided to just give it a rest and do things a bit differently - and this year my performance increased dramatically. The culprits: over-training and nutrition (or rather, the lack thereof). No, spinning like a maniac 4 times a week and pushing yourself over the edge with long training rides on Saturday and Sunday does not necessarily constitute a healthy training regime. Cutting down on carbs - your main source of energy - will perhaps spare you a kg or 2 but what you gain in weigh-loss, you will lose in performance. So, my 2c; train hard but listen to your body en feed it well.

Unbelievable...all over again. Ai, buddy...

So true dude. The following super true, very entertaining titbit appeared in a column in the August issue of the Full Sus Magazine (http://issuu.com/ful.../docs/fsaug2013). Man o man, Mr Bristow hits the nail on the head. It's longish but really worth the read.

(Then you should have been at the Rooiberg MTN XCO race...) Like many others on here say, you don't break bones by riding a hard or technical course. You break bones by over-estimating your levels of technical ability, fitness and MTB experience (and most of all, by trying to show-off). I think this is a brilliant race and for a change, real MTB stuff...

There are a few races on the calendar I try not to miss - mostly for sentimental reasons but also to push myself a bit harder than at an ordinary training ride; D2D, ARGUS, Amashova, 94.7, Kumba Iron Ore Classic, at least 2 of the MTN XCO Series etc. (This made me think of how our (or, at least my own) approach to races change. - Enter race to ride your bike. - Chase a better time to improve your seeding index (and eventually realise how silly this actually is). - Chase the sub-3 dragon (and eventually realise how silly this actually is). - Enter a race to ride your bike. )

I have to agree with you here. I train out on Lynnwood Road in Pretoria every week and not a single ride goes by where, not individual riders, but bunches skip traffic lights at LARGE intersections (think Lynnwood & Simon Vermooten for those of you that know the area) with cars dodging cyclists everywhere. We have to realise that we are as much subjected to road traffic laws and common courtesies, as any other road user. In my opinion, cyclists often agitate vehicles drivers for very much the same basic traffic offence reasons that causes drivers become p#issed off with any other drivers.

Entered. Stoked. Now the anticipation starts! (Seems like the entries are flying this year, even more so than last year!).

Ok, not as breath-taking as 'Dale's snaps but plain as it may seem, the following scene really made me miss my bike (back in Gauteng) and made me want to ride! We're here: Camps Bay Vida e Cafe, Friday 9 August @ 9:30...The Capetonians out in full force on their bikes cruising the coastline...you guys are so lucky to have these training grounds!

I must say that my Iphone 4s' photos never seize to amaze, and the "Panorama" function works like a charm. Top of Lion's Head, Friday afternoon:

Yah, and that's what we are here for...to interrogate and speculate and be suspicious. After all it's way too much effort to take the time to jot down one line of advice on the thing we call our passion, for someone "new" (real or not, who cares...). @spiderkzn dude, talk the way you feel comfortable talking, keep on training and work hard and most of all, enjoy the ride! You have a dream and that's all you need buddy!

I also think this guy is for real and what's more, I think he deserves an apology. What the hell is up with hubbers flaming newbies until proven to be "real", so to speak. That's down right arrogant and makes for a super negative perception of cyclists.

Thanks! As far as I know the newer Polar products actually use ANT+ as well but the older units still rely on the rather instable W.I.N.D technology. Not sure bout the Brytons though...

What technology does Bryton use for their hr/cadence/speed sensors (from what I understand they support ANT+?). I'm considering getting a Rider 50 unit but I still have all my old Polar CS200 accessories - wondering if the Bryton would at all be compatible with Polar's older W.I.N.D. technology. Any comments from Rider 50 users on the product? Thanks .

You have to take the blue pill...

Will the "Royal" laaitie be a laaitie or a dogtertjie? How do you guys feel about that?

Very cool!

Another Trialseeker. Same complaints. Another SA Seeding Event. Same complaints....goodness, looks like the mods copied and pasted past Trialseeker comments into this thread... By now you should know what the Trialseeker races are like ito participant numbers, race format and routes. And the Trialseeker Series in particular is becoming notorious for MTB-ing's 2 terrible B's - bottlenecks and bullies. Nonetheless, either put your moola on the table and go out to enjoy the event, or stay at home.

Scam noun \ˈskam\ : a fraudulent or deceptive act or operation. Sure looks like a scam to me...

The best recovery drink by far...

At last, a really interesting and informative (and useful) thread! Thanks all!

Hi Trek. The event photos were taken by these guys - give them a few days to have the images loaded on the web. http://www.photomarx.co.za/

Agree 100% with you, I have also only encountered super pleasant hubbers in real life. For me that's different from the online world that is The Hub (or any other social space on the interwebs for that matter...) and personally I prefer to rather invest friendship in these real life relationships.

Fair enough and heads up dude. I have a question: How do one become so emotionally(?) involved in a virtual environment with virtual characters (because let's face it, that is what we all are) that you feel driven to write an apology like this and put it out in cyberspace? I mean, this is the kind of rethoric that I would use to apologise to a best (real life) buddy...or, mind you, perhaps not even... Maybe I'm missing something here.

@ Helpmytrap, well done dude, I was wondering if you would give those KOM's a go! Yep, a tough day, I managed to split my helmet in half down the Rollercoaster with a very silly, but luckily quite a graceful fall. The rest was faaaarkin' hard work but awesome fun. Absolutely agree with HmT above, this race was a hard but very neccecary reminder for me about the level of my technical skills...I but like a Mtb master class! All in all I had a good race, my training mate fell just after the 50km mark and broke his arm and I helped him to get to a medical station which took just under an hour, otherwise I would have come in at around 4hours. But, at least my buddy is ok and that is what matters!!!!

What a day out! Crazy! Would be interesting to get an injury count for the race (my training buddy broke his arm). But, greaaaaat fun!