Gayboy

I thought it was an awesome ride - but considering I haven't actually raced since the Argus 2 years ago, I might be naive (apart from a dismal 24-hours at Wiesenhof). Lekker scenery, cows in the fields, roling hills to the horizon. And the entry fee is what I'd spend shopping on Saturday morning, so I got kept out of mischief. My mind boggles at the organisation it all takes. On road manners, I hate peletons myself - but I wish, wish, wish the "Keep left pass right" rule was adhered to.

Awesome! Thank you both - I'm hugely relieved it's that simple. I had nightmares of expensive new wheels and tyres and endless services coming up.

I nearly kakked myself coming down Suikerbossie the other day, and it didn't make the rest of the ride very comfortable. Can anyone give any pointers on what might be causing it? It'll be much appreciated!

Sorry to hear about the bike. But I'm afraid I also have to agree with the organisers. If I'm old enough to buy a bike, I'm old enough to look after it and organise insurance. And if the organisers did have to compensate everyone for every lost bike, can you imagine how many false claims could come forward? How many extra expensive little add-ons would be claimed for?

As to danger zones ... dear old Giempie Street. Wish they'd knock that whole area down personally. Got 'jacked there, luckily without personal harm - but the cops at Woodstock tation know that you have to go to "The Queen of Giempie Street" and it cost me R10 to get the bike back. Nowadays I ride back along De Waal Drive, then down Roedebloem onto Main Road to get to Rondebosch - adds lots of extra time but it's more attractive and the road's surprisingly wide.

I remember when I worked Saturday mornings at Linden Cycle back in the late 70s. Nobody touched a Raleigh because they were big and heavy with no panache. The Peugeot Sting was R99, then you moved way on up to the Peugeot Rapport at around R119. Sitting in the window was the bike everyone wanted but couldn't afford: a Le Jeune at R500! Good Grief! So I suppose that, even back then, the top bikes were about 5 times the cost of an average bike, and the ratio is true today. Anyway, I still think my 80s Le Turbo is better than anything you've got. Sachs-Huret derailleurs live forever! Viva!