Rapunzel

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

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

I think I bumped into you folks going through the gate to hillcrest and was also inspired to take a pic Bit short of time so also did Majik and then 2 laps of hillcrest red route.

don't know how well the pic will come out. From the beacon, take the jeep track downhill to the sub station and follow it to the left. Follow the fence around the substation and head uphill next to the vineyards. As the track gets steep, follow the singletrack to the left. If you keep on this singletrack, it takes you to the short steep climb and then next to the electric fence. There are a few routes down - you can't go too wrong from there.

I also admit defeat on the short steep part but I find the trick to the electric fence section is to ride it in my 3rd gear - takes a bit of power but at least you get enough momentum to get over the rocks and past the tree trunk. As for the electric fence - I got a shock of note a few months back and wouldn't advise you test to see if it's on

... and I suppose they won't like us gatecrashing the street braai. Chrispy and Brussell - you both live in the area. Maybe it's worth joining the street braai anyway and find out if there's anything on the cards that we can assist with regarding cleaning up of majik and making it safe again.

there have probably been a few close calls with us coming through the forest at pace. We've arranged for bikes to only access the forest side of the dam (ie not on the grassed area on the other side) to reduce the chances of accidents. No single group can lay claim to the area and we need to ensure sufficient representation.

maybe we can swing the concern from getting mountain bikers out of majik to getting the bergies out of majik and doing another clean up. But the more of us the merrier :-)

Those in opposition to mountain biking in Majik Forest have called a public meeting with Andrea Crous (our local councillor) to discuss matters regarding The Majik Forest. Date: Thurs 18 February Time : 18h30 Place: The Park at Botriver Street Protea Valley Matters to be discussed: 1 Green Areas 2 Safety 3 Projects 4 Public Participation 5 Election of Committee Bring your own folding chair or better still, bicycle! Refreshments will be available. Remember this meeting has been called by those in opposition to Mountainbiking in Majik Forest! It is imperative that all riders (not just Tygerberg Club members) concerned about the continued use of the Majik Forest as a facility attend this meeting. Please also inform your friends about the it.If nothing else, we need a show of force to enable us to get voted onto the committee if necessary! There is an official De Grendel Sub-Council meeting scheduled for the first of March to discuss the topic, making your voice heard here will help down the line.

I don't know that it's a tactic thing. I think women are just taking advantage of a bit of chivalry and they ought to be embarrassed. It's not just a problem in the league bunches, it's a problem throughout the field. I'd rather do my fair share of work on the front of the bunch and gain the respect of my fellow cyclists than sit at the back and pip people at the post. m2c

are you sure it's the saddle and not the seat post/clamp? Try cleaning the seatpost (both the clamp and the post) and put a small amount of grease on it before putting all back together. Failing that, ride with an mp3 player

sounds feesible to use a more liquid sealant on the first round as the tires I've purchased are reported to leak a bit of air through the side walls initially (specialized). How many of you folks using only stans are riding through areas full of duiweltjies (spelling??)

anybody tried mixing OKO with a more fluid sealant?

I'm about to do my tubeless setup. I have a bottle of OKO and need to know if it is sufficient to use on it's own or should I mix it with a more fluid sealant (eg stans or joe's)? Next question - what's the recommended amount to use per tire? (using specialized 2bliss on mavic 819's)

I'll definitely be taking my mace with me next time because I ride there alone often (spray first, ask questions later ). I have no intention of stopping riding there - fewer mountainbikers won't help to make it any safer.