Eish man that is not good . I don't want to tell anybody their bike is
"dodgy" but I have seen to many broken frames , bolts , thingymajic on
these GT's that I don't think I wold want one for xmis . Dee-Kay I still
have not stripped that promised crank for you but just hold your breath ,
it will be this year .
> 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
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> **********************************************************************
> This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
> intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they
> are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify
> the system manager.
>
> This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by
> MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses.
>
> www.clearswift.com
> **********************************************************************
>
>
>
> >
>
-------------------------------------------
South Africas premier free email service - www.webmail.co.za
------------------------------------------------------------------
For super low premiums, click here http://home.webmail.co.za/dd.pwm
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"DarkAndDirty" group.
To post to this group, send email to [email protected]
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
[email protected]
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/DarkAndDirty?hl=en
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
