Firemeister

Went for an MRI scan yesterday and found quite a severe slipped disc in the lower back between L4 & L5 pressing hard on the nerve. Seeing the neurosurgeon today to discuss the way forward but the doc (GP) and radiologist wants me in hospital asap. Anyone had a similar disc slip (causing severe pain and numbness from the buttock to the heel) and maybe some feedback on how it was fixed ie surgery/ traction or physio? How long did it keep you off the bike? Would like to hear some of your experiences thanks. Btw - the cause: incorrect bike setup over the past 6 months. I was 100% during the Epic earlier in the year (26er dual) and problems started only with the new bike after the Epic (29er hard tail). My own fault though cause I never had the proper setup transferred to the new bike until the gradual pain of the last 6 months now caused the disc slip.

Are you still looking for a rider? What is your goal/ estimated riding time.

If I must choose a trip to the Alps, or the Epic, I would probably choose Epic again and I have been to the Alps For me the Epic was definately an investment - an investment in your health, fitness, self esteem etc. **** the sticker, that fades after a few washes, but the memory and the medal is forever. And chicks dig it

Cannondale flash

What a $hit statement..? What more cred does he require?

Check out the Tour de Plett mtb race in Plettenberg Bay on Saturday 30 June. 30/50/80km distances www.tourdeplett.co.za

Pichas please

Nice ride, I have the same and took it is super fast and comfy. Check out dr.cannondale.com for more accessories

very well said Tubehunter

and your point exactly? For Springbok front rowers to pass the "fitness" test, they are required to, among other things, run a 3km stretch in under 12 minutes... and also, getting national colours in any sport requires a lot of HTFU. nuff said

Thers is a MTB nice race in Rheenendal (Knysna area) tomorrow, called the Homtini/ Rheenendal memorial - 65km with 1500 ascent. Quite technical and very scenic and well worth it.

Training and fitness is not sufficient to carry you through the epic. You also need good skills and the ability to push your body and mind to the limit. The general pace at the epic is fast (even at the back), and most drop outs is not because of fitness but mainyu due to mechanicals, sickness or diarrhea, fractures, dehytration etc. How many times have you completed the Epic?

Stick to Medium. Large too big for your height.

Wow that's good looking. I have a Rocky Mountain long travel free ride bike which i'll never sell. I renew my XC bike every year which i use for the races etc but you need that extra fun bike (if you can afford it) for te recreational rides in baggy shorts.. Agree with MikeMT, it's not all about racing What do they cost?

Just did the Epic with 3x10 and would happily again take that extra 100g load in exchange for a few extra gears on those massive Dr. Evil climbs (walks)

Thanks for the quick and clear response. Was just wondering why most 29ers come out with 2x10. Cheers.

For some of you this might be a stupid question but I need to understand this a bit better please. Is 2x10 just less gears or is it less gears but with more or less the same ratios/ effects as 3x10? The reason for my question is I am looking at getting a 29er frame, fork and wheels, but keep my SramXO brakes and XO 3x10 gears and use on the new 29er? Does this make sense? I read somewhere that 29ers perform better with the 2x10 speed? If so, is it possible to use the XO shifters, deraileurs etc (currently on my 3x10 speed) on a 2x10 cassette etc?

Which one goes front the Ralph?

it wasn't a 360'Life rider, he just wore a 360'Life outfit. And he also didn't have a R30k carbon bike, had an old bike that almost looked like it still had v-brakes. i would also kick that bike

fanx a mil

thanks G-Unit. Do you perhaps know their number/ location?

Hi Chris, Sent you an email to the above address but have'nt had any response.

If you can afford it, get back up. Don't fool around. This race takes huge financial and physical effort to get to the start. Unless you're very confident with the tech stuff, take your chances. I wouldn't, as the Epic will put your bike through tremendous hammering. If **** is going to happen it is going to happen on this race. Even just a proper clean and check every day will make you sleep better and ride wit confidence. only my 2c's.

pm sent

We need a bike mechanic that can assist my partner and I for the Cape Epic. Our bikes will be 100% before the event so we only require someone that can attend to the day to day checks, tunes, bike cleaning etc. Preferably someone that will only be attending to a handful of teams and not planning to break us financially for this service. Please send me details, thanks.