Johny Bravo

I wont comment on the above mentioned bikes. But if you search a bit harder you will find many more options at that price range. 2013 models going at incredible prices. Giant, Specialized, Cannondale and Trek etc. Me personally would rather have one of the big brands. Scott South Africa I have heard some bad things about, Merida seems very good in terms of backup. Tough choice. Ultimately your choice.

My first one also. Doing the 80km, girlfriend doing the 35. Making a weekend of it. slight chance of rain it seems. Really excited about this race.

Thats no joke. Starting at race at 10 in Paarl this time of year is just silly.

Lagoon challenge is such a great ride. Listed as a funride, and that is why I intend to do. Too beautifull to stare at someones rear wheel for 80km.

Thats hectic. Sjoe. Love those photos

I am just over 90 kg and 1,75 meters tall. I gym 5 days a week, weight training. About the same build as Bryan Hababana, although his legs are bigger than mine. Did the Engen race yesterday and came in the top 50 out of 350 odd competing with racetec. Average speed of just over 30, so I can be relatively competitive, but only over the short distance, did the 42. On the longer races, road and mtb I struggle when I am on the bike for more than 3 hours. To be honest, I dont want to be skinny, I prefer being a bit bigger. Thats the choice I made.

Oh no, another guy who thinks every big guy takes steroids. Ag nee man.

Me too. Loved it. Wont complain about anything. Good day out.

That wont end well. I can assure you. Cyclists still enjoy carbs. Bodybuilders are deprived of carbs. Quite cranky. I can vouch for that.

Well said brother.

I think that is a very fair comment. Really, however some of us have not weighed 70kg since standard 8. Not fat, just big, No amount of dieting and training wil get me to 70kg. However it does not bother me, and like in any sport I dont expect any favours. If I play a rugby match against your 70kg I wont show you any favours. Everybody cant be competitive in every sport. as long as you enjoy it.

I like starting at the back, always make me feel *** fast as I pass all the newbies, fatties and kiddies. . Ag, I should have entered earlier, my mistake. Still worth doing I reckon.

They will have a few available at cycle lab Paarl Saturday morning. Suppose they will be seeded in the final groups. I am picking one up early saturday morning.

Even if they did record all the times, it would still not be an accurate reflection of your "RACE PACE" lets call it that vs my race pace. I will start much much earlier than you, in cooler conditions, with less chance of wind, PPA members start in small groups, not big bunches. So I will cycle with stronger guys, seeded in my group, with all of us of mostly equal skill and fitness. You will start with people who will get in your way, keep you up and refuse to keep left. It will compromise your race and time. Like you said, its your choice not to be a member at this stage. PPA have some issues and are not perfect, but the seeding system works and I like the perks of being a member. Discounts etc etc. Hope you enjoy the next race more. I fully agree with your previous statement of making the races cheaper and getting more entrants and people into these towns. That is a brilliant idea.

Yet you dont see the point in becoming a member. I dont quite understand. The people I ride with and compete against all get timed, we compare ourselves to each other. Ultimately its your choice, and yours only. I have a PPA seeding, by the time you start your race at the back, I have allready done half the race. thats enough reason for me.

PPA cost 22 rand a month. Really, just join them, save money and get timed. Even if you dont like PPaor agree with all their rules en regulations.

I see entries are closed. Any idea if there wil be late entries.

Selling commuter bikes in China, ridden by little chines midgets that weigh 40 kg and travel 10 km a day to work. with a popilation of a couple of billion people. I had one Giant, never ever ever ever again.

I think sometimes we over estimate race organisers. They mostly want to cover the costs of the race, no matter the weather. Me included. I saw all the rain, drove all the way to Bonnievale, took only my mtb. As I am mtb rider, however realised very quickly when I arrived Friday night in Bonnievale, that it was going to be a mudfest. Woke up Saturday morning in Bonnievale, stil raining. Entered the road race on my mountain bike, because I knew the mtb would be a disaster. As it was, I saw my mates after the race and they were soaked in mud, bikes had mechanicals etc. This might make me a less hardcore rider, but myself and my bike are fine. My friends however need repairs on their bikes after all the mud. However, not marking a route correctly is shocking. No matter the weather.

I had every intention of doing the mtb. Saw all the rain and realised thats a *** idea. Did the 35 km road race, on my mtb with knobblies. Eventually came 4th. My bike was clean. All the mtb boys were covered in mud. I had such fun. Road race was awsome. Loved it.

Doesnt seem like it. I was also wondering. I have had too many road races where I make a effort ,and when get to the event there is 30 or 40 guys. I am injured from a fall last weekend, so I can not do the mtb, wrists are shot. So was hoping to do the road race, but looks like I will skip. No interest it seems.

Still hoping Webber can win a last one before he retires. 3 Races left, Abu Dhabi, USA and Brazil. Highly unlikely, Seb wil now be fearless as he has already wrapped up the title and Red Bull have wrapped up the constructors. Unfortunately my favourite, Alonso, had a shocker.

I never miss a race. Huge fan, but the thrill of the world title race is part of the sport. Vettel just ran away with it this year. One thing I dont understand is that one person can have such terrible luck, poor old Mark Webber. Feel so sorry for the guy. Seems like every weekend something goes wrong with his car, and the other one performs perfectly.

That is the problem. We always made a huge effort on F1 weekends, We would get together at someones house and make theme food for the weekend. Italy was always my favourite, pasta and pizza and red wine, followed by the Silverstone race in the UK, bangers and mash and plenty BEER. Lately though no one is interested as the result is a given. Sad, as I absolutely love the sport, however if you are not a Seb and Redbull fan it becomes very boooooring indeed. Like watching the All Black play Italy, you know who will win. Today proved the Redbull has a vastly superior car, however Vettel is driving the wheels off it, he is very talented aswell, not a fan, but credit to the champion.

Did the Durbanville Mtb yesterday. Hit a rock hidden in the grass, had a big fall. Fuel to race from Paarl 100 bucks, race entry 100 bucks, gloves destroyed from fall R450, saddle broken, R800, bibs torn R1000 bucks. Body wil hopefully heal on its own. Extreme case, but it can get expensive really quick. Still love every minute of it. Will work overtime to support my addiction.