Weekly newsletter 3 May

04 May 2011 Weekly newsletter 3 May

This week in the news:

• Stand a chance to win with the new PPA website!
• MTB Riding tips
• MTB skills workshops
• Forthcoming Events
• This weekend on the funride calendar: Tru-Cape MTB

NEW PPA WEBSITE – GET YOUR PIC UP TO WIN!
You can win a fun hamper by registering for the MyPPA section on the new Pedal Power Association website and adding your picture to your profile! By registering for MyPPA, it means – amongst others – that you automatically see your personal results and seeding when you log on, and can chat with other members with web profiles. The lucky draw will be held on Friday 6 May 2011. So go on and upload a pic and join the other 900+ members already online with PPA!

Please note that registering for MyPPA is different to registering to use the Racetec website, which is used for online entries.

MTB RIDING TIPS
With the MTB season well on its way, here are some handy braking tips to help you master your bike:

• Learn to use your front brake correctly. It has more stopping power than your rear brake (about 70% of your braking power comes from your front brake), and ‘feathering’ it correctly will prevent those endo’s. Grabbing a handful of rear brake can cause the rear to lock and skid, which rips up the trail and reduces your control.
• Once you start skidding, you can’t brake any harder. Feather your brakes as you approach a corner/obstacle – be in control at all times.
• A useful rule to remember is: “Brake hard where the ground is hard, and soft where the ground is soft.”

Want some more tips on riding downhill and single tracks?  Follow this link for more info.

INTERMEDIATE LADIES MTB SKILLS WORKSHOP
PPA is organizing a ladies intermediate MTB skills workshop on Sunday 8 May, presented by Sara Muhl in the Tokai region. Please contact Samantha at the PPA Office on (021) 689-8420 or email marketing@pedalpower.org.za to book your place and for more information.Read more under “ANNOUNCEMENTS” on the PPA home page

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:  MAY & JUNE

Sat 7 May:                    Tru-Cape MTB – entries open

Sat 14 May:                  Willow Creek / Computer Mania MTB Challenge – entries open

Sat 21 May:                  Keeromberg MTB Challenge

Sat 28 May:                  Hex Valley Autumn Splendour MTB – entries open

Sat 4 June:                   Robertson Winery MTB

Sat 18 June:                  Greyton MTB Classic – entries open

Don’t forget about an event… Just import our PPA events into your electronic calendar at work or at home. Click on the ICAL IMPORT button on the events calendar on the website, or PRINT CALENDAR to put a hard copy up on the fridge at home. 

TRU-CAPE MTB

Saturday, 7 May 2011

DISTANCES 50 km; 25 km; 10 km

STARTING TIMES 50 km @ 09h00; 25 km @ 09h20; 10 km @ 09h40

VENUE Elgin/Grabouw Country Club, Grabouw

ENQUIRIES Carel Brand

PHONE (021) 859-4203 or 072 648 7356

EMAIL brandc@grabouwhs.wcape.school.za
PRIZE GIVING/CUT-OFF 13h00

PRE-ENTRIES CLOSE 5 May 2011

ONLINE ENTRIES  Click here

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

This popular event with its “Le Mans” type start offers three routes in the Grabouw Forest. The challenging 50 km route requires fitness and good technical cycling skills and includes sections of the Cape Epic, with lots of fine single track in the middle and latter parts of the route; over 1200m of  jeep track climbs (mostly in the second half of the course) and exhilarating descents. Comments from past events include: “tough, but absolutely awesome,” “incredible single track” and “the climbing was madness.”

Don’t feel like doing all those climbs? Then the 25 km route is just right for you, although it still includes plenty of climbs and great single track sections.

The 10 km route is aimed at beginners and youngsters (grandparents also welcome!) and is untimed.

DIRECTIONS TO VENUE

From Cape Town, take the N2 through Somerset West and drive over Sir Lowry’s Pass.  Turn left to Grabouw at the Orchard Farm Stall. Once in the town, turn left at the Taxi Rank and follow the road to the Country Club. Venue GPS coordinates: 34 07’40.50S; 19 01’25.55’E (Check out our website for interactive directions)

NOTES

Grabouw Forest is one of the finest places to ride your mountain bike in the Cape, and Wouter lays out awesome routes. If single track is your thing, be there! This area drains very quickly, even if it rains until shortly before the start of the event. All children u/10 must be accompanied by an adult. Easy Entry Tickets accepted.

Remember to wear your PPA funride number. Refer to the back page for info on CSA licenses.

Yours in cycling
The PPA Team