GaryvdM

I think with most races, if you start in a higher group, you will just get dq'ed after the event, and you won't have a result. But you won't get stopped from riding. So if you don't care for your official result, you can do this. I think with the Argus they have people checking at the entrance of the start pens, so you would have to jump the fence to do this.

On an out and back ride (which the Argus basically is), a cross wind minimize the effectiveness of drafting. Also, I think the mountains shelter the south easter. So you will have a head wind on the way out, and then you are sheltered from the tail wind on the way back. (Can any Capetonian confirm/deny this?)

Road closures.

This makes my blood boil. Cloned plate? https://www.facebook.com/TrafficJHB/posts/442860732436952

Ja Ja, that's what Lance said too.

All racetec events + champion chip races that specifically make their data available (Carnival City)

You make it sound as if PPA = social, CSA = pro/amateur riding. But go look at the CSA constitution: So to say that CSA has nothing to do with social riding is completely wrong. You may however argue that they are not doing enough for social riders. But since you are not a member of the CSA, what say do you have. I hope I don't sound like I'm defending the CSA though. They probably could be doing a lot more all round. I just think your argument is based on an incorrect understanding.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArXWoHLgHhkrdE91U3BQNXcxYkFiSXhMeXZqM0FLUnc&usp=sharing#gid=0 Tip: It's on the first post. Easy to find

Most clubs won't mind you doing a couple of `try out` rides. This should solve the curiosity issue. I don't think that there are any issues with being a member of 2 clubs. I know a few people who are. Some of them are open about it. Other seem to try keep it a secret.

Could I do a 2 hr ride without having anything to drink? I'm sure I could, but I have never tried. Is this optimal for training? I'm sure it's not. If want to push your self to see how long you can go before you dehydrate, be my guest....

My Berge n Dale result was included for my Argus seeding. Check http://seeding.cycletour.co.za/. This is a snapshot of what was used for Argus.

I got dropped from the B group between Heidelberg and Nigel. Finished in 2:50. I feel pretty *** about my ride. I accidentally switched a guy when I tried to move through a gap that was too small. My back quick release caught his spokes and snapped about 6 of his spokes. Luckily no one came down. I found the guy afterwards and apologized. It was a stupid mistake. I will endeavour to not do it again. Well done to the organizers. I thought it was very well run. I found the start was much less chaotic than last year.

Hmmm, it's raining in Randburg. What's the weather like in the east?

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BL Good night, and good luck to everyone tomorrow.

I did get the jetline photos helmet & bars stickers as well as back of shirt paper number.

Interesting. Which cat are you in? VA VB VC? Asking because I would also like to sometime maybe move in to VA. But I only want to do it when I'm ready. (My current seeding is 19.8.)

There are 3 sets of bearings that need to be serviced (in order of importance): Wheel hub bearings - sheldonbrown.com/tooltips/hubs.html Bottom bracket bearings - sheldonbrown.com/tooltips/bbadj.html (note - this article is for older cup and cone bearings. Most new bikes have a sealed bearing which you can't service. You just replace it.) Headset bearings - sheldonbrown.com/headsets.html Edit: More on Wheel hub service:

Another 36er

Why stop at 32" 36" ftw!

That is some good news! source: www.cyclingsa.com/Article.aspx?uid=2315

You may want to also have electrolytes and branch chain amino acids (BCAA) in your water. The electrolytes to stop dehydration, the BCAA will stop muscle loss. Not sure about 5 hr rides, but I have recently started doing this for my 2hr week day rides.

I don't think chewing chains and cassettes has much to do with your mass. It has a lot to do with how it's cleaned and lubed. Indeed the cost of the time I spend cleaning my bike does not nearly come close to replacing the chain & cassette more often. So why do I do it. 1) I enjoy it. 2) It also make the power efficiency of the drive chain better, which makes me go faster.

Yes, as tombeej said, chains don't stretch. This article is very good: sheldonbrown.com/chains.html . It explains why chains get longer when they wear, how to measure this, and how to decide when to replace the chain. If the chain has warn and elongated too much, the only thing you can do is replace it. To do this less regularly, keep the chain clean and well lubed. P.S. I'm not sure from the description you have given if it is chain wear, so please measure it before you replace the chain. It may be something with the tensioner.

Lube your nipples! (here is a good article on why: www.wheelfanatyk.com/blog/wheel-building-tip-no-2-lubricating-nipples/)