Trubie

2:46:32 W 3:06:01

Thanks Ti - great help!! I only use pins for my number ............and I have always pinned it to the back of my top

Anybody have any idea of what I can expect to pay for a Conti Gatorskin tyre? What works better in winter - a full winter bib, or leg warmers?

There is not much more that can be said after all of this, what's it now, already 11 pages long thread. Fact is these cyclists who are being given opportunities that few others have/will ever have, need to be taught how to ride a bike in a responsible way (this includes bunch skills, ethics, conduct etc etc etc), BEFORE, they are let loose in races etc. A lot of cyclists ride irresponsible, irrespective of their colour. Fact is anyone who starts of needs to go through the mill of learning the mentioned skills. A lot of riders pitch up at group rides with little or no experience and the consequences are many times disastrous, not only for themselves but fellow riders who actually know how to ride. I will state some examples to clarify what I am trying to get across. In 08 Race f Victory, there was a guy who would be classified as a development rider - we were going down Swartkoppies at close to 50kmph, he decides to have a conversation on his cellphone, At the Fast One - starting group E, we had done max 2km, when a development cyclist crashed, without anybody causing it - still not sure what he did, but he was scaring me BIG time in those first 2 k's.(It could have been 1km) On a training ride in Jan this year , going up the Walkerville hill (long drag past Lido), some of the Med something development team riders joins the bunch. Up that hill , passing on left hand side, causing a stirr in the bunch a couple of times, I had a notion something bad was to happen. Couple k's further one of these kids going downhill way to fast for his own ability - when all is slowing down, because we are about to go through a couple of very narrow concrete blocks used to cordon the road of (People riding in the south would know this section, coming out of Aloe Ridge), the guy hits the steel pole and goes down hard, almost (thankfully not) taking out 3/4 other riders with him. Last year in August a development rider almost caused a major accident on the old Vereeniging road , shortly after this section which is mentioned above - also on a straight road , only him going down on a Sunday morning early. (He was wearing Adverture Tours kit if I remember correctly) I am sure many others can relate and tell their own similar stories. Fact is someone (CSA I suppose), needs to address these issues with the relevant clubs/sponsors etc. If not , it will continue and always be more than just an annoyance - I for one gets very twitchy when I see them in the same bunch....

That there's no goodie bag or that the stuffs useless That sylvia dale was involved? Does anyone ever use anything from the goodie bag, except maybe the aspen socks, razors and bar one's?

thanx turtle - its really my first one this year, I am planning on a 3:20 although my Emp, and R4S results show maybe a sub 3:10 is possible. Now I have to replan , but I reckon a 36 ave can lead to a 3:00, but then I am only starting in "S" due to not really having a proper seeding I did an Argus in 1990 though 3:36, while I was stamping feet in the SAW. But I only started cycling again in 08.

This might not necessarily be bad? Does this climb lend itself to the possibility of the large bunches breaking up early? Could it lead to smaller bunch, safer and maybe faster? What effect would this have on overall time? Is the dist still 109, or 110 as I read somewhere?

Thanx Agteros and slowbee, I will take the advice and try out different things to see what the winning recipe is. At least at this stage it seems not to far off the point.

Ok let me give you the gorry details. I have only finished my last two races sub 3, Fast One and Emperors. (2:40 's), so slightly less than 3 hrs. This weekend with Ride 4 Sight , planning for a 3:15. Belive I actually race - based on my own ability etc, I ave in training +/- 33, last two races was 37. I try to simulate the race by eating and drinking on the long rides as I would during the race. Its all very new so I am experimenting at the moment to see what works , what doesnt. Eg for Emperors I did not cycle for 3 days before - experiment did not work - I think. My legs were feeling heavy and I even felt tired during the first part of the race.

Only if its a long 3hr plus ride normally during the week, the 40-50 k stuff early morning, just water

BUMP

I want to find out about what and when to eat before and during a race. Currently I try and eat some yoghurt more or less 90 min before the start, a banana maybe 20 min or so before the start. Then I take a jungle energy bar with me for the race, and try and eat some of this after 60, 120 min I drink water & Biogen - Cytogen during the race. I take a gel, Fit Super Goo or GU Energy gel approx 20 km from the finish. Is this the way to go? Or am I missing a trick? Thank you in advance

I had a chat to someone very close to the race, and he was on the route himself. They are very aware of these gripes and have taken note, it will be addressed for next year. Its a new route, etc, etc, etc - lets hope. About the route - guys please remember, not everyone rides Elite/Racing bunches or A group. Some of us do find courses like that HARD, I agree that the pro's should be racing longer etc, but all of this has a bearing on seeding, costs and what not more. Out of the 1400 finishers, how many actually raced?, that might have found the race too easy/short? I would gestimate not more than say 400, which would constitute a max of 30%, think about the other 70% who still enjoy the challenge, and might not necessarily want to ride the 55k. These are the people that actually pay, not like the priveliged few whose entry gets paid, a lot of money to race. They do not have sponsors for kit, equipment etc, etc I agree that some of the marshalls were absolutely useless. At one of the intersections the marshall actually had his back turned towards us, we did not know whether we were about to turn or carry on straight. Coming through Springs and back through Boksburg was a stuff up of note, and I also started rather early in DL. Can imagine what it was like later on.

Result: New Zealand won by 6 wickets Australia 225/5 New Zealand 226/4

Intern , Staal - well done, I'm relieved this battle is over. Staal - I do believe that HSP is making money, otherwise, why get involved - or do they can it soooo big with 94.7 that they "serve" the cycling community free the rest of the year? Also - it is called good manners/e mail etiquette to reply to mails received, no matter how busy you are - especially when you offer your email address to someone. Intern - I suppose the most NB quessie is, do you have your money or not?

This is why I love the hub, you guys have been a great help! Now can anyone assist with the funds to acquire both please?

Also , what would be the better option - The Garmin, or the Polar 725x? What are the differences in functionalities? Need some advice please?

Thanx Gman, with my 2:42 - I will rather wait till Im muuuuuuuuuuch stronger before trying VC.

Hi Have been reading the hub with interest over past couple of days, and decided to join in the fun. Relatively new to the sport, so have learnt quite a bit as well. - From Alberton also - so have enjoyed S2L tremendously, will look out for him over weekends!! - Know bduplessis from my days in Secunda - dude why Ncape? - Completed the FO this weekend, so have relived the "race" couple of times on the hub. - Would like to find out who OB is!!!!????? Actual question - Im 40yrs and want to know whether I should be trying to get a racing licence and ride VC or stay Cyclo and continue in open seeded cat? Any comments/hints welcome.