Dubsymike

Howzit All, Has anyone done this event (1 day, 160km MTB)? https://ridethekaroo.co.za/ Just wondering how hectic it is. It's obviously a long way but I'm trying to get a feel for how manageable it is (given that I'm not a dedicated racing snake). Thanks, Mike

Largely valid comment Paddaman and correct in principle. BUT, the question here is whether you would rather stand on principle, or actively ensure your own safety. Cast your vote!

So, in light of yet another violent attack near Emmarentia yesterday, would you pay to use the Spruit, if those funds were applied towards increased security, track maintenance and track building (emphasis on the first)? This is highly theoretical for now because it is a public space, so City Parks would need to authorise it and be involved. It'd be tough to administer because of the multiple entry points. Would it include walkers/joggers too? In short there are many logistics to work through, but if the response is strong, it may be worth pursuing. Let's have your thoughts!

There have been multiple attacks there Ross - seems to be an all-too regular occurrence.

You’re going to love this! Feedback from the chap that got mugged today. Seems they put up quite a fight. I was the cyclist in the attack. A runner friend Anthony came to my saving - brave man! I'm okay with a few stitches and bruises. Anthony is stitched up and in good spirit. He endured 2 pretty nasty stabs on limbs. Neither of us had phones - and because the bike was a fat tire and the fight attracted to much attention, they eventually fled the scene with nothing. One attacker will be missing his thumb though - it ended up in my mouth We love the park and Spruit so much - it will not affect my passion for the green belt. Please be careful on sections where you can be ambushed. That top contour along the sportsfield is one of those sections. Thanks Anthony!!! Hope your dogs aren't too traumatised. Thanks Graham Montieth and staff at Milpark for stitching us up! Thanks to the friendly people at car park at garden for cleaning our wounds! Thanks to the cyclists who arrived at the scene and assisted us and updated the page. Love you all!

I think that's exactly right, especially if they do actually use the drain pipe.

Hi guys, I was there. Here's some info: There were two guys walking along the path (next to the marks park fence) in the same direction as the cyclists. Not paying any attention to the cyclists so they didn’t seem threatening. This was clever because they forced the cyclists to slow right down - there’s nowhere to pass pedestrians on that path - so the cyclists were doing walking pace as they pulled up behind the muggers. The guys then stepped to the side of the path to let the cyclists go past but as soon as they went by, they were grabbed from behind. With no momentum they were easily brought down. The first cyclist fell left, rolling down the hill a bit. The attacker left his bike and went after him, lunging to try and stab him. Fortunately the cyclist fought back long enough for a runner, coming in the opposite direction, to get involved. He ended up getting the most serious cut - fortunately only on his shin, so he’ll be ok. The attacker lost the advantage and fled. The cyclist suffered minor cuts. The second cyclist was not with the first, but was too close to be able to stop and turn around. The second attacker lunged for him. The cyclist dropped his bike and immediately offered his cellphone. The attacker took it and also fled. In the few seconds it took to comprehend what was going on the attackers ran down the hill and straight towards the storm water drain that channels the spruit into the Botanic Gardens. I’m pretty certain that’s how they entered and exited. We gave chase but they were gone by the same we got back down. There was no park security anywhere to be found, not even in the parking lot. I've already written to the local DA councilor and asked him to take it up with SAPS and City Parks. We really need to find a permanent solution to this.

Staggreen, did you ever get clarity on this?

Tell yourself that now. But wait for the FOMO to kick in!

EmJay, this constituted my very first marathon. Wait. It was also my first 180km ride. Aaaaaand my first 3.8km swim. If you train properly, your body can handle the distance. Your mind just has to get out of the way!

So, my 2c worth. 1. I had a good swim - 1h07. 2. Ride started well, was on track for a 5h40 when my lower back started tightening. Months of training without pain and then boom - race day - it falls to pieces. From 120km I was really hurting. Then got pinned for drafting (long story short, I wasn't but suspect it's still my fault for not properly understanding the rules - I got overtaken so I pulled out sideways to give the 2m box instead of dropping back 12m to re-establish the gap). Marshal pulled up at behind me thinking i was attempting to overtake, and couldn't complete it! Anyway, pulled into the penalty tent and there were so many riders stopped, that they'd run out of stopwatches! One of the refs in the tent said he'd had two riders the whole of the 2016 event. There were at least 8 of us there at that one moment! I don't know if the marshals had been told to pin as many as possible because of worlds next year in PE; but it seemed to me like they were on a mission. Anyway, got off the bike in 5h52. 3. The run was a dog show. By then my back and hamstrings had seized completely, so it turned into a run/walk during which I just tried to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Had hoped for a 4h10. Ended with a 4h45. Which gave me a 12h02! (Maybe i should appeal the penalty!) Anyway, despite the setbacks, it was a great day for a first IMSA. Near perfect conditions, crowd support was amazing and the beer in the bath afterwards may have been the greatest thing I've ever tasted. Even though i puked it up immediately afterwards!!! See you in 2018 PE.

I turn 40 next Thursday. What midlife crisis??? #689

I dehydrated at the EL 70.3 in January (it was hotter than the sun by the time we got off the bike) and so I resorted to the Hi5 on offer, which i'd never trained with. Stomach cramps and a much slower run than hoped. I'm not sure I'd have finished a full marathon, so it was a valuable lesson learnt.

Haha! Sorry, colloquial language. Yes I meant KM - and i also weigh 100kg's, so maybe I should replace them pre IMSA?

How many miles are a set of GP 4000's good for? Mine have done about 3000.