davem

This is fascinating. Thanks for the replies. At the Soweto race, I compared against two chaps who finished at the same time, so many variables were eliminated. They were both using Garmins mounted on the bike, not sure which model. I don't recall the numbers exactly but they both had almost identical readings which were 10% greater than the Suunto wrist mount. Compared to D2D, my Suunto read more than most did. The comment on the temperature effect of a wrist computer versus a bike mount is interesting. A bike mount would be more effected by the wind chill factor on a fast downhill. Perhaps the moral is that this is just a guide.

Thanks Ninja. I measure every 10s which should give a reasonably accurate overall reading as you are unlikely to go up and down (with a smaller net measurement) within 10s. Would be interesting to see the readings from an Edge for D2D. Can an atmospheric altimeter become inaccurate through wear? Or is it one of those devices which either work or doesn't?

I have a Suunto T6c. The total climb measured in a number of races differs by a significant amount to that from others I have compared with (as much a s 10%). It uses atmospheric pressure to calculate change in altitude. I have even registered a climb of up to 30m in a spinning class. Do the GPS based units (Garmin) use a different method or is it the same. I have not found a way to calibrate the pressure. I have set the base altitude correctly off Google Earth. My total climb for D2D was 1124m. What did you measure? Maybe I need to have the Suunto serviced.

The Whasp flask is brilliant. So much easier than having to tear open a sachet. Their gels are thinner consistency and higher volume so it makes it far easier to consume. Not only are you not littering but you don't lose any speed either. I saw plenty of riders deliberately throw their wrappers down. I just shout 'Litterbug'. They know it was directed at them but they don't know who shouted, so I avoid a fight. Hopefully they think twice before doing it again. I can't understand how anyone would decide to mess up the place that they ride every weekend. I can think of a few unsavoury analogies but will leave that to your imagination.

How do they do the seeding for the 94.7? Do they use the National Seeding Index from Cyclelab's site as is? Do they require the three results to get a seeding? I have been told that they use your best result as so many people only have one race. I have worked really hard to improve my ability since my first ever cycle race at last year's 94.7 and get the feeling that I am going to get stuck at the back again as the time in getting results uploaded seems so long.

Where's Carousel and Lost City?

Hi Darryl You just made my day. Moved up from 18th to 14th in C. Even if not official. Well cycled, I managed to hang with you guys to 45km and then you just powered away.

"Hello my race number is xxxx Here you go. Thank you." Quicker than it took me to type this. Even has a gentleman giving directions where to park at the gate. Nothing sucky about that. Very well organised. Just remember Subaru has moved, not in Peter Place anymore, just north of Investment Cars on William Nicol, past the VW dealership.

I have a few at R189.00. New - generic brand. PM me or email to: dave@digitalinspiration.co.za

The Department of Labour has a code of practice in sexual harassment. For example, if you have something risque open on your screen (like the ad in question) or the Ladies and Bicycles thread and someone walks past and sees it, and if they take offense, they have grounds for a grievance, even though they were merely a passer by. Having had to deal with sexual harassment issues by a staff member of another in the work place, this is an area you don't want to go. So be careful what you have open on your screen. Save some stuff for the privacy of an office or your home.

Try Q5 Graphite penetrating oil. More effective than Q20. Be careful, it's black and messy so don't muck up the shoes. You also can get a screw extractor from most hardware stores. This is like a screw with a reverse thread. Drill a hole down the centre of the bolt. Screw in the extractor (reverse direction). This provides you with a new square head which you can attach a spanner to. This will give you a lot more leverage. The harder you turn, the deeper the reverse thread binds into the bolt.

I doubt it hurt very much! The real pain is for his family.

Gasping Go ride the race. Ignore those who really only see the glass half full. You will have an absolute ball. You will see Joburg from a different angle. The support is great. Search for the threads from after last years race and you will see the fantastic time that so many had. Find a friend to ride it with, will enrich the experience even more.

I have only done one 94.7, but looking at the R265 entry, put this in perspective: 1. What did your bike cost? 2. What have you spent on bike maintenance over the last month/year? 3. What do you spend on an evening out? 4. Ladies, what do you pay for a haircut? For your money you get a phenomenal event that takes over the city for the day. You will have war stories to trade with your mates until the next one. Let say it was R150 entry fee. Are we all so broke that the extra R115 really breaks us in light of the above? I would rather have a first class event with all the marshals, medical support, road closure and public support than save a little and it be just cheap and nasty. My 2c worth.

Hi Francois Don't know you but obviously you have a lot on friends here on the Hub. Although life has thrown this big curve ball at you, you were living it the way it should be lived. The way we all should live it. You have fallen but will get up and add to the score Francois +1, Apathy 0. Good luck in your recovery, hopefully we will get to meet out on the bike sometime when the time is right. LiveSTRONG! Cheers Dave

1.79m Was 75kg a year ago before started Triathlon training. Now 68.8kg. Am told this is normal and should start going up a bit sometime.

Love the "No Visa Required!"

Hi Birdie Sorry to hear about your brother's accident. At the risk of seeming insensitive, you say you rode past him and knew that he had been hit by the car but went on to finish your race. Clearly you also made a judgement on his condition otherwise you would have stayed with him. Why then are you so scathing of the excellent organisers who had all manner of very visible injuries and other situations to deal with? I think you are being a little unfair. You also had the opportunity to stay with him and escalate his medical care quicker. davem2009-03-11 05:50:13

Some perspective on the margins quoted. Retailers work on margins nor markups. Margin is: Profit / Selling Price Therefore on bikes: 35% margin increased to 50 % margin means that a bike that costs R10 000 to purchase from the wholesaler moves from R15 384 to R20 000. A 30% price increase. On accessories: 50% margin increased to 75% margin means that an item that costs R100 to purchase from the wholesaler moves from R200 to R400. A 100% increase in price. Is that fair? It sure as hell makes me jealous.

Last week I read a Think Bike brochure in my local coffee shop. What a brilliant piece of work! Tarmac, Bravo! Your post should be the beginning of Think Bicycle. Perhaps the Think Bike guys on the site can help develope the concept. My ex gf said I looked like a d**s using my rear light in daylight and stopping at traffic lights when I was new to the sport. Rather d**s than dead. I still stop at traffic lights and will always do so. Why is it so uncool to take safety seriously?

I must admit, I quite like my medals. (I don't have many at this stage) After 20 years of sloth, I started doing a bit of exercise last year. My first Midmar Mile, 60km ride, 94.7, Half marathon and Tough One will always indicate a phase shift in the way I live my life. I look forward to my first marathon medal and possibly even a Half Iron Man in the future. For many a medal marks the achievement of a goal that they have worked towards over months. As a new entrant into any sport, it is the recognition of the work put in. I suggest on the online entry have the following option: 1. Medal 2. T Shirt 3. Donate to race charity Keep the entry fee the same for all otherwise too complex to administer. Those who don't want a medal get the feel good of the donation. Medals only to pre entries is also an option to minimise wastage.

What other symbols/words would be appropriate to have projected on the road behind you? I can think of a few. This device has potential.

One of the aspects of driving in SA is that whenever a collision occurs we call it an 'Accident'. The morning radio traffic reports always refer to 'Accidents'. The term implies a lack of responsibility. 'It just happened' Every collision has a cause for which someone bears responsibility, whether it be by willful intention or negligence or omission. Some have greater consequences than others. Our attitude as road users (being cyclists and drivers) must change. Try refering to each collision as such, remove the word accident from your vocabulary. You will likely view that little bumper bashing you had recently or the red light you skipped (cycle or car) in a different light. We all cry out (rightly so) for tougher treatment of criminals. As many people die on our roads each year as are murdered. I cannot control a potential criminal with murderous intent, but I can change my attitude to the way I use the road on my bike and in my car. If traffic collisions are seen as an event that you are responsible for, perhaps the carnage will decrease. I believe that this is an attitude we can change, this is a small step that will hopefully change the mindset. When I read this thread, and keep coming back to it, my heart bleeds for the family of Craig because of the great loss and because of the avoidability of the whole situation. Despite the fact the the driver will pay a price both emotionally and in terms of the justice system, he didn't have to if had taken greater responsibility for his life. This is truly sad.

Thanks for the feedback on the ICG. Does anyone have details on Linden or Northcliff Corner?

Looking for a morning group ride in the Linden area. I am sure there is one from Linden Cycles or other. Anyone know the details? Thanks