Hi All,

Well if there is any doubt about winter having arrived I think it was dispelled this past Saturday.

Pretty good turnout what with Wendy and her merry DC span just about at full strength raring to go and then of course the traditional Die Hards. Pretty chilly with a prediction of 30% chance of PLEK PLEK reën. Die ou Transvaal, Springbok Radio news on weather gesegte.

Sadly Wendy (after a call going the coastal road and all of us men telling her “not a good idea”) has handed in her resignation. Effective from the first of December of course after the DC of course. What a delightful soaking wet and cold ride we had. But hey if u want to stay with Wendy’s team u have to be tough. No place for the feint hearted. Let me tell u that even Paul Lewin hacked it out in the rain. Maybe Paul is just generally more sensible on the occasion.

Well, this coming w/end many I suppose, will be making there way up to the Knysna area if u can afford the petrol costs that is. Traditionally a great w/end. The MTB ride on Sat and the RR on Sunday. Plenty to do over the w/end. Enjoy and have a safe trip.

We have had a mishap or two these past couple of weeks. BJ coming down after hitting a tar obstruction and Pieter staking claim to a piece of turf on a downhill section at Thandi. Both up and running I trust and hope.

Would appear that we have a bike shop up for sale and at the same time a bike shop that is soon going to open its doors. Coincidence? Wonder maar net.
Speak to Hertzel.
Must be something happening out there that I am not aware of in the cycling business. Could it be the petrol price? The vehicle market is struggling as we all know so maybe, just maybe, it’s going to be a boom time for the cycling industry. Let’s hope so.

Safety en nogmals Safety.

Taking into account the amount of cyclists that have ridden with us in groups and the man hrs x years (or should it be bike hours) that we spent on fixed routes its quite incredible how few incidents we have had.

Accolades to all of u.
In saying that just a word of caution to everyone when we do the Rooiels run. As one hits the coastal road the drainage area and little bit of safety margin that we have there is actually fraught with danger.

U will all have noticed the drainage holes on the left going out. U will have also noticed the grid and how the pipe work is running parallel to the road. Manne en meisies if one of us hit that drain at 20/30 or what ever kilos per hour it’s going to be nag. Be very very mindful of these drainage points. We did try and get them changed right in the beginning maar het gefaal.

We also have several on the way back to Waterstone. Two come to mind and I ALWAYS signal them. The one on the turn/corner intersection of Broadlands and the Coastal road and the other turning left off the R44 into main road going back to Waterstone.

Well what do the experts have to say this week?

They say its winter time-- Wet weather time. Towards the bottom of the saddle down tube most of us have a water bottle cage and of course very important we have a PUMP. Many is the occasion when I have had to stop and help a person and I have found that both my pump and the other persons pump doesn’t work. How often do we check these tools of ours? About time we started doing something about it.
Pretty easy according to the experts. Make sure the pump works. Then--- either GLAD WRAP the PUMP or put it into a PLASTIC Bag. All the mud, muck and water is thus prevented from getting into the PUMP, and of course the PUMP is very grateful. Simple hey. Let’s see how many PUMPS are looked after.

Attached something to think/chuckle about.

Have a great week,

Ek

Morning,

Not much to report on at this point in time. Typical of the Winter period.

This past w/end saw very few on the road on Sat and about 15 or so brave the coldish elements on Sunday.

I suppose the target for many will be the Knysna festival which takes place early in July. The one w/end hosting the MTB and RR and the next w/end the runners/joggers having fun.

The DC teams slowly filling up and it looks as if there will be four full teams again. Great stuff.

Erica Green our own local cycling guru has been appointed as the team mgr for the New Zealand junior team to take part in the world champs later this year in RSA(July). Erica is looking for help. She is in need of about 4/5 sets of rollers that she can use with the team. If anybody out there can help u can contact her on daisyglug@iafrica.com.

We had our customary monthly Steering com meeting last night with decisions been made on several issues. I will keep u up to date once I have received the minutes.

Dates were pegged for the balance of the year and I know it’s a bit early but u can diarise the 19th of Nov for the AGM. And yes we would like almal to be there. We have pegged the date now, knowing that later on all the Xmas functions start coming up and then its vakansie né.

It would appear that we will be hosting a Club MTB ride this Sunday. Meeting place Coetzenberg parking area next to the Athletics track. Time 7.30am . Non club members will be liable for a fee of R30 and club members free. An entry fee of R20.00 for all to enter Jonkershoek. Duration of ride 2/2.5hrs. Bietjie geld ook vir die muffin en engelse verdriet.

Safety still being our no 1 concern herewith a tip from the EXPERTS once again.

Helmets.

We all know No helmet No ride.
We all know that it is illegal to in fact cycle without a helmet.
But what is of cardinal importance as well is ;
a. The helmet must be without any cracks and in good condition and
b. The chin strap must in fact be secure with NO/VERY LITTLE slack under the chin. Its pointless wearing a helmet but not securing the strap clips(as I have seen many cyclists do) and or alternatively securing the strap but with too much slack in the strap. In other words should u fall the helmet will move on ground impact and NOT protect the head as it should.
c. According to the EXPERTS and stats available. 70/80% of cycling deaths are due to head injuries.
d. There is evidence that wearing protective helmets reduces the risk of brain injury by 88%

Laat mens dink né!!!!.

That’s it. Have a great week.

ek

RAAM

The Race Across America is one of the most respected and longest running annual endurance events holding legendary stature the world over. It is one of the pinnacles of sporting accomplishment, globally seen as the highest rung of the ultra-endurance sports ladder. Since 1982, RAAM has a rich and storied history standing as a monument to human endeavors.

The Race Across America is an event so staggering that merely to finish is, for most, the accomplishment of a lifetime. RAAM inspires everyone that it touches. A monumental race contested with the utmost of sportsmanship and zeal. Truly, RAAM is larger than life. A breeding ground for champions, a testing ground for elite riders and a shining example of the strength of human spirit.

2008 General Race Information - the 27th Edition

Start: Oceanside, CA - The Oceanside Pier. Women June 7th, Men June 8th, Teams June 11th.
Finish: Annapolis, MD - The City Dock. June 17th - June 20th.
Route: More than 3,000 miles across the United States.
Divisions: Solo and Two-Person, Four-Person, and Eight-Person Teams.

RAAM is a Race of Truth

This is a Race. Unlike other famous races, like the Tour de France, RAAM is not a stage race. The race is one stage, live to the very end. In RAAM, once the clock starts on the west coast, the clock doesn't stop until each racer reaches the finish line on the east coast. RAAM is 30% longer than the Tour de France and racers finish in half the time with no rest days. The race format is essentially a time trial, commonly called racing against the clock or the race of truth. Unlike the Tour de France, there is no drafting or taking shelter from the wind. It's an all out solo challenge.
Solo and Team

The heart of the race is the Solo division. That is where the ultimate challenge lies. The race has team categories of 2-Person, 4-Person, and 8-Person teams. With an 8-Person team, each person averages three hours a day on the bike.

3,000 Miles

The route is over 3000 miles, touching 14 states and climbing over 100,000 feet. Teams typically cross the country in 6 to 9 days, averaging 350 to over 500 miles per day. Solo racers finish in 9 to 12 days, averaging 250 to 350 miles per day. Teams have a relay format and race 24 hours a day. Solo racers have the challenge of balancing a few hours of sleep each night against race deadlines.

Olympians, Grandfathers and You

The men and women who compete, as soloists or as team participants, are dedicated and driven athletes. The racers are comprised from an international field of professionals from all walks of life. Among them are Olympians, professional athletes, but, by far, most are just like you. They range in age from 18 to over 70 and each has a story to tell of their life and how they came to the race. That story is enriched during the week-long adventure across the country as each rises and discovers their inner ability.

Is it a Charity?

More than half of the racers use RAAM as a platform and event to raise funds for various charities. In 2007, racers raised more than $1,000,000.

Why RAAM?

Because it's there was George Mallory's answer, as to why climb Mt. Everest.

RAAM has a similar draw. At the very least, it's the honor of adding their name to the prestigious roll call of RAAM finishers.

RAAM is more than a bike race. It is about ordinary people being great. It's about realizing dreams, a journey of the heart and soul. It's about being the toughest of the tough. It's about camaraderie, teamwork, and the incredible RAAM family. It's about taking the stage for a charity or cause that matters, to raise awareness and funds. It's about the vastness, richness, beauty, and generosity of the United States of America and the people who live here. It's a lifetime experience never to be repeated.

The Race Across America endures due to its amazing effect on the human consciousness and for its incredible feats of willpower, inspiration, and heart.

Who's Behind RAAM?

The RAAM Management Team - Fred Boethling, Terry Zmrhal, Perry Stone and Rick Boethling - bring considerable breadth and depth of business and race experience to bear on the race. We are all race veterans. We've been there. We know what's in the hearts and minds of racers and crew.

Interested?
http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/

Le Tour Ultime

The Tour the France in one stage 4000 km non-stop cycling! Le Tour Ultime, the most ultimate Cycling Challenge in the world! The best of ultra cycling.

http://www.ltu-letourultime.nl/index.php

Hi,

June the first. Mid year month, winter in all earnest just about here. About three and a half weeks to go then we start going positive to daylight time. Scary to say the least. As one gets older so the time seems to fly faster. I wonder if of u out there about my age are feeling the same? Vra maar net.

Seems like yesterday that I had just turned forty, cocky as hell, baie slim and other than needing a Grandpa from time to time (as opposed to a Grandpa and Panado now) I could take on anything. Dalk n bietjie wysheid wat nou intree of wat.

Well the group (rd) is still getting together at Waterstone weekends at 7.00 am. Hey all, it’s dark, so please lights and lights and light Wannabee clothing. Ek soek nie die Ruiters in die nag nie wat net swart aan trek.

I’m led to believe by Anton de Freitos that last Sundays MTB rides turnout was very good. About 30 plus of which the greater majority were non members. The club was ably assisted by HCW. Many thanks to them. There was a charge of R30.00 per head for non members. According to Anton the club made in the region of R700.00

On several occasions during the past years the Steering com has discussed payment for non members and once again 2 points come to mind.
Is it fair to those that are paid up members that others enjoy the privelages of the club with no contribution and;
Is it a priority to encourage and develop the sport in the belief that the non payers will eventually come to the party.

Maybe it is time to start charging non-members who join us for road rides on w/ends and also the midweek training sessions. Wat dink julle? Please let me know. Email me your comments. We can really start filling our coffers. Money makes the world go around of hoe?

The DC teams seem to be taking shape. Several teams have already had a couple of training rides. Would appear that there is still some place open in of the teams. If interested please contact John Arnold (DC event co-ordinator) on 082-5570-331

Just something interesting;

“ Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving”-Albert Einstein

Using pink because today is the final day of a great Giro Del Italia. Is Contador the man?? Yes he is!!

Yesterday’s group ride was once again held up because of punctures. Time that we got the experts in again with advice when riding during the winter months.

What the experts say;

During the rainy season what tends to happen on the tar roads is that all the small broken pieces of glass get washed out of all the cracks and holes and STAND PROUD on the road surface. These small pieces of glass do not necessarily cause the puncture then, but they tend to become imbedded in the tyre and after several rides get pushed thru the tyre and so puncture the tube. Well what to do?.

1. The night before u ride do several things (a) Spin the wheels and check for small pieces of embedded glass in the tyres and remove of course; (b) Pump up your tyres to 8bar.
2. When u get up to ride the next morning check your tyre pressure again. Chances are good that u will have lost a bar or so. Pump up the tyres to 8bar again.
3. Whilst on the ride continually wipe off the front and back tyres (especially if the road is wet) this will prevent most of the small pieces of glass from seating themselves in the tyre. U can do this either with your GLOVED hands or the rear wheel with your shoe. Ask for a demo at the next ride. I’m sure any of the callers will be able to show u.

That’s it . Don’t forget the blog. http://www.wanna-b-team.blogspot.com/

ek