Wood1

I have recently tried to understand the same issue. I am 65 and the "rough and ready" rule is that you maximum heart rate should be 220-65, in my case 155. I go to a Cadence Cycle studio twice a week where my maximum heart rate has reached up to 178 recently. The norm is probably 168-170. On the road my muscles give out before my heart rate hits that level so I see a max level in the low 150~165 One of the more important factors is the rate of recovery, I.e. How quickly does it drop after you reduce your effort. If it quickly drops to zero you have a problem! However it seems dropping 30~40 bpm in 2 minutes is probably a good sign. I think the best answer will come from a proper medical professional (cardiologist or sports doctor). I did try a Vitality free health assessment but they didn't have the expertise to provide a satisfactory answer

Can anybody advise the status of the M4 from Umhlanga towards Ballito? Believe the road is closed due to wash away during the recent severe weather. I was wondering if we can cycle along the closed road as far as the road works and back to Umhlanga?

I am flying Emirates Durban to Gatwick at the end of July and both their helpdesk and Facebook message support have told me that if the bike box dimensions exceed 150cm then it will cost me US$250 each way. As stated elsewhere SAA no charge and BA allow bikes unto 190x75X65 which is realistic I don't think any regular bike can be packed to Emirates dimensions.

Also will be riding

Somewhere around 20Km and fairly easy with no hectic hills

Will be staying in the Newlands area in the week prior to the Cape Cycle Tour. Can any Capetonians suggest some easy road routes that I can ride just to keep the legs moving prior to riding the Cape Cycletour on Sunday. Thanks.

Yesterday morning at about 07:00 I rode a short distance on the Durban beachfront past Suncoast & Bike & Bean. I generally only get onto the promenade if I plan on stopping for coffee or a very leisurely cruise down to Ushaka Pier. I was concerned to observe how fast some cyclists were riding along the promenade. I think as cyclists we need to recognize we are allowed to ride on the promenade but that it is also heavily utilized by pedestrians, runners, families etc all out enjoying themselves. Ride the promenade at a slow pace and enjoy the scenery. If cyclists continue to ride at excessive speeds eventually there will be a serious pedestrian-cyclist accident, somebody will be badly injured and the consequence will be a ban on all cyclists from using the promenade. If you want to ride fast get onto the road, the Country Club circuits are a great option to challenge yourself at whatever speed you want to go. But let us all chill out when riding on the promenade

My normal road ride is Durban Berea to beachfront through to Umhlanga and back home. +-45 Km However my son is visiting over Christmas and he is going to be looking for something longer (70-80Km). Any suggestions on what can be added or other routes that might stretch the legs a bit further without risking life and limb? First what is a safe add on to Umdloti or Ballito? All help thanks Clive

Well my son just had his 2 bikes stolen from his apartment in London. Whilst checking out websites seems as if both in the UK and Australia bike theft is a major problem. The link below provides some detail on how there is some global collaboration on this issue https://stolen-bikes.co.uk/international-allies-in-the-global-fight-against-bike-thieves/

Reported that police recovered a stolen "high end" bike in Hollander Crescent Durban 6:15 Monday 22nd August. Bike can be claimed from SAPS Berea (Durban)

Stolen: Unknown Unknown 2017 When: 25 August 2016 Where: Berea, KwaZulu-Natal Recovered bike. Get further details about the incident in the Stolen Bikes section

Having worked in the lubricating oil industry for a long time some comments: 1. User sump oil is carcinogenic. So would require more care when handling. 2. Castrol GTX is a multi grade oil. If you want to use an engine oil a simple mongrade would work out cheaper. Any of the oil majors. 3. It might be a consideration to use a wood oil that is mineral oil based. This oil would leave a fine film but penetrate into fine joints.

Can anybody advise a safe road route between Umhlanga and Moses Mabhida?

The last two bikes stolen were also locked to brackets on the wall, the bike cable locked were just smashed

Having has 3 bikes stolen from my garage I am looking for ideas on how to improve my bike security. I am thinking of a cage within the garage but welcome ideas and suggestions.

Stolen: Trek 7200 1994 When: 2 May 2015 Where: Berea, KwaZulu-Natal Stolen from garage, the criminal was observed walking down St Thomas Road Berea Durban pushing the bike Get further details about the incident in the Stolen Bikes section

Stolen: Giant ladies hybrid 2009 When: 21 May 2015 Where: Berea, KwaZulu-Natal Stolen from garage together with my new Giant Escape in Black Get further details about the incident in the Stolen Bikes section

Stolen: Giant Escape 2015 When: 21 May 2015 Where: Berea, KwaZulu-Natal Broke into garage and stole my new bike and my wife's bike Garage was locked and the bikes also chained up inside the garage. Had my previous bike stolen the same way on 2nd May. Suspect same people returned to steal my wife's bike and struck lucky with 2 bikes Get further details about the incident in the Stolen Bikes section