Nothing wrong with a Raleigh. But having said that the following should be considered. Check your budget and then look at what the market has to offer before settling on a Raleigh simply because it looks nice. I believe Raleigh have increased their prices quite considerably for the 2009 range so there may just be something better out there for the same price. Another thing to consider is that I have ridden 3 different Raleighs and have always felt that they have a "balance" problem. I have spoken to a few other people who have ridden them and they have felt the same way. Try to get one to test ride before making the purchase. Carbon bikes are generally expensive so be sure about it before you lay out the cash. Hope this helps.
The English is just more subtle guys. Another Joe Low one. We riding on the road and there is a Mountain Biker riding on the dirt pavement next to the road. Joe Low pipes - "hey bud you should try riding here (pointing to the tarmac) it's smoother" I rode past to hear a silent F#$k off from the mountain biker.
Two weeks ago on Rand Water Raod a bunch caught and came past us, we latched onto the back and Jow Low proceeds to ride up to the guy in the front and say "Is that all you've got"
The reserve is a good ride. I don't know too many people who have never walked in the reserve but probably the best feeling is the first time you do it without walking. This place makes you strong and it makes you determined because there are very few races in South Africa which make you suffer like the reserve. The pain you experience in the reserve makes the pain you feel in a race like 94.7 a cakewalk.
Tough - never an easy ride in the reserve you are either going up or down. Not a place for the faint hearted and definately not a place to go if you are not fit.
We get there at 7am when the gates open, then meet in the parking lot. Depending on the que at the gate you normally get started at around 07:20 and then bank on around 2:40 per lap.
After the 120km's on Saturday I shat bricks in the reserve on Sunday, the wind was impossible and the dead legs didn't help to much either. Anyways 2 laps next weekend Saturday for anyone who wants to join.
Another fine example for the people of the country. Is there not one person in this party that is not a criminal? Apparently not. *** I only wish that the people could see the light and kick these plonkers out on there asses in this next election. Maybe they should change their name to the African National Criminals which would be more fitting to their modus.
Just got off the phone with the Parks officials and here is what they have had to say. "For the time being you may come to the reserve as normal but a meeting will be held in April / May to discuss the routing and rules / regulations which cyclists and other activities at the park must adhere to". "We in the interim are aware that some of our staff are breaking the rules and need to first adress this issue before moving on to the public. However having said that the public must continue to abide by the current rules which are in place and 3 particular areas of concern are". a) Cyclists riding down the big hill at the beginning of the course on the N3 side of the route - it is extremely dangerous. b) People not using the ablution blocks but stopping on the side of the road and using the reserve as toilet facilities. c) Motor vehicles traveling the wrong way around the route They indicated that they would be looking at a better policing method to ensure that the rules are not broken and would be looking at a system of banning individuals from the park who transgress the rules. They will be in contact with me after their meeting has been held in order to let me know what the official rulings are. Now be good people and abide by the rules and there will be no problems - it's simple really!!
