amateur

Hi Hubbers It is with tears streaming down my face that I post here today. I have been putting it off because I have just been too emotional. It's been a long time since I have been on here, a very long time. The Hub used to be my home away from home. I cant not say that the people I have relationships with in my life that I met on the hub are friends, as they are more than that they are my family. Some in more literal ways than others as my hubby Zaskar has already mentioned, we met on the Hub. Barry was family!!, the family that you, in recent years, don't see often enough but keep in touch with via social media and at the occasional event, but family enough to be part of your life. To recall the many rides and events (24hours and breakfast rides) etc that we all used to go on is just too many. I miss those days!!! the laughs ..... oh man the laughs, Barry was always the comic relief, not cause he tried but because it was natural. I mentioned to Zaskar last night that I think (cant really remember) the last time I saw Barry face to face was at Mark Stockton's (fellow fallen Hubber of old) funeral, we cried together and hugged and promise that we would get together more often, but life got in the way and we never did, oh how I regret that now. I'm am saddened to think that the reason I will see some of my Hub-family again will be at Barry's funeral, but alas it is to be so. I will miss my friend and "brother", until we meet again!

Hey Hubbers It's been a long time since I've been on here, let me start by sending my thoughts and prayers to Cherise and their families. Then let me add that in light off what's happened Shaun is starting up Sign-Up Cyclists Safety Initiative again. Let's put our money were our mouths are by doing something immediately and that is by contributing to this worthy project to increase awareness. Come on hubbers, in memory of Burry lets support any initiative that will improve the lives of all cyclists on our roads!

WOW such shocking news, was so upset when i received the sms from Zaskar this morning. To Kurt and the rest of the Stockton family, my sincerest condolences, if there is anything we can do ...... Mark, You will be greatly missed, esp at the crit on Tuesdays!!!! R.I.P Mark!!!!!

hey guys and girls. thanks Nancy that's an awesome idea. We will definitely make space for food donations!! Oh and Holy I'm sure you can bring the kiddies with to ride, I need someone to wait for me on the ride See you all there

here is an idea for the wrapper problem. Why don't the gell companies stop supplying these things in little wrapper sachets??? Make them only available in those little plastic bottle thingy's like the wasp brand has. That way, if you want to use a gell, you have to pay a little more to get the bottle, which you will think a little harder about throwing on the side of the road. that won't just stop the problem at SBR but at every race and every mtb park/facility and every other road used by a cyclist? These suppliers are contributing to the problem, so that would be a real nice move on their part! I will most definitely support a company that does its bit, and getting rid of these little troublesome packets once and for all surely makes sense??? Also in terms of the road where everyone goes the wrong way, can't we put another boom and a guard at that point??? I will rather pay a little extra on my entry fee to put this in place, rather than use the use of the reserve totaly! Just an idea! amateur2009-10-07 06:28:12

thanks for the gels and drinks last night Pornstar, really good!!! what flavour was that drink?

whaa ha ha ha ha (*evil laugh*) Don't hate the playa, hate the game!!!

good luck chucky, we'll be thinking of you!

I understand why Aranda is asking the question, yes the best way to learn is to go ride with a group, but this group might not know that you are new and there to learn so you end up being shouted at and that makes it an unpleasant experience and you tend not to go back. Aranda if you can find a group to ride with, let the guys know at the start that you are new and there to learn, otherwise find someone experienced to go with you and point out the do's and don't's whilst in the bunch. otherwise some basic points are: - hold your line, the rider behind you can see in front of them so he can make his way past you. - if you want to go past someone don't just look behind you as if you are new your bike will probably follow, stick your hand out to indicate you want to come out and pass (don't slap someone of their bike though). most of the times someone will see this and they will tell you it's fine to come out in front of them, then look first and then go. When you are more comfortable you can start being a bit more risky - also warn the rider in front of you that you are going to pass, that you are passing left or right, if you just say passing, people want to get out of your way and might turn in front of you - if you are going to drink you tend to slow down or stop pedling (well most beginners do), take your bottle out first, hold it slightly out so others can see you are going to drink and then proceed. Come on guys little helpfull hints like this is all she needs to make this a pleasant experience.

hey guys wolvie that's a wonderfull idea, thanks for always volunteering to arrange these things! if the 'Animal Shelter' wins the poll, then I'm sure FORA would be more than thrilled with the idea. I tried to organise one last year, but the roads in that area is pretty hectic in terms of traffic so I was trying to get a contact at Metro to help out with authorisation at least that we could do it, but I had no luck. I will try again and see what I can do and see if we can get this sorted. But just confirm what the winning charity organisation is first! Cherio

Another option is going through Linden onto Barry Hertzog and then into town that way, maybe a little out of the way but maybe a bit safer as I agree with Mampara the roadworks over the highway by Gordon is a bit messy at the moment, also it'll add some km's which is always good! You can PM slowpoke, she used to cycle into Braamfontein from Bromhof and had a few options on routes, I'm sure she can help you out with some ideas. amateur2009-07-14 03:55:03

Condolences to his Family and friends!

well my opinion is that you shouldn't buy anything without looking at the murchandise first, or rather I wouldn't. So you can express your interest to the seller and then tell him that you want to check their credentials first and then you'll finalise the deal. If the seller is legit he won' mind as he willhave nothing to hide and the deal can still take place same day! my 2 cents

Why not just when you want to buy something from someone or sell something to someone, and you are not sure about them, just simply ask the question on the hub, and poeple will comment about their dealings, then decide, simple as that. I don't agree with a rating system as it will never work, and asking admin to put a star rating or something on is also not going to work, he doesn't have the time from what I understand. also if you do a list you have to add every person on the hub and that is way to much, Just open a thread and ask about someone if you are not sure, simple!!! This rating thing gets suggested every few months for the last 2 years now, it's not going to happen clearly as it won't work here on the hub. If you want a system go to E-bay or something. Us hubbers are a breed of our own and not everything on other sites work here.

Some more info on what to do: The DMA ?Don?t Contact Me Database? If you?re South African, and like me you can?t stand the daily barrage of direct marketing (spam) via phone or mail, there does appear to be a solution; the DMA ?Don?t Contact Me Database?. Below is an excerpt from their website. ?Do not contact? registration The ?Opt Out Register? (www.facilities.co.za/dcm) was launched on 19 March 2007 and to date around 25 000 consumers have registered online to have their details removed from mailing lists used by marketers to promote goods and services. ?The ?Don?t Contact Me? list - previously known as the Mail Preference Service (MPS) ? serves the sole purpose of removing your name and address from prospect mailing lists. According to proposed law, any company embarking on a direct marketing campaign will be required to run their list against the Opt Out register and ensure that any names on the DMA register are deleted off their database. Although you will see a reduction in the unsolicited direct mail you receive, not all commercial mail will stop. For example you may continue to receive mail from companies with which you already do business with ? for example a banking institution - where you have provided consent for them to market to you. In addition, you may continue to receive mail addressed to the ?resident/occupant? since the mail is not personalized. To register, click on the ?Do not contact? icon and then complete the necessary fields. Of vital importance is the submission of your ID number to ensure that all your details are removed. SMS Functionality The DMA has launched SMS functionality for consumers who do not have access to the internet but want to register on the national ?Opt Out Register? which essentially removes their details from mailing lists used by marketers to promote goods and services. To add your details to the ?Don?t Contact Me? list - previously known as the Mail Preference Service (MPS) ? SMS DMA followed by your ID number (this is crucial) to 34385. This serves the sole purpose of removing your name and address from all prospect mailing lists used by members of the Direct Marketing Association. With the opt out register now fully functional via the internet and SMS, the DMA is now looking into the establishment of a call centre within the next six months.

Direct marketing agents gets the names from various sources, <?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Who has been calling you, the banks or any company? The banks use their own client details to sell their own products to unless when you open your account you tick the boxes that you do not want to be contacted, if it is the bank phoning and you don't want the calls, phone them and ask to be placed on their 'do not contact' list. Otherwise lists are obtained everywhere, have you filled in a survey or sms'ed into a competition etc really anywhere, it is a very good business to obtain and sell lists. The best advice is as Foe Fighter says contact the Direct marketing association and asked to be placed on the national 'do not contact list', this should cut down the calls considerably. But it will not stop completely as not all companies subscribe to the DMA, so not all names are 'washed' against do not contact lists. You will still get the occasional call but just tell the people that you are not interested, no need to be rude to them, they are only doing their job and trying to earn a living. If they persist, tell them you appreciate that they are doing their job (as they are trained to try and over come your objection) but that you are really not interested and that normally sorts it out. Like I said no need to be rude! If you want more details on the DMA feel free to contact me and I will put you onto the correct people. Oh and Para to answer your question on how they get your new details, anybody who has acquired or purchased a list legally can send it to any of the 3 credit bureaus and pay for the leads to be updated with the latest information, they can also do it through home affairs the deeds office and various other companies who get updated info from credit type companies, who would have your latest info, but mainly this is standard practice to do it through the credit bureaus. The bureaus also subscribe to the DMA though. If you want more info contact me!

I have 4 bikes and non of them are 'Woman Specific' and I am very comfortable on my bikes. A shorter stem, handlebar or shorter cranks makes the worlds difference. Just make sure the frame is the right size for her, 'WS' or not! Also rather let her try and test ride a hard tail and a full-sus first before just buying. I prefer my hardtail to a FS, with the FS it felt like I was going to bounce over the handlebars every time i hit a bump, i have far more control on the hardtail. Then again some girls prefer the FS. Take her to a bike shop and test drive some before buying. R7-8K is still alot of money to spend for something that she might not like!

i'm confused is this about a seeding system for all races or a seeding system that applies to SA's??

thanks to everyone, it was nice to catch up with old friends, meet new ones, and enjoyed the riding!!!

Condolences to the family!

I vote for: Wolverine Big Ben Scotty Zaskar

I think it depends on what Pornstar wants this ambassodor to represent? Do you want exposure at race level - basicaly saying that the brand is for racers and it will make you faster and all that- using a racing person, or do you want to apeal to the masses who aren't racing but ride for themselves saying that this brand is for everyone, thereby using a guy that is just like all of us??? Besides doesn't Fire have a sponsor as she races?? Wouldn't that mean that she can only race in her club (licensed) kit, which means Wasp won't get the exposure at the races anyway? Don't know just asking!!??? Besides either way Wolfie gets my vote as he is an awesome person and will help anybody anytime and go out of his way for them and he is my trusted friend when it comes to Animal Rights!!! So VOTE FOR WOLVERINE!!!! Sorry Fire - nothing personal

That looks stunning! WOW nice job Ipeens!!!