Boesman Benson

Jason, please send my well wishes to the Big man when you see him. Even while he is under sedation. Fortunately Koos is super strong and he knows how to suffer. (He's got a few Epics under the belt). Unfortunately this time the damage is a bit more than a few 'roasties' on the back side. You are in our prayers. Byt vas en word gou gesond!! Rex

Diet has to be part of your lifestyle. It is not something that you do for say 3 or 6 months - and then get back to eating ‘normal’ again. That is why you YO-YO. Very good pointers in the LCHF thread. It is a lifestyle change that can be sustainable. Maybe not in the 50gram Carbs per day, but definitely in the 50g to 150g Carbs per day. The health benefits (even with the slightly higher Carb intake) of this way of eating seems remarkable.

Just be carefull for the 'Dale if you are short like me. You will battle with proper setup. The Geometry of the small Swift is very good for short riders wanting to ride 29er.

Just keep your eyes open for nice second hand bike on the HUB. You'll find something before D2D.

Now there is no more an excuse for guys that moan that the CPT is too HARD. I really hope the race will grow over the next few years. You will not easily find a more commited, passionate and enthusiastic team then Henco and the Dryland team. Looking forward to this year's race.

Terence I can maybe tow it back for you, but that will only be early April (a week after the Epic). Let me know if you don't come right earlier. Thanks for a good XCO at Thaba Trails yesterday! Rex

Thanks Stefan!

Morning Guys. It was my daughter that was bit by a rock about the size of a brick. We (myself and 2 daughters) were doing some Cross Country training yesterday afternoon - the first GN/CG event takes place on 4th March at Rietvlei. It happened at the far end just after the bridge with the nasty steps. Then you turn into the river before you exit in that short steep V next to the fence. He attacked her just as she approached the exit from the river. She just screamed like crazy and I knew something was seriously wrong. Think the coward actually got scared off by her screaming. (use your voice girls/boys) I only saw 1, but the girls said they were 2. The one was hiding behind a tree up the bank on the opposite side of the river. He scrambled up the bank and into the veld on top when I chased him. There is a well-used footpath to-and-up that riverbank. The footpath continuous out of the bike trail and the people using that path are coming out of the reserve. (not jumping the flat fence) There is no access control through that section. We reported the incident and spoke to one of the senior rangers of the park. He said they used to have 3 patrolling guards in Fountains but they were taken away (probably money issue). Hopefully with this incident they can motivate to get the guards back.

I assume the 2 x 10 is 26/39? and not 24//39. If you are heavy and battle up hill - Then I suggest you rather go for that 24/36 ratio.

We'll be a big group staying at Sabie River camp as well. Will come and say Hello!

Nathrix - I think those 2 pictures sums it up perfectly

For some reason they split the 'toucher' SA races into 3 stages. Ie Jock.

A safe departure point would be a fizik Gobi. I have tries quite a few different (lighter saddles). Most of them are fine for up to 3 hr rides. I used my Gobi for Cape Pioneer last year and was so glad I did. To me it is the most comfortable of all the saddles I've tried. Something to think about for the Epic: I've never heard someone complain about a saddle that was TOO eavy after a very long ride.

Used to stay in Walvis Bay as well. Would love to go back to Nam, but not much job opportunities in my line of work.

I rode past the accident just after 8h00. Person was covered with space blanket. Did not realize it was a cyclist. Sad indeed. RIP

Skaap I plan to drive through the Sat morning. I stay in Centurion. Send me a PM and we can arrange!

Stevie, you moaning or bragging. Did the event last year. It was brilliant!! We are going to Mankele this coming weekend to go and to some back to back proper hill training.

In stead of Mezcal, try Geax AKA at the back. Used it at Sani and enjoyed it even in the wet.

SwissVan - you got to ride a bikes to wear the chains. LOL!! For info: The SRAM PC-951, -971 and -991 have the same Strength specification. The only difference between the 951 and the more expensive ones is a BLING coatings on 971 and 991. After a few km's the nice shiny chain is also full of dirt. I use 3 chains. Rotate about every 1000km. Can easily get 6000km on 3 x PC-951 and PG-990 casette. Using SQUIRT (apply about every 80-100km) when dry and Motorex wet lube when wet. I don't recommend XT casette. They are very soft. Don't know about XTR. Never tried them. Used LX casette once (only about 80gram heavier than XT) - was still good at 6000km when bike was forcefully taken from me.

Try SRAM PC-951. Good value for money.

Kona, Do you have a connection with the Klapperlop management? Maybe if we can ask them to put more gradual "ramps" for the skinny wheel bikes - say in the middle section of the speed bumps. That way the bumps will still slow down the cages, and maybe not break so many skinny wheels.

"Topsport Cycles in Harrismith you wont find any bike cheaper in SA. I bought my 3000d for R22000. " At that price I will take one 2morrow.! No - sorry I'll take it now!

Dirt?Girl - Are you stirring a bit?

I started riding a skinny bike as well a few months ago. The responsiveness, lateral stiffness and the lack of weight of the roadbike compared to my DS MTB made me think about going back to HT. Tomorrow will be my first ride on my new HT and Sunday MTN Blockhouse my first race. Will see how it goes.

A similar specced DS would typically set me back R20k more than this HT. Sorry - no can do! Age - Well if you're fit enough to do a 75km marathon race or a 3 day stage race in a decent time on a DS, you'll probably survive it on a HT as well. Time to get out of the comfort zone!!