My wish

Guest

Hi Roadster,

I meant Womens Specific Design (WSD)

How's riding over tehre in Pretoria (where is that BTW?)? HEre in the RP, riding (not to mention driving and almost everything else) SUCKS! That is why I spend most of my time on my trainer. I can get a better workout indoors rather than outdoors!

How long have you been riding Roadster?

Guest

Used to live in Pretoria....glad I got away from that place
Try the messageboard at supercycling.co.za.......but don't expect too much, the postings are mostly complaints regarding race organization!

If you want to do some hill training, try the roads around Moreleta Park and surrounding areas.... quite a challenge...as is dodging crazed maniacs in the traffic ;D

Guest

Hi Altwegg
No, I don't ride a WSD, just a normal bike.
The route that I train on is very popular with cyclist, got a broad shoulder to ride on.  And because I'm female and cycle alone, it is very dangerous to cycle on remote roads.  You've probably heard how popular SA is with car hijackers, well, believe you me, we even have cycle hijackers!!!  Just have to have a look-out for the occassional taxi and bus jumping in front of you.  Once had a car turning right in front of me while I was going done a very steep hill.  Sumersaulted right over the car and landed on my head (did wear my helmet).  Needless to say, my bike was a complete wreck.  Luckily I didn't even have a scratch on me, only one hell of a headache.  Also tried to do indoor training, too boring.  
Reynhardt, tried the supercycling messageboard, but it's more a complain board, like you said and also if you want to buy a number for a big race that you wanted to enter but didn't.  Not interesting at all.  If you don't live in Pretoria any more, where do you live now?

Guest

To answer your question, Altwegg, been riding now for 3 years.  Wish I started when I was younger and had more time.

Guest

Roadster... I now find myself living in Stellenbosch, near Cape Town. Beautiful place to stay... you know, with the mountains, winelands, relatively quiet backroads....same old, same old

But I really miss Natal...lived in Durban just before coming down to the Cape. Natal is definetely cycling heaven....its the never-ending summer. Where else can you get up at seven in the morning, in the height of winter...go for a training ride (without arm warmers, long tights and the like), and get back from your ride drenched in sweat.......Beautiful!!!

Guest

Roadster try the www.cycletour.co.za site.
There are a few programs there for the Argus each structured according to your goals (Finish, sub-3, win etc !!)

I won't be doing the Argus this year, too expensive for my meagre salary :'(

Guest

For all the poor South Africans that can't afford to do the Argus next year....I have an empty standing garage that can be used for accomodation over the Argus weekend. The bidding will start at R200 per day, breakfast incl. ;D

Guest

Hi Reynhardt, now I know why you don't want to live in Pta anymore.  I have never been in Stellenbosch, and only once a year in Cape Town (for the Argus) and I think that is the most beautiful place in SA.  Everytime I'm there for the Argus, I just want to stay behind.

Acid, yeah the entry fee for the Argus is quite heavy, but luckily the club that I belong to, is going to sponsor our entry fee and petrol for the trip from Pta to CT.  Lucky me, hey!!!

Guest

Hi Roadster,

Sorry for the late reply, just got off the holidays here in the Philippines.

The situation here (theft) is similar to your place. Here, my LBS warned me a bout a bunch of guys that cruise around popular cycling routes and steal your bikes at gunpoint. Scary stuff. I also heard of a cyclist getting whacked on the head (HARD!) and getting his low-end bike stolen! I guess that's what poverty does to some people.

Guest

Hi Altwegg,
Hope you had a nice holiday.  Geez, imagine being held up at gunpoint and someone taking your beloved bike!!!  That's why I always cycle in well-populated areas and always keep a look-out when I approach a robot or stop sign.  Hope that never happens to me!!!

Guest

Yet another reason why riding with a bunch is better  

cheers!

Guest

I sure hope that populated areas can mean safety over there. Here, the presence of other people mean nothing to thieves. The guy who was whacked on the head was riding in a very populated area with a lot of other fellow cyclists. Still, nothing was done to prevent the theft.

Very sad.

If anyone tries to take my bike, I'll guarantee him a broken arm/leg, or neck!

Guest

Nick White set up Malcolm perfectly. It's hard work for Robbie competing on his own against teams. What i find amazing is that his Lampre team mates didn't manage to get into the break with him and the HSBC/Minolta/IBM guys???

In answer to your second question.... it's because there are no good SA one's (that i know of) and all BBs are international just like the net anyway.

I know a few of the top SA ladies and lots of social female cyclists. Perhaps I should introduce them?

Vo2

Now THAT is an excellent idea! Go for it!
As I have posted before, Robert Hunter's brother dates my 'half-niece'. I'm trying to set up some type of interview with him too!

__________________
Pain is inevitable...suffering is optional