Desi

Meerendal. Park run, then ride. Summer is on its way... hot at 09:30 already.

Send those tyres, carbon29er. I have seen both of these things mentioned, more than a few times, not only on training rides, but during a PPA race/ride. Perhaps you don't see these things at the sharp end of the field where you ride, but they certainly happen back in the field where I ride. Now, as summer approaches and riders less skilled/smart than you perhaps, get out to train for the Argus, there is actually a need for these type of reminders.

Maiden voyage.

Haven't taken any yet, but will do tomorrow.

Oops... I just bought a Thunderbolt 750.

Hi Marc, I might pop into Contermanskloof or Meerendal store today. Desi

Do they have pricing on any of the models/frames yet?

I'd guess most camera shops would stock these 'indestructible' little jobs - Nikon, Canon and Olympus have versions. Most are waterproof, dustproof and what they call 'shockproof' - you can actually drop the thing and it keeps on working. The shockproof is a blessing - you don't realise just how much you bounce around on an mtb!

Hi Linzob1. There are a few mtb ladies in Durbanville. If you're on facebook, join a group called The Ladies MTB Social group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/Ladiestbmtbgroup/ I can ride weekday mornings as and when my workload allows. Where, and what sort of distance do you want to do?

Not sure... I use a phone to phone, and a camera to take photos! The camera I have is 16mp. See here: http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Compact-Digital-Cameras/26412/COOLPIX-AW110.html The best is that I don't have to worry about rain, mud or dust. It's well-sealed, and if it gets muddy, I just wash it off.

I had a small camera I used to carry, but the jarring on the MTB destroyed the lens. Now I have the Nikon equivalent of the 'Olympus Tough' shown above. Nikon Coolpix - waterproof, shockproof. It has no extending lens (has a digital zoom), and it has survived many mtb rides. Good pics, too.

Thanks, OscarS. I wrote to the organisers Dryland, and they have told me this: Shuttle back to start every hour from Finish area. So that's sorted. Not I just have to get accommodation. Thanks for the info, those who have posted!

Thanks milky. I didn't see that. I am going to have to find a driver to take the car to the end, or my poor husband is going to have to do 80 + 25km!

We're doing our first Seweweekspoort this year. Can anyone tell me - where's the best place to stay before and after the race?

Doing my first Berg & Bush this year (the Descent). It looks like the registration and pre-race briefing in Winterton is quite some way away from the start. Where is the best place to stay the night before the start? Any advice from those who've done it before?

Selle SMP all the way! Quite strange looking with its 'beak', but comfiest saddle ever.

Do yourself a favour and go for a proper bike fitting before you buy anything. That will tell you exactly what you need in terms of sizing - and you could find those measurements in a ladies or mens bike in a particular brand. Ladies vs mens is a big generalisation. Not all men are equal; and not all ladies are equal.

Glad you posted this image, because I see the comment has disappeared off the facebook page.

Very little remorse from the club. One guy writes on their facebook page: The problem is most cycles are easy targets,,,but today unfortunately a few guys was thought a big lesson,,don't mess with mc2 riders,,,,, No wonder cyclists have a bad reputation. Cycling in South Africa just became even more dangerous.

I have just read the thread 'Mugging on Smitswinkel' and my blood ran cold just reading it. Just over 1 year ago, I was attacked in broad daylight during an organised race/fun ride in a rural area in the Western Cape. An organised race - I thought I would be safe. I was pulled off my bike by a teenager who tried to rape me and threatened to kill me. I was very, very lucky; saved by the fact that another cyclist came along - the bastard who attacked me ran away. I was about 400 metres behind a small group of riders ahead of me, but they had crested the hill and were out of sight. I cringe every time I see a lady riding alone in a remote or quiet area. I know that we should be able to do so. I know that we should not let these savages take away what we enjoy doing. But I also know, from bitter experience, that I am not prepared to trade my life for the pleasure of riding alone in a beautiful area. Don't do it. Please - just don't do it. Ride with people. If possible, ride with a couple of guys. Guys - offer to ride with the ladies purely as an escort sometimes. You may have to slow down to their pace, but you can always treat this as an easy ride or rest day. I know that even a group is no match for someone with a gun, but in many cases - like this opportunist on Smitswinkel, and like my attacker - I am sure he would not have taken on this lady if she were not on her own. I cannot begin to express how something like this can affect you - ladies, please, just don't ride alone. It is not worth it.

Thanks for taking photos, ChrisH. I was hoping you'd get one of my nephew! Great photo.

Except ... I'm his aunt. His cool uncle was in that fast bunch!

That's my nephew doing his first session at Killarney. Yes, he knew they were coming; and yes, he knows to keep left - that's precisely why we're out there with him training at Killarney, so that he can learn to ride with a bunch of F16s coming past and not wobble or fall off. He's only been riding for a couple of months, and he's doing okay! Well done, Matthew! Plus ... nobody in the bunch shouted at us or used any choice words ... thanks, guys!

Yes - has been cancelled. Thanks.

Isn't Killarney Thurs this week? Is it on tonight?