brian1

Yip, I am batch B for 40km starting at 08h22 as well.

I am registered for the 40km MTB on Sat, got an SMS saying starting batch B and registration is either Thursday in fourways or Friday at Emperors. Nothing about the morning of the race? There is no way I can get to JHB for reg, little thing called work keeps getting in the way. So I will just show up on Sat with my proof of payment, I guess. Or am I missing something?

I'm in for the 40km, I am easy to recognise, at the end I am the exhausted guy bringing up the rear.

I also bought Mr Price MTB shoes, I am a newbie and have nothing to compare them to but no complaints so far, they have already seen alot of water and mud and the related vigorous washing.

I also saw those dodgy looking guys, luckily there were loads of people around, later on my way back the bakkie was still there but the people were missing, again lots of riders around.

That was really nice, a bit of everything. I will be back at Babbas.

Sorry about some of the spelling, damn tablet keyboard.

I bought my Merida big nine lite 1000 last month, I am very happy, have done 2 races so far. The reasons I bought it were, it is the same frame as the next model up the 1500, itbhasca through axle on the rear and sometime in the future incould upgrade the shock to that as well, the 1500 comes out with it. The mavic wheelset is beter than what comes with the competitors, I really like the simple lines and colours, all the components are SLX. Ok that was my logic.

This is the first thread that after 7 pages most posters still agree.

Thoroughly enjoyed that, my second race, just glad they aren't all like Serengeti. Also my first proper crash, lost concentration and front wheel got out of the track, it felt spectacular from my perspective. Lucky it was between the reeds and the guys behind only saw me straightening my handle bars.

Hahaha only if the rider crashes into one of ours.

Should you decide to go for it, please keep a regular post update with links and photos, I will be the first to subscribe.

Entered the 30km, hope its not as muddy as Serengeti was.

Congrats, looks great.

Forerunner 210, I have one and very happy, can be swapped between pace and speed. Will need to stretch a bit, I think they are now around R2700.

Wow some mud and water there. 1st mtb race, check.

The flyer on Cycle events says timed by SS-timing, whatever that means.

Hot Spot cycles, where Atterbury intersects with Hans Strydom, think it is the Ateerbury decor centre. The specialised shop is in Lynnwood road. Shopping centre on left before you get to the Grove if travelling East.

Guys, Serengeti will be my first race, I believe I have everything sorted, Thehubsa certainly helped with the preparations. My remaining question is about timing, I don't have a timing chip, do I need one? and where do I get one?

I have been shopping over the last couple of weeks after asking a few questions and driving from LBS to LBS, Here is what I have so far and what it cost, not all was bought at the same place. Bike Merida Big 9 lite 1000 R13500 considered 2nd hand but measured for a 21inch and no so many of those around and I got impatient and wanted a warranty. Helmet Bell R700 Bib shorts x2, Assos Uno and Merrel, R1800 for both, Assos big special. Bottle cage R150 Mtb Shoes R600 Gloves R170 Multitool R160 CSA license R110 Serengeti reg R130 Still want in order of priority: Tubeless conversion R500, Maxxis tyres came with the bike. Camelbak, budget R1000 Pedals, budget R600 Cycling top R400 I initially set my self a budget of R20k and with this lot I am close to that. I already had a carrier. I am doing my first race at Serengeti. Can't wait. Good luck with your shopping.

Also entered, will be my first race.

Old joke but funny, guy says he is actually really impressed by what Lance achieved whilst on drugs. He reckons when he is on drugs he struggles to even find his bike.

Ok thanks, Cool thread, didn't know it existed. Will take a few more detailed pics and post there.

Chuffed with my new stand I built, hooks into deck corner for washing and then can relocate to garage and hook into corner of the workbench for service purposes. Cost me a grand total of R178.

Got my bike yesterday http://2014.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bikes/2014/Big.Nine+1000-183.html got a bell helmet and Assos bib (on special ) Next step shoes and new pedals.