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9 GREAT TRAILS South African riding at its very best
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Singlespeed – a return to simplicity
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Patrick Morewood test rides the new Morewood Zula
DETAILS INSIDE
I S SU E 3 Spring 2009 R36.95 (incl VAT)
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M O U N TA I N B I K I N G W I T H S O U L
Why you can’t afford not to insure your bike
ISSUE 3 | SPRING 2009
SRAM®, RockShox®, Avid® and Truvativ® came together to create something even more powerful: the first ever complete 2x10 MTB group set - XX™.
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TECH - The lowdown on disc brakes TOP GEAR Gloves, helmets, rain jackets and more
TOP RIDERS | BEST RACES | SKILLS | TRENDS |GEAR | NUTRITION
Contents
REMARK-ABLE
A close-up look at the remote lockout lever of the Fox RL 100mm fork on the 2010 Volcan FS1, which is reviewed on Page 50.
“In a country like ours where there are so many wonderful road races, you will always have a market
Photo: DOMINIC BARNARDT
for hardtail mountain bikes for the roadies who want to take part in mountain biking too.” Brandon Els, ‘Industry Focus’, Page 46 “The general consensus was a guided cycle is one of those must-do things. So why were there only two takers? Could it be because our guide had recently been charged by an elephant? When asked about it he just looked bashful and said it had stopped about 10m from him. Phew.” Robyn von Geusau, ‘My first…’, Page 14 “Flow is the magic potion that allows you to carry speed through and out of corners; it helps you clear technical sections with ease and allows you to jump higher, further and more often. Iwan Kemp, ‘Grow with the flow, Page 26 “Personally, I find the 29-inch bike is the perfect happy medium between a hardtail and a dual suspension in the 26-inch bikes. It’s got the responsiveness and snap of a hardtail, and the technical proficiency of a dual suspension. It rolls really well over bumps, holes, drops… It’s more forgiving than a 26-inch hardtail that’s for sure.” Shan Wilson, ‘My Bike’, Page 78 “The GP was worried about me. My blood pressure was very high, my liver was in a terrible state, giving off high levels of something called GGT, which had led to me becoming asthmatic. My life cover policy had to be updated with certain conditions. I wasn’t even 30 yet but I felt like I was just a few cases of beer from my deathbed.” Neil Petersen, ‘My Challenge’ Page 80
SPRING ’09
CONTENTS
6
4 SOUL PROVIDER Editor’s welcome DROOL Dreamy rides in South Africa 8 CLUTTER Dept. of Current Affairs
33
31 OR TAMBO, Gauteng ZEBULA, Limpopo 32 WATERVAL BOVEN, Mpumalanga
16 STOKE Till bike do us part
35 BAVIAANSKLOOF, Eastern Cape
18 SKILL Ride steep climbs
36 NAMAQUALAND, Northern Cape
22
20 FUEL Breaking the fast Trails – The state of our trail nation
TRAILS 27 THE UNION TRAILS, Free State
29
28 VAN GAALEN’S, North West
2 |
BIKES & GEAR
50
MARATHON BIKES from Volcan, Morewood, Giant and Yeti
54 TRAIL BIKES from SCOTT, Cannondale
60 64 70
and Specialized SINGLESPEED Sensible or insane?
INDUSTRY
37
CONSUMER Why you can’t afford not to insure your bike
44 NUTRITION Albe Geldenhuys – the man behind USN
TECH Hydraulic disc brakes
REVIEWED Apparel and gear
Hilton/Cedara, KwaZulu-Natal
46 WHOLESALER Probike’s Brandon Els
PEOPLE
30 DEER PARK, Western Cape
discusses the local market
76 MY FITNESS Michelle Lombardi
TREAD SPRING 2009
Contents
78
MY BIKE Shan Wilson
ON THE COVER Patrick Morewood puts the new Morewood Zula to test on a trail just outside Pietermaritzburg, the home of the Morewood brand. Photo: CRAIG DUTTON
80 MY CHALLENGE Neil Petersen
EVENTS
86 90 92
83 RACE WITH SOUL Transbaviaans WORLD CHAMPS – Three medals for SA WORLD CUP – Our World Cup
SUBSCRIBE AND WIN PRIZES WORTH R85000! Page 42-43
runneth over CALENDAR Races in October, November and December
96 BLEND Pieter Walser TREAD SPRING 2009
| 3
Soul Provider
Editor: SEAN BADENHORST sean@treadmag.co.za Deputy Editor: DONOVAN JACKSON donovan@treadmag.co.za Contributing Editors BARRY McCALLUM, ANDY ELLIS Contributing Photographers GREG BEADLE, AUBREY JONSSON, MARK WING Creative Director: NOLENE SAUNDERS nolene@treadmag.co.za Contributors: Gary Perkin, Craig Dutton, Dominc Barnardt, Dion Lloyd, Donovan Jackson, Anton Bosman, Neil Petersen, Christa North, Jason Bronkhorst, Robyn von Geaseu, Devlin Fogg, Keith Heydenrych, Colin Heydenrych, Albert Retief. Publisher: DONOVAN JACKSON donovan@treadmag.co.za Associate Publisher: JOANNE BADENHORST joanne@treadmag.co.za Editorial Address: 22 Collins Street, Kensington B, Randburg Delta Park, 2194 For advertising or subscription enquiries, email info@treadmag.co.za or call 0832797797 TREAD magazine is published with passion quarterly by Retread Publishing CC. All material is copyright and may not be reproduced or used in any form without written permission from the publishers.
PHOTO: CRAIG DUTTON
Mountain biking is our virtue
I
went for a ride on one of my local trails
And that’s just what makes mountain biking
this country where you can sample the most
today (a Sunday) and was most impressed
so damn cool. There’s so much emotional,
amazing variety of terrain and interesting
with the number of new mountain bikers
mental and physical stimulation when you’re
people? Do they make you feel like you’re not
out there. You can spot them a long way
riding a mountain bike that it’s impossible to
really exercising, but having fun? And do they
away and you just know that they’re not even
become bored or tired of it. All your senses are
make you feel like kid again?
vaguely aware that you’re approaching from up
called to attention when you hit a trail and it’s
Thought not.
ahead because they’re so busy concentrating
a non-stop celebration of health and fitness
This issue of TREAD is a celebration
on braking, shifting, steering, breathing,
from your first pedal stroke until your last.
pedalling, trying to locate the hydration pack
of spring and what it means to be a mountain
I’m sure there are other forms of exercise
biker in South Africa. A celebration of the
that are very stimulating, but do they get you
bikes, gear, trails, industry, events and people
In this case I anticipate approximately when
out in the warm sun, or soft summer rain? Do
that make up our community.
they’ll spot me and I make it as easy as possible
they let you feel the gentle breeze or gusty
To all those new mountain bikers just
for them to continue riding on the singletrack
pre-storm wind blowing on your skin? Do they
starting out on your shaky way along our trails,
by veering off it and carving my own little path
give you an enthusiastic, yet acceptably flawed
gripping your handlebars too tightly, inflating
through the rougher stuff.
symphonic birdlife soundtrack? Do they let you
your tyres too hard, taking a full hydration pack
mouthpiece, locking out the fork…
I even do this while climbing because
brush against, trees, flowers, shrubs and grass
on a one-hour ride and nervously navigating
even though I know I have right of way as the
that form a jigsaw of contrasting smells and
your way over rocks and roots and through ruts
ascending rider, I don’t think they’re quite
textures? Do they take you right up to wild
and rivers. Welcome. Welcome to the ride of
prepared to have to veer off the trail and into
animals – dangerous or not – where you feel
your life – literally, figuratively, honestly.
the rough at speed. They’ve got enough to
more like a surprise visitor than a stranger?
think about as it is.
Do they take you to every single province in
4 |
TREAD SPRING 2009
Sean Badenhorst Editor
Drool
Only one answer W
hat’s better than getting out on your bike with a mate on a warm spring day, breathing in fresh
country air, taking in some steady climbs, blasting a few killer descents all on some sweet singletrack? Nothing.
PHOTO: CRAIG DUTTON. LOCATION: Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal.
6 |
TREAD SPRING 2009
Clutter
Adventurous soul
Kevin Davie is a mountain biker with that sense of adventure all of us have, but don’t act on. In September he decided to complete a pioneering ride he called ‘The Spine’, a solo mountain bike ride down the entire length of the Drakensberg mountain range. Armed with an aluminium hardtail, a reasonable knowledge of the terrain (he’s done sections of the route before) and a GPS, he started his epic 1000km-plus ride in Haenertsberg, in the Limpopo Province and headed southwest to the end of the ‘Berg in a little town called Dordrecht in the Eastern Cape. It was an incident-filled journey that he documented colourfully on a blog on www.treadmag.co.za. Davie is a journalist at the Mail & Guardian, so his attention to detail and his knowledge of South African history, as well as a fascination with the various cultures, adds wonderful texture to his tale.
Endurance talent in SA? You bet! While our XC, DH and 4X riders have been
S
o we’re inundated with technology in
including various sensors and accelerometers
mountain bike design and just when
to achieve a wide range of suspension
it seemed as if we’d hit a plateau, along
responses. Apparently there are a total
subdued. But then that’s probably because
comes Cannondale and reveals SIMON, its
of 10 000 possible variations of settings,
marathon racing isn’t quite as big overseas
revolutionary electronically adjustable
which are simplified for the human rider
as it is here.
suspension fork technology.
into five modes, adjustable on an integrated
getting all the attention from an international racing perspective (see page 86), coverage of our marathon riders has been relatively
However, notable recent results abroad
Yep, you read that correctly, electronic
show that we’re among the top nations
suspension fork adjustment for mountain
in marathon racing with Brandon Stewart
bikes. Five years in the making, SIMON was
Cannondale doesn’t expect to put SIMON
and Max Knox (DCM Chrome) securing third
revealed to the media at Interbike in Las
into production any time soon, but says that
place overall at the very technical BC Bike
Vegas using an extravagantly executed top-
the technology will begin to make its way
Challenge in Canada and Kevin Evans grabbing
secret military theme.
onto production models over the next few
an impressive eighth overall at the 2009 UCI Marathon World Champs in Austria.
8 |
A shockingly electric future?
TREAD SPRING 2009
SIMON essentially makes use of sophisticated electronic engineering,
stem-mounted computer for: XC, DH, Trail, Lock-out and Travel Management.
years. More here: www.cannondale.com/ simon
TREAD SPRING 2009
| 9
Read this…
Media
Don’t let the name fool you. It’s not the oracle of the sport that it suggests. Far from it. The Mountain Bike
Compiled by Barry McCallum
Way of Knowledge is William Nealy’s humorous take on his dirt-riding career. He starts off by getting his hands on a pair of beat-
Watch this… Sticking with
up old Schwinns. A beer-fuelled fling off a flight of
the
stairs at university with his buddy, Bruce, ends in an
drink-
ing theme, I
unplanned and painful dismount…right in front of an audience of cute girls.
came across
Bruce – whose surname is intentionally omitted because he is a contractor for the US military –
this slasher
and William head for the Great Smokies National Park, and throw themselves (on bikes of course)
flick
off the side of Mt Sterling, and so starts his love of the sport.
while
browsing
The book is a series of cartoons depicting some trail tales, skills advice, quirky observations and
through www.
definitions like this one: “Scream (Skrém) v. To achieve a velocity that all rules of common sense
kalahari.net
and safety are thoroughly violated. Penultimate fun. (aka Bomb’).”
the other day.
Would make a great gift for a mountain biking buddy. The Mountain Bike Way of Knowledge is
Made in 2006,
available from www.exclusivebooks.co.za. It’s got 128 pages and retails for R129.
Blood Trails follows the events which take place after a bike messenger, called Anne, gets a little tipsy and has a one-night stand with a not-all-there biking dude called Chris. Wracked by guilt because she’s already got a boyfriend, and suffering a raging babelaas, she books a mountain biking getaway in Whistler with Michael. But who should they come across on the trails? Yup, Chris makes an unwelcome appearance. She fesses up about her infidelity to Michael. Minutes after getting the news, Chris slashes the hapless soul…and he doesn’t want to stop there. He starts chasing Anne around the trails to finish her off too… Watch the trailer here http://www.terrorfeed.com/index. php?id=bloodtrailers-trailer or buy the DVD for less than R80 here http://www.kalahari.net/ dvd/Blood-Trails/363/32349887.aspx. The eighth film in Radical Films’ Kranked series got its South African big screen debut through AMARider as this issue of TREAD was going to print. It was to be the last in a series of screenings of the Kranked: Revolve. The film is subtitled “The Ride. The Riders”, and is billed as “a high definition tribute to the coolest human-powered adrenaline tool ever invented and a look at the riders who push these bikes to their limits.” The Kranked crew followed Sam Hill’s progress at the opening World Cup event of the year in Pietermaritzburg. Watch the trailer here: http://www. radical-films.com/, and order it through www. actionsportsvideo.com.
Got a website, book, CD or DVD you think we should check out, drop us a mail at info@treadmag.co.za and write ‘Media’ in the subject field.
10 |
TREAD SPRING 2009
Surf this… There’s a segment in Kranked 6: Progression, where a really beat-up Kirt Voreis (http://www.kirtvoreis.com) sits in a hot tub sucking on a bottle of New Belgium beer after cutting short a film shoot with Bjorn Enga. A closer examination reveals that it’s a Fat Tire Amber Ale, which I looked up to discover that biking played a big part in the formation of the company and continues to in its everyday philosophy. Founder Jeff Lebesch developed a fondness for Belgian brews after a mountain bike tour of Europe’s famous beer-making villages, from which he returned “with a handful of ingredients and an imagination full of recipes.” The first two products he created were Fat Tire and Abbey Belgian Ale. Along with his wife, Kim – now the company’s CEO – they sampled and promoted their beers to the public at homebrews. “Fat Tire’s appeal quickly became evident. People liked everything about it. Except the name…” That’s according to a potted history on http://www.newbelgium.com/. The label contains an image of a 1950sstyle ballooner, which was used by early pioneers of the sport in southern California. One of the brewery’s initiatives includes Team Wonderbike, which “is a laughing war whoop, a social movement, an opening salvo in the campaign to greatly increase the use of one of mankind’s greatest inventions, the bicycle.” There are more than 15000 members. The company has green cred too, as, in 1998, it became – after a unanimous vote by its employee-owners – “the first wind powered brewery in the United States, thank you very much.”
Listen to this... TREAD’s classic track…Holiday in Cambodia by The Dead Kennedys. This one is relevant right now for two reasons: the Khmer Rouge trials are, for the first time, bringing to book some of the top rank of Pol Pot’s murderous regime; and, of course, the recent death of senator Ted Kennedy and the end of America’s most popular political dynasty. When the outfit started to become known on the San Francisco punk scene and beyond in the early 1980s, the band’s name drew disapproval because it was seen as poking fun at the assassinations of Bobbie Kennedy and JFK. Frontman Jello Biafra, however, claimed it was “to bring attention to the end of the American Dream.” Holiday in Cambodia, which featured on the soundtrack to Earthed 3: Europa, was released in 1980, and tackled both the start of what became the Yuppie era and the complacency of middle-class America, and compared it to the turmoil and strife of third world countries. Here’s a selection of the lyrics: So you been to schools/For a year or two/And you know you’ve seen it all…Well, you’ll work harder/With a gun in your back/For a bowl of rice a day… *Heard a song on a MTB What you need, my son/Is a holiday in Cambodia/Where people dress in black. movie soundtrack, and can’t Towards the end of the 1980s, Jello Biafra’s outfit was dragged into court on an figure out who did it, go to obscenity charge because the Frankenchrist album included a print of artist H R http://www.bike-communiGiger’s Penis Landscape. They escaped punishment when the trial ended with ty.net/forum/showthread. an, ahem, “hung jury.” php?t=164
Clutter
OFF-CAMBER
Drytube Classic
M
an bags haven’t quite taken off in this
make a pretty sound seal and sling that
country and grateful we all are for
puppy over your shoulder. Your BlackBerry,
that. But boy or girl, out on the bike you will
wallet, volume of poetry and the other
occasionally need a receptacle for goods in
essentials you lug along on outrides are
transit. In the Drytube Classic you get a bag
snug, safe and waterproof.
that is at home handling the perils of the
The Classic is just one of a range of
trail or commute come rain or shine.
watertight bags available from local
In fact, come rain is when the Drytube really
manufacturer DrySport. Check its website
shines. It’s called a Drytube because it is,
for more!
well, tubular. As for dry, we discovered that
Price: From R229.00
this thing is practically airtight, never mind
Contact: www.drytube.co.za
watertight. Twist the top over on itself to
3 Things… …you shouldn’t forget to clean, but usually do: 1. The cloth bag your eyewear comes in 2. Your towbar-mounted bike rack 3. Your helmet straps and pads …that we wish we could change, but can’t: 1. The UCI World Cup calendar for 2010 2. The weather in the Western Cape 3. The topography of Gauteng TREAD SPRING 2009
| 11
Clutter
Read this and weep A
fter Nissan International opted not to extend its sponsorship of
mountain bike racing, the UCI, without a replacement sponsor,
trimmed the world’s most prestigious racing series down to a less expensive version for 2010. Instead of eight rounds each for XC, DH and 4X, there are now six, plus the World Champs. And instead of taking place at venues on four continents, as was the case in 2009, the 2010 ‘World Cup’ will be held on two continents. No stopover in Canberra, Australia. No stopover, in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. The only reason the USA got a World Cup round is because the World
have to travel to North America anyway. There’s a bottom line in here
Sadly, we won’t get to hang out with top stars like Burry Stander and Greg Minnaar at the popular Coffeeberry Café at the Cascades Mall in Maritzburg next April. South Africa lost out as a 2010 World Cup round venue due to UCI budget constraints. Bummer.
somewhere. Oh, wait, here it is: World Cup our arse!
UCI 2010 Calendar
Champs had been allocated to Mont Sainte Anne, Canada a couple of years back. That means the whole World Cup entourage was going to
Alec Lenferna of Treble Events, the man that headed up the
April 24-25: UCI World Cup XCO 1 – Dalby Forest (GBR)
organisation of the Pietermaritzburg round of the 2009 World Cup, is
May 1-2: UCI World Cup XCO 2/4X 1 – Houffalize (BEL)
understandably disappointed.
May 15-16: UCI World Cup DHI 1/4X 2 – Maribor (SLO)
“It’s a money thing. Without the Nissan sponsorship, the UCI doesn’t
May 22-23: UCI World Cup XCO 3 – Offenburg (GER)
have enough cash to take the World Cup around the world as has been
June 5-6 UCI: World Cup DHI 2/4X 3 – Fort-William (GBR)
the case in the past. It’s a pity because we’d just got our African foot in
June 19-20: UCI World Cup DHI 3/4X 4 – Schladming (AUT)
the UCI door and now this. But we’ve been told that should the UCI find
July 24-25: UCI World Cup XCO 4/DHI 4 – Champéry (SUI)
a replacement sponsor, we’re in with a damn good chance of hosting
July 31-Aug 1: UCI World Cup XCO 5/DHI/4X 5 – Val di Sole (ITA)
a World Cup round again in 2011. We’ve also got our eye on the World
August 8: UCI Marathon World Championships – St Wendel (GER)
Champs for 2013.”
Aug 28-29: UCI World Cup XCO 6/DHI/4X 6 – Windham
So, with three riders making World Cup podiums in 2009, we South
(USA)
Aug 31-Sept 5: UCI XCO/DHI/4X World Champs – Monte Sainte Anne (CAN)
Africans will have to wait a while to be able to cheer on our heroes in person again. In the meantime, here’s the schedule for the UCI’s 2010 calendar. Thank heavens for www.freecaster.tv…
12 |
TREAD SPRING 2009
For regular gear and racing news, blogs and photos, visit www.treadmag.co.za
TREAD SPRING 2009
| 13
Clutter
MY FIRST...
mountain bike ride By Robyn von Geusau
Some people ride around a block the first time they get on a mountain bike. I nearly headed straight into a pride of lion. What is it about being out of one’s comfort zone that makes one do
director and ace cyclist, David Evans, discretely turned away). Once
uncomfortable things? For years I have shared the bed of a mountain
I caught up we turned onto the narrow elephant trails with their
biker. He is a Sani2C/Karoo-to-Coast type of bloke, breaks a rib a year
enormous spoor. Far ahead, one by one, walked these great grey giants
and feels a weekend without two three-hour rides is incomplete. I have
of Tuli. Elegant giraffe looked alarmed and swayed away through the
never put my bottom on such a saddle let alone fiddled with those gear-
acacias and mopane. Statue-like impala blinked as we passed, witness
things. (Brakes? Don’t you pedal backwards to stop?)
to my initiation.
So, there I was at Mashatu Game Reserve in Northern Tuli, Botswana
Eventually I got the hang of small ditches and streams and merrily
(www.mashatu.com) recently, happily enjoying a book launch of the
clicked away at those magical gears. But the river beds got me every
splendid In Search of the African Wild Dog (www.theafricanwilddogs.
time as I ground to a halt, despite keeping my eyes fixed on Andrei’s
co.za) by husband-and-wife team, Roger and Pat de la Harpe. It is the
thighs (well, he had advised me to, to get a feel for his rhythm. Or
loveliest of spots and they know it well. It is also probably one of the
something like that).
reasons they kept very quiet when someone suggested a sunrise cycle ride.
Three hours later we were homebound. I had tamed the middle-
“Why not?” thought I. I would get a teeny taste of the Tour de Tuli,
mannetjie, I was skilfully avoiding those elephant dung boulders (not
a 5-day charity ride, which several friends have done. I had a pair of cotton shorts, takkies and T-shirt – all in camouflage-ish colours. Perfect.
soft) and I had relaxed my grip (but, oh, those cotton shorts…). A low warning rumble followed by a roar split the savannah silence. In a second I saw: a lion running; a stationary game-drive vehicle;
The general consensus was a guided cycle is one of those must-do
Andrei suddenly stop.
things. So why were there only two takers? Could it be because our
“Lion. Detour. Turn very quietly and go slowly back,” he whispered.
guide Andrei Snyman (busy with his PhD in lion and leopard research)
There was nothing to dull the thump of my heart as, with magnificent
had recently been charged by an elephant? When asked about it he just
fluidity, I turned around and headed away from that unmistakeable
looked bashful and said it had stopped about 10m from him. Phew.
sound of Africa.
I headed for bed but my head ricocheted off the downy pillow as
Were the sleek lionesses I had seen yesterday forming a pincer
roars, yelps and shrieks shattered the night quiet – a disagreement
movement? Don’t they target the weakest? Adrenaline is an amazing
between lion and hyena. The next morning Andrei presented us with
thing. I whistled along, mouth parched, not looking left, right or
orange helmets which completely blew my undercover approach. He
behind me.
had the grace not to look disconcerted when I asked about gear basics
Eons later the thatch of Mashatu Main Camp appeared. After the most
and threw in a few rules: Never Run. Be Quiet. And the gravely middel-
beautiful shower I staggered to brunch to hear we had nearly cycled into
mannetjie is the enemy – hit that and you’re down.
a pride of lion: male, two lionesses, five cubs and warthog kill.
He sailed off, mandatory rifle slung across his back, into the sunrise and onto a jeep track. I veered into the flowerbeds (whereupon Mashatu
14 |
TREAD SPRING 2009
My 19-km initiation into mountain-biking had not been uneventful. Would I do it again? In a pounding heartbeat, yes.
Stoke
Till bike us do part
flat-out hooked. I’d learnt my lesson: it was easy to pitch up at a mountain bike race – but man, what a bitch to go the distance. I had work to do. That night I gathered the wife, child and beast to announce that I had found my calling, my pre-midlife crisis, a sport that I was going take seriously. Very seriously. The wife smiled suspiciously, the child
By Andy Ellis
tugged on her pacifier and the beast merrily thumped his tail on the wooden floor. I accepted the canine response as an allencompassing affirmative show of support, fixed the start of my campaign for the following morning, turned on my heel and went to bed. It was 8pm. A season passed. Obsession set in thick. My race times showed up somewhere in the middle of the league. Not cool. What was I missing? Of course my bike was to blame. There had to be a way of making it lighter without spending too much money. I dived into books and magazines in search of the magical mountain bike elixir. It didn’t take long to realise that the only real way to make the bike go faster was for me to get stronger. And simply riding every
F
day wasn’t enough. I had to get all scientific or Sale: the perfect starter home.
shackled. Frustrated energy bubbled inside.
on my saddle-chaffed ass. I bought an old
Two bedrooms, one bathroom,
I needed a pressure valve, a pastime that
road bike, turbo trainer and a heart rate
garden, farmhouse kitchen and
emancipated the man, got some balls back in
monitor. That didn’t go down well either.
outside studio / work-from-home.
the game. Next thing a mate pitches up with
I didn’t care. Like a drug-starved junkie I
My girlfriend loved it, “We’ll get married,
a smug grin and a mountain bike. Not just
was operating in the fast lane with my family
buy a puppy, mow the patch of lawn, grow
any bike, a real bike, an expensive bike, the
lagging in the blind spot. Fitter, stronger,
hibiscus, and knock out our firstborn. This
kind of bike that was gracing the fledgling
faster was the only imperative, and besides,
place is perfect.”
South African Mountain Biking Association’s
I had my whole life for family. I’d make it
cross country scene.
up to them after the season. Ignorance was
“Nice, but we can’t afford it,” I sobered. “We have to make a start somewhere,”
I asked him how much, he told me. I
bliss. What a fool I was. My wife called the
she harassed, “You need to put a stake in the
gagged, then spat on a hibiscus frond. I was
stationary trainer ‘the bike to nowhere’. I
ground, man. Grow up a little.”
up to my britches in mortgage debt. Suddenly
called it the bike to the top 10, top five, heck
And so I signed the offer to purchase and
words I’d heard before, a feminine voice,
– the bloody podium if I trained hard enough.
took a step into adulthood somewhere in my
“… make a start somewhere, put a stake in
I studied the principles of anaerobic
(
Like a drug-starved junkie I was operating in the fast lane with my family lagging in the blind spot.
)
threshold, determined my optimum heart rate, VO2 max and body fat percentage. If I wasn’t thrashing the ‘bike to nowhere’ I was on three-hour rides, or in the gym or at the physiotherapist. And so it went. Inside of
late 20s. Inside of 18 months I found myself
the ground man,” whispered into the cotton
three years I managed a forgettable fourth
cradling a baby while using the blast of a
bits of my brain. Next thing I’m sheepishly
place in my race category. From that little
garden hose to disintegrate dog turds squeezed
showing off a mountain bike of my own. It
mound of anonymity, somewhere between the
onto the lawn by our doe-eyed beast. There
didn’t go down well with the missus.
podium and enjoying a fun, healthy pastime –
are those who’d say I had it all… Man it made me antsy. Suburbia had me
16 |
TREAD SPRING 2009
Cut to the end of my first cross-country race. I was broken, disillusioned, but alive and
the point of it all – I looked for my wife. She was gone.
Skill
Ride up steep climbs Steep climbs can pose a real challenge and often result in dismounts and portaging, which really aren’t much fun. Being able to ride a steep incline isn’t that difficult if you know the basic principles. By Sean Badenhorst
A
s with most skills, balance and momentum play the leading roles in this skill. Because you are travelling
3.
at low speed, balance can be more
challenged which can lead to the front-end
4.
wandering. Riding up a steep climb can be extremely rewarding, especially when those around you can’t. 5.
Do this: 1. Look ahead and anticipate. Some steep climbs are short and over with in a few seconds, while others can take a couple of minutes. Knowing what lies ahead helps you prepare better during the approach. 2. On the approach, shift into a lighter (easier) gear. Most steep climbs are best tackled in
18 |
TREAD SPRING 2009
6.
7.
the small chainring, although more powerful riders prefer the increased torque of the middle chainring. Choose your line. Most steep climbs are narrow and line choices are limited. If it’s a wide climb, choose the smoothest possible line. Pedal hard and fast. Momentum is what’s going to get you up so pedal like crazy and don’t stop pedalling until you are over the summit. The more speed you have, the more chance you have of riding all the way up. Lean forward as the slope gradient increases. This helps keep weight on your front wheel to keep it tracking predictably. Sit forward on the front of your saddle so that your body position is ‘scrunched up’. It feels and looks a bit peculiar, but it’s the only way to maintain traction and a balance point. Keep looking ahead of you to choose your line. An advanced technique you can try on short, sharp pitches is pulling up on the handlebar.
You pull up with the left hand as your left leg is on the downstroke and repeat with the right hand as the right leg hits the downstroke. This action momentarily forces the back wheel into the ground, which maximises traction.
Some things to remember: • In a race or on a group ride, if you have to dismount on a steep climb, move aside as quickly as possible for those behind you that are trying to ride it. • Avoid the temptation to stand and pedal, especially on a dual suspension bike. You risk momentum loss as well as sacrifice allimportant rear wheel traction. • Don’t stop pedalling. It’s impossible to over emphasise this point!
PHOTO: DOMINIC BARNARDT
Don’t hit the wall, BREAK through it For sustained performance and to prevent hitting the wall, you need more than carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are only 50% of the key. Krebs cycle mitochondrial nutrients are the other 50%. The Krebs cycle is the energy-releasing bio-chemical reaction that occurs within the mitochondria, inside your cells. In the Krebs cycle, oxygen is combined with carbohydrates, and energy (ATP) is released. However, for the Krebs cycle to work efficiently, it requires two nutrient catalysts known as Pantethine (an energised form of vitamin B5) and Ribose (a sugar derivative). Without Pantethine and Ribose, you will not be able to release optimal energy for endurance performance, no matter how many carbohydrates you consume, because adequate carbohydrate intake is only part of the energy puzzle. The other part involves unlocking the energy contained in carbohydrates, via the Krebs cycle. Only Pantethine and Ribose can do that. No diet supplies adequate Pantethine or Ribose for optimal performance, so supplementation is essential.
Pantethine-300™ Improves the body’s ability to burn carbohydrates and fat during exercise through the supply of co-enzyme A, an essential part of the Krebs cycle.
Ribose The catalyst that ignites the spark, that burns carbohydrates and releases energy.
Benefits and how to use the products:
Benefits of Pantethine-300™ and Ribose:
How to use Pantethine-300™ and Ribose:
• • •
•
•
Increased exercise intensity and prolonged endurance. Safe for competitive use; no banned substances. No caffeine, ephedrine, artificial stimulants or unhealthy ingredients. Noticeable effects after first use.
•
Available from Doctors, Leading Pharmacies, Dis-Chem Pharmacies, Health Stores or from SOLAL Technologies. Visit our website for free downloads, comprehensive product information, booklet guide and chart, price list and to watch a free online video on how to use nutraceutical supplements safely and effectively
The most useful health website in SA:
www.solaltech.com
Take 1-2 Pantethine-300™ capsules 15-30 minutes before cycling. Dissolve 1 heaped teaspoon of Ribose into water or your favourite energy drink and consume as you normally would, before and during cycling.
Tel: 011 783 3939 or 086 11 SOLAL (Health Line) Fax: 011 783 3399 TREAD SPRING 2009 Email: solal@solaltech.com
| 19
Fuel
Fast breaker
REWARD
By Christa North R.D.
Milk it
If breakfast is supposed to be the most important meal of the day, why is it the one we find easiest to skip? Often we’re riding our bikes when most people are eating breakfast. Or, we’ve just ridden and are rushing to get to work so don’t find time to prepare something. This can lead to a whole day of poor nourishment. Here are four suggestions on how to get a reasonably filling, relatively balanced breakfast into a busy lifestyle. PORRIDGE
Whole Wheat Pronutro or Quick Cooking Rolled Oats (e.g. Bokomo/Pick ‘n Pay House Brand) with milk. Preparation time: For the oats, about 3 minutes in the microwave. What’s in it: Pronutro is a maize and soya-based cereal, enriched with several vitamins, minerals and is cholesterol-free. GI rating: Low High in: Carbohydrates and calcium (and protein, if eaten with milk) Know this: Adding milk (or yoghurt) to a meal will lower the GI, which will keep you satisfied for longer because milk contains proteins. Instant oats e.g. Oatso-Easy has a high GI rating and is better suited to consumption directly after strenuous exercise.
TOAST WITH SPREAD
Low-GI bread e.g. Sasko Low GI True Whole Wheat bread with 1 tablespoon per slice of a nutbutter such as macadamia- or peanut butter, or fish or cheese spread.
20 |
TREAD SPRING 2009
Preparation time: 2 minutes. What’s in it: The bread is made of wheat bran, crushed wheat and wheat germ, resulting in a high fibre content, which contributes to the slow release of carbohydrates. GI rating: Low High in: Carbohydrates and monounsatured fats Know this: The spreads are rich in mineral salts and will assist in preventing excessive losses through sweat during your ride.
SMOOTHIE
A smoothie made from low-GI muesli e.g. Vital, seed mix, yoghurt and berries. Preparation time: Less than 1 minute in the blender. What’s in it: Berries, whether they’re fresh, frozen or tinned, are a good choice because of their vitamin C content. GI rating: Low to moderate. High in: Carbohydrates and anti-oxidants. Know this: Seeds are rich in the essential fatty acids, Omega 3 and 6, which play critical roles in
Remember how as a kid you’d look forward to a big glass of ice-cold milk, which your mom would pour you from the glass bottle container that was delivered to your house that morning? Well we do. Times may have changed, but the value of milk hasn’t. It’s still full of important nutrients and the Dairy Board, as you’ll see in this, and other publications, is reminding us of the benefits milk offers in a natural food matrix. Milk is an ideal addition to breakfast cereals, or oats or any other porridge; it can be consumed as a refreshing drink day or night; it contains nutrients and electrolytes that are lost through exercise-induced dehydration and it can be used instead of water to mix a commercial recovery drink, usually in the form of a high-protein shake. Milk is widely available, relatively cheap and comes in full-cream, low-fat and fat-free versions. And thanks to Nestlé, its also flavourable, making Nesquik still a favourite among kids and, er, most of the TREAD staff.
anti-inflammatory responses (including those of the joints).
EGG ON TOAST
Low-GI toast e.g. Fine Form Multigrain brown bread with scrambled egg. Preparation time: 5 minutes. What’s in it: In addition to being fibre-rich, this bread contains linseeds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. GI rating: Low High in: Proteins and carbohydrates Know this: Egg contains choline, an integral part of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This stuff is mainly involved in message transfers between nerves and muscles...which means a sharper reaction time on that twisty singletrack.
Christa North is a Johannesburg-based Registered Dietician who tackles dietary challenges in a refreshingly practical way. To contact her, email cnorth@absamail.co.za or call 011 886 3690.
ive dehydrat t c ion fe f r re
fo
ery ov ec
Milk
after spor t
How can an athlete combat dehydration?
The facts 9 Milk is a natural alternative to commercial sports drinks
9 Milk contains carbohydrates and electrolytes
within a natural food matrix, similar to commercial rehydration sports drinks 9 Fluid replacement drinks are diluted solutions of carbohydrates and electrolytes and are mainly aimed at replacing fluid following exercise-induced dehydration 9 Exercise-induced dehydration is a common condition among athletes, especially with prolonged intense exercise 9 Milk has been proven as an effective postexercise dehydration recovery drink
What is exercise-induced dehydration? Exercise-induced dehydration is a condition where an athlete’s sweat losses surpass fluid intake. It is a common condition among athletes, especially in cases of prolonged intense exercise.
Why is it important? Dehydration impairs performance and has negative health implications, particularly where fluid losses exceed 2% of body mass. The potential negative implications are particularly prominent in the case of regular exercise activities, where inadequate rehydration after a specific exercise session could impair performance during subsequent exercise sessions.
The bottom line...
This condition and potential treatments have been studied extensively, especially treatments involving experimental rehydration solutions prepared in a laboratory. Previous research has shown that the electrolyte content of these beverages plays a fundamental role in rehydration.
Sports drinks at a glance A wide range of beverages (including water) could be consumed to achieve rehydration. The key ingredients of commercially available sports drinks are carbohydrates (e.g. glucose) and electrolytes (e.g. sodium and potassium). The carbohydrates provide the body with energy, while the electrolytes improve fluid absorption as well as improve the taste of these beverages.
What about milk? The key ingredients of commercial rehydration sports drinks (carbohydrates and electrolytes) are also found in milk within a natural food matrix in the form of lactose (milk sugar), as well as the electrolytes sodium and potassium. Recent groundbreaking research has proven that milk is an effective post-exercise dehydration recovery drink. Drinking-yoghurt could be considered as an alternative post-exercise rehydration beverage.
How much fluid should be consumed when exercising? EXERCISE PHASE 2 Hours before
Directly before
During
Directly after
1 to 2 cups*
Half to 1 cup*
Half to 1 cup* every 15 to 20 minutes
1 to 2 cups*
* 1 cup = 250ml
Exercise-induced dehydration associated with reduced sports performance is a common condition among athletes. Rehydration is often achieved through the consumption of commercial sports drinks. Milk contains the key ingredients of commercial rehydration sports drinks, in a natural food matrix. Milk can be a performance- and cost-effective post-exercise rehydration drink.
www.dairy.co.za
Feature
22 |
TREAD SPRING 2009
Feature PHOTO: Graig Dutton
Stairways
to
L
Heaven
ook back, say, 15, 20 years ago… It wasn’t like this. You certainly weren’t spoilt for choice. Dedicated trails were rare. Outings were expeditions to find something rideable. Today’s mountain biker has it good. Back then, routes often involved illegal crossings of private- or state property. Most trails were sketchy and required local knowledge to find and follow. Most of the legit trails were built and maintained by bike shop staffers keen to offer their customers a convenient playground. Actually, today’s mountain biker has it really good.
By Barry McCallum TREAD SPRING 2009
| 23
Feature
E
ven those in the major metropolitan
was motivated “mostly by the terrain itself …
areas don’t have to travel too far
and wanting to try and create something that
to sample sweet jeep track or
would be fun to ride.”
singletrack. Trails and trail-building
It is perhaps for this reason that he found
is now an industry on its own, a booming one,
it relatively easy to convince landowners to let
not just a sideline.
him carve out singletrack on their properties.
Some recent developments bear this out: • Geoffrey Anderson, one of the men
“For some it’s not about the benefits,” says Harrison, “As long as the mountain biking
behind Mankele, recently offered – ‘to
doesn’t interfere or clash with anything they
MTB enthusiasts ONLY!’ – the opportunity
often see no harm in it. Some have taken
to invest in a share of their own
more convincing than others but most have
mountain bike trail farm. The guys at
been very supportive once they grasp what
the park earmarked 300 hectares of
is involved. They see mountain biking as a
neighbouring Mpumalanga bushveld
healthy pastime practiced by responsible
to populate with game and add to an
people, so it isn’t perceived as a threat.”
already existing network of trails and bush tunnels. • Cult Cycling’s Geoff Vorpagel – the man behind the much-missed Logwood Bike Haven – when announcing that work
Government authorities are a little harder to work with, Harrison concedes: “In principle they have been open to trails, but getting any action out of them has been a slow process.” Building is not a cheap exercise. “You could
was beginning on a successor to Zombie
say building trails works out to about R1000 per
Birdhouse at the Toyota MTN Cycle
kilometre, once you’ve factored in labour, fuel,
Park, let slip that a new venue would be
equipment and so on,” explains Harrison, “but
opening in Jozi soon. He bragged that it
it can vary a lot depending on the terrain and
could allow race snakes the opportunity
how accessible it is. Maintenance is less costly
to put in intense two-hour training rides.
and is more seasonal – more work in summer
• AMA Rider has been at the forefront of
than winter. I think the trails are a necessary
the trail issues for more than a decade
expense, the return should hopefully come
now, and its Gauteng chapter is now
from other areas…accommodation, bike hire,
championing what the Mail & Guardian
that sort of thing.”
recently called ‘Johannesburg’s own
Erosion, he adds, is the biggest issue facing
Central Park’, the Braamfontein Spruit.
the trail-builder because of the intensity of
By engaging ratepayer groups, metro
the storms we get in this country.
officials and councillors, and the
What advice would he give aspiring trail-
community, the advocacy group is finally
builders? “Firstly, go ride other built and
giving the city’s mountain bikers a voice
natural trails and see what’s already been
in the province.
done,” says Harrison.
• The Van Gaalen trails, which are reviewed
“Remember which bits made you smile and
in this issue, are about to be extended.
ask why, then try and do something similar.
The quality of the trails – even Sani2C’s
Depending on your terrain, you’ll need some
Farmer Glen Haw is said to have been
basic hand tools like picks, shovels, rakes, and
impressed by them – have attracted extra
power tools like brush cutters and chainsaws.
custom to his cheese farm and restaurant.
“Make sure you train your workers properly
Erik Schipper, who runs the place with
and that they understand what you are aiming
his wife, was a little embarrassed when
for…put them on bikes. Rather spend more
he told TREAD that he hadn’t even
time planning, think about potential problems
ridden a mountain bike when his trails
beforehand – user conflicts, erosion, dangerous
started taking shape! He is now.
features– and eliminate them before you start
So, it seems the investment in intense planning and back-breaking work is paying off, but for some the returns are not straightforward. Glenn Harrison, who built the Waterval Boven trails that feature in these pages, says he
24 |
TREAD SPRING 2009
digging. “And do a lot of digging and test riding yourself.” And that last point must be the best return of them all.
Feature PHOTO: Graig Dutton
Visit www.treadmag.co.za for regular tips from the country’s best trail -builders.
TREAD SPRING 2009
| 25
Feature
Grow
with the flow PHOTO: DOMINIC BARNARDT
W
e should have known the kind
Hutchinson, who wraps it up in five words: “The
carry speed through and out of corners, it helps
of response we were going to
perfect trail has flow.”
you clear technical sections with ease and allows you to jump higher, further and more often.”
get when we canvassed riders
Kemp concurs: “The problem is most race
around the country on what
snakes prefer smooth, less technical trails,
The reason for this, Kemp reckons, comes
they thought made the perfect trail. We just
whether it’s singletrack or jeep track; whereas
down to a pretty simple formula: “Flow =
don’t agree on it. But we do have something
trail or all-mountain riders like trails to have
momentum + confidence.
in common.
some technical challenges that will get the
“When a trail doesn’t flow you don’t
“I have often heard fellow mountain bikers
adrenaline flowing…berms to rail, roots to
have any momentum. You’re forced to brake
discuss and argue the topic…always without
challenge your line, drop-offs to get the
constantly into sharp corners and having
much success,” says Western Cape shredder
suspension going and jumps to fly like the bird
to pedal out of slow turns. Not only will this
Iwan Kemp. “Opinions and personal tastes are
you’ll never be. It is even worse for downhillers
tire you, but you will lack trail confidence.
just too varied to arrive at a conclusive answer
who want big jumps and drops littered all over
When you are ‘flowing’ the trail you will pick
that will satisfy most riders.”
steep terrain to make it worth their while.
up momentum and gain confidence to sweep
This view was confirmed by Hermanus rider Deon Jordaan’s answer: “Singletrack is
“All this means that we will almost never arrive at a happy medium for all skill levels.”
through twists and turns and even attempt the odd rock garden or jump.
nice. Steep descents are nice. Rooty sections
There is, however, one “secret ingredient
“The confidence this will bring will translate
are nice. Rock gardens are nice. Drop-offs are
that will have mountain bikers of all ages and
into more fun out on the trail and desire to ride
nice. Jumps are nice…”
levels coming back for more trail fun.
further, faster and more often.”
But he’d agree with Joburg’s Michelle
26 |
TREAD SPRING 2009
“Flow is the magic potion that allows you to
– Barry McCallum
Trail
The Union Trails
PHOTO: Graig Dutton
REGION: Free State CLOSEST TOWN: Fouriesburg/Clarens DESCRIPTION: The Union Trails are born out of years of riding by land owner Devlin Fogg, in various locations around the globe. He’s covered everything from the Rockies to the Alps, Europe, South America and Africa, while also building on the amazing trails network that exists right on his doorstep in Lesotho. The Union Trails are a network of trails that sit on a 1200-hectare estate, consisting of natural and handcrafted trails, making use of the terrain to provide different levels of challenge to cater for all abilities. Accommodation is available on the estate in the form of Union House guesthouse and Destiny Castle, which is a very exclusive, upmarket boutique hotel. There are three trail options – Besters Trail, suitable for complete beginners, which meanders along easy singletrack and jeep track; the Union Trail, offering all-mountain/enduro riders an incredible mixture of flowing singletrack, technical sections, slick-rock riding similar to Moab, eye-watering descents and some steep ascents. And finally, The Rustler, a downhiller’s trail for expert riders on long-travel bikes with suitable protective gear. It features serious gradients, very rocky, technical sections and fast singletrack. Situated on the border of Lesotho, Union Trails also offers guided outrides that cross over into that country to experience some of the best natural trails in the world (passport necessary). DISTANCE: Rustler DH Trail: 1.5km; Union Trail: 20–30km; Besters Trail: 2–5km Rustler DH – NOVICE: 0/10; INTERMEDIATE: 4/10; ADVANCED: 9/10 Union Trail – NOVICE: 3/10; INTERMEDIATE: 5/10; ADVANCED: 9/10 Besters Trail – NOVICE: 10/10; INTERMEDIATE: 8/10; ADVANCED: 2/10 TYRES: All trails feature rocky sections and are slippery in the wet. Devlin’s guys run Continental Mountain Kings Tubeless on their trail bikes and Kenda Nevegals on their DH bikes. BEST THING: The scenery is absolutely amazing and the slick-rock riding is very unique. Can also ride into Lesotho on some of the world’s finest natural trails – seriously. WORST THING: It can be very slippery after rain. And of course, having to go back home after riding here kinda sucks. BEST SEASON: Year-round, but autumn and spring are probably best. GET THERE: Fouriesburg is best reached from Bethlehem if you are coming from Joburg (3 hours), or Harrismith if you are coming from Durban (5 hours). For more precise directions, contact Devlin directly on the details below. COST: Day pass for all trails is R50 per person, no charge if you are staying at Union House or Destiny Castle. Uplift ticket for the Rustler DH is R100 per person. SECURE PARKING: Yes. BE CAREFUL OF…straying off the trails, as there are some steep dropaways along some sections. BE SURE TO…call us before you arrive to make arrangements to ride. CONTACT: Devlin Fogg on 0837993003; info@destinycastle.co.za; www. destinycastle.co.za; www.wheretostay.co.za/unionhouse/ TREAD SPRING 2009
| 27
Trail
Van Gaalen By Barry McCallum
REGION: North West CLOSEST TOWN/CITY: Hartebeespoort DESCRIPTION: The trailhead is at the Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij, a working cheese farm nestled between the Magaliesberg and the Witwatersberg. The fun starts early with a dash through a bamboo forest and into well-packed, swooping singletrack which flows up and down the banks of the Skeerpoort River – be careful: the muddy riverbed on some of the crossings can bog your wheels down midstream. The trail crosses a large number of private farms, and takes a brief detour up and into the Magalies. The terrain isn’t the most challenging, so it’ll suit either a family outing or a decent two- to three-hour training ride. You can also use Van Gaalen to launch an expeditionary sortie on the district roads or an assault on Breedtsnek. The venue has some pedigree as it plays host to the Nando’s Magalies Adventure three-day stage race. DISTANCE: This network of trails allows you to tailor the distance to your group’s fitness and skill levels. There are plans to add another 60 kilometres of new trails as well as an investigation into carving out a route on the ridge of the Magalies. NOVICE: 7/10 INTERMEDIATE: 7/10 ADVANCED: 6/10 TYRES: Something with a fairly open tread pattern; possibly an Explorer-type. You can get away with a small-treaded tyre, although you may struggle with purchase down by the river when it’s wet.
PHOTO: DION LLOYD
28 |
TREAD SPRING 2009
BEST THING: Dropping down from the Greek School and then back into the riverside singletrack is the highlight of the ride…and popping out of the bamboo and plopping down on the manicured lawn exhausted after a ride and within either earshot or eyeline of a waiter, makes it all worthwhile. WORST THING: Hard-pressed to find fault with the place…but the singletrack by the river is not unidirectional so sometimes your flow is interrupted by a rider coming up the other way. BEST SEASON: Spring or summer. GET THERE: From Joburg, go north on Malibongwe (formerly Hans Strijdom). At the R512 T-junction, bear left. You take another left when this road meets the R560 and the farm comes up quickly on the right-hand side. From Pretoria, take the N4 towards Hartbeespoort. After the R512 turnoff, follow the directions above. COST: A daily permit will set you back all of R25. The farm closeS on Tuesdays. SECURE PARKING: Yes BE CAREFUL OF...the temptation to ditch the bladder of your hydration pack and fill it with a bottle of two of vino and a wedge of cheese. Rumours about some TREAD staffers having a trailside tasting on a recent visit are just that: rumours. BE SURE TO...grab a bite and beer at the restaurant afterwards. Food is great and the portions are generous. Cheesecake is a must. CONTACT: Tel 012 207 1289 or 083 226 7834; e-mail: info@vangaalen.co.za; and there’s a map to the place at www.vangaalen.co.za
Trail Photo: CRAIG DUTTON
Hilton/Cedara By Donovan Jackson
PROVINCE: Kwa-Zulu Natal CLOSEST TOWN/CITY: Hilton DESCRIPTION: Howick, Cedara, Hilton, Pietermaritzburg. They all kind of flow into one another and if, as you should be, you’re on your bike, you are in mountainbiking heaven. Park your car at Crossways Country Pub (avoid the temptati on to pop in, it should still be early), head up towards Cowan House school (on Dennis Shepstone drive) and, directly in front of the school across the road, you can find your way into the area known as, err, Cowan House. Loads of snaky, flowing single track awaits. The locals do reckon, by the way that the area’s moniker has nothing more to do with the school than its proximity to it. There is a race of the same name, hosted by the school. No prizes for guessing the primary course. Or, head down Hillary Road (off Dennis Shepstone) and you will find paths that lead into forest singletrack practically immediately. Gautengers, especially, should spend a jealous moment contemplating the fact that the people living in these houses literally have singletrack and forests on their doorsteps. Unless it’s you, this is very wrong and unfair. In addition to the singletrack feast that is readuly served up, you’ll find climbs aplenty. However, the hills in KwaZulu-Natal tend to be short and steep as opposed to the longer climbs you’re likely to encounter in Mpumalanga or the Cape Province. That to some extent explains why Midlands mountain bikers occasionally eschew bar ends and opt for riser bars instead of a flattie.
DISTANCE: As long as you want it to be. With these areas somewhat connected, you can literally ride all day long. NOVICE: 5/10 INTERMEDIATE: 9/10 ADVANCED: 9/10 BEST TYPE OF TYRE: Tends to be very slippery and quite muddy, especially in the Spring and Summer months. We used Continental Mountain Kings, which are at home in most terrain. Mud-specifics like Kenda Karmas or another allterrainer, Onza Canis’, also proved their worth. BEST THING: Singletrack! Forests! Beautiful scenery! WORST THING: Hitting a tree in that singletrack. Yes, our tester tried that and realised it wasn’t the best for flow. BEST SEASON: Year round. If mud, mist and rain scare you, winter. HOW TO GET THERE: Park at landmark Crossways pub, at corner Old Howick and Dennis Shepstone roads. Ask local store W-Squared Cycles if you need assistance finding the trailhead. COST (if any): None. SECURE PARKING: Yes. Reward Crossways for using its parking by quaffing beers and enjoying fine fare post-ride. BE CAREFUL OF…getting lost. It is possible in a playground this big. BE SURE TO…take in the sweeping views offered by the high points, stop and enjoy the serenity of hidden dams. CONTACT: W Squared Cycling 033 343 2276 TREAD SPRING 2009
| 29
Urban Trail
Deer Park By Andy Ellis
REGION: Western Cape CLOSEST TOWN/CITY: Cape Town (City Bowl) DESCRIPTION: Got an hour or two after work? Situated above Cape Town’s oldest neighbourhoods and CBD a tasty grind awaits. Deer Park is a network of gravel roads and jeep track that crisscross the lower slopes of Table Mountain. Think Tafelberg Road to the King’s Blockhouse. Everything below that is yours. At first glance, the ride looks easy. It’s not. What Deer Park lacks in technical single track, forest twists, and drop-offs it makes up for in higher-grade climbs and tricky terrain. The going is booby-trapped with rocks (sized in degrees of evil), erosion ruts, sand bits, and loose gravel. The network was designed for fire truck access to this summer-time tinderbox. And this is a good thing – long hard-pack sections are interspersed with stiff road humps, except you won’t call them that. You’ll call them ball-tingling jumps. Pick your landings wisely. Dead-ends are regular, but if you maintain a sense of humour you’ll soon figure out how to pedal a semi-circular route that works for you. Because the roads are functional fire tracks and often mismatched, your route permutations are plentiful. In all, Deer Park is a convenient, lung-busting training ground that leaves route marking up to your imagination. DISTANCE: How many laps can you do? Once around is roughly 20km. NOVICE: 5/10 INTERMEDIATE: 5/10 ADVANCED: 5/10
PHOTO: GrEg BEADLE
30 |
TREAD SPRING 2009
TYRES: Hard-gravel treads work best, even in the wet. BEST THING: Accessibility. Deer Park is a central, short hop from Camps Bay to the Southern Suburbs. Perfect weekday riding. WORST THING: Only specs of singletrack. BEST SEASON: All year round. GET THERE: Follow the cableway signs from the major routes leading into the Cape Town CBD. Commonly used access to the tracks is from the Kloof Nek end of Tafelberg road. Entry at this point is a beeline for the King’s Blockhouse on the opposite end of town. Access from the city bowl suburbs is via Derry and Pepper roads in Devil’s Peak Estate, Deer Park East drive in Vredehoek, Molteno Road in Oranjezicht and Glencoe Road in Higgovale. COST: Free. SECURE PARKING: The most secure parking is at the Cape Nature information kiosk situated on Tafelberg road a few metres up from the Kloof Nek traffic interchange. BE CAREFUL OF…muggers. Mountain bikers have been held at knifepoint around the Block House area. New anti-asshole measures are in place, but keep an eye wide open. It’s still Africa. BE SURE TO…respect hikers and dog walkers. And look around you. Riding a mountain bike on a World Heritage site, in fynbos terrain, above a modern city that is bordered by ocean is pretty insane. Take time to enjoy that. CONTACT…your friends and get cracking.
Urban Trail PHOTO: COURTESY EMPEROR’S MTB CLASSIC
O.R. Tambo Airport Loop By Barry McCallum
REGION: Gauteng CLOSEST TOWN/CITY: Boksburg DESCRIPTION: This is the route that is used for the annual Emperor’s Mountain Bike Classic. It crosses three tarred roads and offers a loop of 20 kilometres of jeep track and singletrack. It runs through an industrial area – which is reflected in some of the section names: Ambush Alley, Squatter Camp, Berlin Wall, etc – and includes a loop up alongside the runway of the airport. Be careful taking photos here as it is a National Key Point. The route is mostly flat with one medium-length climb that isn’t taxing. The builders have thrown in some tricky obstacles which novices may struggle to clear without dabbing a foot. The section that shadows the N12, which is part of the Blesbokspruit, is very bumpy and maintaining a steady cadence can be difficult – particularly if you’re riding a hardtail. The singletrack through the bluegums is fast but requires some fine braking to maintain good momentum and flow. NOVICE: 8/10 INTERMEDIATE: 7/10 ADVANCED: 5/10 TYRES: Something that sheds mud easily in summer. Puncture protection is also a major consideration. BEST THING: For East Randers, it’s easy to get to and not ‘sabotaged’ like some of the outride routes in the area. It’s a an easy enough course to get you back into things if you’ve taken a break from the bike in the colder months and want to get race-fit.
WORST THING: There is often a lot of litter on some sections of the trail; be careful of broken glass. BEST SEASON: Spring and autumn. The Highveld summer rain could turn an outing here into a mudfest and may render some sections completely unrideable. In winter, the surface tends to be very sandy, often resulting in wheels washing out in the twisty stuff. GET THERE: Head north on the R21 from the Lakeside Mall intersection with the N12. Take the Griffiths Road offramp and turn right at the robot. At the Jones Road T-junction take another right. When you see the security entrance to the customs area, turn left and head through the gate. The trailhead is on your right just behind the Air Chefs catering company. COST: None. SECURE PARKING: Yes. BE CAREFUL OF...the small stumps sticking out of the ground on some of the singletrack through the wooded areas. BE SURE TO...take someone who knows the route along with you. Although it is signposted and marked with clumps of tar and painted stones in some places, some local knowledge will help you link the sections. Weekends are best as the trails are busy, and midweek rides should always be done in big groups for safety. CONTACT: The guys from Sweat & Gears in Benoni are associated with the race and maintain the trails. Contact them on 011-425-1152. The folk at ProCycles often take their weekend rides out there: 011-425-2007. TREAD SPRING 2009
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Trail PHOTO: MICHELLE HUTCHINSON
Waterval Boven By Barry McCallum
REGION: Mpumalanga CLOSEST TOWN/CITY: Dullstroom DESCRIPTION: This sleepy town in Mpumalanga has long been a haven for rock climbers, so it makes sense that somebody would think about going down the side of the mountains too. Boven has something for everyone. Beginners will manage the Forest Loop – although the switchbacks and ramped bridges leading back down to the dust road could catch out the unwary – and the first half of the Rim Trail with ease. This leads out from the top of Wonderland Crags along a ledge covered with smooth rocks, which gives the false impression of giving way to a sheer drop to the right. Don’t let it freak out younger kids if they’re riding it for the first time. The trail eases into singletrack over a small rise, before becoming a lengthy, gnarly and twisty downhill in the direction of the town. There is an opt-out route for those with lesser skills or lower confidence. Linking up to the Contour Trail brings a ride distance of about 40 kilometres, and there are plans to build more trails in the future. The many dirt roads in the area are also worth exploring. There’s also a North Shore-style skills playground – with a teeter-totter and ladders of various thicknesses – to hone your balancing skills. You can also race your buddies on the 4X track. NOVICE: 6/10 INTERMEDIATE: 9/10 ADVANCED: 9/10 TYRES: Something that’s grippy and can handle the rockier stuff. A wider – maybe a 2,4-inch – tyre would be a wise choice.
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TREAD SPRING 2009
BEST THING: Dropping the Rim Trail time and again and having a bakkie to shuttle you back up to the top. WORST THING: A short, sharp climb is the price you have to pay for your thrills at the end of Rim Trail. BEST SEASON: Being out in the mountains, it’s very chilly in winter, but it’s a great trail to ride year-round. Some of the trails are closed according to the season, so check before you ride. GET THERE: From Johannesburg or Pretoria, take the N4 to Waterval Boven. To get to the trails, follow the sign to the hospital and head out of town. The section of road near the top of the hill is a little challenging in a small car, but doable. Tranquilitas is signposted on the left. COST: R20 per day payable at Roc ‘n Rope. On long weekends, the cost is R40. SECURE PARKING: Yes BE CAREFUL OF... over-enthusiasm. Getting carried away here has led to the odd hospital visit. BE SURE TO...try out the climbing wall at Tranquilitas after a ride. There’s only one way off… into the pool below! Pop into the Shamrock Arms in town for beer after that all-day epic. CONTACT: If you’re planning on making a weekend of it, which you should, book a chalet or safari tent at Tranquilitas, and fall out of bed and onto the trails. http://www.rocrope.com/tranquilitas.html. The Roc ’n’ Rope guys do mountain bike rentals and guided rides for newbies. Call them on 013-257-0363 or mail climb@rocrope.com
Zebula Golf Estate and Spa
Trail
By Donovan Jackson REGION: Limpopo CLOSEST TOWN/CITY: Bela Bela DESCRIPTION: Zebula’s a five-star place where golfers go to whack golf balls while wives enjoy the spa. With a magnificent property populated with an impressive menagerie of birds and wildlife, owner Steve Dunn realised that it is something of a mountain bikers’ paradise and threw the gates open to our favourite activity. Being near Bela Bela means it is pretty flat, but with free reign to explore the place, you can make your ride here as challenging as you please (just one real hard and fast rule: stay off the airstrip. It’s for your own good). There are singletrack gems to explore in the bosveld and there is some great fun to be had when dams are low. As a relatively new mountain biking destination, the trails are not marked or ‘formally’ developed; that should bring out the adventurer in you. And what better way to see giraffe, zebra, a range of antelope and other wildlife than from a bike in an all-natural setting? Biking at Zebula really offers something for the whole family. From the ambience of the restaurant and function venues, to the treatments at the spa to some fine game viewing from a bike, there is no shortage of activities. When you’re done and dusted with the bike, play golf, squash or tennis, shoot skeet, enjoy the impressive reptile displays and aviary. You can even pet a pair of real, live cheetahs. One thing is for sure though. You won’t be bored. NOVICE: 9/10 INTERMEDIATE: 5/10 ADVANCED: 2/10 TYRES: It’s sandy and dry up in the Bushveld most of the year. Choose something that will deal with the loose stuff. It’s thorny, too. Puncture protection is a must.
BEST THING: Find the reservoir in front of Fig Tree. You can spend hours on drop offs, ramps and animal paths, honing your skills. Zebula is also a great place to give beginners an uncomplicated introduction to off-road riding. WORST THING: Trails are perhaps a bit ‘undeveloped’ – which can be an advantage, too, if you’re happy to forge your own way following animal paths. Steve Dunn is open to suggestions, though, and has plans to attract mountain bikers by commissioning trails onto adjacent land in the near future. BEST SEASON: Year round. GET THERE: Head to Bela Bela; take the R516 and into town and turn right at the T-junction. Go over the bridge, first robot left. Follow the road around a sharp right bend. At the next road turn left, go past the Aventura Resort on your left. At the roundabout, turn left. Drive +/- 35km; turn right at a sign that says Rooiberg and look for the large Zebula sign. Drive +/- 4km, turn right at the Zebula sign and +/-5km you’re there. COST: Varies; it’s a bit far for a day visit. You won’t pay for mountain biking, but you will pay for the range of five-star accommodation for a stayover. It’s not cheap but it is worth it. Check for specials, which make it really, really worth it. SECURE PARKING: Yes BE CAREFUL OF...thorns, thorns, thorns. They don’t only puncture your tyres, they make holes in your legs, too. BE SURE TO...visit the lion cubs and get your picture taken with Tarzan and Jane, the tame cheetahs which purr when you pet them. CONTACT: www.zebula.co.za ; 014 734 7700 Stand a chance of winning a weekend away at Zebula competition and full details on www.treadmag.co.za
TREAD SPRING 2009
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Trail
Baviaanskloof By Colin and Keith Heydenrych REGION: Eastern Cape CLOSEST TOWN/CITY: Port Elizabeth DESCRIPTION: This is a multi-day route, which has long been a favourite destination of the 4X4 community, but we wouldn’t want to experience it any way other than in the saddle of a mountain bike. It’s a two-day route, which can be tackled either from the east or the west. We recommend the latter and launching your epic from Willowmoore, which is where the annual Trans Baviaans 24-hour Marathon starts. Although you lose altitude on the first day, don’t be fooled: there is plenty climbing to do. Rolling hills punctuate the first 40-odd kilometres over gravel roads to the Nuwekloofpas. The roads then wind along steep slopes for the next 40-kilometre stretch to Studtis, after which you will encounter quite a rough 25-kilometre stretch with a few river crossings before reaching Zandvlakte, where you can overnight with brilliant hosts Pieter and Magriet Kruger (049-839-1002; zandvlakte@gmail.com). There are many other B&Bs, self-catering cottages and campsites such as Geelhoutsbos or Rooihoek in the area. Day two is where the rubber really klaps the dirt – or maybe that’s the other way round…either way, it’s the riders that take all the punishment. All the big climbs are encountered: Grasnek, the ominously named 1st Fang and 2nd Fang, Doornkraal and then Bergplaas, which seems endless and will really test your stamina and endurance. Once at the top of Bergplaas, you can take in majestic views across the plateau and the valley below. You are now left with a two-hour ride to Komdomo, carving through fantastic wooded slopes and indigenous vegetation, and taking in several river crossings. NOVICE: 1/10 INTERMEDIATE: 4/10
ADVANCED: 8/10 TYRES: Pretty much any UST with low rolling resistance e.g. Maxxis Crossmarks, Kenda Small Block 8s and Hutchinson Pythons. Go for whichever you think has the best sidewall protection to avoid cuts on some of the rutted descents. BEST THING: It’s unspoilt and not commercialised. Baviaanskloof is SA’s third-largest wilderness area/mega reserve and you will experience six different biomes there. If you run out of water, you can fill up with the crystal clear stream water as it’s drinkable. Going down Bergplaas – in either direction – is a highlight of any trip here. WORST THING: There is a lot of poverty in the region, but the community has really embraced the sport (see the blog about the Baba Baviaans races and development programme on www.treadmag.co.za). Oh, and if you want to have a shower at the end, it will set you back a day-visitor fee at Komdomo…we were prepared to bribe someone, but couldn’t find a corrupt official. BEST SEASON: Pretty much anytime of the year although it gets very hot in summer. GET THERE: From Willowmoore in the west, travel along the R332. If you plan to start from the east, take the R330 from Humansdorp to Hankey before following the R331 to Patensie. COST: Just your accommodation. BE CAREFUL OF…the buffalo and rhino…no, just kidding. Cell phone reception isn’t great is some areas. BE SURE TO...pack sunscreen, a camera and lots of water. A stop at Vero’s Restaurant for Roosterkoek and coffee also comes highly recommended. CONTACT: 042 284 0543 (Hankey tourism); baviaanskloofwilderness@intekom.co.za; Eastern Cape Parks Board Tel: 043 742 4450; e-mail: reservations@ecparksboard. co.za; www.baviaans.net
PHOTO: JOHANNES GERBER
TREAD SPRING 2009
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Trail
Namaqualand By Greg Beadle and Lindy Zoutendyk
REGION: Northern Cape CLOSEST TOWN/CITY: Springbok Description: Okay, so it wasn’t easy just finding a mountain bike trail you can go and ride in the Northern Cape. But we sent contributing photographer Greg Beadle to follow the Namaqualand Cycle Challenge to see just what kind of riding there is in the Northern Cape. The Namaqualand Cycle Challenge is an annual five-day event from Springbok to Lamberts Bay timed to take place during the blooming of the semi-desert region’s famous flowers, the largest natural wild flower display in the world. Because it’s a ride, not a race, it’s suitable for all levels of relatively fit rider, with daily stages ranging from 60-84km in distance. Terrain ranges from gravel roads to jeep tracks with some singletrack. There are compulsory lunch stops, so each day is broken into two legs, giving riders a chance to replenish and recover and minimising pressure on a specific finishing time. DISTANCE: 339km or 392km (depending on fitness) NOVICE: 4/10 INTERMEDIATE: 9/10 ADVANCED: 7/10 TYRES: Preferably tubeless to minimise the chance of pinch flats on the more rocky surfaces. But any tyre that rolls well due to the distance.
PHOTO: Greg Beadle
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TREAD SPRING 2009
BEST THING: The silence and the long stretches of beautiful Namaqualand Daisies and other wild flowers coming into bloom, the local hospitality, the camaraderie among the cyclists and the sense of accomplishment at the end WORST THING: It’s a long way to get to from most of South Africa. BEST SEASON: Duh, when it’s bloom time! Late August/early September (beginning of spring) GET THERE: Springbok is 550km from Cape Town. The scenic route is recommended. Follow the R27 (coastal road) from Cape Town to Melkbosstrand (beach walks), Yzerfontein (whales and flowers), Darling (flowers, wines and Tannie Evita’s Theatre), the West Coast National Park and Langebaan, Vredenburg (golf), Saldanha (flowers and whales), St Helena Bay (whales, fishing and flowers) and Velddrif (birds). From there, head along the N7 to Springbok. SECURE PARKNG: Not really applicable if you’re part of the Namaqualand Cycle Challenge as D-Tours provides transport for clients and their bikes from Somerset West to Springbok and back. BE CAREFUL OF…the same things as the rest of the country – erratic drivers and criminals. Even though it’s more remote, it’s still part of South Africa. BE SURE TO…Try and catch a glimpse of whales at Lambertsbay and Evita Bezuidenhout on your way through Darling, darling. CONTACT: D-Tours on 028 572 1845; www.d-tours.co.za
GONE! Consumer
By Donovan Jackson
I
magine that your bike was suddenly gone. Living in South Africa, it’s unfortunately not that hard to imagine. But what about the enjoyment, fitness and health benefits you get from riding it? What about that all-important race you’ve been training for? Yep, insurance is the obvious solution; but how? And who? TREAD SPRING 2009
| 37
Consumer
W
e all love our bikes and well
up your broker and add your two-wheeled
we should, given that they
vehicles to an existing policy.
cost a fortune and give us a
With the author recently experiencing first-hand the horror of discovering a R70 000 bike being stolen and lacking cover, Hennings
THE SPECIALIST
also points out that it is necessary to specify
to them can be a bit of a bugger; they get
Fred Hennings, keen cyclist, MD and
such an item and include the magic words
swiped, hijacked, and destroyed on trail
founder of Cyclesure, makes a good case
‘all risk’ on any ‘standard’ household and
nasties. Which is why your pride and joy
for a specialist in bike insurance. He starts
motor policy.
had better be protected by a good insurance
by explaining the raison d’être behind his
Of course, the rabbit hole where bikes are
policy – predominantly against theft, but also
business. “There are gaps in the traditional
concerned is pretty deep. “Bicycles are very
(unremarkably, perhaps) against the risks you
household policy when it comes to bikes.
specialised equipment. For this reason, all
face when bombing it down gnarly descents
Among these are that often, there is no
our staff is required to regularly go to cycle
or even just cruising in a group.
cover for participating in events or races,”
dealers, learn about the intricacies and even
he says.
attend mechanics courses. They know the
ton of fun. But hanging on
Insuring your bike means selecting from one of several options: either go with a specialist, like Cyclesure, head to one of the newer entrants to the market like HDM Brokers or MiWay, which are making a major play for the mountain biker, or simply ring
(
...your pride and joy had better be protected by a good insurance policy – predominantly against theft, but also (unremarkably, perhaps) against the risks you face when bombing it down gnarly descents or even just cruising in a group.
)
PHOTO: SVEN MARTIN/SPORTZPICS
38 |
TREAD SPRING 2009
Consumer components, the functions and the pricing.
BE SURE BEFORE YOU INSURE
However you choose to insure your bike, bear in mind these are essential tips: • READ THE POLICY DOCUMENT. Most
And most are cyclists themselves in any event,” he says. Specialisation extends to, for example, cover for only the one bike you can ride at a time when you are out of the house. Hennings explains: “Many cyclists have several bikes; the real risk is not when the bikes are in the home, but when they are being used. We provide the flexibility to cover only the bike being ridden at that time, which lowers the cost of cover.” Cover also extends internationally; we cyclists tend to have a good section of
insurers are moving to ‘simple language’
wanderlust and you don’t want that spirit
policy documents to ensure easy
dampened by an incident out of the country.
understanding of what is covered and what isn’t.
That’s not all. Hennings says Cyclesure knows all about bike love. “For example, if
• Specify ‘All Risk’. You know what you
something happens, it is essential that a client
do with your bike and that it is often
needn’t interrupt their training programme.
on the back of the car. Be sure it is
This is why our claims handling process is
protected. In races, too.
considered our flagship service offering; 95%
• Specify accessories, such as helmets, your Garmin or other gadgetry. • Enquire specifically about cover while your bike is on your bike rack in a parking lot. • Be honest with your insurer, especially
of all claims are settled within 24 hours of receiving documentation,” he says. And the company does not insist that the bike insurance is part of any other cover. LEADING WITH THE MTB
when estimating the value of your bike
As a mountain biker, you’re a person of
and accessories and when it comes
interest to companies offering good value.
to claim time. The insurer is there to
Why? Because you obviously have money to
help you and a relationship of trust will
spend. A couple of companies are cottoning
deliver long-term, mutual value.
on to this and are leading their insurance
• Your broker knows much more about
offering by looking to cover your bike…and
insurance than you do. Part of the value
all your other stuff.
they add is to provide advice and make
We (that’s you and me, mountain bikers)
sure that you are appropriately insured
are an attractive market, agrees Helmien
against the major risks you face.
van der Merwe, director of HDM Brokers
• Make sure your cover extends internationally. • Consider the COST of insurance against the VALUE of protection. • Fraud is a problem and insurers are aware of it. DON’T do it. It is morally reprehensible, no matter how smart
headquartered in Gordon’s Bay. “A number of clients with bikes complained that it is excessively expensive to insure them. Looking at the market we realised that they had a point; what they are paying for their bike cover is too much,” says Van der Merwe. “In response, we’ve created a structured
you may think it is to brag about
product which is directly focused on the
new components replaced ‘for free’
cyclist.”
when the old ones are fine. It is not a
HDM’s offering is designed from the
‘victimless crime’, your fellow cyclists
ground up for cyclists. “Right down to the
are paying higher premiums as a result.
underwriter we have negotiated to ensure that bike cover comes in at a better price point,” Van der Merwe explains.
Consumer See, you are indeed special. But it does
… AND THE GENERAL INSURER
depend on your placement of your general
Of course, you can just get your broker on
household cover with the broker, about
the blower and specify your pride and joy
which Van der Merwe is quite unambiguous.
on your existing policy. Vanessa Schempers,
It is through placing your bike along with the
marketing consultant at Pretoria’s Louis
‘other stuff’ that a decent price is achieved.
Malherbe Brokers says it provides plenty
Perfectly reasonable.
cover for cyclists, on an all-risk basis. “That
“The cover is comprehensive and all-
means cover anywhere in the world; it is only
risk,” she confirms, so she reckons you’re
normal wear and tear which isn’t covered,”
quite welcome to bomb it down a mountain,
she says.
take a faceplant and collect on the ruined
With its association with several
components. “Remember to specify your
underwriters, your cover will come from
accessories, too. If you do get into a horrible
Santam, Mutual and Federal or Etana (the
mess, these items can cost a lot to replace,”
logo of which you may remember seeing
says Van der Merwe.
on Kevin Evans’ helmet). “You will also
New kid on the block, MiWay, is making
be covered when participating in events
a big play for the mountain biker, and falls
so long as you don’t earn money in races
kind of in-between the CycleSure approach
i.e. you’re not a professional. If cycling is
and that of HDM Brokers. The man in charge
your job, you’ll need commercial cover,”
is a mountain biker himself. CEO Rene Otto
Schempers explains.
points out that any bike these days should
It is unlikely to get cover for your bike
be insured. “They are expensive items; why
alone, though. “Getting the cost of any
do you take insurance on anything else? It is
premium to a reasonable price depends
to mitigate the risk of damage or suffering a
on the type of risks which are covered;
loss,” he says.
there are ‘good’ risks and there are ‘bad’
MiWay, he explains, offers a specific
risks. Household goods are a ‘good’, as the
product to cover the bike on its own, but
chances of loss are low. When a portfolio
Otto concedes that it is obviously always
takes into account both, it becomes feasible
better to get the full portfolio. “That also
for the insurer to sustainably provide
means the possibility of better premiums for
cover at a better price point,” Schempers
the client.”
explains.
WHAT IT COSTS
Since the author’s bike famously took an unscheduled trip to Mozambique, TREAD got quotes from each insurer interviewed for this feature: The bike: Specialized S-Works Epic The value: R70 000 The home: Stand-alone in an established Johannesburg suburb with all the usual South African security, including electric fence, burglar alarm, dogs etc. The rider/owner: Rides almost daily; travels often to races, including some in surrounding countries. The quotes: • Santam (through Louis Malherbe Brokers, with author’s complete portfolio): R431-20. • HDM Brokers with specialised bike product (and author’s complete portfolio): R379-17 • Cyclesure: R382.59 • MiWay: Despite what CEO Rene Otto said, Miway could not insure the bike on its own. Impressively, however, the company admitted that there was a problem and has amended its systems, however, no quote was forthcoming at time of going to press.
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Well, here’s your chance to finally win what your heart desires! Simply subscribe to 4 issues of TREAD for R125 and your name will go into a subscriberonly draw where you can stand a chance to win this amazing prize valued at more than R85 000!
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TREAD SPRING 2009
If you’re going to win a decent bike, you’ll want to take it with you wherever you go, right? Gone are the days when you’d just whip off the front wheel and chuck your mountain bike in the back seat. Dual suspension trail bikes need a specific rack and Thule, the global leader in bike rack design, has the EuroWay 947 to do the job. Properly! www.thule.co.za
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How to subscribe:
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THULE EuroWay 947 Bike Rack – R6 000
SRAM / Truvativ / Avid components – R15 750 SRAM’s XO components are the pinnacle of shifting precision and performance. With it’s superior 1:1 actuation and mix of carbon and alloy construction the XO groupset offers incredible durability and performance. Our custom build will feature an XO drivetrain seamlessly mated to TRUVATIV Noir Carbon cranks and AVID Elixir CR brakes. www.sram.com
DT SWISS XMC 130 Carbon Fork – R15 000 Lower weight and increased stiffness compared to its rivals – the XMC range from DT SWISS represents the ultimate in versatility and plush travel. With a weight of just 1600g for 130mm travel, this fork allows you to build a speedy race bike or comfortable trail bike. www.dtswiss.com
TITEC Cockpit – R3 000 Another legendary name in the sport. Steering and seating duties will be supplied from the TITEC Pluto range. Pluto represents TITEC’s lightest, cross-country specific components. www.titec.com
Stan’s ZTR Race 7000 Wheelset / Raven 2.2 Tyres / Tubeless Kit – R18 850 Raced by 7 athletes from 5 countries in the 2008 Beijing Olympics – the ZTR Race 7000 Wheelset is the lightest production wheelset in the world. At just 1210g including tape and tubeless valves, the heart of these wheels are the Race 7000 Series Rims weighing just 284g each. Each wheelset is custom built in the USA by Stan’s. A standard 32-hole hub/rim configuration means easy serviceability and availability of parts. Wheels will be fitted with the original Stan’s Tubeless Kit and roll on the super-fast Raven 2.2 tyres. www.notubes.com
Custom-build - IBIS MOJO SL – R30 000 (Frame w/Fox RP23 Shock)
®
Founded in 1981 by Scot Nicol (Mountain Bike Hall of Fame), Ibis Cycles can lay claim to being one of the few companies that were there in the early days. The Mojo model dates back to 1991 and this Mojo SL represents the latest incarnation of a now-legendary bike. With the original Mojo Carbon taking +1900 hours of Computer Aided Design time and engineering, they applied all that they had learnt from the first 140mm travel full carbon mountain bike on the market and made it better. With a frame weight of just 2.23kg (including rear shock), this frame can be built up to a complete bike at under 10kg – without any silly parts you will take off before hitting the trails. Featuring the much heralded and World Championship winning DW-Link suspension design, the Mojo SL is quite possibly the most versatile bike available on the market today. Whether you’re wanting a lightweight All Mountain trail bike or a race-ready machine, the MOJO SL can do it all. The specific Custom-build available to one lucky subscriber has been custom specced to ensure you hit the trails with one of the best performing full suspension bikes ever produced – period. For more info visit www.ibiscycles.com TREAD SPRING 2009
| 43
Industry Focus
Who is behind: Ultimate Sports Nutrition? Albé Geldenhuys was a policeman in Kloof, KwaZuluNatal when he started USN in 1999. Now it is the biggest nutrition supplement brand in South Africa and one of the fastest growing internationally. Geldenhuys went from being a muscle-builder to an endurance-builder when he took up mountain biking in 2007.
really take it out of you, so support products like BCAA (branch chain amino acids) and Glutamine are vital to keep your body (and mind) responding well to the loads we place on them.
And what about other energy products like gels and bars and anti-cramp tablets? They all have their place in mountain biking.
When did you start mountain biking and how/why?
Last year was a bit tough because I was still
Not everyone gets to train and recover like
quite new to mountain biking, but this year
pros, so many people tend to go into events
My wife bought me a Bianchi hardtail for my
I cruised it. I believe it’s partly due to my
under–conditioned. Sports nutrition products are
birthday in January 2007. Six weeks later I
being in better physical condition and partly
designed to ensure all nutrition needs are met.
completed my first mountain bike race, the
due to my nutritional supplements, which I
Sani2C. I struggled through that race because
fine-tuned.
USN isn’t a stranger in terms of sponsorship to mountain biking, right?
than three weeks before the event. But I
Has riding mountain bikes given you a new perspective on your endurance range of products?
loved it and became hooked.
Yes. I have recently adjusted the formulation
to some teams and riders. Mountain biking
You have obviously been working on your endurance and skills…
of some of the endurance products. During
really works for us. It’s a fun, outdoor
this year’s Cape Epic, I made up some of
family sport. Many mountain bikers are goal
Absolutely! And I bought a dual suspension
my own formulations including a recovery
orientated and focused on what they do
Specialized Epic. It just makes sense in terms
drink you can drink while you’re riding. It
and understand the importance of quality
of the comfort and control to ride a dual
will be expensive, but it really is extremely
nutrition supplementation to achieve their
suspension bike, especially in stage races.
effective, especially for stage race recovery.
best performances.
I’ve also learned the importance of pacing
We’re in the process of re-launching our
and patience. Two areas of mountain bike
Endurance range and I’m heading that up
racing that seem to often be overlooked.
personally, mainly as a result of my being a
As a sponsor and mountain biker, what would you like to see more of in mountain biking in this country?
You’ve done an Absa Cape Epic, right?
keen mountain bike racer.
Hmmm… more high quality events. It’s an expensive sport and people want high quality
Two actually. My first was in 2008 and my
Which sport supplements should mountain bikers be using mostly?
second was this year. After that first Sani2C
Well, to ensure you’re completely prepared,
like Glen Haw and Max Cluer, who have done
I learned a lot and knew I needed to get my
a pre-event quality carb drink, a reliable race
such a good job with the Sani2C, have shown
weight down. This isn’t quite that easy for
drink and of course the post-race recovery
what is possible in an event. It’s up to the
me because I spent a lot of years building
drink. So many people forget how important
riders now to put pressure on organisers of
muscle in the gym and now I have to trim
the post-race recovery drink is. In fact for
other events to raise their standards.
muscle weight for mountain biking. So, not
very long events or stage races, I recommend
Which is your favourite local trail?
nearly as straightforward as trimming body
taking in some of the recovery drink during
I live in Pretoria, so I’d have to say Groenkloof.
fat weight.
the race, in the later stages. Of course,
But I really do enjoy the Red Route in the
And how did you find the Epic?
the pursuit of mountain biking fitness can
Harkerville Forest in Knysna.
I had no real mountain biking conditioning and had also broken a bone in my foot less
44 |
TREAD SPRING 2009
Well, we are a supplier sponsor to many mountain bike events and a nutrition sponsor
events. They want their money’s worth. Guys
Industry Focus PHOTO: SPORTZPICS
TREAD SPRING 2009
| 45
Industry Focus
Pioneering pace-setter Probike is one of the biggest wholesalers in the South African bicycle industry, providing low cost bikes to mass stores as well as premium brand products to bike shops. CEO Brandon Els, is not just a shrewd businessman, but was one of the founding members of SAMBA, the pioneering association that formalised mountain bike racing back in 1990. He lives his brands and is an avid mountain bike rider and occasional racer.
Q
Q
strategies to match the Raleigh value-for-money offering. How has
In my opinion, capital adequacy and capital formation given the margins
the global recession affected your value-for-money strategy?
available in an environment where bicycle technology has accelerated
Value for money remains the core ideology of Probike. The recession
so fast in the last five years. That has driven up the capital required to
has pointed out to our management team the areas of our business
operate a well-stocked bike shop.
where we have made mistakes by moving away from our core ideology.
Q
You turned the Raleigh brand around in a big way this past decade, virtually forcing other brands to rethink their
So I would say that the current recession has been very good for Probike because it has focused our company behind what has always been our
What are the biggest challenges facing the South African retail stores?
What do you think the future holds for the hardtail? In a country like ours where there are so many wonderful road
core ideology – value for money for cyclists.
races, you will always have a market for hardtail mountain bikes for the
Q
roadies who want to take part in mountain biking too.
industry are thinking more carefully about their business plans in
suspension over the next few years?
general. The impact from a business failure point of view has been
Integration of the control of front and rear suspension into a single
relatively low, which points to the resilience of the SA bicycle industry.
operation by the rider!
In my opinion the recession will deliver a more efficient local bicycle
Q
How big an impact has the recession made on the local bicycle industry in general?
I think the major impact is that most players in the local bicycle
industry and that return on ego will be eliminated.
Q
Q
With the SCOTT brand, you have access to some of the most cutting-edge R&D in the business. Where are we headed with
Word is that Probike is actively moving into India. How is that going and won’t it distract from your South African focus?
Do you think online shopping will change the retail landscape
It is going very well so far. Probike India is managed by highly competent
any more than it has?
Mumbai-based team members and as a company we are more focused
In my opinion online shopping is now an accepted global retail
than ever in the past five years on our core South African business.
platform. Online shopping has made inroads into the market share of
Q
all bricks and mortar retail stores worldwide and at the same time has also created a new retail market. Retailers need to understand their
You’ve recently returned from Eurobike. What trends can we expect to see in 2010?
customers and offer their customers the retail platform that suits the
A lot more SRAM on high-end mountain bikes and the integration of front
customer best.
and rear suspension technology.
Q
What are the biggest challenges facing South African importers like Probike?
Visit www.probike.co.za to read Brandon’s blog and find out more
Uncontrollable risks such as the fluctuating strength/weakness of the
about Probike and its brands, including Raleigh, SCOTT, BBB, Maxxis,
Rand. Hedging strategies do not always mitigate the risks of a wildly
Ritchey and UVEX.
fluctuating currency.
46 |
TREAD SPRING 2009
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GEAR UP FOR SPRING
PHOTOS: DOMINIC BARNARDT CRAIG DUTTON GREG BEADLE
Gear
Choice bikes and gear reviewed by our test team
Thule Side Arm Thule makes racks that fit any car and that can carry any bike. Some bikes are a breeze to fit on almost any rack, but there are certain big-travel dual suspension bikes that are a challenge. Not a company to shy away from a challenge, Swedish-based Thule went and bought a US rack company that makes a roof-mounted rack that carries any mountain bike. The Thule Side Arm holds the bike by the wheels, with a strap around the base of the rear wheel and a movable, adjustable arm that clamps high on the front wheel. Thule recommends adding an additional cinch strap for the front wheel for bumpy driving. Nothing touches the frame, so complicated suspension design is not an issue when getting your bike from home to where its more at home. The usual ‘rememberthere’s-a-bike-on-the-roof’ mindset needs to be adopted and you have to be strong enough to lift the bike above your head in order to get it onto the roof. Yep, that’s easier said than done when you’re talking free-ride or DH machines. The Thule Side Arm is a high quality, precision-made rack that’s able to minimise bike transportation stress no matter what bike you have. Price: R2199 Contact: www.thule.co.za
PHOTO: AUBREY JONSSON
TREAD SPRING 2009
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Tested
VOLCAN FS1 2010 PROTOTPE | PRICE R60000 A relatively young international brand with big ambition, Volcan has made aggressive strides in this country. We set out on the prototype of the eye-catching bold-weave naked-carbon 2010 FS1 to see if it rides as good as it looks. THE BIKE A chunky headtube and downtube are confidence inspiring and the integrated seatpost (ISP) is almost distracting. After some consideration about the practical nature of an ISP, as well as the fact that it makes little difference to a bike’s overall weight, Volcan have opted to have a regular seattube on their production models. There’s an ever reliable Fox RP23 that manages the 90mm of travel well, although we found we needed to inflate the shock more than we’d normally
expect to, which Volcan put down to it not being a trail-tuned shock, unlike those that will be sold on production models, so that shouldn’t be a concern. The shock is a Fox RL with 100mm of travel and a remote lockout, which we became quite fond of. Our test bike was specced with one sweet wheelset – A2Z hubs, Stan’s ZTR rims and DT Swiss spokes – which roll with utmost ease, but are unlikely to be found on the production models. SRAM X.0 is responsible for the shifting and Avid’s Elixir hydraulic brakeset with Alligator rotors for the speed modulation. FSA’s K-Forcelight crankset (with ceramic bearings) is complemented with FSA bars, stem and headset. THE RIDE Every now and then we ride a bike that blows
us away. The FS1 was one of those. None of our testers had ridden a bike that climbed with such ease. Our test bike weighed 10.3kg, but it’s possible to tweak it to drop under 10kg. The bike’s ability to accelerate fast and ascend like a rocket was truly memorable and we now constantly find ourselves using it as a benchmark by which we measure the climbing feel of other XC/marathon bikes. The frame just felt so stiff and responsive and had us believe with its acceleration that every watt of power we put in was being rewarded. The relatively steep 73.5-degrees seattube angle could also contribute to a more aggressive position suited to climbing. Descending was stable, but we found it a little frustrating being unable to lower the seat for more technical riding. Of course
this won’t be a concern with the production model. We found the front end a little sensitive when going really fast into tight turns. The 70-degree headtube angle would ensure cornering stability, so we eventually put it down to the low weight at the front end of the bike. The cabling is kept far from grime along the top of the top tube, but touched our knees occasionally when the rear shock was at full compression. Volcan say they’ve fine-tuned this for the production model by moving cable holders around a bit. THE VERDICT The value for money on the FS1 is remarkable. We wouldn’t hesitate to hammer it in XC races but reckon it’s going to become a popular model in marathons and stage races, especially with multiple SA marathon champion, Kevin Evans, riding it in 2010.
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Tested
MOREWOOD ZULA | R16500 (frameset only) There’s been some not unexpected hype around the introduction of a XC/marathon bike to the Morewood range, a South African brand that’s found international acclaim with its downhill, freeride and trail bikes over the past decade. The 4-inch-travel Zula enters the range for 2010, launching Morewood firmly into the local ‘mass market’ with a whack of credibility. THE BIKE We got sent a prototype to test, which had been hastily painted and decaled, but still looked the part in every way. The burgundy decaling on the white aluminium frame helps soften the lines of what is a singlepivot design with an ever-reliable Fox RP23 100mm-travel shock. In our Winter 09 issue, brand founder and designer, Patrick
THE RIDE With a steepish 73.5-degree seattube angle and an easier 70-degree head tube angle the Zula was a very willing climber. In fact, once we got the shock pressure just right and got the hang of the very versatile new Sid Team fork, it was a pleasure to pedal on the ascents and quite responsive for an aluminiumframed dual-susser marathon bike. With the combination of a slightly relaxed head tube and wide-ish half-riser Easton E70 MonkeyLite bars, we always felt in control on descents, to the extent that some testers said they’d never felt this confident on technical downhills on a XC/marathon bike before. Considering Morewood’s DH heritage, this didn’t
really surprise us. Cornering, both tight and sweeping, was just as certain. What we really was loved is the playful nature of the Morewood. We found ourselves seeking out jumps and drops because it felt like it wanted more than just regular riding challenges. THE VERDICT A premium level bike that’s appropriately suited to the majority of popular South African riding conditions. Morewood hit the XC/marathon sweet spot on their first attempt, which makes it worth the long wait. We like that it made us feel like better riders. With that, we think Morewood’s Zula is not just a winner - but that it’s going to be a big seller, both in South Africa and abroad.
Morewood pointed out that the Zula is made from 6069 grade alumimium as opposed to the more popular 6061 grade. Morewood says it has better fatigue life but is more expensive. Tubes have been double- and triple-butted where necessary to increase strength in the areas that need it but at no real cost to the weight. Our test bike weighed in at 10.6 kilos. Petty light for an aluminium-framed race bike. It was fitted with a very impressive Rock Shox Sid Team fork, SRAM X.0 gears, Formula R1 hydraulic disc brakes, Easton bars and stem and a wheelset from heaven – Industry Nine hubs mated to Stan’s Flow rims. Our test rig was valued at around R45000, but price may vary according to your choice of parts. The frame and shock alone, will sell for R16500. TREAD SPRING 2009
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Tested
GIANT ANTHEM X1 | R34495 If you’re on the hunt for an upgrade to take your XC or marathon racing to another level, or maybe you’re looking to milk your local singletrack for all the flow it’s worth, then hold your hand to your heart, get teary-eyed and let the anthem roll. THE BIKE The broad-shouldered attitude of the frameset set our perceptions on fire, but the confirmation of a good build doesn’t rest in romance. You need hard fact. The fact is that this bike is a fine example of precision engineering. The Anthem frameset has been carefully manipulated and hydroformed and, like a Brazilian supermodel, it carries its permissible weight in all the right places. At 2300g,
it’s Giant’s lightest ever aluminium dual suspension frame/shock combo. In fact, Giant reckons it can’t make a carbon fibre version any lighter than this. The Anthem was originally designed with 3.5 inches of rear travel; for 2009, the X-versions carry an extra half an inch. That takes it to 100mm and renders the Anthem perfect for the marathon and stage racing so prevalent in South Africa. The fork supplied with the rig is a 100mm travel Fox 32 F100 RL with lockout, while the gears and drivetrain are a mixture of Shimano XT and SLX. Avid Elixir R hydraulic discs take care of braking duties and the wheelset is what we’ve come to expect from Giant, a well-thought out combo of Mavic XM819
rims, connected to DT Swiss 370 hubs. THE RIDE Whether seated or standing, the Anthem X1 was light and responsive on the climbs – an answer to a weak climber’s prayers. It certainly rode lighter than the 11.3kg our scale revealed. The power transfer was efficient at all times and the Fox RP2 with two Pro-pedal settings, managed adjustment to our needs more than adequately. We seldom felt the urgent need to switch to Pro-pedal damping, which emphasises a good suspension design. On descents, the Maestro suspension’s ‘floating rear triangle’ noticeably eliminated any brake-related shock interference. Because it rides so light and perky, it was a little skittish
over rocks and roots at high speed. But once we’d become more accustomed to it, we were able to anticipate and control these sections better. On big hits, the shock was never challenged to its limit and hard-edged bumps were dealt with in a confidently plush manner. The angles – 73 degrees seattube and 71 degrees headtube – gave the bike a racey feel but not at the risk of leaving our testers feeling off-centered. THE VERDICT The Anthem X1 is a race bike at heart, but also responds well to being thrashed about on trails. A great allrounder that will suit most. As we’ve come to expect from Giant, it’s another bike with a solid blend of performance, reliability, valuefor-money and fun.
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TREAD SPRING 2009
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Tested
YETI AS-R Carbon | R70000 The Yeti ASR 3.5-inch (90mm) travel bike has been a huge hit, among (mostly) Gauteng mountain bikers for a few years now. That seems unlikely to change if the carbon version of this popular bike is anything to go by. Yeti is a pure mountain bike brand with its roots in racing - this frame declares, via a not-entirely discreet decal, that it is ‘For Racing Only’. Thus, you know that speed is a high priority. THE BIKE The beautifully engineered full carbon frame has a reassuringly sturdy, squared top and downtube. Our test bike was turquoise and white with black detail, but it’s also available in raw carbon with turquoise and white detail. Very striking in both versions. Yeti says it didn’t do a carbon frame, just to do a carbon frame, but to improve on the aluminium version and
claims the AS-R carbon is lighter and stiffer than its metal cousin. One standout feature is the integrated seatpost, which gives you true custom-fit, but limits you a little should you ever want to sell the bike. There is, however, an option to trim it down to fit a conventional seatpost. The other standout feature is Yeti’s decision to opt for flexible seatstays instead of another pivot. These are attached to the carbon dogbone, which attaches to the Fox RP23 shock, providing a smooth marriage between the front and rear triangles and a much-praised suspension action. The bike is available as a frameset and can be built up with different kits. Ours had a Mavic SLR wheelset, Fox RLC fork with 100mm of travel, SRAM X.0 shifters and rear derailleur and Shimano XTR hydraulic discs.
THE RIDE It’s not difficult to see why this bike has been such a good seller in South Africa. It’s pretty much perfect for the partially technical marathons and stage races that are so popular here. That doesn’t mean it’s not up to more rugged riding too, as we discovered. The relaxed 69-degree headtube and the 73-degree seattube deliver a wonderfully neutral riding position. Be they tame or technical, descents were a pleasure. On very steep drops we longed to move the seat lower, but obviously couldn’t because of the integrated seatpost design. Most buyers of this bike are unlikely to need to change the seat height, so it’s not a major concern. At 10.3kg, the AS-R carbon is light, which makes climbing quite comfortable. We did notice on
very steep, low speed ascents some lateral movement of the rear end, but on the majority of terrain, it was suitably stiff and efficient. Small and medium bumps are absorbed with a silky-like smoothness that ensure little or not momentum interruptions. It’s designed to be a race bike (remember that decal we mentioned earlier), but it’s just as competent on long trail rides. THE VERDICT The AS-R Carbon is a premium quality bike that delivers well above average in the speed, comfort, control and rider-confidence departments. The integrated seat post tilts it into the purist category somewhat and possibly limits its resale potential. That said, and in our experience, it’s worth noting that most Yeti owners only sell their bikes to buy the newer model…
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TREAD SPRING 2009
Tested
SCOTT GENIUS LTD | R103000* Scott is a Swiss-based brand that was born in the USA. The company shamelessly pushes all limits to make the lightest high performance bikes possible, no matter what the cost. Which is probably why, at RXXXXX, the Scott Genius LTD is the most expensive mountain bike in South Africa. THE BIKE A sub-11kg six-inch (150mm) travel trail bike is a rare piece of technology indeed. But it didn’t surprise us that Scott would leave the first tracks in this virtually unreachable zone. The Genius LTD oozes class. Gloss black with silver and gold detailing, the carbon fibre frame is essentially a one-piece front triangle, mated to a rear triangle that, via a rocker pivot, takes the rear shock outside the main triangle. It’s a triple-chamber shock, which is Scott’s own design and one which is so ridiculously clever. It has three settings
- 6-inches (150mm), 4-inches (100m) and locked out - all of which can be reached with a light flick of the remote switch on the handlebar. Amazing! The fork is a DT Swiss EXC150 RTLC, which is a long model name for a fork; but it is a rather special fork. The semi-carbon bumpmuncher is buttery-smooth in using up its full 150mm of travel. And on smoother climbs, a simple pull of a clamp lip on top of the right fork leg, drops the fork travel down, locking it out and changing the geometry to a more efficient climbing position. Other impressive features are the carbon fibre DT Swiss rims and the superimpressive new R1 hydraulic brakes, which are as light as they are outstanding in stopping performance. Because of the complex, unique shock design, ‘down-time’ is longer because there is only one qualified Scott shock mechanic
*May vary due to fluctuating exchange rate
in the county. But if you can afford this bike, you probably have at least one Plan-B bike to keep you pedalling. THE RIDE It took a long while to get used to the LTD, which is why our test team held onto it for two months. A bike with six inches of travel this light baffles the mind, but once we got into the habit of using the various shock settings on appropriate terrain, we were rewarded with a ride so plush, it seemed to take the roughness out of trail riding. Some testers liked this; others didn’t, saying the bike was too light for that much travel. Of course, on the climbs the light weight is much appreciated – locked out, it ascended like a racing hardtail. With its full six inches of travel active at the rear, it cruised bumpy descents and corners smoothly. But because it’s so light, it kind of ‘ricocheted’
somewhat over very rough terrain, which we discovered is more a rider-related problem than bike fault. This apparent amplification of rearwheel bounce can be toned down with correct use of the rear shock settings. Once our brains caught up with the intelligence of the bike, we were able to really hook it up through turns and plummet down descents with a smoothness that seemed, well, almost too smooth for mountain biking. THE VERDICT If you must have everything – class, lots of travel, versatility and very light weight and if the recession hasn’t affected your bank balance, then the Scott LTD should rate high up on your shopping list. It delivers a super-plush ride, but you have to really buy into the technology and understand how to use it properly first to feel the benefits. It’s undeniably a trail bike ahead of its time.
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TREAD SPRING 2009
Tested
CANNONDALE RIZE 1 | R56000 There’s always been a unique element to Cannondale bicycles. In the early days it was the burly aluminium frames that caught the eye; these days it’s the Lefty fork that inspires double takes and a sense of wondering what it’s like to ride one. But those elements are skin deep and after spending a few weeks on the Rize 1, we’re satisfied that Cannondale is as in touch with function as it is with form. THE BIKE Cannondale has designed a unique ‘Backbone’, a one-piece aluminium seat tube, bottom bracket and lower assembly and then mated it seamlessly – and impressively – to carbon top-, head and down tubes, ensuring a combination of stiff and light, both of which are important for climbing. Where the frame manages compressive loads, its
and energy spent on making this bike as trailfriendly as possible, we were a little surprised to find that the seatpost adjustment duty is given to an Allen bolt and not a quick-release lever; a bit of a pain when you want to drop the saddle for steep, technical stuff. THE RIDE The Rize 1 tips the scales at 10.8kgs, which for a 5-inch travel trail bike is light. However, it feels even lighter and climbs like a topend XC bike on smooth, long ascents with the Lefty locked out (and boy does it lock completely!) and Pro-pedal activated on the rear shock. At low speed through very technical sections it felt a tad twitchy, but we reckon that’s because it’s so light on the front end. The Rize doesn’t look like a rugged trail bike, but it certainly descends like one.
No matter what the gradient or terrain, we felt in control and confident. We reckon the relaxed 68.5-degree head tube angle has a lot to do with this. Cornering was predictable and sharp, which Cannondale claims to be partly due to the combination steerer tube/ stem. The Rize inspired us to want to ride it more and more, which is a very under-rated, but essential quality of a great bike. THE VERDICT The Rize 1 makes you feel like you own the trail no matter what the terrain or gradient. It is an absolute pleasure to ride and is easily one of the most balanced 5-inch-travel bikes we’ve ever ridden. It’s a carefully thoughtout design that’s trendsetting, rather than trend following, and it comes at a very reasonable price.
aluminium, but where lateral stiffness is needed, its carbon fibre. The Lefty fork looks weird, but actually disappears to the back of your mind once you’re mounted and focused on the trail ahead. It’s lighter than a standard double-legged fork but managed its duties just as well. Cannondale’s SI (System Integration), which mates traditional twopiece elements into one, is evident where the bearing cups are integrated into the bottom bracket shell and the head tube, as well as the one-piece steerer tube and stem. A one-piece steerer tube/stem means you’re limited to the position the bike offers when you buy it, so choose your size carefully. The Fox RP23 shock is a reassuring addition to the rig, which is fitted with Shimano XTR hydraulic disc brakes and Mavic Crossmax ST UST wheelset. With all the obvious thought TREAD SPRING 2009
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Tested
SPECIALIZED FSRxc COMP | R15995 You have got to love the technology trickledown effect. What was dream-worthy a few years ago is now found on entry-level bikes, which deliver a sugary ride at a sweet price. Specialized is one of the world’s leading bicycle brands and the mastery of its trickle-down effect is strongly evident in the FSRxc Comp. THE BIKE Geometry-wise the FSRxc Comp is identical to Specialized’s pride-and-joy Stumpjumper, in 1981 the world’s first production mountain bike model, and now a legendary flagship model in any year. The main difference is the lower-specced parts and, of course, the weight. Turning the needle of the scale to a burly 14.0kg, the FSR XC Comp isn’t ever going to be mentioned in the same sentence as feather. Weight aside though, the two-tone
toffee-apple red is as striking as it is classy. It also shows that Specialized has made as much effort on a sub-R20000 bike as it has on a R90000-plus bike. This is also evident in the colour-coded, Specialized-branded grip clamps, seatpost clamp and chainstay protector. Not surprisingly, every component is Specialized branded, from the hubs, tubes and tyres, to the bars, stem, seatpost and saddle. Up front, the Rock Shox Toro 302 SL gives 120mm of suspension with a lockout option and at the back the X Fusion RLA shock, with preload and rebound adjustability and lockout, offers up 120mm of travel. There’s a mix of Shimano parts in the shifting and drivetrain departments, including a crispshifting Shadow rear derailleur. Brakes are
Avid Juicy 3 hydraulic disc with a 160mm rotor behind and a 185mm rotor upfront. THE RIDE Our trail-riding testers all agree that it’s more important to be able to ride down a hill or mountain fast, than up it. Which is pretty much what the FSRxc Comp ‘thinks’ too. Even with the rear shock locked out, it’s a bit sluggish on the ups. But it’s a wellbalanced bike so climbing doesn’t ever feel uncomfortable or inefficient, just a little slow. If bicycles could smile, the FSRxc Comp would be beaming at the prospect of an upcoming descent. The twistier and bumpier the better. Man, this baby impressed us, hooking up some of our regular tight, winding, high-speed descents with ease – better than some bikes triple its price. Specialized has
hit the bullseye with the geometry of its trail bikes, all of which feel stable and sure on descents, especially those with lots of turns. On the flats, because it has no ProPedal platform options to stiffen up the back end, we found ourselves locking out the rear shock regularly in order to eliminate bump-induced bounce as well as the occasional crank bash on a raised obstacle. Shifting was predictable and reliable, braking was superb and we loved the grippiness of The Captain tyres. VERDICT The well-priced FSRxc Comp brings down the barrier to entry for real trail-riding and that’s a good thing. We don’t easily recommend sub-R20000 bikes for hardcore trail busting, but the FSRxc Comp has changed our thinking somewhat. If you’re on a tightish budget and itching to get out on the trails, it’s a very solid option.
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TREAD SPRING 2009
TYRES: Kenda Karma 2.1
TYRES: Kenda Small Block 8 26x2.1 tubeless COCKPIT: FSA CSI carbon rap stem and flat bar, Sella Italia SLR saddle with Ti rails
CONTACT: www.volcanbikes. com; 012 641 0070 XC-MARATHON-TRAIL-FREERIDE
COCKPIT: Easton EA90, 90mm Stem/ Easton EC70 MonkeyLite Low Rise Bar, Controltech seatpost, Prologo saddle CONTACT: www.morewoodbikes.com; 033 346 2300 XC-MARATHON-TRAIL-FREERIDE
FORK: Fox 32 F100 RL with 100mm travel and lockout GEARS: Shimano XT/SLX mix
FORK: 100mm-travel Rockshox Sid Team GEARS: SRAM X.0 Twist Shifters, X.0 rear derailleur, Shimano front derailleur BRAKES: Formula R1 hydraulic disc with 160mm rotors front and rear CRANKSET: Controltech Dual Play 42/29 WHEELS: Industry Nine Enduro hubs, Stan’s Flow rims
FORK: 100mm-travel Fox RL with remote lockout GEARS: SRAM X.0 gripshift, rear derailleur, Shimano XT front derailleur BRAKES: Avid Elixir CR hydraulic disc with 160mm Aligator Ti rotors CRANKSET: FSA K-Forcelight with ceramic bearings 44/32/22 WHEELS: A2Z hubs, Stan’s ZTR rims, DT Swiss spokes TYRES: Continental Race King/ Mountain King Tubeless COCKPIT: Thomson Stem, Truvativ Noir handlebar CONTACT: www.dragons. co.za; 021 461 6252 XC-MARATHON-TRAIL-FREERIDE
TYRES: Maxxis Crossmark tubeless COCKPIT: Race Face seatpost, stem and bar CONTACT: www.dragons. co.za; 021 461 6252 XC-MARATHON-TRAIL-FREERIDE
WHEELS: DT SWISS 370 hubs, Mavic XM819 UST rims
CRANKSET: Race-Face Deus Crank WHEELS: Mavic SLR
WEIGHT: 11.3kg FRAME: ALUXX SL aluminium with Fox Float RP2 100mm travel shock with Pro-Pedal
WEIGHT: 10.6kg FRAME: Morewood 6069 aluminium with 100mm-travel Fox Float RP23 shock
COLOURS: Black/Turquoise, White/Turquose WEIGHT: 10.3kg FRAME: High Modulus, hand laidup carbon fibre with Integrated Seat Post and 90mm-travel Fox RP23 shock with ProPedal FORK: 100mm-travel Fox RLC 2010 GEARS: SRAM X0 Shifters and rear derailleur
CRANKSET: Shimano SLX
COLOURS: Silver/Black
COLOURS: Lightning White with black/red trim WEIGHT: 10.8kg FRAME: Volcan carbon weave with 100mm-travel Fox Float RP23 shock with ProPedal
BRAKES: Shimano XTR hydraulic disc
HEAD TUBE ANGLE: 71 degrees SEAT TUBE ANGLE: 73 degrees CHAINSTAY LENGTH: 425mm WHEELBASE: 1079.5mm SPECS PRICE: R34495
HEAD TUBE ANGLE: 70 degrees SEAT TUBE ANGLE: 73.5deg CHAINSTAY LENGTH: 425mm WHEELBASE: 1085mm SPECS PRICE: R45000.00 [as tested] R16500 Frame and Fox RP23 Shock COLOURS: Black or White
TOP TUBE LENGTH: 599mm SEAT TUBE LENGTH: 718mm (ISP) HEAD TUBE ANGLE: 68 degrees SEAT TUBE ANGLE: 72 degrees CHAINSTAY LENGTH: 429mm WHEELBASE: 1140mm SPECS PRICE: R70000
GEOMETRY SIZES: S, M (tested), L
YETI AS-R Carbon
BRAKES: Avid Elixir R hydraulic disc with 160mm rotors
TOP TUBE LENGTH: 585mm SEAT TUBE LENGTH: 450mm
GEOMETRY SIZES: S 15-inch, M 17-inch (tested), L 19.5-inch, XL 21.5-inch TOP TUBE LENGTH: 590mm SEAT TUBE LENGTH: 665mm ISP (450mm) HEAD TUBE ANGLE: 70 degrees SEAT TUBE ANGLE: 73.5 degrees CHAINSTAY LENGTH: 455mm WHEELBASE: 1060mm SPECS PRICE: R60000
TOP TUBE LENGTH: 585mm SEAT TUBE LENGTH: 460mm
GIANT ANTHEM X1
GEOMETRY SIZES: S, M (tested), L, XL
MOREWOOD ZULA
GEOMETRY SIZES: S, M, L, XL
VOLCAN FS1 PROTOTYPE
COLOURS: Lightning White with black/red trim WEIGHT: 10.8kg FRAME: Rize Carbon/aluminium combination with 130mmtravel Fox Float RP23 shock
COLOURS: Gloss black with silver and gold trim WEIGHT: 10.9kg FRAME: Scott IMP4 carbon with 150mm/95mm-travel Scott Equalizer 2 shock with remote control and lockout FORK: 150mm-travel DT SWISS EXC150 RTLC with travel adjust GEARS: SRAM X.0 shifters and rear derailleur, Shimano XTR front derailleur BRAKES: Formula R1 hydraulic disc with R180mm front rotor, 160mm rear rotor CRANKSET: Truvativ Noir 44/32/22 WHEELS: DT SWISS XRC 300 carbon rims, DT SWISS 240 hubs, Aerolite spokes TYRES: Specialized The Captain 26x2.2 front, 26x2.0 rear COCKPIT: Thomson Elite stem, Ritchey WCS carbon bars, stem, seatpost, Fizik Tundra Carbon saddle CONTACT: www.probike.co.za; 041 404 8500 XC-MARATHON-TRAIL-FREERIDE
TYRES: Maxxis Rendez 26x2.1 tubeless COCKPIT: Cannondale XC3 SI stem, FSA carbon K-Force bars, Thomson Elite seatpost, Fizik Gobi saddle CONTACT: www.omnico.co.za; 021 691 0110 XC-MARATHON-TRAIL-FREERIDE
CRANKSET: Cannondale Hollowgram BB30 SL 44/32/22 WHEELS: Mavic Crossmax ST UST rims, hubs, spoke
FORK: 130mm-travel Lefty Max Carbon GEARS: Shimano XT shifters, front derailleur; Shimano XTR rear derailleur BRAKES: Shimano XTR hydraulic disc with 160mm rotors
HEAD TUBE ANGLE: 68.5 degrees SEAT TUBE ANGLE: 72.5 degrees CHAINSTAY LENGTH: 425mm WHEELBASE: 1105mm SPECS PRICE: R56000
GEOMETRY SIZES: S 17-inch, M 18-inch (tested), L 19-inch, XL 20-inch TOP TUBE LENGTH: 560mm SEAT TUBE LENGTH: 457mm
CANNODALE RIZE 1 Carbon
HEAD TUBE ANGLE: 68.5 degrees SEAT TUBE ANGLE: 73.5 degrees CHAINSTAY LENGTH: 428mm WHEELBASE: 1060mm SPECS PRICE: R103000
TOP TUBE LENGTH: 585mm SEAT TUBE LENGTH: 440mm
GEOMETRY SIZES: S, M (tested), L, XL
SCOTT GENIUS LTD
CONTACT: www.specializedsa.co.za; 011 627 5080 XC-MARATHON-TRAIL-FREERIDE
TYRES: Specialized The Captain 26x2.2 front, 26x2.0 rear COCKPIT: Specialized alloy low-rise bars, stem, seatpost, Specialized MTB saddle
WHEELS: Specialized RHD rims and hubs
COLOURS: Two-tone metallic red with white trim WEIGHT: 14.0kg with pedals FRAME: FSR XC M4 manipulated aluminium with 120mmtravel X Fusion 02RLA shock with lockout FORK: 120mm-travel Rock Shox Tora 302 SL with lockout GEARS: Shimano Deore trigger levers and front derailleur, Shimano SLX Shadow rear derailleur BRAKES: Avid Juicy 3SL hydraulic disc with 185mm front rotor, 160mm rear rotor CRANKSET: Shimano Octalink
HEAD TUBE ANGLE: 68.5 degrees SEAT TUBE ANGLE: 74.5degrees CHAINSTAY LENGTH: 424mm WHEELBASE: 1122mm SPECS PRICE: R15995
TOP TUBE LENGTH: 590mm SEAT TUBE LENGTH: 350mm
GEOMETRY SIZES: S, M (tested), L, XL
SPECIALIZED FSRxc COMP
Tested
TREAD SPRING 2009
| 59
Trend
Point:
SINGLESPEED
By Tony Huglin
The search for simplicity in a complicated modern world has spawned a dedicated movement towards riding mountain bikes with just one gear.
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TREAD SPRING 2009
I
Trend
did a race a couple of weeks ago on my singlespeed and after
To go into more detail on the maintenance point, the drivetrain on a
running out of breath and energy half way up a rather steep hill,
single speed is virtually maintenance free. No derailleurs to set, no
I had to concede defeat. I got off and pushed the bike up to the
pulleys to lubricate, no cables to clean. All the maintenance is, apart
crest. Whilst pushing I asked myself: ‘Am I wacky or am I enjoying
from the tyres, on the chain. There are no funny squeaks or rattles,
myself?’ The answer was an unequivocal YES, I’m enjoying myself (and
there is no chain-suck and no cables to adjust. And of course having
yes, I’m probably a little wacky as well)!
less parts means that the maintenance bill from your local bike shop is
For the uninitiated, a singlespeed is a bike that has one chainring
rather less severe.
at the crank and a single gear on the rear hub as opposed to a normal
Yes, there is also the weight saving aspect, which can amount to two
mountain bike that has three chainrings at the crank and seven, eight
kilograms if you are running a rigid fork. But you don’t run singlespeed
or nine gears on the rear hub.
to save weight.
So why a singlespeed?
You don’t have to plan to change gears or worry what gear you are in.
There are a number of reasons that have been debated but those that
You get to a gnarly piece of single track and carry on pedalling; you turn
make sense to me are:
a corner and face a steep hill, so instead of dropping your chain because
• It will make you a fitter, stronger rider as your most important
of the sudden gearshift, cursing and getting off to push, you get out of
weapon is momentum. You really have to work harder on hills.
the saddle and force the pace and when you do run out of momentum
• Mentally you become stronger through the pain you endure. • Maintenance hassles and costs are virtually non-existent. • It is really fun to ride especially if you ride a rigid fork single speed. • It isn’t as hard as you think!
you climb off the bike without worrying. On a geared bike it isn’t a problem to change down or up to different gear. On a singlespeed, momentum is your friend. Admittedly you have to get out of the saddle and really crank it but the reward is cresting that hill (albeit out of breath and at an elevated heart rate) and generally you will reach the crest before your geared friends as you are forced to ride faster. A singlespeed has a very clean look, no derailleurs, shifters or cables cluttering up the aesthetics. And face it, being able to ride a trail or race on a singlespeed whilst others fumble with their gears instills a certain amount of pride. Interested? Now what? Getting into singlespeed biking offers a couple of options: either convert your existing bike or purchase a purpose-built machine. Converting your existing bike is relatively straightforward and does not involve major expense. Removing a couple of your chainrings from your existing crank is the first step. First and foremost is ‘granny gear’ followed by your ‘big blade’, leaving your middle blade to take care of the work. It is, however, better to purchase a specific singlespeed chainring, as normal chainrings have ramps, sharp teeth and sometime pins, to assist with gear changes. A specific chainring doesn’t have these and is also wider in its cross-section to accommodate a thicker chain. Specific singlespeed cranks are also available through a number of manufacturers. What about the rear of the bike? The cheapest way is to break apart an old cassette and either use one of the cassette rings or purchase a BMX cog and use some spacers to ensure that you have the correct chain line. A hacksaw taken to a PVC pipe will make perfect spacers. There are companies that manufacture complete singlespeed kits that include one or two cogs, spacers and, importantly, a chain tensioner. A chain tensioner replaces the rear derailleur, attaches to the rear dropout and ensures that the tension on your chain is correctly maintained. How do you know what gearing to use? Correct gearing is generally attained through a trial (trail?) and error basis and depends on what the terrain in your particular area is like and how strong a rider you are. Are there steep hills? Is the singletrack flowTREAD SPRING 2009
| 61
Trend ing with few climbs?
either have built in chain tensioners or not.
A good starting point for offroad use is a 2:1 ratio (34/17; 32/16 etc).
The major disadvantage of track ends is that when adjusting the chain
There will always be a certain compromise in whatever gear ratio you
tension, the movement of the rear wheel interferes with the positioning
choose as being able to climb hills comfortably might lead you to spin-
of the rear brake.
ning out on the flats and downhills. There are a number of online tools available to help determine your
Certain manufacturers (Surly) have compensated for this disadvantage by incorporating a sliding dropout at the rear brake attachment
correct gear ratio. The late Sheldon Brown documented a particularly
point.
useful one at: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gears/
Eccentric Rear Hub: The Eccentric Rear Hub was developed by White
What if your budget stretches to the purchase of a sin-
Industries for vertical dropout singlespeeds and essentially works the
glespeed mountain bike?
same way as the Eccentric Bottom Bracket. To adjust the chain tension
A number of manufacturers offer singlespeed bikes in their ranges; their
the rider rotates the elliptical hub in the same manner as one would
interpretation on how to maintain chain tension varies from one to the
adjust the EBB.
other. There are also a number of small niche manufacturers who view their bike building as an art form. The most common ways of ensuring chain tension is either through
In terms of ease of use for chain tensioning, removal of rear wheel and disc brake alignment, the Eccentric Bottom Bracket is, in this writer’s opinion, the best option for a singlespeed frame.
the use of an Eccentric Bottom Bracket (EBB), a Track End or, lately, the
Other considerations for SingleSpeeds
Eccentric Rear Hub.
A lot of singlespeeders use rigid forks as opposed to suspension forks.
Eccentric Bottom Bracket: The EBB fits into an oversize bottom bracket
Why? Reasons given will range from the purist angle to being simplicity
shell and has offset openings for a normal bottom bracket.
itself. No leaking oil seals, less weight and maintenance free. A growing
Chain tension on an EBB is manipulated through rotating the actual shell.
number of companies are manufacturing rigid forks with the stanchion
The are a number of advantages of using this method in that the bike
tubes being made of carbon and bonded to an aluminium steerer tube.
frame can use normal vertical dropouts, which allows for use of quick
Carbon, due to its nature, cushions the trail chatter slightly more than
release skewers and there are no brake pad alignment issues with either
a conventional steel fork.
discs or rim brakes.
One of the bigger considerations for the singlespeed rider is whether
There are a number of different EBB designs with each either using
or not to use wider than normal handlebars. Because of the tendency to
bolts or screws to tighten the EBB within the bottom bracket shell. One
get out of the saddle when climbing hills, the leverage gained by wider
of the disadvantages of using an EBB is that when tensioning the chain,
bars helps enormously in being able to power up those climbs. There
the height from the crank to the seat changes slightly.
are a number of manufacturers which have produced specific bars for
Track Ends: These are rearward facing horizontal dropouts. These can
singlespeed use.
Counterpoint:
Why?
How can you determine if a guy rides a singlespeed bike? He tells you. Yep, very few singlespeed riders will let it go too long before they make you aware of the fact they’re riding a bike with just one gear. It’s like they need an excuse upfront just in case their shortcomings are exposed out on the trail. I’ve tried to look at this objectively, but I just can’t get excited about singlespeed bikes. I know and respect that there are avid disciples of this move towards simplicity and purity, but personally, I say stuff that! Give me gears, suspension, good brakes, the lot. I haven’t got the time or desire to push my bike up a hill. That’s not mountain biking. Not to me. Let’s look at the reasons Tony Huglin, author of this article, gives in mitigation of the decision to go retro/simple/pure: It will make you stronger because you have to pedal so much harder on climbs. No kidding! Then you get as far as you can up the climb before your momentum fades and you’re reduced to pushing your bike to the summit. I can see nothing enjoyable about this. Give me 27 gears any day and I’ll happily twiddle up to the summit of any climb – with a smile. It makes you stronger mentally because of the increased pain you endure. Mountain biking is hard enough as it is. Why would I want to make it any harder? I ride mountain bikes for pleasure, not punishment. I think the stresses of daily life off the bike make me mentally strong enough. I want to ease that pressure when I ride my bike, not increase it…
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TREAD SPRING 2009
It’s really fun, especially with a rigid fork. Am I missing something here? I spent the first few years of my mountain biking life in the early 1990s on rigid-fork bikes. Then someone (bless him) developed suspension forks for bicycles so that we didn’t have to experience bone-jarring, teeth-chattering, hand-breaking riding any longer. To voluntarily go back to that and proclaim it as ‘really fun’ just seems a bit twisted. It isn’t as hard as you think. Oh, so it is hard then? But not as hard as we think. Well, let’s see. Riding your bike into a brick wall isn’t as hard as you think either. But would you want to do it? No. Like I said earlier, mountain biking is tough already, why make it any tougher? Less maintenance hassle and cost. Of that there’s no doubt. But just like I’ve accepted the occasional puncture as being part of mountain biking, so I’ve accepted that maintenance and the associated costs that go with this fun form of exercise, and budget my time and money accordingly. Give me a bike with as many gears as possible. Singlespeeders, I don’t despise you, I just don’t get singlespeed like you do. I’ll still ride with you, but don’t expect me to wait for you at the top of any climb… – Sean Badenhorst PS. Momentum has always been my friend too.
Masterclass
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TREAD SPRING 2009
Masterclass PHOTO: DOMINIC BARNARDT
STOP right there! By ANTON BOSMAN
You only really notice brakes when they don’t do what you want them to. And then it’s usually too late. Make sure your brakes are in peak stopping condition with this useful guide.
TREAD SPRING 2009
| 65
Former multiple SA DH champion, Patrick Morewood, demonstrates the importance of braking power and efficiency.
PHOTO: CRAIG DUTTON
66 |
TREAD SPRING 2009
N
Masterclass
ot surprisingly, disc brakes are the dominant system on most mountain bikes. That’s for good reasons: not only do they stop
you a whole lot faster - and better in a range of conditions - but they are also easier to maintain and service. It is only really some lower-range models which still use rim brakes, but as disc brake technology advances, so it becomes possible to spec them on bikes closer and closer to entry level. You get two types of disc brake: mechanical and hydraulic. Mechanical is a cable-activated system, which is usually cheaper and simpler than hydraulic, which uses a sealed, fluid-pressure design, but which is smoother with better modulation (‘feel’).
against the pads and making sure that
Mechanical disc
The mechanical disc system operates in much the same way as a hydraulic brake. Even though there are no hydraulic pistons, the rotor still needs to be in the centre of the caliper. Only one pad gets activated and as the pad makes contact with the rotor, it forces the rotor over towards the opposing pad, creating more drag and a subsequent drop in speed. Don’t underestimate the power of mechanical disc brakes – they can be deadly!
Hydraulic disc brakes are far more popular, especially on mid-to-top range models.
BRAKE SET-UP & ADJUSTMENT
HYDRAULIC DISCS HOW THEY WORK
There are two standard systems for the
Hydraulic disc brakes for mountain bikes are
mounting of a caliper, the first is known
designed to work not dissimilar to those in a
as the International Standard (IS) and the
car or on a motorbike. Hydraulic brakes use
second system is commonly known as the
fluid and here we generally get brakes that
post-mount (made popular by Manitou
use mineral oil such as Shimano or Magura;
suspension). The post-mount system has
and some that use DOT fluid, such as those
become very popular and has recently been
from Avid and Hayes.
more widely implemented in design than the
bike is not as daunting as some might think.
IS system.
a braking system: At the handlebar is the
On the post-mount system, the caliper
lever and at the fork or seat stay is the
gets mounted at the ‘top’ by two bolts,
caliper. These two are joined by a hose and
whereas the IS mount secures the caliper at
combined they make a sealed system. The
the ‘side’ by two Allen bolts. The IS-mount
fourth part, which is vital to the braking
caliper is the one that can be very tricky
system is the rotor. The rotor attaches to
as spacers have to be used to centre the
the hub most commonly by two methods:
caliper with the rotor. But with the post-
a six-bolt system and Shimano’s patented
mount system, the caliper can be moved
centre-lock system.
laterally to centre it with rotor. This makes
When the brake lever is pulled, hydraulic
life pretty easy as one can get the perfect
pressure forces the pistons within the caliper
spacing between pad and rotor. A commonly
to move – most brakes have a dual piston
used method to set alignment is to insert a
system. There are two brake pads, one pad
credit card between the rotor and caliper
sitting against each piston while the rotor
and then tighten the Allen bolts.
sits between the two pads. As the pistons are forced hydraulically to move, the pads start creating friction against the rotor and this slows the bike down. The lever normally has a wide range of modulation, thus the harder
caliper in the centre with the rotor and then fasten the Allen bolts. 4. Pull the brake lever a few times until the brake feels firm. 5. Spin the wheel and see that it’s spinning freely, if there is any drag, loosen the Allen bolts a tad and adjust the caliper with spacers until there is no drag between the rotor and the pads. 6. With a post-mount caliper, use the same method. But to be sure, loosen the caliper and ensure that the pistons are pushed back. Spin the wheel and pull the lever until the pads grab the
Adjusting or setting up the brakes on your
There are four elements that make up
the piston is moving). 3. With an IS mount system, space the
Step-by-step: 1. Ensure that the hub axle is sitting flush within the fork or frame dropouts before fastening the skewer. 2. Ensure that the pistons are pushed
one squeezes, the more intense the friction
back into the caliper (my advice is to
becomes, the faster you decrease speed.
use a tyre lever for this, pushing gently
rotor. Keep applying pressure to the lever and fasten the Allen bolts. Then spin the wheel to check that there is no drag. If there is, loosen the Allen bolts again and then centre the rotor with the caliper.
Mechanical disc
When a mechanical disc brake feels soft it could be pad wear but most commonly it’s the cable that needs tensioning. Simply loosen the Allen bolt holding the cable and push the caliper arm so that the pad gets a little closer to the rotor, pull the cable end tight and fasten the Allen bolt. Mechanical brakes have a ‘slave piston’ (the one which is not actuated by the lever) and this is normally adjustable by turning an Allen bolt clockwise and moving the pad closer to the rotor as well. Checking for pad wear and replacing pads is the same procedure as that associated with hydraulic brakes.
TREAD SPRING SPRING 2009 2009 TREAD
67 || 67
Masterclass CHECKING PAD WEAR
REPLACING PADS
Pads wear thinner and become pretty
Replacing pads is quite simple. Some brakes
wasted especially after muddy rides (ask
use a pin through both calipers and some
anyone who has done the Sabie Experience).
manufacturers use a bolt.
ROTORS
One way to check for pad wear is to first
1. Get a good look at how the old pads
On both types of disc brakes it is advisable
become familiar with what a new pad looks
fit into the caliper; replace either
to replace the rotors as soon as you feel a
like. Notice how much ‘meat’ a new pad has
the front or the rear one at a time
groove wearing into them. Don’t touch the
so that you have a good point of reference.
to use the other as a reference when
rotors with your hands as any fatty residue
reassembling.
can affect braking performance. Never get
If your brakes start feeling more spongy or soft, this is normally a good indication that the pads are worn.
2. Remove the wheel and, with the pads push the pistons back.
caliper mounts as well as rotor bolts and lock
4. Replace with the new pads. If the pads come with a ‘separator spring’, be sure to install this with both pads.
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TREAD SPRING 2009
lubes or oils (e.g. Q20) near the calipers and pads and always check Allen bolts on the
pliers.
• Don’t pull the lever when the wheel has been removed. This will push the pistons past their maximum point and the system could need rebleeding. • It’s hot, don’t touch it! After a long downhill or following a period of excessive braking, the rotors become extremely hot, so avoid touching them. This is most likely to happen when stopping to repair a
brake set-up.
still in the caliper, use a tyre lever and 3. Remove the old pads with a long-nosed
Important factors:
5. Follow the process described earlier in
puncture. • It’s brake fade, not brake failure. Riders will report that their brakes ‘went soft’ during an extended downhill. This is quite common and is referred to as ‘brake fade’ and is the result of the brake overheating. It’s only temporary and best remedied by letting go of the lever for a few seconds to allow the system to recover (cool off).
rings for centre lock rotors. ASK US Got a brake-related question? Email it to us at info@treadmag.co.za and we’ll get you an expert answer – fast!
If you’re not confident to leave the brakes for a few seconds, then stop for 10-15 seconds to allow the system to cool down to operating temperature. • Bike shop knows best. When all the above has been done and the brake still feels spongy or has no modulation, take it to your bike shop where they will bleed the system.
Gear Hydrapak Flume Many mountain bikers go for a short local trail ride with a hydration pack that’s made for epic day-long rides. That means carrying unnecessary weight and the associated discomfort. The Hydrapak Flume is a basic hydration pack that holds up to 2 litres of liquid, is light (450g empty pack weight) and has a low profile – perfect for the majority of South African mountain bikers who don’t ride longer than a couple of hours. The bite valve works well (the harder you bite, the more liquid you get) and has a shut-off valve for transportation. We’ve always loved Hydrapak’s reservoir (bladder) design, which ended all filling and cleaning frustration by having a wide ‘mouth’. The mouth of the reservoir folds over and instead of the Velcro fasting strip, there’s now a plastic slider clip, which seals it supertight. Little chance of spilling when filling and because you can pull the bladder inside out, you can clean it properly, leaving no chance for germs or fungus to populate. There’s a lifetime guarantee against leaks on the reservoir and a two-year guarantee against defects on the backpack. There’s a small zip pocket for basic spares and the raised, ventilated pads on either side allow for airflow to your back without compromising any comfort. The Flume really is one impressive piece of gear.
Lezyne M-Caddy saddle pack If you’re a rider that uses a saddle pack to carry your spares then you’ll be familiar with the frustration of the noise and occasional spare-tube damage that come with this form of containment. Lezyne’s design gurus have smartly compartmentalised the whole thing with neoprene pouches. There’s an external pouch for a multi-tool, and two internal sleeves, one for tyre levers and the other for cash/cards. There’s still enough space for one mountain bike tube or two road (ja, right) tubes in the main compartment. The pack is held together with very precise stitching and is waterproof, including a water-resistant zip. The back panel unzips offering easy access and there’s a reflective loop on which to hook a rear light. It attaches to the saddle rails and the seat post with strong nylon/Velcro straps, which allow you to tighten it as close to the saddle as you want it to eliminate any trail-induced movement. The roomier M-Caddy can hold two mountain bike tubes. As far as saddle packs go, this is one of the best we’ve ever used. Price: R240 Contact: www.twowheelstrading.co.za; 082 7867316
Price: R590 Contact: www.probike.co.za; 041 4048500
SLX Rear Derailleur To follow up on the previous SLX review, we are happy to report that after Shimano replaced the unit, we have been using it without fault for a bit more than a month. It seems the previous unit suffered from an under-sprung spring. As to the performance; for us it is still nowhere near as snappy as Shimano’s XT Shadow derailleur. But what you might find interesting is that we find it to be more direct than the regular, (nonShadow) XTR rear derailleur, which we think is now a bit dated. The body of the SLX derailleur is very understated, not sporting the big, in your face ‘X’ of the XT and XTR ver-
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TREAD SPRING 2009
sions, and the material of the jockey-wheel
There is nothing wrong with the SLX unit, but
cage looks somewhat malleable. But this
there is a noticeable performance change up-
never translated into bad shifting. We think
grading to XT.
that if you are buying SLX, you are saving
Price: R845
enough money to upgrade the rear to XT.
Contact: www.coolheat.co.za; 0861 SHIMANO
BBB TorqueFix How many times have you wondered if you’ve tightened something enough, or too much? Of course this is especially a concern when you have more sensitive carbon fibre parts and accessories. BBB’s Torquefix kit eliminates any guesswork – and concern – from most bicycle bolt tightening you’re likely to encounter. The adjustable torque tool has a Newton metre range from 2 up to 24, which measures with a clicker system, so you’re well equipped to manage optimal tightness on all Allen bolts and disc rotor bolts. The kit contains 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10mm Allen key heads and a T25 torx and comes neatly contained in a durable hardshell plastic case. We liked the ergonomically shaped rubber grip, which fits well into the palm of your hand and offers a non-slip surface. It worked as it’s meant to and testers new to torque wrench use were surprised at how much tighter bolts could go compared to perceptive hand-tightening. It comes with a certificate of calibration, which reveals a minimal uncertainty average ranging from 0.3–1.5%. The BBB TorqueFix is a well-priced, functional toolkit for anyone who is ready to make the conversion to torque tightening...which really should be everyone. Price: R980 Contact: www.probike.co.za; 041 4048500
Gear Serfas Full-finger Gloves As far as we’re concerned, full-finger gloves are a must for mountain biking – in all seasons. Good thing there’s an increasing number of brands from which to choose. Serfas is a growing parts, accessories and apparel brand, which has a solid range of gloves for men and women. A two-segment pad design on the palm offers better flexibility and comfort, a fact we can confirm. There’s enough well-positioned padding to reduce hand pressure on everything but the most rocky terrain. The bulk of the glove is made from stretchable mesh and there’s the customary terry-cloth fabric on the thumb for
Lezyne Shock Drive
is ongoing. We shifted our hands regularly to
snot and spit clearance from mouth and
We’re continually impressed with the way
ease discomfort, but found it more comfort-
nose. There is also a reflective piping strip
Lezyne makes functional stuff look so damn
able when wearing gloves. It also took longer
on the outside of the hand for some bonus
cool. When the proactive local importers first
to inflate a shock than a cheaper, standard-
low-light visibility. A couple of grippy strips
sent us the Shock Drive, we shook our heads.
style shock pump. But it does work and with
on the fore- and middlefinger provide for
A shock pump that weighs just 89 grams and
some crosschecking, we confirmed that it does
better brake lever contact.
looks like a piece of art? Well, not surprisingly,
read correct inflation pressure (in both Bar
If you don’t want to spend a fortune on
the CNC-machined aluminium Shock Drive
and Psi). It reads up to 20 Bar and 300 psi. It
gloves, these are a sound option.
won a design award at Eurobike in September.
doesn’t have a release valve, so really is ideal
Colours: Black, Red/Black, Charcoal/Black,
It gives new meaning to the word slim – it’s
for the weight-conscious rider who needs the
Brown/Sand.
about as bulky (and light) as a Parker pen and
reassurance of being able to top up his/her
Sizes: S, M, L, XL (also available in women’s
pencil set. Incredible. Anyway, the real test
shock anywhere. That makes it the ideal shock
sizes)
was in its functionality and it passed. Just. Er-
pump for weight-conscious stage racers.
Price: R249
gonomically, it’s not a winner and the search
Price: R385
Contact: www.twowheelstrading.co.za;
for comfortable hand positions on either end
Contact: www.twowheelstradingc.co.za
082 7867316
BBB Tubeskin We’ve spent years adding protection to our chainstays to minimise frame damage from a whipping chain, but what about that highly exposed downtube that has to deal with stones and debris shot up by the front tyre? BBB’s TubeSkin Frame Protector is thick, transparent and adhesive, which means your downtube has a protective layer that won’t affect the look of your bike. It comes in a strip 500mm long by 50mm wide and is easy to fit. It’s also waterproof which means it’s an effective shield in all conditions. If you love your bike, it should be on your shopping list. Price: R90 Contact: www.probike.co.za; 041 4048500
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First Ascent Cyclone Rain Jacket Shew. Now this is a clever jacket. The Cyclone is a feature-packed twoin-one rain jacket with removable sleeves, leaving you with a sleeveless (duh) option. Ideal for light rain or warmer summer rain conditions. The clever part is that the sleeve yoke section is held in place by a zip behind each shoulder and well-placed magnets. This makes them easy to attach and remove (but not while riding). With elasticated armholes, the sleeveless version has thumb loops the end of the sleeves to offer a more secure fit and increased rain protection. The garment is made from windproof, water-repellent Microtex fabric, which means it should keep your torso (and arms) dry and warm when riding in light to moderate rain. Like any good rain jacket, it’s got additional zip activated ventilation options on either side of the back panel. There’s a zippered chest pocket made to hold an MP3 player and a rear back pocket which doubles as the pouch into which the entire jacket folds for compact convenience. Folded, it’s small enough to easily fit into a medium or large hydration pack storage compartment. Colours: Blue, Pink, Dayglo Yellow Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL Price: R695.00 Contact: www.firstascent.co.za; 021 787 9380
Gear
WIN
WIN a Volcan FS1 bike plus Volcan’s pro-team backing for a year, including spares, team mechanic and race support all worth R100 000.
Bell Volt helmet
Creative? Obsessive? Discerning? We don’t care where your motivation comes from. All we want are your photos showing your devotion to mountain biking. You don’t have to own a Volcan to enter, you just need to think like a mountain biker with soul.
This is my Volcan
To find out more, visit www.treadmag.co.za
Three important things we look for in a helmet: 1. Proper fit; 2. Good ventilation; 3. Sufficient head protection in the event of a crash. We can wax lyrical about the first two after every ride, but seldom (fortunately) have an authoritative view on No. 3 to discuss. That leaves as a last resort some mention about how the lid surpasses one or other internationally recognised safety standard with an acronym. But with the Bell Volt, our tester took three knocks to the head and could still type this without assistance, which means it did its job well [The lengths we go to – Ed]. First two crashes were on the same ride, both as a result of high-speed front-wheel washouts on wooden bridges. We know you’re supposed to replace a helmet after a hard knock, but we didn’t. No special reason other than we didn’t really think it was necessary. The third knock was a hard pummel to the back of the helmet when a manual went wrong and our tester couldn’t get his feet unclipped in time to prevent a flip. ‘Thwack!’ The helmet hit the deck hard, the test rider was dazed and briefly confused, but he rode home with all his wits about him. Helmet has been replaced – with another identical model. Why? Because the aggressive lines and asymmetrical red, black and white design with peak make it an attractive piece of gear. Also, the easy to adjust cinch system makes for quick comfort adjustment on the fly. And of course we know it protects the head effectively and are hoping we won’t need to confirm that again any time soon… Price: R2875 Contact: www.omnico.co.za; 021 691 0110
GUEST TEST www.volcanbikes.com
So we’re giving away an Ibis Mojo SL worth over R80000 to one lucky subscriber at the end of November. Yeah, yeah, we also still can’t believe what a cool prize that is… Anyway, we figured who better to test ride one than Michael Naiker, the fair-o, hindian-o that choons no word of a lie, ekse. Check out his Ibis Mojo SL review at www.treadmag.co.za
Gear Shimano SPD Pedals M-520 Released in the late 80’s, the Shimano SPD fired up a revolution in clipless off-road riding pedals and has held its own in the resultant tide of competitive technologies. The adjustable release tension system is easily manipulated with an Allen key – turn to marked plus or minus adjustments to tighten or loosen its grip on your cleat. The chrome-moly spindle and low maintenance sealed bearing cartridge axle are genuine plusses and while tweaks in design over the decades have improved the pedal’s efficiency to shake mud to a reasonable extent, it’s the pedal’s hardy resilience that pleases us the most. One thing that hasn’t ever really changed with the SPD design is the connection between cleat and pedal – it’s still tricky to ‘cleat in’ first time, every time, but if reliability and function are high on your list of priorities, then these are ideal pegs for you. Price: R375 Contact: www.coolheat.co.za; 0861 SHIMANO
Mavic Neptune Jacket Question: how do you test a jacket that promises to keep you dry from driving rain and warm from freezing wind? Answer: you expose said jacket to a weeks-worth of riding in a Cape Town winter. So we did. The first thing your mates will say when seeing you wear the jacket is, ‘Dude, cool jacket.’ The form fit, muted silver-grey colour and understated Mavic brand elements will make you look and feel like a pro rider. Body shape and rider ergonomics are central to the Neptune’s design. The jacket is cut low and contoured over the tail, but doesn’t bunch in the mid-riff when you’re positioned over the handlebars. The asymmetrical zip design irons out the touch points. A double internal cuff and taped zip seam shut down the usual leak spots and there is impressive zip-down ventilation should you begin to overheat. Our only hitch was zipping back up on the fly; the double-breasted mesh design occasionally snags in the zip. In all, the Mavic Neptune is compact, feather-light and impressively weather resistant. Price: R2150 Contact: www.dragons.co.za; 021 461 6251 TREAD SPRING 2009
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My Fitness PHOTO: GREG BEADLE
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My Fitness
Full circle By Sean Badenhorst
Eight-time South African Elite champion (four XC and four DH titles), Michelle Lombardi isn’t quite as fast or as daring as she was when she dominated podiums in the 1990s, but she’s probably fitter. At 41 she’s still a podium contender in most endurance events she enters; not just among the Veterans, but overall too…
Y
ou’re a mother of two (Matthew,
to train for.
challenge in terms of achieving and
12 and Megan, 9) which most
Do you train alone or with others?
maintaining fitness in your 40s compared to
women would see as a major
Very seldom alone, I’m a very social athlete.
your 20s and 30s?
obstacle to maintaining even a
I have a whole host of training partners that
I have to be more selective about my racing. I
moderate level of fitness. You obviously
I call on depending on what type of session I
LOVE to race and it’s been a bit of a downfall
have a good support structure?
have planned. That will vary from my nine-
for me over the last couple of years. I have
I’ve had a great support structure. Martin,
year-old daughter, to two retired guys in their
had to accept that I can’t race every weekend
my husband was always great with the kids
sixties that I love riding with, to the fast guys
as much as I’d love to. Nowadays there are so
when they were little so that I could carry on
who ride me into the ground. Very variable!
many great events and, being a multi-sporter,
racing and my mom was – and is still always
Your husband, Martin, is very supportive of
there is an event somewhere every weekend.
around to help out. I’m 41 and my mom and
your athletic pursuits. Is he super-fit too?
So I have to choose a few big events and focus
dad still watch me race whenever they can.
Martin has become a lot fitter lately. He got
on those and for the rest, have fun.
You’ve been successful at adventure racing,
the Sani2C bug last year and has not been the
Do you follow a specific diet?
triathlon, road running and you even won
same since. Our kids are much bigger now
Not really, except that I’m not into junk foods.
the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour once.
so it’s easier for us both to train. Matthew,
I try to do everything in moderation but just
But in March you came full circle when
our 12-year-old comes along on some of the
be diligent about recovery foods and drinks
you won a national XC title. Where does
rides now, too.
and training foods and drinks. PVM all the way.
mountain biking rank in your heart?
It’s 17 years since you won your first
Otherwise a generally healthy diet.
My first title as a Veteran! Mountain biking is
national mountain bike title. Training
Do you train scientifically or by feel?
where it all started for me, so alongside trail
methods, nutrition and bikes have changed
I’ve never been too much of a scientific
running it is still very close to my heart at
a lot in that time. What do you miss most
trainer. Maybe I would be better if I did, but
No. 1. My son won the Under-12 title so we
about those early days in your career? And
I prefer to enjoy what I do and not be a slave
both got to wear the national jerseys. That
what do you most appreciate these days?
to a training programme. Before a really big
was a very special moment. The first of many
What I probably miss most is the fact that
important event I will knuckle down to a pro-
more I hope.
I’m not 24 anymore but I still race against
gramme for a few weeks but other than that
You also work during the day. How do
24 year olds! The best is obviously that the
I do what I feel. After so many years I kind of
manage your time to fit in training?
bikes have become better and better. Dual
know what works for me.
I work part-time from home so tend to fit my
suspension bikes at 10kg were unheard of
What one piece of advice would you give young
work in around my training rather than the other
back then. Nutrition is a big factor. I’ve been
women just getting into mountain biking?
way around! Don’t tell my boss that, though.
sponsored by PVM for many years and their
Go out and have fun. Don’t be put off by the
Does competition motivate you to get super-
products are constantly evolving to give the
guys! Ride with them, make friends with them
fit, or are you one of those people for whom
best support possible. Also, in the old days,
and beat them up the hill whenever you can. I
fitness and exercise is a way of life?
one hour a day on the bike was enough to
still ride with some of the guys I’ve been riding
Exercise is definitely a way of life for me but
become SA champ. Not anymore.
with for 15 years or more. Those are among
I love to have a goal of a big upcoming race
What have you found is the biggest
my longest-running friendships. TREAD SPRING 2009
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PHOTO: GREG BEADLE
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My Bike
Big wheels keep on turnin’ What at first seemed like a marketing gimmick appears to be catching on. Twenty-nine inch wheels are becoming more common. Top veteran racer, Shan Wilson, is one of the riders that have made the conversion and rides a Gary Fisher Superfly Carbon.
For more on the Gary Fisher Superfly Carbon, visit www.fisherbikes.com
W
hat made you move to a 29-inch bike? Shane Janse van Vuuren, my business partner has been in the mountain bike game for ages and is a technical guru. He’s been riding a 29-inch bike for three years and
he convinced me to give it a try. I haven’t gotten off it! Has it improved your riding? To be honest, I don’t know. I’m not sure how you measure riding improvement when you’ve been riding as long as I have. But psychologically, it’s made a difference and that’s good enough to make me stick with it. What are the benefits of a 29-inch bike over a regular (26-inch) mountain bike? Personally, I find it’s the perfect happy medium between a hardtail and a dual suspension in the 26-inch bikes. It’s got the responsiveness and snap of a hardtail, and the technical proficiency of a dual suspension. It rolls really well over bumps, holes, drops… It’s more forgiving than a 26-inch hardtail that’s for sure. Through thick sand it’s a dream. And what are the negatives – if any? It’s not super quick on acceleration, but in mountain biking that’s not as important, especially marathons and stage races. With the bigger wheels, the gearing is harder than on a 26-inch bike. You have to learn to ride easier gears more. And weight? Well, my bike is under 10kg, so weight isn’t an issue with top-end 29-inch bikes that’s for sure. Anything customised to you on this bike? Only the gearing. I’ve got a White Industries crankset upfront. It’s a double with 42- and 34-tooth chainrings. I can change the blades if necessary. On the back I use either an 11-28 or an 11-32 cassette, depending on the terrain. Do you think there will be a big shift towards 29-inch bikes in South Africa? Well, there’s a big 29-inch market in the Cape and it seems it’s catching on in other parts of the country. I’ve convinced Andrew McLean, my stage race partner, to make the move to 29-inch so maybe that will stimulate a shift in Gauteng where he lives. TREAD SPRING 2009
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My Challenge
Lose weight, gain life
got a very unusual gift on my 29th
The GP was worried about me. My blood
birthday from one of my mates. Scott
pressure was very high, my liver was in
Richardson, a biokineticist, sports
a terrible state, giving off high levels of
coach, former multiple South African
something called GGT, which had led to me
mountain bike champion and Barcelona
becoming asthmatic. My life cover policy
Olympian, gave me a six-week personal
had to be updated with certain conditions. I
trainer voucher – from himself.
wasn’t even 30 yet but I felt like I was just a few cases of beer from my deathbed.
every month. I was a big drinker but because
Scott had one condition – if I was going
I was still young, I felt bulletproof. Scott
to accept his gift I had to be serious about
obviously saw nothing but a decline to an
it and I had to obey his every instruction. It
early death with the lifestyle I was leading,
was to be six weeks of gym work and cardio,
so his gift was almost a challenge. Luckily I
which sounded like more like punishment
took him up on it. I visited a doctor for an
than anything else. Turns out, it was the best
assessment before starting my six-week
six weeks of my life because it changed my
plan with Scott and the results gave me a
lifestyle for good - and led me to mountain
big fright.
biking.
(
After doing my six weeks with Scott, I
Gregg, and my stepfather, Sandy Rae, had both represented South Africa in cycling or mountain biking, so it became the next thing to do. I got a mountain bike and then a road bike and started riding regularly. I now ride five or six times a week. The cost of the bikes and gear is well worth it if you consider that I spend as much as 10-20 hours a week on a bike. Some people spend more than
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TREAD SPRING 2009
weekend mountain bike rides that are most fun. My favourite ride is a four or five hour outing to Hartebeespoort Dam and back. I mostly ride with guys on the Plastomark club/
dad, Sandy. I’ve developed a new group of friends through mountain biking, which is great. I still see some of my old party buddies, and what is very satisfying is when they compliment me on how good I’m looking. It’s been good for my confidence and being so much more active and healthy allows me to do more things with the family, too. My wife Natalie and I have a daughter now, Taylor. I’m so grateful to be healthy and fit so that I can look forward to watching her grow up. In my previous state, I wouldn’t have had much hope of that. I’m now 33, so my transformation is by no means temporary. I’m not much into racing, but I’ve done the Sani2C three times and last year I started the Transalps, but just wasn’t properly prepared and pulled out. I’ll be back though. I’ve got a score to settle with that race. I’m not super lean, I like food too much to be lean, but my weight is down
)
to a respectable 86kg (I’m 1.86m tall). I’m
I wasn’t even 30 yet but I felt like I was just a few cases of beer from my deathbed.
looked and felt much better. My brother
Neil at a party, 130kg
On weekdays I usually ride my road bike in the Cradle of Humankind area, but it’s the
Danny, John, Allan and Kell. Also my step-
If we had a national beer-drinking team, Neil Petersen would have been one of our most capped members. Not surprisingly, he celebrated every birthday party like it was his last. His 29th almost was... He got a fright, got a bike, got fit and, well, found happiness.
I weighed 130kgs and was gaining weight
free early-morning rides not essential.
team, Mark, Pete, Donovan (Manbearpig),
By Neil Petersen
I
why I’m more of a mountain biker with traffic-
healthy and fit and happy. Some people who knew me before say I’m an inspiration and proof that you can change if you really want to. Some ask me for a piece of advice about losing weight and gaining health. I don’t give them one, I give them three:
1.
See a dietician, you’ll be surprised
2. 3.
Ride a mountain bike regularly.
at what we think are healthy foods. Have fun – not difficult when you
that in their cars. Riding in winter in Joburg
ride a mountain bike with a good
is a bit tougher because of the cold, which is
bunch of people.
Name: Neil Petersen Lives: Fourways Occupation: Runs own chemical broker business Age: 33 Weight lost: 34kg Rides: 5-6 times a week Bike: Volcan FS2 Favourite race: Subaru Sani2C
TREAD SPRING 2009
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Now that’s a proper challenge! By Barry McCallum PHOTOS: COURTESY TRANS BAVIAANS MTB MARATHON
82 |
TREAD SPRING 2009
Ride withRace soul
I
really enjoyed my first Trans Baviaans
previous time. Louise Louw and Hetta Naude
stares, or ridiculous outfits, some seemed
24hr MTB Marathon outing…er, from
were the first women’s pairing over the finish
disorientated…many were afraid to stand still
the comfort of a camping chair at the
line in 14:19.
lest cramps set in! Nearly everyone took time
Zuurbron checkpoint. It was from this
Rain had been predicted in the run-up to the
vantage point that I saw Pieter and Hein
race, but the weather gods smiled on the more
Lategan of Team Supercars power through on
than 730 riders who lined up in Willowmoore
At 3am, feeling almost as fatigued as the
their way to a record-setting overall win over
for the brutal trek through farmlands and the
guys and girls on the bikes, I had to call it
the 230-kilometre course.
Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area down to the
quits and hit the road to the finish in J-Bay
(
Some were smiling and laughing as they tucked into jaffles and soup, some wore thousand-yard stares, some seemed disorientated…many were afraid to stand still lest cramps set in!
)
to greet the “Complaints Officer”, a beautiful Labrador called Layla.
to more happy fires, Spur burgers and a bar that was open on arrival. Despite being a race of attrition – both because of the distance and terrain – 193 of the 224 teams that left
They rolled into the Kabeljous resort in
coast (see Trail Review for more details). They
Willowmoore finished. Many told me they’d
Jeffreys Bay 28 kays down the road in eight
threaded out of town under clear skies and
be back to do it next year. So will I…but not in
hours and 55 minutes, slicing 25 minutes off
were pushed along by a crisp breeze.
a camping chair.
the previous mark set - in 2007 - by this year’s
As the sun dropped so did the mercury…
second-placed team of Vickus Boshoff and
spectators and support crews huddled around
Tony Conlon. Another new record was set by
fires as the midfielders and backmarkers pulled
the mixed team of Ischen and Peter Stopforth,
in and out of the Zuurbron checkpoint. Some
who came in 12 seconds under the 10-hour
were smiling and laughing as they tucked into
mark and just shy of an hour faster than the
jaffles and soup, some wore thousand-yard
For more on the 2009 Transbaviaans Challenge, the world’s longest single-stage mountain bike race, or to find out how to enter the 2010 edition, visit http://www.ecobound.co.za/
TREAD SPRING 2009
| 83
Race Photo: GARY PERKIN
Promise delivered I
t wasn’t unexpected, but it was still an incredible feat. Burry Stander, the Chosen One in South African XC racing, won the Under-23 world title at the 2009 World Champs in Canberra, Australia. After claiming silver in 2008, it was a fitting farewell from the Under23 ranks for Stander, who throughout 2009 has proved in World Cup racing that he’s by no
means going to need to ‘find his feet’ against the Elite men next year. Stander took control virtually from the first of six laps of the World Championship circuit and simply rode clear of his rivals using a combination of his impressive power and superb skills. He had plenty of time to grab a South African flag and savour the moment in the finishing straight. Stander became the first South African to ever win a XC world title. Some would see that as a career-topping pinnacle, but it’s quite obvious that for Stander, it’s just a stepping stone…
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| 85
Fraction attraction
D
ownhill star, Greg Minnaar, is South Africa’s most successful mountain bike racer ever, having won three overall World Cup titles and the
World Championship in 2003. ‘Mr Min’ is always hungry and always in contention for another world title and in Canberra, Australia, came within just five-hundredths of a second a second one. Five-hundredths of a second, we take longer than that to blink… It was the closest World Champs in history and while Minnaar was disappointed, he was happy for his teammate and good friend, Steve Peat, who won the gold for Great Britain and finally added the one title he’s been missing to his 16-year racing career. The 27-year-old South African seen in action in Canada here, has an amazing record in the World Championships, and still has time on his side. Maybe in 2010…
Greg Minnaar’s World Championships record over the past seven years: 2003: 1st 2004: 2nd 2005: 3rd 2006: 2nd 2007: 4th 2008: 4th 2009: 2nd
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Race PHOTO: GARY PERKIN
TREAD SPRING 2009
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Race PHOTO: GARY PERKIN
Who’s that girl?
C
andice Neethling helped South Africa to its most successful World Champs ever, when she secured the bronze medal in the Junior women’s XC race in Canberra, Australia. The 18-year-old KwaZulu-Natalian showed that it’s not just South African men on the up in XC racing, becoming the first South African female to ever finish on a major international championship podium. One thing is for certain, with the
big improvements being seen in the standard of our junior racing categories, she won’t be the last.
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Race
Our World Cup runneth over By Sean Badenhorst
I
n case anyone still had any doubts about Burry Stander’s status as one of the world’s top XC racers, the little oke from Port Shepstone goes and topples
French superstar Julien Absalon at Round 7 of the 2009 Nissan UCI World Cup in Champery, Switzerland. We knew it was going to happen some day, but were still rather stunned at the way in which Stander pulled back almost a minute on Absalon with two laps to go, catching him on the final climb and then putting 15 seconds into him to complete an historic hiding near Absalon’s own backyard. And just in case anyone isn’t quite sure of Absalon’s pedigree, he’s the most successful XC racer in history with two Olympic gold medals, four World Championship titles and now five World Cup titles. Stander’s 2009 World Cup Series was impressive to say the least. He comfortably won the Under-23 title again and finished third overall behind Absalon and José Hermida.
2009 World Cup results: 3rd Round 1, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa 4th Round 2, Offenburg, Germany 4th Round 3, Houffalize, Belgium 7th Round 4, Madrid, Spain 5th Round 5, Mont-St-Anne, Canada 7th Round 6, Bromont, Canada 1st Round 7, Champery, France 10th Round 8: Schladming, Austria 3rd Overall 1st Under-23
Other highlights from 2009: 1st Under-23 World Championships 1st South African Marathon Championships 1st South African XC Cup 1st South African XC Championships 1st African XC Championships 6 stage wins Absa Cape Epic (4th overall) 3rd on final UCI rankings (end of Sept 2009)
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TREAD SPRING 2009
PhotoS: GARY PERKIN
Race Tight fight for DH crown Greg Minnaar’s consistency is one of his strengths. You don’t win three World Cup titles unless you can consistently finish on the podium and Minnaar’s 2009 World Cup was no different, although one crash, which gave him a 22nd place, became the difference between first and second in final Series rankings. He started off with a stirring victory in his hometown of Pietermaritzburg and then juggled the leader’s jersey with Santa Cruz Syndicate teammate, Steve Peat and Aussie ace, Sam Hill for the rest of the Series. In fact, the final result was only decided after Hill, last to start, secured victory in Round 8 in Schladming, giving the Aussie the title he so badly wanted back after a disappointing 2008. Minnaar finished a close second in the final rankings, despite having won three rounds, more than any other rider on the circuit. Minnaar also finished up the season ranked second on the UCI world rankings behind Peat. We seem to get used to excellent results from Minnaar, but we really should just think a little about how good his results really are and appreciate his amazing talent and the way in which he helped make 2009 the most exciting year for DH racing, ever...
2009 World Cup results: 1st Round 1Pietermaritzburg, South Africa 6th Round 2 La Bresse, France 3rd Round 3 Vallnord, Andorra 1st Round 4, Fort William, Scotland 3rd Round 5, Maribor, Slovenia 22nd Round 6, Mont-St-Anne, Canada 1st Round 7, Bromont, Canada 3rd Round 8, Schladming, Austria 2nd Overall:
Other highlights from 2009 2nd on final UCI rankings (end of Sept) 2nd Elite men World Championships
And who’s that girl? Stander and Minnaar weren’t the only South Africans to finish on World Cup podiums in 2009. Joanna Pettersen, a South African based in the United States, competed in most of the World Cup rounds. She’s a gravity event rider and contested both DH and 4X this year. Pettersen finished up the year with a 3rd and a 4th in two rounds of the 4X World Cup and ended the season in 10th place on the 4X final rankings. TREAD SPRING 2009
| 91
Calendar
RACE DIARY
OCTOBER
Schedule of South African mountain bike events Place
Date
Race
Dicipline GAUTENG
Distance
Contact Person
Randburg Delta Park
Wednesday 7th Oct
Nite Racing
XCM
Jean du Preez
Randburg Delta Park
Wednesday 14th Oct
Nite Racing
XCM
Jean du Preez
Muldersdrift, Phambili
Sunday 18th Oct
Rockhoppers 6hr
XCM 6-hour enduro
Keith O’Leary
Randburg Delta Park
Wednesday 21st Oct
Nite Racing
XCO
Jean du Preez
Hartbeeshoek, Telkom Satellite Tracking Station Pretoria East
24th Oct
Telkom Satellite MTB Night Ride Nissan Sammy Marks
XCM Night race
Hartbeeshoek, Telkom Satellite Tracking Station Randburg Delta Park
Saturday 24th Oct 5th Oct
18km
XCM
Peter Zeelie Dylan Victor
Wednesday 28th Oct
Telkom Satellite MTB Challenge Nite Racing
XCM
57km/36km/10km
Peter Zeelie
XCO
Jean du Preez
Saturday 31st Oct
Makolong Series
XCM
Christo vd Linde
Contact 082-610 1140 www.rmbc.co.za 082-610 1140 www.rmbc.co.za 082-345 9955 www.rmbc.co.za 082-610 1140 www.rmbc.co.za 082-825 0250 www.totalindex.co.za 083-686 6292 www.fritzpienaarcycles.com 082-825 0250 www.totalindex.co.za 082-610 1140 www.rmbc.co.za 074-729 4868
WESTERN CAPE Somerset West Lourensford Wine Estate Rawsonville, Slanghoek Valley Oudtshoorn George, Saasveld Ladismith
Saturday 3rd Oct
Lourensford MTB Classic
XCM
55km/30km/15km
Dirtopia
Saturday 10th Oct
XCM
55km/30km/15km
Hennus Trotzky
XCM XCM XCM
Essie Esterhuyse George Hillbillies Pieter Blignaut
Sun 18th-Sun 25th Oct
Slanghoek/Manic Cycles MTB Challenge Oudtshoorn Fieste Edenberg Saasveld Race Ladismith Cheese Seweweekspoort MTB Challenge Cape Pioneer Trek
Saturday 10th Oct Sunday 11th Oct Saturday 17th Oct
Oudtshoorn
XCM Stage race
Carel Herholdt
Cederberg, Sanddrif
Fri 23rd - Sun 25th Oct
Cederberg Escape
XCM Stage race
186km
Sanddrif Grandstand
Somerset We s t , Grabouw/Elgin Valley Oudtshoorn Beaufort West
Sunday 25th Oct
Lebanon Ladies MTB
XCM
26km/10km/3km
Dirtopia
Saturday 31st Oct Saturday 31st Oct
Laerskool Oudtshoorn Noord Hartfees
XCM XCM
021-884 4752 www.dirtopia.co.za 032-344 3026 www.slanghoek.co.za 084 279 1065 www.hillbillies.co.za 028-551 1062 082-379 1177 www.dryland.co.za 021-426 4373 Management www.cederberg-escape.com 021-884 4752 www.dirtopia.co.za 082-873 7516
Dieter vd Merwe
EASTERN CAPE East London, Gonubie Farmers Hall Brakfontein Dordrecht, Avondzon Loerie/Hanke, Ottoford Forest Stuttterheim Thomas River Village
Sunday 4th Oct
Buffalo MTB Challenge
XCM
70km/40km
Candy Boonzaier
043-735 1137
Fri 9th - Sat 10th Oct Sunday 11 Oct
Bonthoek MTB Challenge Steeltek MTB Race
XCM Stage race XCM
60km/35km/25km/10km 40km/20km/10km/5km
Petro Slabbert Charl Joubert
Saturday 31st Oct
Thomas River MTB Challenge
XCM
65km/42km/35km/10km
John Potter
072-593 5132 072-081 2802 www.fattracks.co.za 082-575 4923 www.thomasriver.com
Laddsworth School • Kwambonambi Country Club • Balgowan
Thurs 1 - Sun 4th Oct Sunday 4th Oct Sunday 4th Oct Saturday 10th Oct Sunday 25th Oct
XCM Stage race DHI XCM XCM XCM
20km/50km/70km/40km 50km/25km/10km
Hill 2 Hill Events Johann Wykerd Joyce Benade Paul Rencken Stu Berry
072-125 2382 031-765 6222 072-158 3252 082-493 5263 083-456 8435
Winterton, Emseni Camp
Sat 31rd Oct - Sun 1st Nov
Hilton Stage Race Maverick Gravity Dice RBM Kwambo Lion Team Day/Night MTB relay Bonitas/Sunday Tribune Michaelhouse Classic NATRO Berg and Bush
XCM Stage race
70km/60km
Charmaine
083-230 9091
65km/35km
Adventure sport shop Zoë Bosman Hhohho
00 268 404 9609 www.adventuresport.co.sz www.swazifrontier.sz
45km/25km/10km/4km
Tobie Malan
082-346 0601
KWA ZULU NATAL
SWAZILAND Mbabane - Manzini
Saturday 3rd Oct
City-City MTB Classic
XCM
Swaziland
Wed 14th - Sat 17th Oct
The Swazi Frontier
XCM Stage race
Volksrust, Plaas Revine
Saturday 31st Oct
Volksrust Classic Bergfietswedren
XCM
Clarens
Saturday 3rd Oct
XCM#6
75km/35km
Paul Pretorius
082-330 5548
Parys
Saturday 10th Oct
MTN National Marathon & MiWay Half-marathon Series Ride Crater Cruise
XCM
101km
Ride Magazine
Parys
Saturday 10th Oct
Ride Dirt Flirt #1
XCM
28km
Ride Magazine
Parys
Saturday 10th Oct
Parys
Saturday 10th Oct Ride
Ride Elite Kêtathlon Exhibition Petit Cruise for Kids
XCM various
Parys
Sunday 11th Oct
Ride Crater Cruise
XCM
56km
Ride Magazine
Parys
Sunday 11th Oct
Ride Dirt Flirt #2
XCM
15km
Ride Magazine
Heibron, Fees op die Vlakte
Saturday 17th Oct
Riemland MTB Race
XCM
80km/40km/15km
Louis Kleynhans
011-888 8288 www.cratercruise.co.za 011-888 8288 www.cratercruise.co.za 011-888 8288 www.cratercruise.co.za 011-888 828 www.cratercruise.co.za 011-888 8288 www.cratercruise.co.za 011-888 8288 www.cratercruise.co.za 082-770 1112 www.entrytime.com
MPUMALANGA FREE STATE
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TREAD SPRING 2009
Ride Magazine Ride Magazine
Calendar
NOVEMBER Place
Date
Race
Dicipline GAUTENG
Distance
Contact Person
Randburg Delta Park
Sunday 1st Nov Wednesday 4th Nov
Babbas Lodge #11 Nite Racing
XCM XCO
Andre de Beer Jean du Preez
Randburg Delta Park
Wednesday 11 Nov
Nite Racing
XCO
Jean du Preez
Johannesburg
Saturday 14th Nov
XCM
Randburg Delta Park
Wednesday 18th
Momentum Mountain Bike Challenge Nov Nite Racing
XCO
Harford Sports Promotions Jean du Preez
Hartebeespoort Dam
Saturday 21st Nov
XCM
Dylan Victor
Kromdraai, Maple Ridge Equestrian Centre Randburg Delta Park
Sunday 22nd Nov Wednesday 25th Nov
Nissan Pecanwood Classic Landrover Cradle to Cave Nite Racing
Saturday 28th Nov
Makolong Series
EN
40km/20km/10km
XCM
50km/32km
XCO
Werner Theron Jean du Preez
Contact 082-490 5061 0862-610 1140 www.rmb.co.za 086-610 1140 www.rmb.co.za 011-463 2743 www.cyclechallenge.co.za 082-610 1140 www.rmb.co.za 083-686 6292 www.fritzpienaarcycles.com 082-322 2850 www.cyclelab.com 082-610 1140 www.rmb.co.za
LIMPOPO Christo vd Linde
074-829 4868 083-508 9642 www.ecobound.co.za 083-508 9642 www.ecobound.co.za 084-279 1065 084-549 7700 www.makadasadventures.co.za 082-373 5352 www.hillbillies.co.za
WESTERN CAPE Oudtshoorn, De Hoek Holiday Resort Oudtshoorn, De Hoek Holiday Resort Oudtshoorn Montagu
Thurs 5th - Fri 6th Nov
XCM Stage race
60km/60km
Elmarie vd Walt
XCM Stage race
60km/60km
Elmarie vd Walt
Saturday 14th Nov Saturday 14th Nov
Oudtshoorn Relay Makadas Endurance Challenge
XCM XCM 24-hour
290km
Essie Esterhuyse Mitzi Knipe
George, Saasveld
Sat 21st - Sun 22nd Nov
24 Hour MTB Relay
XCM 24-hour
Hilton
Saturday 7th Nov
XCM
80km/35km
Wessel van der Walt
www.cyclechallenge.co.za
Durban, Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World Durban, Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World Durban, Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World •
Friday 20th Nov
MTN National Marathon & MiWay Half-marathon Series #7 - 50 Miler OUT@Night
XCM
Night race 6km
Wynand de Villiers
Mariette Potgieter
011-662 2494 www.outsurance.co.za/ outexpedition 011-662 2494 www.outsurance.co.za/ outexpedition 011-662 2494 www.outsurance.co.za/ outexpedition 082-337 1067
Lowveld Chain Gang
Long Tom Cycles 013-235 2355 Indigo Events 013-254 0908 082-774 5821
Sat 7th - Sun 8th Nov
To Hell & Back Adventure Race To Hell & Back Race
George Hillbillies
KWA ZULU NATAL
Fri 20th - Sun 22nd Nov
OUTsurance KZN Expedition
XCM Stage race
6km/73km/70km
Wynand de Villiers
Fri 20th - Sun 22nd Nov
OUTsurance KZN Expedition
MTB Fun Rides
XCM 70km/35km
Wynand de Villiers
Saturday 7th Nov
Maropa Challenge
XCM
MPUMALANGA •
Saturday 7th Nov
Kwena Festival XCM
ª
Sat 21st - Sun 22nd Nov
Sabie
Saturday 28th Nov
Highland Altitude Challenge Noon 2 Moon
XCM XCM
FREE STATE Ficksburg, Meulspruit Dam
Saturday 21st Nov
Cherry MTB Challenge
XCM
60km/40km/8km/2km
Boet du Toit
084-600 4519 www.cherryfestival.co.za
TO EVENT ORGANISERS Listing of events in this calendar is free but dependent on timing and complete event information. Send your complete event info to info@treadmag.co.za. Event advertising can also be placed. Call 083 2797797 for rates.
TO MOUNTAIN BIKERS This calendar was compiled with information available to us and we assume it is correct. However, we cannot be held responsible for any errors and recommend you confirm event details with the organiser if you’re uncertain. TREAD SPRING 2009
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Calendar
DECEMBER Place
Date
Race
Dicipline GAUTENG
Distance
Contact Person
Contact
Randburg Delta Park
Wednesday 2nd Dec
Nite Racing
XCO
Jean du Preez
082-610 1140 www.rmbc.co.za 082-610 1140 www.rmbc.co.za 082-490 5061 082-610 1140 www.rmbc.co.za 082-610 1140 www.rmbc.co.za
Randburg Delta Park
Wednesday 9th Dec
Nite Racing
XCO
Jean du Preez
Randburg Delta Park
Wednesday 16th Dec Wednesday 16th Dec
Babbas lodge #12 Nite Racing
XCM XCO
Andre de Beer Jean du Preez
Randburg Delta Park
Wednesday 23rd Dec
Nite Racing
XCO
Jean du Preez
Amabile, Wriggleswade Dam Port Elizabeth, Longmore
Saturday 5th Dec
XCM
60km/35km
Mike Stone
082-490 8444
Sunday 6th Dec
Wriggleswade MTB Challenge Longmore Classic
XCM
60km/30km/20km
Rob Rudman
083-262 4392
Murraysburg
Saturday 5th Dec
Sneeuberg
XC
George
Sat 19th Dec - Sun 20th Dec Sunday 27th Dec
Rock Pedal MTB Classic
XCM
EASTERN CAPE
WESTERN CAPE
Groot Brak River
100km/50km/32km Hannes Neethling
Grabadoo XCM
Mimi Finestone
084-583 3144 Gromos MTB Club
42km/26km
Sam Knox
Exhibition 3.5km
Max Cluer
• 75km/77km/73km/26km
Johnny Fiona Coward
049-854 9113 www.onlines.co.za 082-774 3474 www.hillbillies.co.za
KWA ZULU NATAL Sani Pass, Sani Pass Hotel
Saturday 5th Dec
Sani Pass Transfrontier Mountain Bike Epic
Durban, uShaka Marine World and Durban Point Waterfront
Sunday 6th Dec
HP Urban Rage MTB Assault Race
Pilgrims Rest Sabie, York Timbers Sports Ground
Saturday 5th Dec Sun 13th - Wed 16th Dec
Pilgrims Classic The Sabie Experience
XCM
082-576 7825 www.sanitransfrontier. co.za 033-386 0815 www.urbanrage.co.za
MPUMALANGA
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TREAD SPRING 2009
XCM XCM Stage race
013-768 1080 083-564 7767 www.sabiexperience. co.za
Classifieds
TO ADVERTISE IN TREAD MAGAZINE, CONTACT: Joanne Badenhorst | Associate Publisher | Email joanne@treadmag.co.za | Cell +27 83 2797797 | Tel +27 11 7898293 | +27 86 6498161 | www.treadmag.co.za DIETETICS
BICYCLE SHOP
Dr Christa North
BICYCLE SALES SERVICING ACCESSORIES
PhD (Nutrition)
Registered Dietician (SA & UK)
Cell 073 182 4411 Tel 011 886 3690 Fax 086 502 4717 cnorth@absamail.co.za
Tel:+ 27 11 341 0627
www.dunkeldcycles.co.za
19 Riesling Crescent, Hurlingham Manor TOYOTA MTN CYCLE PARK
• Normal opening times: Dawn til dark – will vary according to season • Night racing will be held regularly at the floodlit BMX track • Night riding will be scheduled occasionally on the trails • Secure parking For more information, visit www.cyclelab.com Riaan La Cock 083 725 BIKE (2453) cyclepark@cyclelab.com
• Toilets and change rooms with showers to be added by Phase 2 • Seattle Coffee Company for refreshments and nourishment • Shimano Tech Centre for bike repairs and adjustments • Cycle Lab satellite store for bike consumables • Motorex bike wash
TREAD SPRING 2009
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(
Blend
)
Some facetime with real mountain bikers you’d never normally read about.
PIETER WALSER
A
ge,
location,
day
job:
33, Somerset West, Winemaker/ Business owner www.blankbottle. co.za
Mountain bikes you’ve owned: GIANT Trance 2, GIANT Halo 1 Tell us a bit about your current bike: It’s the GIANT Halo 1 full suspension bike. PHOTO: GREG BEADLE
How did you get into mountain bike riding? I was diagnosed with epilepsy 18 months ago and booked off driving for a year. As a small business owner I was forced to get to vineyards, wineries and clients. I subsequently started cycling for transport. I literately cycled thousands of kilometres within that year. What do you like most about mountain bike riding? Time to think! My business is driven by innovation, in wines as well as marketing. I’ve come up with the best ideas while riding my bike…. Do you ride any trails? If so, which is your favourite? No, I’ve ridden a few trails but I use my bike as an alternative form of transport. I cycle mostly dirt roads on wine farms as well as on some tar roads. My best ride is a short cycle from Malgas to Witsand. Do you ever ride under the influence of wine? Never! Wine is my life. I sometimes start my day of with barrel tastings. I learned to always spit while tasting wine for work. Any special diet you follow? Nope. Special diets are for those who compete. When did you last crash? Somerset West Main Street. I went over the handlebars in front of all the traffic. Fell really hard. Luckily my laptop still works (I carry it in my backpack). What is the best bottle of red wine for Under R100 right now? GIANT MISTAKE 2008. Woolworths asked me to form part of its winemaking team in order to develop a wine for the rock band “The Parlotones”. We launched the wine in September and it’s on sale exclusively at Woolworths (www. theparlotoneswine.com). And of course BLANKbottle Midnight Call, a Bordeaux blend. What’s your most memorable experience on a mountain bike? One time I cycled to a Helderberg farm and thought that I should start to produce short films on all my wines. It took a few months and that idea, looking back, opened huge doors for me.
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TREAD SPRING 2009