Dicky DQ

Agreed to a point, however the 75km is very different to the 60km so a lot of people were saving themselves. I was one of them but always gave track to anyone that caught me on the uphill single track without holding them up one iota. I even checked going into single track to see if there was anyone that could possibly catck me in it and would wait it out before going in. However, this brings me to my pet peeve. If I give track on the uphills you better also give track on the downhills. I would also like to enjoy my ride where possible. All the downhill single tracks were a slow procession. What gives..... Yes you guys can climb, but that is not all there is to an MTB race. I think next year, people behind me are just going to have to wait for me because when we hit the top I want to be in front.

i tried that it does not work. the hole makes the wall too thin.

I did this a while ago. I had 22/32/42 and changed to 24/36. I prefer the ratios presented by the 36, but I run out of revs on the to end in certain circumstances. I would consider the 38 when these ones are toast. however I may miss the ratios. In that case, wait for it i am going to go back to 3 x 10 and go with 24/36/42. the 42 is just to get a bit of top end for races like the 100 Miler and the Trans Bviaans, and Karoo to Coast where there are long stretches of downhill or slight declines. I really run out of revs at about 47km/hr after a while at the moment. then again the 38 may help. After all is said and done I am so over the weight issue. I still weight almost 20kg over my racing weight so a few 100g is not going to make a huge difference. PS. I had an issue with spaces and chain-rings when changing from 3 x 10 to 2 x 10. Make sure you get the correct ones. I am still using my 3 x 10 cranks so I had no additional costs as the chain-rings were toast anyway.

Welcome Rasper. Kudos on the weight loss so far. I am sure someone will have a plan for you. Bust just get out there and enjoy the bike the weight will leave on it's own accord.

Not too much, just enjoy riding your bike. The rest will come. Just make sure you do a few 100km rides before the time.

Damn I have an average of 82km per week for the past 10 Weeks. I am in serious trouble here. Better start training now.

Must admit I have never needed a water-point myself, 2 bottles seem to do the trick for about a 3-4 hr ride up there.

Re Greg Minnar and Cape Epic http://www.cape-epic.com/news/612/ http://www.h3publications.com/nucleus/media/4/20070405-1175688143.jpg

not so much i know for a Fact that he finished at least one that I rode in and even partnered with one of our outcasts (cant remember which) when thier partners faded. He was almost a podium contender. go check the record books. He did and will still put many to shame.

I know the BEAST has entered

Been there done that.............. Hrmmmmphhhhhhhhhhhh

Most dudes who are anxious about moving up the ranks choose ideal conditions to try and get kom's. even going so far as only doing that segment for the day. Who cares, we can all see if you did that or if your com was part of a proper ride. I never worry about kom's set up if they are not part of a proper ride. To each his own.

Does it matter? All rims can be tubless. But like he said that is just rimtape.

Agreed the only issue is the squeel. All Avids do this and I have them on 3 bikes with different specs and ranges. they just do. Recently changed one bike to entry level Shimano and i must say they are better than even my Avid ultimate s.

+1 SRAM kicks ass!!

As far as I know he should be, that is what there was the huge bruhaha regarding him "touching" the teams bottles and the fine etc....

Been on and off now for 8 weeks. GRRRRRRRR

Correct it is unmarked, but stupid as it may seem the wrong routes are marked about 1km into the wrong route. My question has always been; if you are going to mark the WRONG route, why not just mark the correct route at the junctions. It is the same amount of work, if not less. But that is how it is. Re your question, it is easy to stay on the route, however, in the dark, you could miss a checkpoint. Especially Bergplaas and the unmanned checkpoint I think it is CP6. Make sure you know where these are and you will be fine. Those are the only real danger point.

Looking for accommodation for 3pax, anyone have some spare rooms in the accommodation they have booked?

Quite simple, it is a team event and you cannot leave the checkpoint without the rest of the team. Re their admin, it sucks! Eco-bound are one of the most unhelpful or cooperative event organizers on the planet. Pity as the route is aw some.

Quite cool

Done

Garmin.

Sorry you are missing the point. If Coke sponsored the coffee shop's signage, as they typically do with all small establishments, there would be ghastly big red walls with Coke emblazoned on either side of the shop's name and they would definitely have no interest in the trails or anything else. That is the way their marketing machine works. So why should Scott be any different, no matter what they provided? Your gripe is that it is a cycling brand and they do not want to be involved with financing the trail building etc etc.

you cannot force a business not to negotiate deals with vendors/suppliers in exchange for branding. As long as this is legal. If it is legal just suck it up and deal with it or petition your local councilor to change the regulation in your town governing branding and signage. I am not for or against any of the parties here, but no one must threaten me or my enjoyment because they have a marketing issue.