29ers big wheels, big talk, big speed?

The 29er revolution just keeps on rolling on and gaining momentum. It is the great unknown until you have tried it for yourself. If you speak to the guys who ride them it may seem like they are evangelists but they are really just trying to tell you that it is a different ride.

It is difficult to explain and quantify. I can equate it to the new bike feeling, that's the fast feeling that you get when you ride a new bike for the first few times. Somehow it just seems to go better than your old bike. It feels like the big wheels roll faster and easier over the rocks and the bike feels very stable.

Don't be fooled though a 29er hardtail is no replacement for a 26" full sus, 0" travel just isn't the same as 4" travel no matter how big the wheels.

But the big wheels sure are fun to ride, even if they are a bit heavier.

Share your views by commenting at our blog or leaving a comment on MTBOnline Facebook.

Epic bubble or epic growth?

Are we in a stage race bubble or is it just epic growth? 

The definition of an economic bubble is "trade in high volumes at prices that are considerably at variance with intrinsic values". High volumes, well there are almost more MTB stage races than one day races at the moment and every year another few events enter the annual calendar. In fact there are very few if any individuals who can claim to have done all the stage races in the country. Everyone is doing them, rugby players, soccer players, TV presenters, comedians and even roadies!

 

When the first stage race, the Cape Epic emerged it offered a challenge second to none and a unique concept of being fully catered. Entry fee for the first race in 2004 R3900 per rider, then in 2005 it jumped to R5600 for the 8 day race. Buy 2007 it was costing R5950 and this year in 2011 the entry fee was R14500 per rider and the 2012 fee is set at R17700. That is quite a steep increase in price and if you consider that the race does not offer significantly more value. It is still essentially the same, 7-8 days riding and staying in tents with catering style food. Is that worth paying in excess of R2000 per day for? Its big business for sure with races like the Absa Cape Epic being billed as entrepreneurial success stories. Add into the mix the fact that we have entered an extended global downturn where consumers are demanding more for less and it makes you wonder whether the bubble is getting a bit large. 

Sani2c entries for 2012 are up to R4500 per rider for 3 days riding. Thats R1500 a day for a shared tent and catered food. granted there are tons of extras and free food throughout so definitely more added value there. Both of these events are still oversubscribed and although it is difficult to get an entry initially it seems to be getting easier to pickup an entry later on as the years pass, indicating that the demand may be dropping off. There is a definite heard mentality around these events as everyone wants to get them behind their name. So it definitely appeals to first timers, but for the returning masses who have got the kit and the medals the queations are being asked, what else could I do with this money, take the family on a holiday or organise an overseas riding trip with my mates? 

Share your views by commenting at our blog or leaving a comment on MTBOnline Facebook.

Its not about the training program.

Training programs are a dime a dozen and the best training program around is the one that you will follow. If you don't follow it then it doesn't matter how good it is and it is really no better than a blank piece of paper.

So the next time you want a training program then consider some basic sanity checks. Can you make the time to follow it? Is it simple, do you understand it?, Is it flexible, can you achieve it? How realistic it is for you to do considering your current time constraints and fitness level?

Remember that with all training programs what you get out of the program is what you put into it. So its not about the training program its about you.

Oh, and if you substitute coach for program above, then you can draw a similar conclusion.

Share your views by commenting at our blog or leaving a comment on MTBOnline Facebook.

Relax and take a deep breath

Relax and take a deep breath, it is guaranteed to give you a boost. When you are riding you get caught up in the excitement, the tension, the concentration and yes the exhaustion. When you are on a climb, or even better before a climb, just relax and take a few deep breaths, you will feel the extra oxygen work its way through your body to the muscles as your heart rate drops ever so slightly and you feel a boost. I do it all the time, especially when the going gets really tough. It also works on the downhills and before those really technical bits that are frightening. It even works when you crest the peak or come around a blind corner and see the world below you, relax take a deep breath and take it all in.

So next time that you are suffering, or frightened or zoned out, remember take a deep breath and relax, its your free drug - oxygen.

Share your views by commenting at our blog or leaving a comment on MTBOnline Facebook.