Ecko_1

That would be nice, but I live in Durban. I am only driving to Jhb on Friday 15 November. Looking to do some riding on Saturday 16 November. Nothing too hectic. 30-40km at easy pace.

Thanks. I am looking specifically for a ride the Saturday before the 94.7 though. I am not looking to go all out, but just to stretch my legs with some company.

Question. is there anyone riding the saturday before the 94.7 willing to take a tag along. I want to go for a small easy paced ride the Saturday before, but all the dodgyness that is GP I see on the hub makes me a little worried to go on my own, especially since I dont know Jhb too well, and may end up in a more than average level of dodgyness place. I am staying in Fourways while there.

I must make a point to start packing my medical aid card. I carry 2 tubes due to a past experience. 2 punctures on a one out ride and I only had 1 tube on me. It was a long walk home.

October Critical Mass - Durban is happening next friday. Let me know if you need further information. Also on, Moonlight Mass, tomorrow evening, 19 October 2013. Also leaving from Moses Mabhida Stadium at 6pm

Seems everyone packs almost the same. My list below: 2 tubes, 2 CO2 bombs and adaptor. 1 multitool (Parktool IB3),1 powerlink, 2 tyre levers, phone, R50,2 small cable ties.

Thanks. I wonder if the 2nd fatality perhaps misinformation? That is sad news. Not sure the circumstances of the individual, but a sad happening regardless. RIP

My wife (a journalist) mentioned yesterday that one of her colleagues was talking about there being 2 fatalities during the Shova. She didnt here much other info. I asked her to get more info today. Anyone else hear of this by any chance?

Strava via Samsung Galaxy S2: 103.9km and 1,571m elevation gain.

First Amashova done!!! I really enjoyed this race and the route is amazingly beautiful. I set my target at 4:30 but managed to come in at 4:03. Im quite happy as this is my first 100km+ride. Some of you may have spotted me. Would have been the oke with my Hub name written on my race number. What time can I realistically expect for 94.7? I have a really late start (10:03) as I registered day before closing. I am hoping that I can get reseeded with my Shova result in. Any idea whether it would make any difference given that my time is not great by any measure.

Picked up my race number during lunch today. Also purchased a rain jacket from the bike store there. That shop is going to make a killing this weekend.

I was actually thinking about this this morning. Thought it would be cool. Maybe a hand drawing of the HubSA symbol and your username?

Anyone planning on going out and carbo loading and drinking the night before? I am heading to Spiga Doro on Florida Road with the missus and some riding braz on Saturday night. Will have to limit the drinking.

At the local STS Multi Sport store they have a Ragatz RCX carbon road shoe. It looks nice, in plain black with minimal white branding. The carbon sole looks good and feels solid, and the upper feels of good quality. Pricewise this shoe is miles cheaper than the likes of SIdi. Does anyone know anything about this brand?

FTW = For the win

Good on you for offering to help OP out. Its great to see that there are still kind people out there.

Cleats FTW! If cost is an issue for you, there are ways you can cleat up at a lower cost. When I started cycling this year I was able to make the move to cleats at a total cost of R550 for shoes and pedals, all new. Got a new pair of Olympic Shoes at R180 from a hubber, and Shimano R540 pedals and cleats at R295 from Evobikes. Not a bad cost. Obviously now that I know I enjoy the sport and am willing to drop a few more Randelas on a pair of carbon shoes. Short version, it doesnt need to be a costly exercise for you.

If you feel like driving to Durban on Saturday morning, you can go down to Suncoast. There are lots of groups and clubs that depart from there at 5:30am every saturday.

I really enjoy riding so do it as often as I can, even if it is just my commute.

I did the long Engen Race. I just feel bad to draft without contributing, but will feel bad if I take a turn to lead and then slow everyone down (will also be embarrasing). I want to approach the race cautiously and not go all out too soon. Want to make sure I have enough energy throughout.

So, context. About 60km of the riding is actually 2 days commute done the long way around to incorporate some hills. Around 60km will be circuit training on flat surface. The balance of my riding will be the big ride, and sometimes a smaller ride on sundays if i have time. I know I cannot do sub 3. I ride with sub 3 riders now and then and I take huge strain. Especially on the hills(training more hills now). I am just trying to complete the shova to set a base time as I have been riding seriously for 6 months.

What should be my approach to this race, being my first Amashova 106km (I have ridden the 35km twice)? I am not a fast rider, nor am I a tortoise. None of my regular riding buddies are starting in my batch or nearby batches. Do I ride the entire route on my own? What is race etiquitte regarding drafting? Is it ok to hop into a line? Will people not get pissed off with me for stealing free draft? My thoughts are that good manners dictate that I take a turn breaking the wind as well, but my worry is that I will slow down the pack. As a base for my fitness, I did the Durban Engen Challenge in 3:24. I am aiming to finish the Shova in 4:30. I ride 200km per week on average, with just one big 80-100km ride per week.

Only saw now that you had quoted. I see the source of confusion.

My bad... But yes, I believe in supporting my LBS and building up a relationship with the shop. It makes things much easier once the relationship is there. I can easily drop my bike off any time and give the shop a call later and give them a heads up about what I want done. And i feel 100% happy that the work will get done and my bike will not go missing or unexpected delays.