Geelwortel

I'm in the same boat regarding the stop smoking and I'm on day 5 of smoke free days. The first couple of days, day 2 and 3, was a bit hectic because of the habits that I had to break but I used Champix and that takes away all the cravings. The rest is in your head to tell yourself that you are a non smoker now and that everytime you used to smoke is now extra time that you can use to do something else. I find that I have so much time now that I need to find things to keep me busy. Good luck and if your head is right you will see that it is not that difficult. I also started training again, running for now, but also want to find out if there is clubs or groups in the Jhb Westrand area that I can join. I must say the slow and unfit rides do sounds like something I want to do. Good luck again for stop smoking and let us know how it goes.

Teak is really great place to ride and it is safe BUT it is moving to one of the other farms at the end of the month. Or at least this is the last I have heard. I do not have alot of info on this, maybe someone out there can give more info?

I would say through your answers that it is good news. If it was ligaments you would know about it for almost every move that your knee makes and if it was muscle you would have pain the whole time when putting weight on the leg or when you strain the muscle. I would say that you should treat this the same as what you would a sprained ankle. The amount of care depends on the pain that you have. Try and do a lite workout and stop immediately if the pain gets worse. You would immediately know if the training is not a good idea, don't force it. If you want to go and see a professional about this then I would suggest that you go and see a physio at first. Make sure that he/she treats sports injuries and not just recoveries, if you are not happy with their answers then go to a orthopedic surgeon for a checkup. They will charge you a arm and a leg but at least you then know that you have the best possible answer.

Did you hear any sound when it happened. Tearing or poping sounds is normally not good. Did you hit it against anything? Do you have swelling or discoloring, of any sorts aroung the knee? Explain the pain, is it a very sharp stinging pain when moving? Does it only happen when going up and down stairs or when you are walking normally aswell? Alot of questions I know but to give more advice I would need to know this.

Muscles is heat and cold, joints is cold. As far as I can remeber from my previous injuries. But voltaren or similar is always a good thing. Also two days of traing won't make a difference in the long run BUT training while injured will definately make a big difference. It makes for alot longer recovery.

This happens to me alot. Apparently it is the "cushioning" between the knee that gets bruised or something like that. It takes a day or two, depending on how active you are while it is sore, to go away completely. If it is sore for more than two days I would have it checked out. You might also want to ice and voltaren it just in case. It can do no harm just make it beter alot quicker. Good luck I hope it is nothing serious.

They are going to flatten the whole area, build a dam and then make it a Triathlon venue. wwwwaaahhhhooooo! I read it on Juliusissmart.co.za.

Hi All I currently have Easton Vista SL wheels on my Tri bike, Specialised Transition, and use this for both training and also racing. I'm not a very fast rider but can average +- 33km/h over 40km and 25 - 27km/h on 100km + rides. Both avg is alone and not in bunch rides. When would faster wheels, like Tri spokes and discs, start to help improve my speed and by how much would this really help. Any suggestions of which wheels would be good value for money. Thanks for your help Andrew

Thanks Eldron, makes perfect sence and I will use your advice and stay with clinchers ie no support car.

Hi All I'm fairly new to the cycling world. I'm looking at new "fast" wheels/"tri" spokes and every time I see them advertised the members ask tubbies or clinchers. What does this mean and also what is the pros and cons for both of these wheels. Andrew

I used the hub once to buy my first Triathlon bike. I have to say that I can only give big ups to the hub and also Darreng that I dealt with. I found a good bike for a really good price, thank you to the hub. Darren gave me all the assurances that I asked for after the transfer of the funds and the bike arrived in an even better condition than what I was hoping for.

I use the Hammer products and must admit that they really work for me. The issue is just to get the right flavour. I found that the espresso and orange worked best for me but after 4 hours the orange became hot and was not that great. Perpetuem for more than 2 hours. Heed for under 2 hours. Recoverite, or something like that, for recovery. The gels are not to bad either. Vanilla is the only one I can hold down.

Thanks guys for all your suggestions. I will definetely try some of them including tankman's signature!!!

Hi All I'm new to taking long rides, 3.5hours +, and are starting to use nutrition, ride shots and GUs and other things, while I ride. I have found the amount of nutrition and the intervals to take it that works for me. This was the "easy" part BUT I must say that I can't stand a coffee warm GU after +- 2.5 hours . I currently keep it in the shirt pocket on my lower back. Do anybody have a tip to keep the GUs or other foods relatively close to room temp or just a temp that I can stomach? Thanks GW

Thanks guys. I'm getting scared now and I know that these things are expensive to replace. I'll take it to my nearest Tri shop for a propper fitment session and then they can cut it for me. Thanks again for your replies.