grimpeur

Ha ha, before the line, dude. I also try not to be jerk! Agree, but if it's only about the money, why do us amateurs behave like jerks sometimes? I love the competitiveness of the final sprint, even if I'm 199th. But let's not lose perspective. Give the struggling guy a push next time - it'll make his day and put the fun back into the sport!

I'm generally trying so hard to improve my seeding (or my ego?) that I can't think of helping anyone beat me!

Apparently not! I was racing for the line this weekend (ok ,not for a podium finish) in the Joostenberg ride, with failing legs, and a gap opening up in front of me that I could do absolutely nothing about when, lo and behold, a get a huge push from behind... I look around but see only strangers, so I put my head down again, but still I can't close the gap... until I get another push! This time the gap closes and fly past a good 15 guys over the line. Whoever it was, thanks! It's not my position that made my day - it's the fact that there are guys out there who haven't forgotten what the sport, and life, is really all about.

Ok, I meant "anywhere" else !

Malan and the guys at Cycle addiction are great. Won't take my bikes anywheres else!

Thank, but does that mean on a fast rocky track I'd speed it up or slow it down to absorb maximum shock?

Rock Shox forks have a reboud speed adjuster... maybe all do... but how do I know what's a good setting for a specific terrain?

Begging for a ride! No damage to frame or wheels. Both shifters damaged and a few other deep scars, but overall came off pretty lightly, happy to say. No bunch pile-up, thanks to Bos's skill!

Hey, very much in two minds (no pun intended!). Can't take any chances for another 6 weeks due to concussion. And ribs need a few more weeks. But mentally I'm not ready either. I loved bunch riding, but right now I can't look at my bike without thinking: "unstable!" Time will tell. Will be patient and trust the Lord to show the way.

Amen to that... especially since I thought I had blacked out before the fall. Very grateful for thehub!

Just for the record, this is now officially a SOLVED mystery

I've been riding since 2007 and have fallen many times on my MTB, but never on my road bike, and nothing like this. But I love both, and I'm super thankful that I have been granted more time on my bikes - whether with mud in my face, or with the soothing hum of the bunch's wheels in my ears! And always with a helmet (and a humble attitude)! And I should mention that any trauma I experienced was nothing compared to what my wife went through waiting for me at the finish line for one and a half hours, with our 2-year old daughter. She was one of the many silent hero's of the day. Love you, R!

I must compliment the Knyskna guys: My bike and all my stuff - helmet, shoes, gloves, glasses, water bottles, the whole lot - was kept perfectly together with my race number and my wife picked everything up at the tent without any hassles. Even my mushed up banana was still there! Thanks guys!

Yes, we ended up in the same ward in Knysna private hospital. I fell on the downhill into Sedgefield and he was in the ambulance when it picked me up. Could hardly breath. A broken rib had punctured his lung, but he was doing very well when I left hospital on Mon morning. Probably stayed one more day. He was from Joburg if I remember correctly and was planning to spend a week at the festival with his family after the race. They were there to support him.

Thanks for all the good wishes, everyone. I never doubted that I'll get the help I might need on the road. And Bos, you're the man! I'm recovering really well and I have no regrets - just gratitude to the Lord and all who lent a hand in any way. It's just opened my eyes again to how fragile we are out there, no matter how skilled and careful we think we are. Look out for the white helmet on a white and black Merida 905 in the Somerset West area. And never ride without a helmet! It saved my life.