Squier

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 I see there is a map on their website, is this then outdated?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.

bump

Thanks Bman! I will definitely hit the Virginia trails then. I'm assuming then the district roads are safe to ride alone?

I ride SB and I'm really happy, however. I'm not quite sure that you get the Code here.

Looking at Google Earth it seems there are quite a bit of possible trails in and around Illovo. However, this is most probably private land, right? Another thing; how safe is the area? If I'm riding alone can I just head out towards Illovo South, for example?

The wife and I are going down to Winklespruit/Illovo Beach at the end of the month and it goes without saying that the bike will be the first thing I pack! Is there any cool riding to be done there? I've read about Virginia Farm that looks quite cool and less than 30 minutes away. Is it worth it driving out there? How many kms can one do there? The other trails I've read about it seems a bit far. The likes of Holla trails and Lake Eland is a fair distance away. I don't want to leave my wife alone for the whole day while I'm out riding so I'm looking for something in the vicinity where I can do 3 - 4 hour ride early in the morning and still be back for brunch. I will really appreciate any input!

There is a tunnel... but it's more like a stormwater tunnel.

I'm going again for the long weekend. If you're there and keen for a ride, let me know.

Thanks Frosty!! Was another fun one! I'll take the Jeremy Roy award - In the running until the end but just not able to pull it through.

You have no idea...

Yep, I easily burn 4000 calories on a 4 hour ride! If only burning calories meant losing weight!

Arriving where?

...

It would be awesome if Voeckler can hang on to yellow today, though that's a very tough ask. I'm sure we'll see some fireworks on Luz-Ardiden which will leave him as one of the casualties. If they leave the attacking for late on the climb he might survive, but if the proverbial sheet ( ) starting hit the fan early I fear the worst... I need some break aways to succeed on the big climb stages to make it through the mountains in a good position. My predictions for today: Evans to crack on the final climb, Contador to attack early on the final climb, Andy to only consolidate his lead and take yellow. Very interested to see what the inconspicuous Mr Basso's form looks like! Please Mr Voeckler, if you don't want to do it for the French people and Bastille day, then do it for Team Squier!

Hoping that Rojas and Griepel doesn't rain on my parade today! Hoping for a Farrar, Petacchi, Cav, Hushovd finish! In that order!! Need the points before we hit the big mountains... that's where things could turn sour for me.