Hi,

Morning I trust that u are all well. Struggling to get to terms with the weather, one day magic, the next lekker winter again. Like a bad dose of flu, just can’t shake it off.


Things are starting to pick up again. Tail ending the winter MTB program and the start of the spring road league/fun rides. Have had three so far, one in Worcester and the last two w/ends been in the DVille area.

Most people coming out of slumber with the exception being the MTB cyclists and those training for the DC and, quite a few vets who competed in the World vets champs. (Worth mentioning again)

Staying on this subject. Unbelievable results coming from several of our CT vets, Moolman Welgemoed coming 5th in the 35-39 cat and David Garrett a credible 10th place in the 30-34 cat. Needless to say they are the top riders in the WCape at the moment.

Sadly our cycling (Elites and others on occasion) seems to be marred with a continuous clash with the commisaires. Something is drastically out of kilter and it needs to be addressed sooner than later. Out of the three events having taken place so far two have had incidents and yesterdays’ sadly called off with about 20ks to go.

I was backing up and was about 100meters off the back of the pack and at no stage felt that there was undue/unnecessary bad cycling. That’s my view point and if anybody in the cycling fraternity has safety as a ‘not negotiable priority’ it’s yours truly.

SO WHAT WENT WRONG????????????

Yesterday’s event also ended up in a clash with a Duathlon taking place on the last climb going into DVille. How on earth can two events be competing on the same road? Another hiccup in the system.

What’s up messrs PPA??

One just has to refer to today’s Die Burger to see what a state the cycling per se is in. Sponsors are coming second best and the poor event organisers are not happy and rightly so.

There were several other issues that sent cold shivers down my spine. (and let me make it very clear that there are many that are not ignorant to what’s going on) I don’t want to let this BUZZ be a bitching session but I need to emphasise the fact that we have to be PROACTIVE and NOT REACTIVE in decision making.

All the relevant parties must get together and sort out the grey areas. (ppa, comm. and Cyclists). Too much time effort and money is spent on something that needs to be enjoyed and promoted positively as opposed to a negative attitude and approach.

Enough said--------ACTION!!

Would appear that the DC training is going off well. Five teams are still up and running.

Just remember that it’s still pretty dark in the mornings so we all still need lights and HEY its no good having lights, very bright lights, but they are pointing down on the road and are not visible.

Kop hou manne en meisies. Team effort.

Welcome to several new members I hope u enjoy the club.

Talk to u all soon.

Remember the clubs AGM scheduled for Wed 19/11/008.

ek

Hi,

Pretty busy w/end.

DC/Social
A big turnout on Sat with perfect conditions. Several DC teams out training the coastal road way and to cap it all the gentle giants of the sea frolicking in the Gordon’s Bay area. Privileged and blessed is just putting it mildly. Added to the fact that I had Hertzel Brodovcky and Danie Morkel to keep me company. Can one ask for more??

Sunday a bit inclement. Pretty strong N/Wester but once again the manne and ladies were out doing their thing.

According to Danie the MTB outing up in the Grabou area went off well with an excellent turnout. Mooi so! Many thanks to HWC for assisting and setting up the fantastic venue and ride.

AGM
Well, the year is sadly running to a close. Not too many more months and Xmas will be upon us which leads me to remind u all that we will be having our very first club AGM. This pegged for the 19th of November. Please diarise it now. The more we have at the meeting the better. In the past the meeting was referred to as an INFO Meeting and the attendance and support was great. Much to tell u and of course your input is valuable. Venue and time to be confirmed. We will keep u posted.

Cycle safe.
As u all know we are about to start the Cycle safe project at De Hoop Primary School this coming week. Michelle and co are still short of volunteers. Just a couple of hrs on a day during the week will help tremendously. Please contact him on 082-694-2011. Many thanks.

Club Cards
Great news. The cards have arrived and will be issued. Discounted coffee and meals at Dulces and bikes and spares at half price at HWC. Congrats to Anton for all the hard work in securing these specials.

Julle sien, it pays to be a member of this club.

Start Time.
As from this w/end we will be starting at 6.30am. Waterstone parking, Sat and Sundays. Moenie vergeet nie!!!!!!!

Anything to discuss? Give me a call.

Go well,
ek

Morning to all,

Just when we thought we were about to enter spring we get behoorlik geklap with a few cold fronts. A blessing for a few but for many a nightmare. In-adequate shelter or homeless. Spare a thought for them.

Not much to report other than we managed to get a ride in on Sat down in the Bot River valley area. A few die hards turned out for a road ride on Sat and Sunday as well.

Coming back to the Bot River valley area. A fantastic place to be this time of the year. A beautiful valley and easy MTB riding on the gravel roads. One has many options and can meander on several optional situations pending how much time u want to spend out there.
Dit kos niks other than a coffee, koekies tert of ontbyt with Tannie Elreda should one wish to. Many have met her with us on our meanderings.

Erna and I went out on sat but the inclement weather made us decide to do a u turn after 12ks or so. Just at the start of the pass about 15ks from Bot River theres a turnoff to the right to a place called Porcupine Hills.

We took a chance,ducked down the dirt road and whalla! met up with Murry the owner of the place. Magnificent setting. Restaurant, kroeg and bungalow,s in a beautiful area. A life saver. Pot of coffee, home made bread and appelkoos konfyt, egter botter good music en geselskap. What more could one ask for. Die koue, and the fact that we were sopping wet was forgotton.

Needless to say we flew back with the 40ks plus N/wester pushing us. If you have never been out there its just over half an hour from S/West and well worth the go look see bet or give Murry a call on 028-2849066.

Chances are good that I will be setting something up in the near future. Breakfast MTB ride of soiets. Will keep u posted.

Still on the MTB scene. The club will be out this Sunday at the Grabouw/Elgin C/Club for a ride. Sponsored by HCW and backed up by Danie and co.

Start time at the gate; 7.30am
Time duration; 1. Med to fast groups 4 – 4.5hrs
2. Slow group 2 – 2.5hrs
Grouping will take place based on fast med or slow and what distances u wish to ride. U will have the option to turn back after completing the South loop. After completing the South loop those wishing to, will continue to the Nuweberg loop.
Terrain; Sandy wet jeep track for most of the course but with areas of pretty technical single track.
Don’t forget; Rain gear, enough to eat and drink on your ride, tools necessary for the ride, Chain breaker, tubes, pomp etc.
Costs; R20 to enter the Country Club (for all) plus R30 for non C2H club members

Well, pretty shortly we will be starting the Spring PPA fun rides. This in turn will help to raise the fitness levels of all those training for the DC.

We have a Steering comm. meeting scheduled for this coming Monday. Anything relevant that comes out of it we will inform u.

Enjoy,
ek