gtr1

Offer him R10 for the race number and go ride the race

Maybe the problem is indicative of the new seeding system. The AL bunch are guys who don't want a license, but are obviously way faster than the "licensed" Cat 4 riders. If all things were equal, the A bunch would probably be in Cat 1 or 2. So that's where the problem actually lies. I agree tandems should have a race of their own and start behind the Cat1's, but the A's are always gonna be faster than the Cat 4's IMHO. Another issue with the dangerous/inexperienced riding. The jump between Cat's is possibly too big. I'm not sure what qualifes you to move from Cat 2 to Cat 1, but yesterday the Cat 1 time was 15 min's faster than Cat 2 ( don't shoot me if wqrong, but what I worked out watching at the end) That's a huge jump for someone moving up from Cat 2. Can they all cope with that jump ????

Mampara.......You beat me to it

Went into my LBS and got everything immediately

Learn to spin a gear better and then you don't need the 11. You can get away with the 12 which gives you the option of the 25. If big hills are really tuff, try get a smaller chainring like a 38 instead of 39. That covers all bases.

Somebody's giving their age away here.

How about a positive spin on late entries. Last year a few of us decided at the last minute to go ride Babbas Lodge. Foned the organiser the day before to get details. Told her we hadn't entered, but there was a handful of us wanting to come ride. She said no problem, when we get there just ask for her. On the morning, I spoke to her and instead of charging the (can't remember exact numbers) R 120 online entry. she charged us each R80 as we wouldn't get the t-shirt that came with the online entry. She also thanked us for coming through to support the race. Now that is customer service and makes you want to go back for more.

Sure there are probably things missed. But not that substantial. But then again. How much are the sponsores paying to be associated to the race. I'm sure there's a lot of income missed as well. Most races supposedly support a charity, but I've never seen anyone mention how much went to the charity. That may balance the books, but I doubt it. If so much goes to charity, we as the riders should be able to get a certificate to claim back the donation from our tax. That makes the entry fee worthwhile.

I wasn't racing, but there was a bunch of guys and ladies who had dropped off the 2nd bunch of the day. I was bewhind them. When they came to the robot at Carnival on the way out, there were cars stopped at the lights. Marshalls didn't show the cars through, and most of the bunch went straight. The marshals were a bit confused as they were standing on the right rather than more left to show that the bunch must turn. The back end of the group turned the front lot had to turn around and chase. Other than that waht I saw the marshalling was good.

principles, and that a good Performance Appraisal system is in place. What are the odds??? Is performance and CSA in the same sentence not an oxymoron ???????? Excuse the pun on the word Moron

I enjoy riding without a helmet. I grew up training without a helmet, and nothing better that the wind blowing through your hair. ( yes I still have some) When I ride in a group though I wear my helmet. This is my choice. More danger in a group. On my own, hopefully I can control the situation. I also get pissed off on a ride when a bunch of riders come past the opposite way ( never from the same way) and I greet as I always do, and all the tjop can say in return is "where's your helmet" Not sure if they are Afrikaans and telling me to wear it or asking where it is I've resorted to asking in return "where's your bell" also required by law. Usually these same tjops that are quick to critisize the wearing of a helmet, are the same tjops that will jump a red light, or ride 5 abreast in a group ride. Obviously this is ok, because as long as you are wearing a helmet, you are bulletproof. So we all have a choice. Respect each other's wishes, and rather ride responsibly, helmet or not, and try be friendly to each other. Could be a much better place to ride.

That ALAN is awsome. I rode 1 for many years. The first i got aged 16. Paid R300 for the frame. Brand New. Then 3 years later bought a complete one from one of the Italian Rapport tour riders. Full Camag Super Record. All cut out and engraved. Was awsome. Paid R1000 Gave it away a few years back for development cycling. Still breaks my heart. My first one a mate of mine rode for years until the frame snapped in the 94.7 some years back. That one had full Dura Ace. These were the ultimate bike in days gone by. If I'm not mistaken, first Aluminium bikes along with Vitas.

Years ago you had a handful of clubs around Gauteng, and tjey were repsonsible for organising various races on the calender. Entry fees went to prize money and maybe a bit to the club. Volunteers did the marshelling etc and usually the province provided the officials. Now every race has an organiser making money out of it and supposedly the monies are going to charity. So then why can't we get a donation certificate from the charity which you could then claim back on your tax return ??????? I've yet to see the breakdown after a race as to how much was collected and how much went to charity etc. That would be interesting. So I agree, entry fees way too high for what one gets. Rather have a training ride and spend that money on a family breakfast afterwards. So yes, boycott the event and maybe they'll get the message. One does have a choice.

Maybe he's thinking.....that's the only way I can win the Tour...... At least until I can learn to change gears properly and to TT...

He was part of the Pegasus setup for this year. When that crumbled late in Dec, it didn't leave much time to find another team. All the big teams are full. I'm sure if the opportunity was there he would ride for a European based team. But rather race than not race. Even the 2 Robbies just managed to secure a spot as extras at the last minute with Radioshack. What probably went against him was he didn't have a great year last year with a big crash and time off to recover.

There's nothing like this on the ER. Depending where on the ER, Groenkloof or Rietvlei are the closest. Ride early, go home and shower and take family for breakfast

It's about the bike...

All these debates about 29 vs 26. Nowhere has anyone taken into consideration the riders ability. Surely that's a factor. A bit like being 10kg's overweight but then buying a new bike to save 0,5 kg's ????? Also what about rider size. Does a person riding a small 26'er get the same benefit....if any......on a 29'er as someone who rides a large. Personally I think a 29'er in a small looks a bit like a hammock between 2 wheels. And we all know not easy to do anything in a hammock other than relax.

I think I'm a youngster, but actually closer to masters than I'd like to admit. I just think we keep trying to complicate things, and it seldom makes racing any better. I agree, pro's should be pro's. Race hard and long. Also not easy all the time so that the sprinters keep winning. They shouldn't just be pro fun riders. It's always been an issue when there are teams racing against individuals. Never fair. All these ideas are almost impossible to implement properly when CSA is generally not up to standard (being nice). In an ideal world, you would have a process wherby you "qualify" for a license by competing in enough events to gain the necessary skills, and possibly being of a certain standard/ability. Then once licenses, and all fight it out. If you can't keep up, you train harder. If you want to have a team of 4 riders or more etc. I then reckon you should be racing with the pro teams. So you then have team vs team. That way, if your team can't win, you will start having the team look for better talent to up their standard, and that way you will hopefully get more teams racing on more equitable terms as the talent will be spread about. Regardless of age. The rest ride as individuals. The reason I say age categories is because it's hard to cheat on your age, easy to cheat on your times. And as you say. If no prize money etc, maybe nobody will care so much about winning category F. What may be better is to make the categories more equitable by adding a few "in-between" ages. Like 40-44 then 45-49 etc. Big difference between a 40 year-old and a 49 year-old. Just as there is between a 14 and 18 year-old. Years ago you had schoolboy racing with restrictions on equipment. So a 12 year-old starting out could race other inexperienced 12 year-olds and on similar equipment. In those days, no lightweight bikes or tubbies. Gave the guy off the street a chance. Only when you got to Juvenile (under 16) level could you be licensed and improve equipment. That way you could expand the base of new riders. But as I said. Without proper systems in place that are unified across the country, nothing will be achieved whichever way you try to implement it.

Nothing to do with doing my homework. Not picking on anyone personally, responding to the comments. Don't take the "you" in the wrong light. Was a general "you" as in any cyclist competing.

Spinnekop.....I'm not picking on you personally, and should have added if you beat everyone as well as the option of being beaten. What I'm getting at is what you are also saying in a way. You race in an age category. There will always be someone better than you and worse than you. Also hard to be at your best every race. So shouldn't have a case of 1 person winning all the time. If you are not winning you train harder and sharpen up you tactics. If you always win, then up to the others to pick up their game. Don't know why we complicate things by having categories according to ability etc. Will become like golf handicaps and easily manipulated. Already plenty of posts about PPA seedings etc being manipulated. The only reason I mention discriminating against vets is because you seemed glad at the demise of the vets.........no mention of other categories. It all just gives the impression of trying to cater towards the people who aren't competitive, by trying to find a category where they can be competitive. The only way you can ever really achieve that is having bunches/categories of a handful of riders. That will really create *** racing.

So you're hoping Vets racing is dead because certain riders win more than others???????? What happens when the guys with supposed same ability keep get beaten ????? Looks like we want a society of mediocricy where everyone gets a chance to get a win so that they don't feel left out. Rather than upping there game to be more competitive. Next thing we'll want the not so good junior cyclists to race against the under 12's so that they can beat someone. Sounds crazy. Because lets not discriminate against the vets, but apply the new rules to riders of all age groups.

Cost isn't an issue. If it was legal, it would be cheap. I agree with a previous post. This is what is happening now. The richer teams get to use the good stuff. Doping will always be ahead of the testing curve. How many guys used EPO before there was a test for it. It will always be a new drug that nobody is aware of and can't be tested. Either legalise it, or the consequences need to be severe. Allow retroactive testing once a test become available, and then life-time bans, financial penalties along with jail time. And that's across all sports. Otherwise stop paying salaries and giving prize money. Make it truly amateur. Suddenly not a hell of a lot of reason to put your life at risk. In all honesty, if Lance gets caught tomorrow, u think he gives a damn. His career is over, he is financially secure and he'll live a happy carefree life. yes maybe a tarnished reputation, but he'll then say, but everyone else is doing it and the wheel will keep on turning.

A few too many times for my liking. Worst thing is to bonk on a stage of a stage race and then have to ride a stage the next day. Recovery does not happen. This happened in the Panorama Tour way back when. Bonked on the stage into Lydenberg after Robbers pass.Rode the last 10 k's into Lydenberg 20 metres behind 2 guys who had given up for the day. I couldn't even get on the wheel to have an easier ride. When I got to the hotel I downed a litre of coke and ate en entire fruit cake. I even refused to share with my roomate. The next day we had to ride a time trial.....I kakked off big time........until Tony Impey caught me and I stole a bit of slipstream.

Getting off topic now, but if DC is a fun ride, then firstly why is everyone worried about the results ? And then secondly, aren't events like 94.7 and Argus also fun rides ? Basically, most races in SA are "fun rides" So if that is the case don't need any dope controls and cyclists can take what they want to win the prize money at these events !! Just a thought.