MarkyMark71

I completely understand buddy, already thinking along those lines. We'll DelVera was fun in a hell for leather, no brakes needed kinda way. Seriously trying to earn some brownie points to get another ride in before my flight on Saturday, unless of course I forget to go home. Hate to say it, maybe a little controversial but I just don't get the new whelk size, pretty sure my 29er would have been the better bike today. Beers are calling so I'm outta here. Laters

Absolutely fricking awesome guys, better than anything I get to ride back home by a long shot. I would have been a liability though as I was hanging after a big night of drinking which finished in the early hours. Heading off to the Porcupine Trail tomorrow morning for a couple of loops just to squeeze another ride in before Friday. Without a doubt I'll be back before this year is out and I'll be bringing my bike with me so I don't waste a single minute. You guys are so lucky and one hell of a nice bunch, next time I'll make sure I get to meet some of you. If anyone is heading to the UK, although I'm not sure why you would, let me know and I'll sort a ride out. Take care, have fun and be happy

Thanks buddy, arrived in CT late last night after a jaw dropping experience that I will never forget. Keeping my fingers crossed that I'll get to see some of you tomorrow. Cheers Mark

Afternoon all, Work has been mad but only 4 days left til I get on a plane. 6 days in Botswana before heading to CT and the chance to ride. I'll be out of comms whilst in Botswana due to limited charging capabilities but I'm really hoping to see some of you out on the 23rd. I'll be in touch with you Iwan to see if we've got a green light still. Just going to kick back with a few beers for the 6 Nations. Have fun guys

Cheers all, Hey Iwan, that looks like a great bike and I may well take you up on that although Ratty (hey buddy) has mentioned that Ride-In have Spesh. I've demo'd one of the new Stumpjumpers with the Pikes and it was awesome so I might see what they've got and hire for a week in case I get some more brownie points in. Hey Loupie, I can see, everyone has been great. I ride with guys from SA and NZ all the time here in the UK and I can certainly hold my own but this sounds like it's on a different level and a challenge is always a good thing. Everyone, I'm more than happy for this to be thrown open to anyone, 23rd March, the more the merrier, and it'll probably give everyone a chance to spot the Pom with the sunburn:). Seriously though, the more the merrier, riding, like drinking is so much better with company. Have a good day and a great weekend.

Hey Iwan, Depends buddy, 26" I'm good with a large, 29" I lean towards a medium. Hopefully this would mean an extra rider for the 23rd March too. Please don't take this the wrong way but I have to ask what's on offer. Loving this site by the way.

Sweet! Fingers crossed on the pass. Let me know when you're next booked to come over as I'll happily take a few days off so you have a riding buddy, should be able to sort out a demo bike i.e. for free, for your trip as the local bike shops love me.

Loupie, Sorry buddy! Anniversaries are important and congrats for how ever many years it is, no pressure dude just see how it goes, Flowta, The more the merrier buddy. I'm about 60 miles South of London which puts me on the coast so the choices are limited for decent riding. There's the Surrey Hills, which are compact and fun. South Downs Way which is loooooooong. 100 miles end to end with 3,700m of climbing which I did 3 ways last year, unsupported and wild camping, over 2 1/2 days. Finally there's the weekends away with the boys to Wales. Been looking at you tube and the trails you get to ride look awesome. One word of warning guys, I'm 42 so my road gap days are behind me.

Ah! Thanks for clearing that up dre but obviously my flack jacket reference was to sheilded gear cable....honest!

Loupie, That would be awesome buddy, looks like the 23rd of March is the date for the weekend ride and Jonkershoek is definately a trail I would love to ride. I'll be staying in Somerset West and the GF will be dropping me off, are you adverse to an early start? Only asking as this frail Englishman might not be able to cope with sun. Will you be packing and do you have a spare flak jacket;)

Sounds sweet Flowta. Huge thanks guys, think I'm all sorted bike wise and it looks like I've managed to wrangle an early midweek ride in too. Think I'll turn on the charm and push for another ride or two. To be honest I can't wait, been talking to a couple of guys and I don't think I'm going to want to leave if the riding is half as good as I've been told it Wishing my life away until I'm in SA. Laters

Thanks Loupie, I'm going to work hard on getting some Brownie points in the next couple of weeks so that I can sneak of early for a couple of early morning jaunts. I'll let you guys know how that works out with plenty of notice to see if I can tag along. Hi Kosmonooit , Sadly the ole Prophet bit the dust last January after 6 years of hard service but I reckon you're right, 650b would have suited it perfectly. Would you run 26 at the rear to slacken the angles a bit? Anyways, I'm now on a Whyte T-129s, tried it once, bought it straight away after demoing Spesh, Giant and a Transition and haven't looked back since. It's been through hell, put in well over a thousand miles and it just seems to get better.

There is one little issue Zook, I've never driven in my life so depending on where the trails start from my doorstep could put a damper on what is a great idea. Thanks for thinking of my emotional distress, I get grumpy if I don't ride often enough so they may well decide to kick me out for an extra day's riding to put a smile back on my face:)

Thanks a million guys, and I wish I could get more riding in but as the girlfriend is a MTB widow at the weekends as it is, it would be a little unfair to do the same whilst being on holiday together. Besides who am I to argue if her family want to show me your country and I'm sure I'll be back real soon to get some real riding in. Lol! Thanks for the offer hellocolour, but I could never forgive myself for taking you up on that and delivering an overpriced British product. I've never been overly taken with them, tried the regular 5 and didn't get on with it. Ended up keeping my old Prophet (w/Lefty) before finally going for a 29er. The only bike that came close to get me to part with my cash was an Ellsworth Epiphany but at the time the prices were ridiculous.

Thanks MintSauce (MBUK?) I've dropped a mail to irideafrica and mentioned the recommendation so I hope they'll thank you guys for that. Was hoping I'd get more time to ride during my visit but the girlfriend and her family have practically filled everyday with things to do. Can't wait as it's my first visit and would have loved to have made some new riding buddies, maybe next time as I'm sure I'll be back. Thanks again