Desi

I don't think you can compare SARS and Telkom to most of the schools/charities/churches/clubs and volunteers who organise fun rides. I don't think any of these rides (outside of the very big ones like Argus, Amashova) are making the organisers rich.

I think you have to have been involved in organising a race/fun ride before you get to complain about those that do. Find an event, volunteer to help. Then help to do things properly. It's harder than you think. Easy to complain, though.

Watch it in Italian on RAI. You'll even pick up some Italian words ... caduta! caduta! The American is too painful.

How slow/fast do you mean by the tortoise ride?

What do you call 'beginner'? Road or mtb? How long, how often, how far do you want to ride? I posted this (below), and have had NO replies! I think the people on the hub must all be race snakes! Anyone looking for 'slow' rides during the week? Lady rider looking for people to ride with any day of the week, road and/or mtb. I stay in the Tygervalley area, close to Majik Forest. Happy to do road rides at a slow pace of around 20-22km/hour. Mountain bike rides - happy to tackle hills and quite rough terrain, as long as its a slow pace. Fast riders will just get bored, irritated or fall asleep!

Anyone looking for 'slow' rides during the week? Lady rider looking for people to ride with any day of the week, road and/or mtb. I stay in the Tygervalley area, close to Majik Forest. Happy to do road rides at a slow pace of around 20-22km/hour. Mountain bike rides - happy to tackle hills and quite rough terrain, as long as its a slow pace. Fast riders will just get bored, irritated or fall asleep!

Now if this were posted by a female, we would be given name, gender, weight, length, length of labour, etc etc. But no ... just date, time and 'child'! Congratulations Frosty.

Unless you're way up front with the very serious riders, don't try to 'race' the Argus. Just ride it for pure fun. Enjoy the scenery, the people, the water tables and the whole festive scene ... and you won't be disappointed.

They've placed a lot more timing mats on the Argus now than they used to have years ago. I think there were at least two mats out on the course - Smits and maybe Noordhoek? Can't remember where, but I recall going over them.

I also agree with Eugene. Let's not make this worse than it is. I don't think any 60-something year old deliberately goes out to kill people. They had to treat the guy for shock. And these things do happen all over the world, even in sleepy Tasmania: http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/australian-killed-in-crash-during-training

Isn't there a 'ride before you buy' in your area soon? I found this a great way to ride some different bikes and get a feel for them. That's where I rode a Commencal, and decided that that was the dual suspension I was going to buy. Check Bicycling magazine or their website to see when the next 'ride before you buy' event is. Cat-i is right: the bike will choose her!

I agree with Vivster - Commencal Meta 5.5. Biased, of course, as I ride one. But it's awesome. I think the latest Bicycling mag has an article on the best all-rounders. Describes the Commencal perfectly. Fun to ride!

Buy her a Commencal. It's a fantastically comfortable ride, and you'll get a good new bike for your budget. Also look at this thread - don't know where the bike is, but it's fantastic value at the current price: https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=71099&KW=commencal

Oh heavens! If its not roadies against mtb'ers, then its cyclists against runners! I'm a roadie, and a mtb'er and a runner ... what on earth am I to do? Kalm, bokkie!

I'm a slow rider, and haven't had too many twits being rude. But I do sometimes call (not shout!) 'hold your line', 'keep left' or 'passing right' when I am passing an even slower rider who is wobbling about a bit, just to let them know I'm on their right. I normally follow that with a 'thanks' as I pass. Some of the really fast riders are really unpleasant ... pah! if they were really any good, they would be cycling overseas now, wouldn't they?

You're lucky ... I was quoted R250 from another shop. I'm still looking for a cheaper one (or two or three). Hope some pop up on the hub again - there have been some here before.

I think every cyclist (including me!) should be involved in organising one fun ride per year. Then you'll understand what it takes to organise a race, and how much it costs. The 99'er is extremely well organised, and they've been smart enough to move to a new venue (for which they pay) when the race got too big to run from the school. The late entry fees are steep ... but you know that, so enter in advance. Organise a ride ... then you'll appreciate what you get when you ride! (And yes, I have organised road running races and triathlons!).

Would be nice to have a spot on the hub with info on bike shops (including contact details and address), and a few comments from hubbers. There are a few bike shops mentioned here that I did not know existed!

Cyclefunatic in Durbanville.

Contermanskloof. There has been some info on the hub: https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=70567 https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=58249&PID=1032046 but I was looking for more info.

Hi, where can I find more info on the Contermanskloof mtb trail? I'd like to try it this weekend. I know where it is, but do you just arrive, pay the permit and ride? How difficult is the route(s)? How long is the route? And is the trail marked? thanks.

Try the Mark II corn syrup too - its great.

Are there any slow riders that ride at Killarney? These guys are way out of my league! I'd hate to become pavement jam!

Hi Slowbee .... where's this ride? Looks good. Is it open for anyone to ride? Could I get details? thanks