Whoosh, whoosh and CRACK!!
An intro ride report.
So after several months of excuses and reasons I was ready to hit the
trail again with the Dark and Dirty crowd.
Recovered tendonitis in the Achilles, a busted rear wheel (bladed Mavic
spoke broken in the middle) fixed by using a spare wheel, a cranky crank
fixed to limit the chainring play (with epoxy no less) and a funny chest
/ head infection that finally gave up the ghost: nothing would stop me
from playing in the dark...
Since Oupa Gert spawned too many sons and they insist on visiting him
now and again, he was all out of internal combustion vehicular attire to
get him and his non-generalised steed to the D&D mall, I went to pick
him up with my vintage Beemer.
Eight or so of us formed a united front against the frozen forces (QT
and Daleen went to the movies after showing their civvies-clad
selves...). Anyway it wasn't really *that* cold... if you're dressed for
the occasion. Nico swept. I did my best to stay just ahead of the
sweeper (it wasn't possible throughout the night ... more about that
later). Mike was there sporting his new dualie and his new cleats (still
due for the famous "if you haven't fallen yet ... you will" fall because
of cycling shoes). Hardy supporting and chatting. Oupa Gert grinning as
always. The Mummy talking about Vietnam and motorbikes. Some other
speed-freaks with Fox forks and skinny bodies (shame must have been cold
for them ...).
Writing a report for a D&D ride is either an honour, a suggestion, or an
uncontested exclamation of "dude you're definitely writing the report".
I fall in the latter category.
The start of the ride went is usual, without much to discuss.
My first flat (gmf) was just over Nellmapius, on the tar. 15 minutes
later (aaaargh tubeless tubes wheels!) it was fixed.
On to the Python single track, with a non-slimed tube, which I just knew
wasn't pumped nearly hard enough. Halfway through Python, the snake bit
me.
That was my second and last flat.
A borrowed Omo (Oxo, Okidata, Oh-No?) tube from Hardy solved the problem
this time in 8 minutes (hey it was dark and I'm slow OK?). I managed to
pump it to around 2 bars with The Mummy's fancy high-volume /
high-pressure little fashion accessory. Way too much talk ensued about
pumping in general...
The double "whooshes" from the title of this report have been discussed
now and I had been assigned report-writer's duties.
Back at the bottom of the Python we turned around ("he who is last shall
be first, and he who is first shall be last") and Nico raced up, and I
followed, with the rest of the riders up my tail. I actually caught him
halfway through this sweetest of trails, but shortly thereafter a sudden
lack of oxygen mysteriously caused my legs and lungs (at 5 degrees...)
to burn and I ended up 15m or so behind Nico, with The Mummy on my tail.
The rest of the crowd were around 50m behind us, so I was very chuffed
with everyone not just passing me in the middle of the trail as usual...
Quad Buster was next.
This is a little technical climb up to a water reservoir at the top of
Smuts. Granny gear engaged, my lungs still reeling from the return of
oxygenated air, I assumed the position (right at the back) following
Mike. After Mike had to dab (I told you it's a technical little climb) I
caught him and sat on his tail until we reached the top, panting like a
deer panteth for the water... Still, it's a great sense of achievement
not to have a heart-attack after such strenuous work, so lots of wide
grins were exchanged.
And then I got back on the bike.
There, right at the top.
The remainder of the report title happened.
"CRACK!". Just like that. I first thought that the seat post caused the
GT's frame to break around the seat post, but upon closer inspection
there was nothing wrong.
I got back on the bike again.
It felt like I was on a see-saw.
Sure, this is a dualie. I'm used to a bit of see-saw motion, but this
was ridiculous.
Back off the bike, I approached the crowd to complain that something was
afoot. How right I was... A foot. Or two feet. Actually more like 8
feet.
Eventually I saw the problem. It wasn't anywhere close to the seat post.
The top tube broke right through, close to the head-tube weld. Snap.
Crackle. Pop. The whole shebang.
Out came cable ties and innovative suggestions about avoiding the rest
of the bike to disintegrate, and I actually rode the Quad Buster back
down, with Hardy next to me talking about guts and stuff. I knew he
meant "stupidity", really.
We cruised back on the tar where the cable ties eventually didn't. I
decided to stand and pedal to Nellmapius.
My insistence to try and hitch a lift was laughed off by my buddies... a
confused motorist almost stopped but then decided not to trust these
weirdo's and continued on to a warm beer. Or something like that.
Hardy took first turn to run with my bike, with me on his little hard
tail. I was worried I would break it. I really hope I didn't.
Then after a kay or so, Hardy stopped and Oupa Gert took my bike and
ran. This stop allowed me to catch them again (I was still riding
Hardy's steed).
After a kay or so, Oupa Gert stopped and gave the bike to Nico. This
allowed me to catch them again. Jislaaik these guys can run!
Nico ran to the top, after which I felt sorry for him (or myself, but
not my bike) and told him to ride without pedalling to hard (because the
flimsy single weld that was holding the bike together wasn't going to
take a lot more punishment).
We arrived at the parking lot, after yet another non-boring eventful D&D
ride.
I sponsored hot choccies at the Spur for everyone that stayed, and went
home.
I wasn't entirely disappointed.
I wasn't even surprised.
GT has lost a lot of respect through people who ride with me. This was
the third GT frame I broke in 2 1/2 years. It really seems like build
quality isn't high on the factory's priorities. The ride is very very
sweet, but the frames shouldn't break that easily! GT is a premium
brand, built for strength not light weight... I will insist on yet
another warranty replacement (I never abuse my bikes, but they
definitely get *USED*).
What's next? Two weeks of waiting at least. If I'm lucky.
Let's see if service delivery in this country can surprise me in a good
way.
I'm not holding my breath.
But the ride, guys, was fun. And rough justice was served in the form of
the ladies not being able to catch the movie after all... Hiehiehie.
DeeKay
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