MaxUmis

go for a 9 speed 12-27 cassette That'll put plenty climb on your rear wheel... If you can find one... and if your deraileur will cope with a 27 tooth at the back... and you'll need a new chain... But 9 speed 12 - 27 will be a good option.

Hehehe! I was enjoying what was left of my little CT getaway while you okes were battling it out in the Brakpan suburbs. The reports of the incidents don't really surprise me. Dis 'n lekke valley daai my china! 1200cc Motorcycles wiff okes sporting a lekke mullet gooi-ing zaps, aunties telling you about your ma's Dutch cat and okes showing you exactly how to wheel spin a 1.4 car wiff tinted windows, 17" mags and free flow exhaust.... Sounds like a normal day in the Boksburg/Brakpan/Benoni area.

mmm... interesting... I run mechanicals and while I do agree that they do require some maintenance, I'll rather have them than V brakes. I like being able to stop when it's wet out. Only my back brake requires a bit of maintenance, the front one has been fine for 2 months or so now... The back brake doesn't always "open" completely when you let go of the lever... It's because of some resistance between the cable and housing. I've ordered a new XT brake cable set from CRC and while I wait for them I tried to gooi some SQUIRT into the old cable housings... It's working like a charm... for now.

Some say that you can add 20 minutes to your 94.7 time. But I don't think there is a real formula to it. Ask yourself if you were as fit at the 94.7 as you will be at the Argus; Same fitness - add 10% to your 94.7 Worse - Take it easy, and try to chat up a Bar One girl. Better - Give it stick and see. This is all weather permitting... Bar One girls are notoriously difficult to chat up in bad weather.

I'm doff keen on a night ride at Groenkloof. I've been wanting to start/join/hijack night rides at Groenies ever since the 24 hour race last year. I just haven't spotted anything on the hub yet. DR, please fill a brotha in on your night rides. Canaris, please keep us posted on what you get organised.

Same for me... S @ 7h16

So, the latest email states to be on the lookout for preliminary seedings from Thursday, AND that if your friend gets theirs before you to just be patient. Got it!? Can almost feel the Windhoek man watching me...

who put Murphy in charge of the weather anyway!? My work stuff is still not done, so looks like the IDT might get a spin tonight.

hehehe! a true MTBer Kay, if work allows I'll be there on my black Giant Thermo. Easy to spot; it looks like something straight out of Mad Max.

I'm rather keen on going for a ride this arvi. However, I went for a run instead of the normal IDT session yesterday and now my knee isn't lekker. So I'm wondering if I should rest it, or just push through the pain...

An informant of mine told me that the Argus organizers only sent out those emails before x-mas, because they didn't feel like handling the seedings before the holidays... So add some Cape Town time and who knows when the seeding will be out

Just my 2c. The new chain may be a little toit where you joined it. I'm using SRAM's chain links now because of a similar problem.

Hi LT. Have a look at the training section on http://www.bicycling.co.za It seems quite a few nice features on there that could be helpful for Argus training. I'm sticking to my Online Polar Personal Trainer schedule though. Its a feature on the www.polarpersonaltrainer.com website.

I hope the rider makes a speedy recovery This, to me, is an interesting topic... I've been riding at Groenkloof 1 or 2 times a week since July. So I know the trails and bends pretty well by now. I'm not a pro; posted a 3h25 at the 94.7 and my best MTB time was 32mins a lap at the 24 hour. However, the 3 ruffest/hardest falls I've had so far happened in the last 2 weeks... Why??? Because I'm pushing the limits of my skills... Why??? Because I'd like to get better... If you don't try to go faster or ride out a steeper/ more technical hill, then you won't get better... You won't learn new skills... But sometimes you have all the skills, you know the track, you have been warned and still you buy some property...

http://bicycletutor.com nuff said. MaxUmis2009-12-18 03:49:47

Sorry I think' date=' the critical part for a sub-3 is your starting group. To some extent, a good group will pull you along, even if fitness isn't up to scratch. On the other hand, you need to be seriously strong to finish sub-3 in one of the later groups.Why don't you change your goals a bit? Rather than aim for a 3:30, aim to come in the top 10 of your group or something like that.[/quote'] mmm... I already have a "top 10 in starting group" tik on my list (6th in group UU of the 94.7 )... And a sub 3 hour ride on a 97km race (2h46 in the Bakwena)... The logical next aim should be to chat up a cycle chick in a race, but I doubt the GF will like that very much... What are you okes aiming for in this Argus?

Thank you for crushing all my big dreams Edman Cr*p... so I'll have to aim sub 3h30... just like the 94.7... Good info though... MaxUmis2009-12-10 09:04:18

Good point on the chain lube... I neglected the lube and as a result had the run the last 100m of my final lap as my chain stayed behind down by the "splash pool"

I have a shneaky suspicion that the rear suspension on a fs bike has a bit to do with traction too... doubt it's only a comfort thing...

I heard about a car accident on the N17 in which a fellow 24 hour rider and his 16 year old daughter were involved after the race on Sunday. Lets keep the family in our thoughts and prayers.

I got stuck behind one of them ... just couldn't get past Hey Hey!!! the big 5000. salute! Funny enough, I got stuck behind one too... In the forest just before the cement uphill. She was to "pacey" to pass, but just to slow to be a comfy "wait to pass". Friendly brave young lady though.