29pgc10

cost: entry: R1k accommodation: R6k - 4xB&B 3xCamp petrol: R6k - but we did not go there and back only. receiving the medal and climbing Dune 45 to stretch legs afterwards: priceless!

I have found this on a motorbike forum. It might have been mentioned here before, but searching the hub fond nothing. So here it is, as scary as it sounds: Motion Induced Blindness It works exactly like it says, and is one major reason people in cars can look right at you (when you're on a motorcycle or bicycle)---AND NOT SEE YOU. From a former Naval Aviator. This is a great illustration of what we were taught about scanning outside the cockpit when I went through training back in the '50s. We were told to scan the horizon for a short distance, stop momentarily, and repeat the process. I can remember being told why this was the most effective technique to locate other aircraft. It was emphasized (repeatedly) to NOT fix your gaze for more than a couple of seconds on any single object. The instructors, some of whom were WWII veterans with years of experience, instructed us to continually "keep our eyes moving and our head on a swivel" because this was the best way to survive, not only in combat, but from peacetime hazards (like a midair collision) as well. We basically had to take the advice on faith (until we could experience for ourselves) because the technology to demonstrate it didn't exist at that time. Click on the link below for a demonstration ... http://www.msf-usa.org/motion.html and the following: http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/raf-pilot-teach-cyclists/

ok, that settles it: no tandem this year...

dont worry, there is fair amount of traffic and "stuck" you will be not for long. there are other hazards: cows do not reflect light and crashing into one is real posibility, falling asleep on the desert section happened to more than one. the 170km without support is not major problem as at 35km you will only need water and at 100km few bars and some energy drinks will carry you. remember, there are food stations at the water points (if I read it correcly) for the solo riders and at the "half-stager" for all. tandem anybody?

in December we bought a MTB tandem in EU and brought it to SA in it's original box (2000x900x250mm) weighing shade under 32kg. We pre-arranged with lufthansa for Sport-equipment allowance. Been quoted about R750 and ended paying half of that. Word of advice: prearrange and smile!

will see in July

how true. two weekends ago my seven years old managed the blue river trail just fine but was stopped by the wire on the trampoline. three stitches later all was fine. next morning the girls ( seven, ten and forever 21 ) did the green from top of the climb! still our favorite place for long weekend away!

I will have to give it a miss this year. The boss, she said so.

natrix you rock! Without you, we would have burned ourselves out and still be stuck on the climb out of Grootriver Port! Myself, Lambchop and Gery will attempt to collect all the medals, joining us?

my active-recovery-against-my-doc-advice-therapy seems to work: it only hurts when I steer the car, not while on the bike – with the flat bar. There is Ritchey Rizer floating around here, maybe I will give it another try.

i had them on my Hadida but every single bump was throwing me off bike. back to flats (I am abviously a fun rider). no sweat. lol

nice website. get your distances and altitudes right and you are in business. http://www.brytonsport.com/mapTrackView/2?id=56482

we were there this morning, riding the black trail. it is hard to belive we have unspoiled piece of africa right at our doorsteep. highly recomended. we will be back - but this time earlier and do it twice. http://www.brytonsport.com/mapTrackView/2?id=59790

call CoolHeat, I had some issues with mine and those guys sorted it for me.

last time I was there I needed the passport

I have white shoes for MTB and road. Keeping clean is really easy: just make sure there is water crossing close to end of the ride. Something I have realized after few months of riding: the shoes are definitely quicker than I ever be.

buy a subary, you say? that makes it far more expensive than epic... all that said, can not wait for the 19th and see what all this fus is about.

what? you want to be delivery boy?

I second that. plus Transbaviaans and Desert Dash will make excelent year!

so the epic come and now is gone, the hand is still there (although with significantly reduced movability, but we are working on this), the pain is also gone (I was worrying about the descends, but the sand did by far more damage and the steep climbs were seriously painful). the hadida, as we have christened the mojo, slept in the van for all eight days while trusty 96 squeaked everyday towards the finish line. biggest challenge for me was the fitness level, as with exception of the Argus, I did not cycle since the accident, two months ago. that all said, thanks largely to my partner, we got together to Lourensford finish line. we are still friends and are planning some more riding together. Thanks again for all the advice and words of encouragement. the electric cows - or merida 3 the slow one has completed the 2011 epic! http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo197/29pgc10/DSCF0985.jpg

caad4, I am sure Hermida was riding HT and 96 Meridas last year.

Thank you everybody for your comments. I got myself nice wrist guard that fits over the gloves (what a rip-off: on CRC the 661 Race is 15quids here some other brand R480...). Will be taking both bicycles: will try the Ibis in Tokai and will see. there is nothing in the rules about swaping bikes: 7 Bicycles Only mountain bikes in good working order and race ready at the start of each stage will be allowed to start that stage. For purposes of rule 7.1, “race ready” means the following: 1) The front number board is securely fitted and visible from the front. 2) The frame marking is displayed as per instructions received at registration. 3) The bike is in safe working order, as determined in the discretion of the commissaire. Handlebar ends and handlebar extensions shall be plugged and must not have sharp or jagged edges. The use of tri-bars and bladed wheels is not allowed. Each rider is responsible for the maintenance of his/her own bike for the duration of the race. In all cases of maintenance and repair, riders are required to complete the full distance of the stage and must complete the stage within the maximum stage time. Time spent on maintenance and repair will thus not entitle a rider to any extension of the maximum stage time. 9 Team Riding ... Any rider may receive physical assistance from his/her team partner or from a fellow competitor. For purposes hereof, “physical assistance” shall mean the sharing of water and nutrition, sharing of bike parts and accessories (including the swopping of bike frames), assistance with maintenance and repair, and pushing/towing by physical contact only. ... can not wait: week of fun in the cape

Two months ago I connected with Mother Earth and broke my wrist. With only six days until the start of Epic I need to make choice of the machinery to be used: Option 1: Been riding 96s for two years now, in Epic as well. This one for a year. Flat bar, Fox Fit and I know it well. Option 2: Ibis Mojo - new teritory for me, collected her only on Saturday. Riser bar, Revelation 150mm shock, CB Jawlin seat post. Option 3: Not an option now, I will be there taking it day-by-day, until finish line or failure. It is here to agree that we disagree. I need to make choice between the known -to me- behavior of the 96 vs perceived comfort of the Mojo. My wrist will take beating on the descends, but I have not ridden the Mojo for any significant length of time, never mind for 8 days. http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo197/29pgc10/50a5ff24.jpg

Haha. The MOJO. The Forester is Momy quick response vehicle (to take any of her kids - me included - to hospital for stitches etc) and has been with us for a while.

New addition to the stable http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo197/29pgc10/eb8d2813.jpg