Press Release from Cycling SA / Paarl MTB - Mountain biking in Paarl, South Africa

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Press Release from Cycling SA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday 10 March 2010

CYCLISTS TO WEAR BLACK ARMBANDS AT CYCLE TOUR

Thousands of the 35000 entrants of Sunday’s Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour will wear black armbands to show a collective sorrow at the death of three cyclists hit by a motorist outside Oudtshoorn on Monday morning.

Frank Nel (60), Jan Elloff (73) and Magda van Lill (50) died instantly when the bunch they were riding in was hit by a bakkie overtaking a truck on the R62, nine kilometres outside Oudtshoorn.

“This is yet another tragic incident which could have been avoided,” said Hendrik Lemmer, Director of Cycling South Africa’s Road Cycling Commission.

“On behalf of Cycling South Africa, I’d like to extend condolences to the families of those cyclists who died. I also want them to know that our appeal to cyclists to wear black armbands in the Cycle Tour on Sunday is more than a sign of our collective sorrow, it’s a commitment to do something about the lack of general awareness of cyclists on our roads.”

Lemmer says that Cycling South Africa is committed to working with the authorities to make the roads safer for cyclists.

“It’s not something that can be done overnight, because it’s a matter of raising awareness and changing attitudes,” explained Lemmer. “But we’re determined to succeed. We have the most active recreational cycling culture in the world and it’s growing daily as more and more people discover the health and fitness benefits of the sport. On behalf of all cyclists in this country, I appeal to motorists to please be more aware.”

On Tuesday, it was announced that one of South Africa’s top professional cyclists, Daryl Impey, had become a patron of Sign-Up, a national campaign aimed at raising funds to erect more government-approved ‘beware cyclist’ signs along popular cycling routes throughout the country.

“I think cyclists and motorists need to begin by obeying the laws of the road,” said Impey. “Cyclists need to realise we are not owners of the roads and vice versa. I believe we (the cyclists) should set an example for others to follow. It takes one second to slow down but also one second to kill someone, mutual respect is what we need.”

Impey races on Lance Armstrong’s Radioshack team and is a rising star on the international cycling stage. He is currently in the country accompanying Armstrong during his visit this week to Cape Town in conjunction with the JAG Foundation. Both will compete in Sunday’s Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, which, in terms of numbers, is the world’s largest cycle race.

“It is great to have Daryl as an ambassador and patron of Sign-Up and it will hopefully bring us much deserved exposure’, said Shaun Hannie, founder and chairman of Sign-Up.

“At this time, this is the only national cyclist awareness campaign in South Africa and it’s completely reliant on sponsorship and donations. Frustratingly, we can’t brand national road signs with corporate logos, but we appeal to companies that support cycling to support Sign-Up. One extra sign could safe one cyclist’s life…”

To find out more about Sign-Up and its initiatives, visit www.sign-up.co.za

ENDS.

>> posted on 2010-03-10 07:56:39 by Craig Street (0829399228)

The Juno Argus cycle week competition

The Juno Argus cycle week competition
Win a lunch for 8 at Café Juno worth (at least) R1500! Given that we are all cycling enthusiasts at Juno we decided to run a competition for cyclists this year. Entrants in the competition will have the opportunity to win a lunch for 8 people at Café Juno, in addition to 3 stunning cycling shits on offer. In addition, all Cape Argus riders will receive a 15% discount on their meals at Café Juno during race week. Click here to enter.

>> posted on 2010-03-05 13:28:55 by Louis Ferreira (084 752 0817)

LOST KEYS ??

Found @ Cafe Juno Have you lost keys in a MIDAS holder?

Contact Hugo 0832516266

>> posted on 2010-02-26 05:59:39 by Louis Ferreira (084 752 0817)

Mr BIANCHI

Mr Catch me if you can. Hoe is dit dat bergfietse beter gery het? Was daar dalk Sahara woestynsand op die pad?

>> posted on 2010-02-16 16:32:13 by Danie Marais (0824736182)

Re: Taalmonument meeting

Since I'm one of the lost souls (and now on the krukkelys, to boot) that's been asking for directions on the ST below the Taalmonument, I would've liked to hear what's being said.

Will somebody post the outcome of the meeting and what has been discussed here somewhere?

Work out of town and won't be able to attend the meeting.

>> posted on 2010-02-10 11:59:29 by Christo Bekker (0824503335)

Taalmonument

Belangstellendes word vriendelik uitgenooi na 'n inligtingsvergadering rakende bergfietsry by die Taalmonument op Maandag 15 Februarie om 17:30 in die Historium Konferensiesaal, Pastorielaan 11, Paarl. R.S.V.P. by tel. 021 872 3441.

Interested parties are invited to an information meeting regarding mountain biking at the Taalmonument on Monday 15 February at 17:30 at the Historium Conference Hall, 11 Pastorie Avenue, Paarl. R.S.V.P. at tel. 021 872 3441.

>> posted on 2010-02-09 10:44:49 by Isabeau Botha (0824639814)

Re: Ride #1059 directions

How can you not know where the Wellington MTB trail starts?

Anyway ... got these directions from

http://worldmtb.co.za/Welvanpas.html

(permit is R30)

Welvanpas Farm - Wellington
Trail is situated just a few Kilometers outside of Willington. They offer wine tasting and a coffee shop where you can pay for your permit. Permit costs R20 per person and you will need to sign an indemnity form before you can ride.

How to get there: Hit the N1 towards Stellenbosch / Wellington and take exit 47 and turn left onto the R44 heading towards Wellington. After about 28kms turn left onto Champagne Road, then turn left into Piet Retief Street which becomes Church Street. Drive until you get past Bovlei Cellars then turn left, then right. Make a right at the T-junction and follow the road until the tar becomes gravel and this will take you to Welvanpas where you will be greeted by two barking, but very friendly staffies.

Gps Co ordinates of the Coffee shop are ( S33° 37' 59.5" E19° 04' 09.2" )

The route is approximately 12 km and can be done in an in just over an hour, you cycle through fynbos, orchards and forest section. This route is not recommended for novices as there some really step Technical down hills (Look out for the WARNING Signs) , the Trails are well marked, and be prepared for some tough climbs but its Worth it for the sweet single track that follows all 8Km of it, Its Awesome. Highly Recommended!!!

Trail & coffee shop hours:
Weekdays: 9am - 5pm Sat & Sun: 8am - 3pm
Office Telephone: 021 864 1239

This trail was reviewed By Bicycling magazine in July 2009

>> posted on 2010-02-03 13:06:42 by Louis Ferreira (084 752 0817)

Mountian Bike Route Wellington

Goeie dag

Kan iemand my help om meer inligting te gee rondom die Mountian Bike route wat onder die PICS afdeling is van hierdie website. Waar begin en eindig dit en hoeveel kilometer?

Baie dankie

>> posted on 2010-02-03 10:39:45 by Rossouw du Preez (0832839918)

Barberton XCM 2
The second leg of the MTN marathon series took place on saturday, and Paarl MTB riders did well up there against all the Valies. Mark Colyn was placed third overall for the 75km race and first vet home. Mare rode away with the top honours in the half marathon master's ladies. Johan and Petrus finished welll and improved their times by almost an hour each on last year. petrus rode the 120km and the 2800m of climbing was no picnic. Max Knox won 10min ahead of Burry and Kevin Evans third.

>> posted on 2010-01-31 19:14:56 by Johan Malherbe (0825521866)

Directions

For the residents of Courtrai situated in the remote southern regions of Paarl,you will find the start venue to the Monday morning ride posted for 05h00 when you ride down Main Street in a northerly direction. A good landmark to watch out for is the Vineyard Spar on the right.

There are ample parking facilities on the western side of the complex, and it is relatively safe for you to leave your vehicle there for the duration of the ride.

The surface is level and tarred and should not pose a problem for vehicles getting stuck. There is a request that Land Rovers use the extreme northwestern bays due to the destructive nature of various motor oils.

>> posted on 2010-01-31 19:14:56 by Johan Malherbe (0825521866)

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