mikkelz

PPA: How we calculate your seeding. Disclaimer: I am in no way in favour of the current seeding system used by the PPA, but the quote above illustrates my point that there shouldn't be an issue in separating different distances for MTB events when calculating a seeding. In summary: shorter distance (whether by choice or nature's intervention) counts for less. mikkelz2010-05-09 14:34:45

Cool photos. Looks like it was fun!

Having ridden in the PPA organised Tru-Cape MTB event yesterday, one thing I noticed that seriously needs to change is the separation of road and MTB seeding. Some roadies just aren't cut out for the mountain and vice versa. No offence to any one, but they are two separate disciplines and not everyone is equally good at both. i.e. your road seeding doesn't necessarily reflect your ability on the MTB.

Both bikes look awesome!

I'm all for a formal thing and putting my name down. You're right about us being here in 2 years time still complaining on TheHub (which the PPA most probably doesn't even know about) unless there is a combined effort to voice our complaints (and suggestions). I have nothing to hide about my feeling of being ripped off with my current PPA membership. One basic thing I'd like to see, all the seeding nonsense aside (i.e. that clearly needs to be reworked) is for the PPA to wake up and embrace social networking like Facebook and Twitter. Post events, news, updates etc. It's the current trend and just about everyone who is anyone has a Twitter profile and FB group/fan page. Their website needs a serious kick up the ass. Having to use RaceTec's calender for event listings, because the PPA website is so rubbish and outdated is a joke. No offence to RaceTec - their calender does the job. As an example, the current MTB calendar on the PPA website: 1. go to the PPA website 2. click Mountain biking - Mountain biking calendar 3. the click (again) Current events 4. try find an event amongst the mess... Have a look at Tru-Cape, which is this weekend. The link to "Online Entries" is a link back to the PPA website. I mean for f*ck sakes that is pathetic. I ended up emailing the organiser to find a link to the online entry website. Which, for the record is: https://secure2.entries.co.za/onlineentries/LandingPage.aspx?EID=1134mikkelz2010-05-06 05:15:35

For R230 it's the least they could flipping do! I think there is a number of people that are going to be pondering not to renew before we start getting better service. Agreed. Except with the PPA being the monopoly (and not a very good one) in the WC with regards to road cycling and thus the seeding system, you're not left with much choice. Although starting at the back of fun rides with a temporary license might just be good training.

We just got one seeding run! Be grateful!

Just about fell of my chair when I read that.Thanks for the laugh!!!!!

Cycle Lab should sue her back for loss of sales after using a photo of her face.

The truth hurts. Minus the make-up and Photoshopping...

It's harder to test out in the bush...

Registered.

Cool. Thanks!

What tyres are you using? My S-Works "The Captain" performed well over some pretty varying and rough/rocky terrain. Initially I thought the sidewalls looked like they wouldn't last long at all, but they seriously impressed me. Just put on a regular Specialized The Captain (wanted 26x2.0 instead of 26x2.2) and a Specialized Fast Trak LK at the back. Even though they weigh a bit more, they look quite a lot tougher than the S-Works models. Stan's for the win.

It's not you. Topic: Forum Maintenance

Real cyclists ride Specialized bikes.

Nice wheels! Keen to see a photo of them on your bike.

Good news!

LOL

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2010/bikes/9705-03_l.jpg That's pretty hot if you're asking me!

Just been having another look at my seeding indexes for a couple of rides this year. I couldn't figure out why the Argus didn't count towards my current seeding, but the "ride" index the PPA gave me for that was pretty toilet. Even though it was my fastest race (fun ride) this year, over the longest distance with the most elevation gained. Piece of cake I hear them (PPA) saying... Race | Distance | Winning time | My time | PPA ride index Bay City Cycle Tour League and Funride | 84km's | 2h15 | 2h53 | 23.34 Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour | 110km's | 2h39 | 3h37 | 34.07 So I do "better" (or is that "beta") in a shorter, easier ride according to the PPA's ride index. That makes absolutely no sense to me. 34.07 ride index is equivalent to PPA group K. What a joke. Clearly finishing before 26560 other riders counts for sh*t. Lol, one of the first (worst) MTB rides I did last year, the 60km De Grendel MTB challenge, where I finished a brilliant (crap) 89th out of 137 has a better ride index than my Argus result this year. 30.72 vs 34.07

Interesting - I've noticed a bit of a wobble/play on with my 105 cassette if I have the bike upside down and the rear wheel spinning pretty fast after giving it a few pedal strokes. I'm going to take off the cassette and check if that spacer is there.

We left in groups with ~5 minute intervals between each. A to H I think. Unicyclists went off first if I remember correctly. TT style or seeding for next year would be great. I was in group G and only started at 08:50 - so it was a long morning!