GroenHoender

It is the farm Stellenzicht Wines - between Stellenbosch and Somerset West. Was recently on the internet news, Netwerk24. Bit off-topic but on the next day, after the MediClinic race was cancelled, wife and I went to church at Stellenbosch High school and we passed Paul Roos school: one part of its border wall, was blown over/down (got photos). A lot of houses, mine included, suffered roof damages. Lots of fallen trees everywhere as well.

The Sleep function, or more accurately, the Sleep Widget, is just another activity tracker and not fairly accurate at that, even if you specify your normal sleeping hours. For example, on my Fenix 3, my sleep hours is set at 11:00PM to 5:300AM, with an alarm at 10:45PM to remind me to switch PS4 off, or close my study books, checking the house, brush teeth, and then hit the bed, with the Fenix 3 still strapped to my arm. But I have found that, especially with my PS4 gaming where I sometimes play till 2AM, before actually hitting the bed, the Sleep activity tracker still registers it as a sleep pattern as from 11:00 till 5:30, or sometimes even longer (eg, 10:00PM to 5:30AM) due to the fact that I sit still for long periods (in front of PS4 or study books). The Sleep feedback shows me, on my iPhone, graphs of deep / light / awake patterns that sometimes don't reflect my actual sleep duration or times when I am really sleeping, so I am taking it with a pinch of salt. I just use the watch to go to normal sleep hours as close as I can, aiming for 8 hours, Btw, after some reseach on the Garmin forums, I found the following opinions: DCRainmaker: "Unfortunately the Garmin sleep metrics (and the sleep process as a whole) is probably the weakest out of any activity tracker out there. It's the same for all sleep-enabled products (FR920XT, Vivosmart, Fenix3, etc...)" Various other people also mention that: - you have to have the activity tracker enabled for Sleep, AND - you also have to manually activate start / stop the Sleep function (same as with many other sport activity) to get a more accurate sleep data Unfortunately the steps to start /stop the Sleep manually is complicated (too many embedded menu options), so I don't use it.

I have the Fenix 3 (non-HR) and use it a lot for both MTB and gym stuff. With chest band. At the end of the day, the data you get is just data. Either useful or not useful, depending on how you use it. Even DC Rainmaker admitted on his blogs (when he reviewed various gadgets, like watches and bike computers on his MTB) that there is not much he can deduct from the data given the nature of MTB and tracks, unless you want to see what your heart-rate / power is against uphills. Or how to pace yourself. Or... Or... Or... again, too many unspecifics. He even said that cadence sensors on a MTB is not even useful. Too irregular. In my case, I actually use the Fenix 3 for the other reasons: being a deaf rider myself, I use it to monitor communications (with my smart phone in the back of my MTB shirt) and using "LiveTracking" for peace of mind for my wife, so that she can see where I am. Very useful for accident scenarios where I might not be able to contact her (eg, knock on head leaving me lights-out or paralyzed or such). As for the gym parts, be informed that there are not any dedicated Garmin app for gym purposes, unless you use this "7-min" app, or use the build-in Cardio app or even the "indoor-running / bicycling" app which is just basically HR stuff.

Nope - 30km trail occurs on private farms, not open for public until the event itself. If you even ride on the jeep trail between vineyards and Tegnopark (near the Stellenbosch gholf course) then the security patrols are very quick there to get you out...

I disagree. It was a lot confusing since it show one branch of the Eersteriver and from that I could not deduct if the trail is next to the upper branch (closer to town) or the lower branch (closer to Tegnopark) of the Eersteriver. Plus the fact that my workplace is right in the top corner of Tegnopark, next to the Stellenbosch gholf course and the vineyards, which has given me the opportunity to ride that part of jeep trail a lot and that was not even remotely close to the Dirtopia map. One part of it is certainly a good climb, and the road section next to the farm houses / gholf course is full of rubbish, especially broken glasses and "dubbeldorings" that I had my doubts that Dirtopia would have riders go on that particular section because I had a lot of flat tires on that section. Hence why I asked about the map.

That is exactly what I wanted, it helps a lot. Thanks, HenryS

Does anyone have a Google map overlay and profile for the 30km / 15km route of the DieBurger MTB event? I am staying in Stellenbosch myself (Dalsig neighbourhood, right above the Eikestad / Renish Primary schools) and work in Technopark for the last 10 years or so. So, I know, reasonably, all the routes for MTB and jogging in the Tegnopark and Blaauwklippen area. It will be the first time I ride the 30km route but the (simplistic) map shared on Dirtopia / Amarider's web site does not make sense to me. The whole 30km route is marked as "above" (well roughly, north / northwest direction of) Tegnopark and the Eerste River itself but if I look at Google Maps, there is no ways that a route, starting at Rhenish Primary, going via Van Reede Street across R44 (Adam Tas road) into Die Boord neighbourhood, going into the farmlands and still be "north" of Eerste River. Hence my question: how reliable is the route mapping itself, as well as the profiling? Can anyone share their experience of the 30km? Is it flat? Is it gradual up and down? Jeep track? Tar? Or a mix of everything?

But never in the sizes that one wants (ie, 3XL) because the existing stock at Sportmans Warehouse are either sold out, or the items are discontinued by FirstAscent.

Thanks, Surv0MTB, that made me chuckle for the exact same experiences but in other ways: trying to get a big upper body into a bib, and end up like a hunchback, bend-up / squeeshed in painfull ways a front-row rugbyplayer cannot imagine! And getting the bib off, and in the process tear some chest hair out here and there in the process... ouch! :-P

Want to give everyone a quick feedback re a South African company, that specialise in outdoor clothes and equipment for the active person: FirstAscent.Co.Za In the past I always bought all my sportsclothes from them 'cos it always fit me. Lately, they have been discontinuing some clothes for unknown reason. Imagine my dissapointment when I got an email yesterday on my inquiry to them about my favourite MTB jersey which I always have bought from them = a pity I never placed a large order to have enough stock for myself (always bought 2 of each item): At least their bicycle bibs, helmets and running t-shirts still fits (but I am now moving towards Addidas / Nike for my running clotheswear since I can fit these at any other shop, like SportmansWarehouse). One less South African company to support :-(

A quick note / feedback to everyone: 1. please let these suggestions come in - I appreciate it (and I am sure there is a lot of big men / women out there who will also appreciate it) :-) 2. remember to add a web site link if they have one 3. lastly, make sure that they do cover for South African sizes. For I have just now checked / asked 2 of them, and experienced the same issue: one company's 3XL is not the same size as another company's 3XL. For example: a 2XL chest is 110 or 120cm a 3XL chest is (on average) 130cm in circumference a 4XL is 140cm Take a look for yourself: measure yourself up and compare it with your buddies :-) Throw in a spanner and see how does shoulder width as well as arm length, bicepts, waist, etc differs...

Thanks! Seems Manie and his Anatomic is a clear winner. Was even happy to find out that they have branches where one can walk in and fit before buying. This one shot straight to the top of my "to visit / support" list. At every year's CANSA MTB event, all the MTB riders get a free pair of compression socks. But even their biggest size did not fit my rugby calves :-/ I also made a point of visiting their stall at the MTB event, to chat with the folks about shirts and such. They don't gather for the big South African males, ie, 3XL nor do they plan to. Could you please explain to a rookie MTB like me what it means with "lowers and uppers"? Do you mean the bib get cut lower in front for a beer belly, and higher at back to cover the buttocks? :-P

Thanks, and another big Thanks for digging up the older links. Appreciate it!

When I click on that link, I get a 404 error: "page not found" which is strange...

Coincidentally found EnjoyFitness.Co.Za before I posted this topic. Their prices are very reasonable (R500 something) for a jersey. Thanks!

Thanks, guys. The great irony is that most local companies that make/print bicycle shirts have different interpretations of sizing, similiar to their UK counterparts. For example, one company says its 3XL bike tops is 125cm chest, another says 130cm for their 3XL and so on. Then I am not talking about the other measurements like neck, biceps and waists. Nowhere a single same standard size. I myself have a chest of 136cm and a neck of 46cm (the norm for 3XL is 130cm chest, 44cm neck, etc) and rarely found a bicycle top that is actually a bit loose (ie, not skin-tight fitting). The end-result of too much rugby excercises. Btw, my size is not even close to what is considered a 4XL (chest = 140cm). I have been wearing First Ascent's PowerSlide Jersey (in 3XL which is "lekker" loose-fitting. Link here: http://www.firstascent.co.za/shop/mens-powerslide-jersey/ When compared with their other FirstAscent tops, such as Boundless Jersey (which is the only other 3XL item available) it is immediate obvious that the Boundless Jersey is very tight, even if it is the same 3XL category! Link here: http://www.firstascent.co.za/shop/mens-boundless-jersey/ Unfortunately, for me, the Powerslide Jersey is out of stock, and FirstAscent cannot tell me when they will be making new ones (been waiting for 6+ months now for them). Imagine my frustration at spending money and time to find something, only to find it not fitting! And ending up with a lot of bike clothes that I cannot even use, or sell (as most other bicycle riders are usually in the XL or 2XL category). Hence this topic of mine....to find a company that is willing to do custom-made shirts, which is hopefully big and loose. And if I can throw in a colour scheme / logo / pattern design of my own in, why not? A bonus!

Does anyone have recommendations of any place in the Western Cape area, of companies that makes & print custom cycling shirts. Preferably those that do shirts up to 3XL (Southern Africa size, not the European size where a 3XL is actually a XL or, rarely, a 2XL) :-P

Never knew they were called 'bear traps' :-) And also never had any pedals 'bit' me with any accidents. I think my HiTech and these 'bear trap' pedals were actually a nice combination as I never had any slip-off due to shoes' grooved soles. Had a few accidents with clip-on pedals (loaned type) but it was more due to un-accustomed feel as well as my 'rearwards pull' reaction (not 'sideways' reaction) when having a fall. Unfortunately I cannot affort any other pedals.... When looking at the NukeProof pedals, won't it also hurt anyone with their pointed pins on pedals itself?

Glad to see this topic as it will help me with alternative shoe choices. Althought I got clip pedals, I cannot affort clip-on shoes, yet, and secondly, due to my foot size (I have a 10 1/2 footprint, which is wide) cannot find shoes anywhere that fits (and I have been all over in many bike shops). So, I am currently riding with standard flat-pedals (see pic, without the reflectors), and outdoor soft-sole, short-ankle support shoes. My first pair was a Bronx (looks very similiar to HiTech Figaro) which fell apart when I walked these thru a few mud pools. Now I am wearing Hi-Tech Langdale, which also looks very similiar to Figaro. Prefer these for the rugged sole (good grip when off-bike and walking / carrying bike) on rough terrain. Plus the shoe soles are thick enough to give me comfort when on the pedals (with its pointed teeth). My biggest problem is not when my feet get off, as I am just riding casually trails, with the occasional "chicken" downhill, but more the shoe laces that tend to get out of my shoes (I push them into the side, between foot and shoe well). Next time I will probably buy a roll of heavy duty duct tape and use pieces to cover my shoe laces, as well as keeping some water/dirt from coming in at the top :-P

Just curious: how does most of you take your SLR camera along on your rides? A cellphone is handy but it does not always have that awesome impact what a SLR camera offers in terms of imagery.

Ok, sounds like it must be 3 bar, damn...I gotta lost weight soon! :-P

Re pressure in the (rear) shock: I really have no idea. When I asked someone at the Flandria bike shop (here in Stellenbosch), he asked for my weight, thought a bit, and pumped that Fox with a weird pump. After that, he asked me to climb on. Settled on having the ring about midway. Btw, the Fox shock have a lever that fits in 3 positions (far left is "unlocked", mid is ??, and right is "locked") - if I heard the guy correctly. So, back to the pressure thing: the Fox lever was set to the right, and was pumped, until my weight brought the ring halfway and that was that. Was done in April 2014, and it is still the same now (September '14).

Haha, floatfox. Thanks for the confidence message. Monster bike...love that! :-) I will then keep and ride it, until it fell apart, or I fell apart, whichever comes first :-P Need some more advice from you guys, please: 1. my rear shock (Fox Float) have a rubber ring that marks the lowest position to which it sags, during a ride. That ring sits about half-way...is it normal? Or do I need to pump more pressure in the rear Fox shock? 2. I have Maxxis Crossmark tires...to what psi level should I put it, for my size and weight? I currently have it pumped to 2 bar. Too much?

Thanks again, everyone. All of your reasonings re keeping the 26er make sense. Problem for me is that I am 6' 2" and weight around 130kg, which I felt is a bit heavy for a dual-shock bike. I have been losing weight steadily, so it might be a matter of time that I will be in the right weight category for this bike. I personally think that with my size and weight, as well as the back shock suspension, I am losing some slight control, power and manuverability over the bike. Also having had the opportunity to ride on a 29er as well as a 27.5, I actually felt more in control with a hardtail bike. Edit: I also think the fact that I am currently jobless, with little finance for proper bike maintenance, is also adding to the confusion for me. I don't know how long it will be before I can actually affort to buy a new (or 2ndhand) bike. Difficult choices...will sit on it for a while and think about it. Thanks again.

Thanks all, for your inputs. Really appreciate it. The front shock is a "Rock Shox Recon" (100mm travel) The back shock is a "Fox Float RP23". And the rear deraileur is really carbon - cannot mistake it, almost plastlc-like appearance with white/grey block patterns that is unique to carbon materials. Condition is good, with minor scratches here and there, mostly on the bottom frame, cassette, pedals as well as on the handlebar (due to repositioning as well as mounted light / gps leaving marks). No cracks or rust. The guy who bought it, customised it by having the stem and rear deraileur replaced with carbon equivalent. As well as replacing rims + wheels, a full XTR drivetrain, as well as Shimano pedals. He wanted to sold it for around R11k but gave it to me for R4k (when I was at a personal low time, financially and both emotionally and physically - which is what 2 years being jobless does to oneself). Both Flandria and Dirtopia (both bike shops in Stellenbosch) put the value of the bike at around R9k-10k. But I will probably sell it for R8k - images will come soon, in the advertised section. Just wanting to get a bigger bike, without the minimum extra financial costs incurred. I know and understand and can live with the fact that I will be moving from a Giant Anthem 26er with XTR components to a Giant Talon 27.5er with Deore components. A 29er is just out of my reach financially-wise. I just want to get a bigger bike, that is all....