Rapunzel

I suppose it also depends on where you're weak. If the hills kill you then the extra weight of a dual suspension probably won't be a good call but if you're technically challenged then the dual suspension is more forgiving. I changed to a dual suspension prior to changing to longer distance events and I don't regret the change. however I am still very tempted to switch to a lighter hardtail for the shorter races (3 hours or less).

Hi there Dirtman Will there be signeage up for members who can't get there on the weekend?

accuweather.com has the temperature at -2 by 8pm and the realfeel at -6. OUCH!!

I found the crank length on the calculator interesting - if my recommended mtb size is between 17" and 18" and recommended crank length is 170 (probably due my small feet). so why do most mountain bikes come out with 175mm cranks even on their small and medium models?

where do frames fit in?

It sounds daft when you're at home in front of the fireplace with warm toes my size 4 feet fit into the jiffy bag but you'll probably need something a touch bigger and just trim the extra off. It sounds daft but I'm loathe to spend a fortune on booties and then find they don't work. The jiffy trick helped a bit riding in De Doorns 3 weeks ago in 3 degrees (only took 30km to defrost my feet and legs where I'd normally still be frozen after a 50km race). I suppose the most important thing is to keep your core warm and a bit of extra winter insulation could help.

as for the jiffy bags - they're brilliant. I normally put a thin pair of socks on first, then jiffybags then my normal mtb socks. It not only stops the wind chill but it keeps the feet dry after the inevitable river crossings this time of year. I've never had a problem with blisters or feet slipping.

.... on their indoor trainers? nobody training outside in capetown in weather like this is a sissy

Did mine august last year and no operation. Shoulder also hangs a bit lower and it hurts a bit in certain positions (just rode with 1 hand for the first 2-3 weeks). Just make sure you see a physio - don't want to end up with frozen shoulder.

I spoke to Dave Clark from racetec re seedings and he pointed out some obvious challenges for mtb seeding. Route markings are not always good so not all riders complete the full distance eg Faircape (many organisers are still on a learning curve). Argus MTB also couldn't be used for seeding due to routes being cut short due to the heat. I think the correct action to take would be to mail pedal power with a list of your results, requesting a review of your seeding. Hopefully this can resolve your problems until a more suitable system can be established.

The only PPA sanctioned event missing was the Lourensford mtb from October 2010. The problem is that the qualifying race criteria are the same for road and mtb and MTB events aren't condusive to huge fields. The whole seeding process revolves around the Argus cycle tour and I think it is time for it to change to be more inclusive of different distances and disciplines.

anybody else only do mtb events? My seeding is down to S!!! Only 2 of the 12 races I did last year count for seeding which is really frustrating. Is the argus mtb event only going to be considered in the next seeding run?

Does Cyclelab's seeding work on positions aot your race times relative to the winner's time? PPA's seeding for mtb events is still awful and the season is just about to start

55kg and running 2.0 front and back. I've been really impressed after changing over from my (tired) crossmarks. Are you guys using different tires for muddy conditions?

I think carrying vs pushing is a bigger issue (come on - even the pro's can't ride up everything). What is the best way to carry a FS? I find that when hitting something unrideable (like the little "hike a bike" towards the end of the vigne-a-vigne 55km), it pays to cut losses and hop off and run sooner rather than later. I use it as a chance to rehydrate and eat if necessary. I also find that pushing at say 4km/h leaves fewer lactics in the legs than riding your bike at the same speed. Trail running is excellent cross training because it strengthens the calves which take the biggest strain when pushing.

I take my hat off to them for running an ultra with virtually no competitors or spectators and no road closures. I'll be running the half on Saturday - haven't been running much so the knees are probably going to feel it afterwards. Good luck to all running and martialling (not an easy job keeping to a steady 15km/h for 56km!!)

... anybody want to do some long range weather forecasts for the mtb race next year - don't fancy the idea of riding 55km through the cauldrons of hell again

our local ratepayers association has asked all members to lay charges against him for hate speech. I feel bad to waste police resources but it would be criminal of us to let him get away with what he does.

I know that PPA has put some money into developing mtb trails so I'm happy to be benefiting. What about all the smaller races - R100+ per rider and no obvious charity to benefit from and frequently no prize money at all. I'd rather see R50 of my entry fee going to charity than into some self-seeking individual's pocket!

Cool - so I used PPA for subsequent entries but still can't correct the one which is half completed (club details can't be changed on the "Edit details" screen) Agree on the "rent a crowd" thing. I really enjoy the racing and it's great for getting my form back so I'll give it a go but I'm really miffed with the profiteering on mtb events. There was a fair amount of hype around the Renosterveld mtb event (entries opened on the 15th) but the prices are really scary - R4600 per 2-man-team for an unsupported 3 day /300km race (ie no accommodation, only support at watering points and stage finish).

Has anybody been having problems with this? The process is very time consuming (trying to enter my husband and I for both races). Tygerberg MTB is not on the list of clubs so I'm also being charged licenses on all entries which really adds up. I phoned grandstand management on Monday, explained the dilemma and mailed them all the details but entries close tomorrow and I've still not had a resolution, even after a follow up phonecall

I heard it was muddy - any after pics?

is it just my computer or is your bike invisible?

I'm just thinking that a few warning signs with some of these full colour snake pictures may keep our favourite mtb spots safer

solution: ride fast, finish sooner