TreeDodger

We'll improve the route markings, also need to write a bit of an essay where the Thandi loop splits. The idea is one does the Thandi loop, get back to the same point and then continue on back to the finish, but that is not obvious when one is tired!

It's from a garmin 910xt. I did extensive editing but the route should be very accurate.

UPDATE: Here are the KML and GPX files: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7py1v9wpimbinak/AAC9jc7-Zn3XR0jLdsLnsNhOa?dl=0 On android I have opened the files in the dropbox app and this then opened google earth. I managed to import the GPX files into garmin connect by selecting "Activities", then "Import". After the GPX file is uploaded click on the gear icon and then "Save as Course" where you can create a course to send to your device. Here is another guide for android and iphone: http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/guide-using-gps-on-android-iphone/ Here are googleearth files (KML) of the red and black routes at Paul Cluver. The KML files are very accurate and can be used for GPS navigation. I had to zip the files as kml files are not allowed. Let me know if you have trouble and I can send them to you. I converted the KML files to TCX and GPX using http://www.gpsies.com and GPSBabel and tried uploading to garmin connect to make a route, but with not much success. When I get this right I will upload these files. There are higher resolution zipped google earth and route maps. The line drawing route map contains all the options, turnoffs and routes. This is the best one to print out for reference when on the trails. Paul Cluver Wine Estate: http://goo.gl/maps/LVfCq Once on the farm follow the signs to the amphitheatre, the start of the trails is on the far side of the amphitheatre. Remember to get the amphitheatre gate combination from the guard at the entrance to the farm when paying. There is a bike park with some obstacles in the amphitheatre and blue and green routes. The green route is about 3 kms perfect for small kids, the blue route is short, but does contain technical singletrack. Paul_Cluver_color_map_final_Jan_2015.zip Google Earth Map.zip

The Nuweberg climb is 3.1km and 234m altitude gain. That does not include the warmup climb after crossing the river. That's about 165m ascent, all of it in probably just over a km! The rough surface makes for a tough climb. Unfortunately there have been some issues with crime in the country club are lately, 2 guys were mugged (close to Sir Lowry's pass where we turned to go back to the club) and stripped of everything, they walked home in their bib shorts! So always cycle in groups at the club. First I have heard of car break-ins, that pretty sad.

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I've designed and build (with PPA money and lots of help!) a BMX track at Thandi in Grabouw. At this moment it's 190m long and I want to extend it to about 300m. It's very much a work in progress as I have never done this before and some of the jumps need refining. If anyone with BMX experience want to ride it and give me some feedback/ideas that would be great. Drop me a PM or call me on 0798918437 to arrange a time or just go and ride it and let me know what you think. http://maps.google.com/maps?daddr=-34.185105,19.096448&hl=en&ll=-34.185259,19.09611&spn=0.002117,0.004128&sll=-34.185298,19.09611&sspn=0.002197,0.004128&t=h&mra=mift&mrsp=1&sz=19&z=19

How many Ds ahead of you. I could only manage 3:08

Southeaster to Smitswinkel and then a northwester from mistycliffs! Not super strong but enough to hurt. On the nose all the way round. Pros were 10 odd minutes slower I think.

Jup jup... agreed, you're quite correct. That is exactly my point, people pushing these and other bs like healing machines do the same thing, they take proper science and then twist it a little (sometimes alot) to sell to S+UPID (thanks Napalm) people.

They use the same BS test power balance does so definitely a bit dodgy! That's how these guys operate, they make something sound sciency to give them legitimacy to make rubbish claims.

http://www.stabilitymx.com/EN.htm This one is based on "Important scientific studies" so it's got to be true! If you wear this t-shirt and a power balance bracelet at the same time you'll turn into Chuck Norris...

WOW... calling Andy Schleck a noob! You must be quite a bike rider!

Ah well then... you don't have to be a d##s about it like these guys sounded, so good show for catching up to them again. I'm then guessing these are the type of guys that give cycling a bad name, ah well, one born every minute!

Easy- just cough really loudly and clear your throat as you come up to overtake. The more sensitive guys are less likely to take this personally, unless you discharge from your nostrils as you go past. No that is not going to work... what is wrong with keeping left if you are slower and asking to pass right? This seems plain logical to me. I suppose its they way you ask as well... If someone wants to chase up a hill let him/her? I still do not understand why the guys asking to pass are a$$holes? Even if they did do so boisterously, if you're in a rhythm climbing a hill you don't want to slow down and get going again for every guy plodding up on the far right so you make sure they know you would like to pass? Is it an ego thing?

Not so keen on the bottle in the back pocket... will try to get a rail mounted one. Thanks for the replies!

Thanks... My LBS has one for R410... a bit dear!

I have a Cervelo Soloist and I need more bottle holders for long trips. Anyone got any experience with rear mounted bottle holders?

Fiets jakkals... can you clarify how it helped your climbing? I thought spinning up hills were better than lower cadence?

Took about a month of correspondence with DX. The best is to ask them to trace the parcels through Hong Kong post. Then give them 2 weeks, then ask them to resend. It worked for me, they are resending my parcels. I don't have them yet though! r2hobbies.com looks cool!

Yes... they were very helpful and shipping was not too expensive. I got the whole thing shipping included for $120. Also paid VAT when it came into the country. It's got a few drawbacks: 1. Only works up to 17kg 2. Your knees do hit the seat so you have to cycle slightly bow legged but I have done 1 hour plus rides and it is fine. The rest is all positive.

I use rad006 OKO, it's the bomb but tricky if you don't run tubeless tires. I use normal tyres (tubeless tires are waaaaaaay to expensive and heavy to boot). The problem with the OKO is it's too thick to seal the bead like stans does if you shake it, this by the way is also why it is cool cause it does not dry up and seals holes plenty quick. Last night I managed to solve the problem. Chuck the OKO in, buy some liquid latex (moulding rubber), smear it on the bead with a finger, seat the tire (actually helps with seating, no soap required) and voila! Bit of a mess though but my tires are not losing any air.

I ordered one of these from the USA. Was a big hassle and cost a bit more but when it did arrive it was the bomb. You can use it on a full susser as well: http://www.ibertinc.com/

Just my 87 cents worth: I use a vernier to measure 6 links on the bike. A standard vernier is 160 to 170mm long so 6 links is the max that will fit. 1. 6 links = 6 inches = 152.4mm 2. Replace chain after 1/16 inch wear (which is 0.5%) 3. 0.5% of 152.4mm is 0.76mm 4. Round down if you're conservative (153.1mm) or round up if you a cowboy (153.2mm) 6. Hook the vernier pointy bit on the edge of a pin and measure to the edge of the pin 6 links away. If you're below 153.2mm all is well. A vernier measures in 0.05mm increments so this is quite easy. You can even measure to 153.15mm so no need for cowboy tricks. 7. It helps if someone puts some pressure on the pedals to make sure the chain is stretched at maximum and then you can use 2 hands, or just shift to big big combination and measure the chain where the d?railleur pulls it nice and tight. Obvious problem with this method is measurement error because you are only measuring 6 links but I have found that because the vernier has very sharp pointy bits one can make a very accurate measurement. If you can get hold of a JB specially modified blue ruler that is probably still better. If anyone wants I can post some pictures, will have to take them first. Piktar of a vernier: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Vernier_caliper_new.png TreeDodger2009-09-02 03:57:17