Bodhi

For those guys who've done the Bela Bela before: I know this is kinda like a 'how long is a piece of string' question, with so many variables, but how likely is it for one to get cut off time wise on the bike or run? I mean, how slow must one be to be cut off?

Morning all, I had the 'pleasure' of riding this hill with some friends a while back, and would like to do so again. Problem is : I don't know the area well, at all. If I'm going to do this on my ace, what are the roads that make up this ride? Would be most appreciated if someone could give me 'directions' as to the route. Where do I start etc... Much thanks! B.

That's love, right there.

Thanks lads, shall do. Just been using Voltaren and so forth. Ankle still swollen like a pregnant woman's. Amazing what can happen when you've been preparing for something for months. The best laid plans, I guess...

Just frikken' great. A week to the 5150, and I decide to hit the dirt to explore the ground (very closely) this morning on my run, badly spraining my ankle at the same time. The laughter of a passing vehicles' occupant as I lay sprawled in the dust just added insult to the literal injury. Guess it's time to R.I.C.E. I hope I'll be ok in a weeks time.

Intriguing. I started on and still love my mountain bike, but last week bought a road bike. I've had two good jaunts on it, and yes, I'm conscious about the safety factor. Just this morning I was buzzed by two vehicles, causing me to nip a piece of leather out of my saddle on each occasion, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I get buzzed when I'm running, so it's nothing new. Love the single track, love the speed on the open road. Keep both.

Hmm. What do you think of as 'considerable distance', Johan?

Can't wait. It's my first Olympic distance. Making a weekend of it and plan to simply have a great time, kicks and punches in the swim leg notwithstanding.

Sub-thread : upon shaving, do you shave your entire leg or just to where the bib shorts stop?

Fantastic, it seems I won't have a problem. Really didn't want to spend thousands on a new setup.

Indeed. That's the most important at the moment. Can't (or wouldn't want to) do the 70.3 at 100kg's!

lol, I think they are old school if their age is anything to go by. Thanks for the input guys.

That's great news, thanks lads. New wheels weren't exactly in the budget, if you know what I mean. The guys who are servicing the bike did however suggest a small modification where they solder something on the spokes, or solder them where they cross or something, to make them stronger. Heard about this?

Thanks Eldron : if I go by the Specialized spec sheet (it's a 2012 Specialzed Roubaix Elite), they are Fulcrum Racing 6 wheels, and I believe the rear spoke count is 24, and front 20.

Apologies, if I go by the Specialized spec sheet (it's a 2012 Specialzed Roubaix Elite), they are Fulcrum Racing 6 wheels, and I believe the rear spoke count is 24, and front 20.

Legends, howzit, Just had the good fortune of acquiring my first road bike. I have, to date, riden my MTB exclusively, so this is my first time on this type of bike. Upon taking the bike for a checkup, the guys told me that for a rider my weight (100kg's - but falling) I would need to change the wheels to ones with a higher spoke count, lest they start snapping mid-ride (I think they're currently at about 20). First I've heard about this. They said the odds are it won't happen, but I'm doing the Bela Bela in 3 weeks and last thing I need is to walk 20kms of the bike leg. I certainly trust the guys who gave the advice, and we even agreed to leave the wheels as is, and take a chance. But I'm a little concerned - should I replace the wheels before the tri? Would really appreciate any guidance. Much thanks, B.

Going to be my first tri longer than sprint. Nervous is an understatement. Wave 3 seems to be HUGE. Guess I'll just doggy-paddle along at the back. I've got a tri-suit, no wetsuit. Hope that won't be a problem. Gonna be fun.

Morning Legends, Looking to ship a road bike from CTN to JHB via one of our local shipping agents (Berco et al.) Can anyone 'rave' about a reliable agent / warn who I should stay away from? Much thanks, B.

That makes two of us, Andy.

My word, that's purty!! Thanks gummi, seems a road bike is the way to go for now. Any TT bike will be too much bike for me at this stage, it seems. As you said, ride them and see.

Pfft! Hijacking my post! No worries mate, would probably have been my next question.

Good grief!! Wow.

I take it you work for the agency that does Kestrel, John?

Thanks Andymann, I have heard that club riding isn't suited to TT bikes, and that folks do complain and actually forbid you from riding with them. I do belong to a club, and *may* ride with them in the future, so this is something to consider. Sheesh, all good advice so far, thanks guys, seems I need to do some comparisons between aero rode bikes and TT bikes - cost is, of course, an issue. When I'm ready, I think I'll have to actually go ride them all and see.

Hehe, thanks Stiggy, I'm actually on the fence and am very much open to suggestion. The more I'm in this sport, the less I realise I know, so don't want to make any (more) foolish decisions.