Pretorim

One of the best organised races on the calendar but a question for the organizers: Those rumble strips on R557 at crossing with R551 are really terrible - of the bone rattling, wheel breaking kind... Any possibility to get some conveyer belt strips out there?

Never ridden in the area, would appreciate if someone has Strava files available, would like to have a look at segments, gradients etc. Thanks

Find a similar color nail polish - thin layers - ask wife to do it... When your'e done and completely dry; car polish and patience. The damage won't disappear but the chip will be sealed of. Alternatively, send it to Anette in Benoni - she does professional paint jobs on bikes, you won't spot the damage once she's done.

Yes, original owner. The bike really doesn't work a lot, no services necessary and it was only back to the dealer shortly after built to sort a noisy headset - I waited, took a few minutes and they clamp seat post

Yep, the bike is insured but unfortunately I have scruples

I'm posting a pic of the damage - I need to mention this is a climber's bike, not aero. I'm lightweight @63Kg but admit I train and race hard (Strava brag- thread confirms!) This is however my "Special" bike and I do most of my training on an older, similar bike to keep this one like new. I spoke with someone in the know recently who confirm that the top tube definitely has forces pulling, especially working it on climbs, which might be a reason for the two directional crack. Zoom the pic to see if there are any indication of external forces - I know there are many experts in the industry on this forum. If I were taking a chance, I would've submitted an insurance claim.. Btw, I really don't want to name the brand yet, still hoping for an amicable solution. Besides, I honestly believe in the brand but unfortunately sometimes people disappoint people.

I bought a top- end bike (Prefer to not mention brand at this stage) and within a year I noticed a carbon crack, in the middle, under the top tube. Immediately followed up and also had frame sent to their SA Head Office. They reckon it is the 1st time something like this happened and decided it is as result of external damage such as transport/ work stand. I was at pains to show with pictures how my bike is transported with skewers in fork and I don't even own a work stand. They did not have x- rays taken or other technological means of testing but only on face value decided that I damaged the bike. I sent mail to their International Head Office for assistance who seem to rely on the local assessment. My question is, what would be the best way to test/ prove this is carbon failure? Their suggestion is a crash replacement deal or insurance claim, which would be a false claim. I'm willing to now run with this and prepared to lose legal costs but expose them for thinking they have my back if something goes wrong. Suggestions would be appreciated.

Distance 14,764.9 km Time 483h 7m Elev Gain 83,732 m Rides 256 Seems a lot, but should mention all on road bike..

Ahem, Ultegra groupset??? https://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/shimano-ultegra-r8000-11spd-groupset Might have to switch to single-ply for a while but that's what I want need!

Maybe key-rings?

I understand same as you, I copied- and pasted the AA article as is and gave them credit for writing.Point I'm trying to make is exactly to get Authorities involved in discussion. Technically, if you're passing someone, you are riding next to another cyclist. What if the group is training in a pace-line - briskly passing all the time, but always two abreast. What happens is that some motorists would appoint themselves as enforcers, just to show you how wrong you are. My thinking is to look at existing research indicating that it is safer riding in a bunch (More visible Unit) and see how/ or if it could be implemented here. Of course SA has unique conditions and one will no doubt look at number of lanes, how wide lanes would be etc. Incidentally, my friend Dave was in single file when he was hit from behind...

I sent this open letter this morning to CSA and to Dept Transport, following increasing number of close-calls, decided to see if we can increase awareness. Quick response from Secretary General CSA received - undertaking to refer to Exco and relevant commissions for comment and feedback. Quite interested to hear what the situation is like in rest of country.. OPEN LETTER TO CSA.pdf

Strong rider - Adriaan Beukes - he won VC last year outsprinting Gary Beneke after being in long break

Use my 520 daily, none of the same issues. I think it's a great device! I know there were some software issues - don't upgrade software with bluetooth, plug in to PC. Upgraded from Edge 500 which had issues with HR spikes 240+ ! I suggest take it to Navworld, their service is really good, they'll fix it or just give you a new one - That's why we buy GARMIN...

http://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/parktool-chain-tool-ct-63 - Looks like a decent 11 Spd Chain breaker..

So, we're riding down from Jozi with the bikes. I'll be staying another week at Banana Beach, trying to find out if there are any groups training, perhaps daily somewhere from Port Shepstone to Hibberdene. (I'm kinda halfway in-between) Thanks, Martin

Well the obvious fix is a proper bike fit - spend da money! Then, search Piriformis - Causes and Stretches; Piriformis syndrome irritates the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica pain, lower back pain and leg pain. The one easy stretch that really worked for my lower back was sitting on chair, bend one leg with your foot on other leg over knee, back straight, pull in your tummy and lean forward. Repeat with other leg. You will feel it pulling at the back. Because cycling is a linear activity with no sideways movement of the muscles, this is a common problem and stretching helps you remain flexible

Compared to last year's route, its about 8 Km's shorter but almost 200m extra climbing. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/399314943 Really hope it is well supported though, would hate to see this race disappear forever.

Kudos for PPA saving this race - other cycling bodies can take some tips wrt looking after the riders' interests, safety and money! Any word on possible route changes?

Provision for boomed-off areas are made in terms of the Rationalization of Local Government Affairs Act. A committee of the neighborhood has to re-apply with the Local Authority (Usually every 2 years) for permission of restricted access. They may control access but not prevent access. My suggestion is to bypass security company and rather chat with chairperson of the neighborhood committee. Let them sort it out with security contractors. He will most likely go out of his way to accommodate you, if not, you have right to object with Municipality which will impact on their next re-application. As you said, problem with one person, not really security concept - should be sorted. Good luck

Aftermath, got 7th GC in 40+. Enjoyed (& Died) the route changes. Do think however, stage 2 too flat, bunches stayed together, with some tired legs and wind, made it quite dangerous. Perhaps a climb or two to stretch things out won't hurt. There were some crashes in tunnels (heard of tandem & 40+) Definitely extra light needed. The quicker you finish, the longer the wait to next stage; I find it hurts more to get going again, was wondering how many entries could be expected if we requested a special category that goes non- stop, take your bottles and grub with you - similar to DC. Any takers?

Good organising, great event. This one will grow... Some random Pics on Team @Slab Facebook page.

Date I have is 9th June 2012 - think - I got it from CSA's site

Okay, the Receiver of Revenue smiled upon me this year... Need help deciding between Campag Shamal, Fulcrum Race Zero and Easton EA90 SLX. All 3 wheelsets similar in weight & price. Will be used mostly for training but must be good allrounder for occasional race as well. I'm 63Kg, do about 800-1000Km/month. Bike - Specialized Tarmac, Campag Chorus 10Spd groupset Mtb'er of nature and any help/ experience with these wheelsets will be appreciated.

Make your way to Rietvlei in Alberton. Great MTB riding there. This weekend (Sunday)is Provincials, next weekend, Nationals, check it out