Rapunzel

I'm using a specialized Jett (equivalent of Phenom) on my dual suspension which is comfy. I've been lucky enough to get a hardtail 29er and have temporarily put a Specialized Ruby road saddle on (equivalent of the Toupe). The road saddle is more comfy than the Jett MTB saddle and I'd like to hear from people who aren't going to financially benefit from my decision: is this a "no-no" and what are the chances of an sub 60kg rider bending the rails on a road saddle.

I was rather disappointed from a prize perspective. Lucky draw prizes were great but position prizes were dismal. The 108km had plenty of prizes and over R25000 in prize money but only 2 prizes overall totalling R550 per event(no women's prizes at all) for the 64km and 35km mtb.

I was running at the time of #1 and #2 arriving but I'm sure the same principal applies. had c-section with both which needs a longer recovery but started power walking within about 10 days and running within 2 weeks (racing in 5 weeks). time is the biggest challenge: changing my goals to shorter distances at higher intensities paid off with better performances than before the children arrived. Does sport and motherhood really work? depends on your support system (I always joke that from a logistical perspective I need a wife and not a husband ). Get your priorities in order and use them as a guide when making decisions (mine are God, Husband, Children, Me/bike)

it's an excellent route for a short and intense workout and the views from the top really make the climb worthwhile.

I took the opportunity to commute while the kids are on holiday and the roads are quiet. This picture was taken from the top of hillcrest shortly after 7am. We must live in one of the most beautiful corners of the world

popcorn is a winner - got one of those hot air popping machines and I spray a touch of oil on afterwards to get the seasoning/salt to stick. Agreed also with the high GI stuff - if I eat something sugary it starts a craving for even more. Good luck to you all with your new years resolutions to get more in shape

I don't know if it's urban legend, but when it was exported to Australia it had to be classified as a nutritional supplement instead of a cereal (presume due it being so fortified) It has more protein, less salt, more vitamins and minerals, fewer unecessary additives and more fibre than most other cereals. Only snag for me is it has milk solids in it so I tend to mix it with water to keep my milk intake down.

she's about 5 foot tall - not likely to scare much off. We normally ride with mace (for what it's worth) but will have to find some male company next time

A friend and I arranged a day's leave to get a long ride in. So we head to stellies and up the old helshoogte to find that it is closed for an initiation/circumcision camp until the 27th of January. I know the road isn't exactly a throughfare to anywhere but closing it under these circumstances appears a bit daft.

Try putting the saddle very low and taking both the pedals and training wheels off. This way they can use it as a push bike and it will help them get their balance. Once they've mastered that, put the pedals back on but keep the saddle low enough that their feet can reach the ground without having to tilt the bike to the side. Before you know it, they'll be cruising the neighbourhood with you.

can you give us any idea on builds and prices for the carbon 29ers?

I can't get used to mine either so I tend to not wear it too often. Also find that the wearlink strap for the polar just doesn't work - it doesn't pick the pulse up reliably. Maybe I don't have a heart

also remember that a pint donation is going to affect a <60kg rider far more than a >90kg rider. I've reduced donations to twice a year and make sure it's more than 2 weeks before races.

I don't know about using BigJ-wp as bait - your size will probably scare the guys sufficiently without having to resort to a mob. Saw 2 unsavoury looking guys walking towards the pine trees from the top wooden bridge about 2 weeks back but haven't seen them since. A fence with video surveillance at the gates is starting to look like the only viable option.

mix up a sachet or two of Rehidrat - need to replace more than just fluids.

longer doesn't = better I always say that your main priority when cycling is enjoying yourself. If you've got sufficient time on your hands for training then longer races are doable. Most of us are juggling family and work with cycling and the pressure of trying to get 15 hours of training per week is enough to make you hate your bike.

I'm not hard core and not a guy but I was there with 7 others. Still did the normal route without backup. Wind was sweet on the return run

I feel guilty in a way because my hubby broke his scaphoid riding my bike The doctor has booked him off for another 5 weeks (already been off for about 7 weeks) and indoor training isn't really his thing. Any suggestions on how to ride without putting any weight on the hand/wrist? The arm is currently in one of those custom made plastic and velcro braces.

Agree with taps - GP can probably also organise some blood tests to rule out anything obvious. Also check the basics - enough sleep, enough protein and enough kilojoules.

sorry to hijack the thread a bit but I've a question for those who've changed to 29ers (brussel - you're not allowed to respond to this because you're super-human!!) How do you find the very steep climbs in terms of gearing and power requirements? I'm talking about 20-25% gradients (the kind that I use my 34 granny gear on with my current 26er). I'm still considering the 29er but am worried that I don't have the power to get up the steeper climbs.

doesn't genetics also play a big role? Some people just appear to degrade from a cold to flu much faster than others. (touch wood when I say this) I've only been sick enough to keep me from exercising twice in the past 12 years but I generally cut back on intensity and duration of exercise if I get a head cold. Supplementing with vitC and zinc does help to clear a cold faster.

Hi there Big-J will be good to see you there - the more the merrier B)

judging by the number of threads with pictures of everybody's faithful steed(s), most of us spend far more on the bikes than ourselves so here's a challenge: anybody brave enough can start a thread posting pictures of the body vs the bike to see whose getting the balance right

doesn't look like I'm riding rino either. See you folks there tonight :-)

my anthem x2 (med) also comes in at a touch over 13kg. One bottle cage, spd pedals, mavic 819 /xt wheelset and predominantly deore components