Squier

Yes, I rode on Monday and Thursday morning, so did the solo thing.

Was in KZN last week for some holiday and did two rides at Virginia. Man, I was blown away. Some of the best riding I've done! Really awesome trails with stunning views. Super fun singletrack! Whether you're staying in KZN or going down later in the year for holiday, Virginia Farm is a must! www.virginiafarm.co.za Some photos:

Which shops in Pretoria stock these?

Got mine as well! Super excited!

I agree. Look he's still young. He needs to gain this type of experience. I think he gained more during this bad season ito experience that he would've if he had a decent season. We're always quick to relate any success or failure to wheel size when, IMO, this isn't such a massive factor to riders of their class. They'd perform on any bike. That being said, I'm sure the riders and manufacturers put a lot of time and effort into researching and finding the best fit for their style and each specific course. I've never done an XC race in my life but I would've thought that 26ers are more suitable to XC racing but it is clear that these decisions relate more to the rider than the course in question.

Looks like Nibali struggled a bit yesterday. Rodriguez looking super strong! Quite an awesome finish yesterday. 24% gradient... ouch! Remember that Rodriguez looked really good in the Giro as well. I think he's going to do it!

If I were still doing the shorter rides I would probably go for a HT but once you start to push 5 hours + in the saddle there's no way I'll survive without a DS.

I ran Racing Ralphs but got a sidewall cut at the Nissan Teak race. I now went for the Geax AKA. Really grippy tire but heavy. I only realised how light the RRs were when I got the Geax. Though, I'll live with the extra weight if it means less risk of sidewall cuts. That sidewall cut at Teak spoiled my day badly!

Thanks for all the replies!! Last question on Virginia Farm; my wife saw the photos of the farm on their website and wants to go with and sit and read while I ride. See, she's also an avid MTB'er but she's pregnant now so can't ride... Is there a nice and safe spot where she can sit and chill while I ride? I'm not too keen on the idea of her sitting alone somewhere while I'm out on the trails kms away, but I said I'll find out... What do you think?

That's an awesome looking bike! When is it due to hit our shores?

I still remember reading this and thinking I'll never ride there again. Luckily, I haven't run into this fellow yet - bibshorts still in tact... EDIT: This is the python that was released at Groenkloof.

Ok, I've thought of something similar when out on those long rides alone. Your marketing should be spot on! Don't market it as a game farm. TIA, there are plenty of them around. Don't market it as a MTB trail, there are plenty of them as well and people won't drive 3 hours just for a 50km ride. You need to promote an experience. You need to have enough trail to create a 3 day long trail similar to a stage race. Create a brand that you associate with the experience. A tough three day ride that you can share with your good mates, kick back in the bushveld at night and have some sense of accomplishment when you've done it. Offer people the whole package. It's not just a game farm, it's not just a trail, it's an experience! Or something to that effect... if you get my drift...

If I'm not mistaken Haimar Zubaldia and Jani Brajkovic will be the team leaders. In typical Radioshack fashion they can't decide on a leader...

That does look pretty cool, and at $180 (+- R1300) a pop that's not bad at all. Off course, that's without taking the South African rip off factor into account. I'm not crazy about the ratchet tie down, Thule just makes it way easier. But I'm a lazy person by nature. Also not sure that will work on my normal tow bar?

Is there some logic behind the entry id or is it a random number?

I also ride a Moda and have absolutely no complaints. Really enjoying that bike! Though, you won't be able to get one anymore, no stock anywhere. The 2012 range should be here by the end of the month though and from what I hear pricing will be very close to that of the 2011 range.

Thanks, seriously contemplating driving out to Giba as well. I see there is a map on their website, is this then outdated?

See, I'm not that enthusiastic! I've heard many things about the dirty harry... no, i'm lying, I've heard one thing and one thing only; that it's tough as nails! And that place get's cold! Though it's definitely still on the to-do list, I'll give it a miss this year.

Virginia is definitely on the cards! I'm really hoping that it warms up in the next two weeks, but I'm not too worried... KZN people don't know what cold is... You'll be complaining about the cold and it'll feel like summer to me!

Thanks Shaun, but we're heading back on the 4th so I'll be missing out. Benjamin, King_Cripsy, I'll definitely consider Giba! Sounds like some serious fun! Can't wait to hit the trails!

Benjamin, it looks like there is only about 20kms of trails at Giba, if I'm not mistaken. Is the singletrack that good that it's worth driving out there for 20km of riding?

Thanks Bman, really appreciated! I'll probably do most of my ride during the week but we can chat about a weekend ride.

Yup, 2012 range due at the end of August. I'd wait if I were you. I saw on FB that they are launching their new series on their website on 31 Aug, so should be in the shops by then as well. Here is a sneak peek: http://www.silverbacklab.com/sneak/MERCURY_sneak_2012.htm

Cool, thanks! Look like you have to book before riding the farm anyway.