MEDIA RELEASE
21 NOVEMBER 2008

Cape Town traffic steps up ‘red eye’ road blocks
AS growing numbers of cyclists take to Cape Town’s roads early in the morning - at about the same time that most night club revellers return home - the City of Cape Town has urged all road users to exercise mutual courtesy and consideration.

“The cycling season has begun and hundreds of cyclists are out training at the break of dawn to avoid peak hour traffic,” says Principal Inspector Merle Lourens, spokesperson for Cape Town Traffic Services.

“School and university holidays will soon be in full swing, resulting in greater numbers of party-goers using the city’s roads at the same time. In response to increased traffic volumes during this ‘red eye’ period, the City plans to step up its road blocks across the metropole.

“To ensure the safety of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, Cape Town Traffic Services has achieved excellent results with its night-time and weekend road blocks, vehicle check points and daily patrols. These are complemented by additional interventions by Metro Police and SA Police Services,” says Lourens.

“But even with the best law enforcement in the world, it is still up to the individual road user to adhere to traffic laws and to practice common courtesy and vigilance at all times.

“Cyclists should ride single file in traffic, stop at all red lights, use hand signals for turns and lane changes and wear bright or reflective clothing - especially when visibility is poor. By the same token, motorists should respect the rights of cyclists and allow bicycles their space on the road,” says Lourens.

The Pedal Power Association (PPA), which represents about 17 000 cyclists, has welcomed the City’s plan to introduce more roadblocks at dawn.

“Our preliminary statistics show that a large proportion of cyclists have been killed or injured in the earlier hours of the morning,” says Steve Hayward, Chairman of the PPA and the Cycle Tour Trust.

“Unfortunately this is the time when a lot of irresponsible drivers are leaving the nightclubs too. Many are under the influence or are simply tired from partying all night.

“We welcome the new Western Cape Liquor Bill, which bans the serving of alcohol after 02h00, as this may go a long way to prevent inebriated drivers being on the road at dawn,” says Hayward.

The PPA is currently collating statistics on the locations of accidents involving cyclists and drunk drivers, which they will correlate with the accident data system of Cape Town Traffic Services.

Hayward urged cyclists to avoid riding alone, and to always carry emergency information with them such as details of the next of kin, medical aid number and blood group.

According to the PPA, popular cycling routes include the Main Road from Woodstock to Simon’s Town, Lakeside to Fish Hoek, Liesbeeck Parkway, Sea Point to Hout Bay, Camps Bay to Sea Point, the Klipfontein corridor, Marine Drive, Boundary Road, Koeberg Road and the Otto du Plessis Drive to Melkbosstrand.

Useful safety tips can be obtained from www.pedalpower.org.za.

Ends

Issued by the Communication Department, City of Cape Town

Media queries: Principal Inspector Merle Lourens, Cape Town Traffic Services, City of Cape Town,
Tel: 021 406 8860 or Cell: 072 200 1512

Steve Hayward, Chairman, Pedal Power Association, Cell: 084 303 4294

CYCLING CLUB HELDERBERG.

Annual General Meeting.

Methodist Church
Wed 19/11/2008

Chairmans Report.

Dear Members,

I am privileged to be the one to welcome all of you to this our first AGM as a fully fledged Cycling Club.

The time has flown. To think that a year has passed since we lodged our application to the WPCA to be accepted as members.

To date we have in excess of 100 paid up members. Not too shabby for a start.

For me the past year has been challenging, exciting and a privilege to have worked with an outstanding committee.

Much was achieved this past year.

Herewith a brief summary of what we were involved in as a club and what was accomplished.

The club was divided into two distinct sections namely;

The Social side known as the Wannabees and
The Mr. Price sponsored Developement (schools and juniors)/Elite Racing side.

A. The Social side incorporating the following Portfolios;

1. Road Section

Headed by Danie Morkel and the callers. Well organized and controlled. We have a proud record of not having had one Group Fall (since the inception of the Wannabees) whilst training or just doing the w/end social rides. Accolades to everyone, a proud record to uphold.

2. MTB section

Started off by Andre vd Merwe and Danie Malan and then later on taken over by Petie Viljoen, Danie and Anton. A great success I’m led to believe. Turnouts of in excess of 50/60 riders on the scheduled rides. Much money going in to the clubs coffers with the non members having to pay to ride.

3. Safety Section

In the hands of Petie Viljoen and Michel de Clippel and supported by Wendy, Mandy, Hertzel, Volkie, Arthur and Archie. Doing a tremendous job at of the Primary Schools in the Basin area. Managing to secure a Grant from PPA to fund the Schools projects.

4. Clothing portfolio

Run by Pieter Schoeman . Quality clothing and always on time. Always willing to assist wherever/whenever possible.

5. DC section

John Arnold heading up this portfolio. The proud owner of no fewer than 5 DC teams. An incredible achievement. Backed up by no fewer than 6 x Team Captains.

a. The Slow Spokes Team Captain Wendy
b. The C2H Social Team Captain John Arnold

c. The Wannabee Faster Team Captain Henri Meier
d. The Wannabee Better Team Captains Petie Viljoen/Anton de Freitos

e. The CCHW Team Captain Henning ably supported by Jurie

A tremendous amount of dedication, organizing and commitment by the above and their team members. Have a great and safe ride.

6. Finance/Admin

Managed by Anton and supported by Nico, the Rules and Regulations guru.

7. Club Secretary

Charles Nesbitt a man that needs no prodding.

8. IT

Non other than Michel de Clippel. Michel who introduced us to the wonders of THE BLOG and has even better ideas for the new year.

Club Race

Being part of the WPCA we had to host a Fun Ride or MTB ride.
This opportunity became Nico and Marilettes project. What an example set by Father and daughter!

We opted for a Kermesse type of race which was held in and around Raithby. A tremendous success and accolades to all those who were involved.

B. The Mr. Price Sponsored RTeam.

The team members did us proud. During the course of the year making many appearances on the winner’s podium.

Taking part in the Giro and finishing a credible 12 out of I think 28 teams is no mean achievement.

Many thanks to Mr. Price for their contribution and major sponsorship.

I think it important to mention of the disappointments experienced by a few or the club members, their overcoming the set backs and currently all back in the group.

We think of Elsa Swart, Loureen , Pieter Schoeman, Jurie, Michelle, Paul Lewin and Nigel Bates.


This evening we are going to appoint a new Chairman, Vice Chairman, Safety Portfolio head and Social Section head.

I ask that the new committee be supported as the current committee has been supported in this past year.

New energy, new ideas, new direction and a new commitment will be forthcoming from the new incumbents which can only bode well for the club down the road.

The game has changed. Several years ago one was content to prepare for the Argus and the Sanlam Burger.

Today there are many more challenges in the cycling scene. The Cape Epic, Sani 2 Sea and and and. To think that one could come out of hibernation and start preparing for something and be up to speed dan sit jy die pot mis.

We are all a lot smarter and knowledgeable. Sport Science labs doing V02Max testing. The wealth of information available, covering all the fronts, namely Nutrition, Supplements, Equipment, Injuries and so on.
We are truly privileged and blessed.

In closing from my side, many thanks to all of you for the support given to us this past year.

Last but by no means least let’s say thank you to all the sponsors.

Hannes Pretorius, Nico van Rensburg, Herman van Zyl, PPA, Clive Hewitt, Alf Robinson, and then the bike shops; Maverick, Masons, Flandria, HCW(CCH sponsor) and Mr. Price. Last but not least Fabi (both Fabi and Mr. Price also CCH club sponsors)

What about all the others not mentioned here, giving of their valuable private time (man hours) unconditionally? Many, Many thanks!!

Yours,

ek

Hello Erill & Erna.

Hope you are both well. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you both well in the upcoming DC and could you please pass on my well wishes to the teams and hope they have a safe and enjoyable ride.

All the best.

Dominic Walsh

Middag,

Less than a week to go for the BIG ONE and that’s the Double Century out at Swellendam. Lets all hope that the route will be ok. The inclement weather during the last week or so, creating havoc, and causing much damage in those areas.

We had great turnouts this w/end. The excellent weather making it a pleasure to be out on the road. Sadly, we had a slight mishap with Arthur taking a tumble this morning. Nothing too serious I hope.

We had another mugging/robbery/hijacking on Sat morning near Kyamandi, just outside Stellenbosch. Two cyclists were attacked by three!@#$%^7 and got away with a bike and valuables. (So I am led to believe)

The need to remain acutely aware of what’s happening around you on the roads remains PARAMOUNT. Never train alone in suspect areas and for that matter never ever train alone!! (In fact a min of 3 should be the norm)

There are NO guarantees. Never take anything for granted period!!!

What about this Pepper Spray goed? Shouldn’t we maybe all consider having something like that available and handy? Remember in a previous mail, I referred you to Jehan Uren who sells the product which fits perfectly on the bike. (Strand Guns – 021 853 7231)

This coming Wednesday we are having our first AGM as a new club. Venue is the Methodist Church Coronation Ave, 6.30pm sharp, duration 1 HR.

PLEASE DON’T FORGET.

NB With the election of the new committee during the AGM they will effectively take over the running of the club forthwith.
To be handled:
Approval of alterations to the Rules—as per the agenda

Well it’s the last week of prep for the DC and as mentioned another taper week.

Weeks Schedule

Mon 17/11 REST
Tues 18/11 West RD 6 x 2min intervals Yellow Zone
Wed 19/11 Rest/Rec ride small blade 1hr
Thur 20/11 Blue zone
Frid 21/11 REST
Saterday DC FUN RIDE

GOOD LUCK almal. Enjoy the journey!!

Remember:
Your transponders
Spare tubes
Sun block
Pille vir die pyne
Nutrition and supplementation en bottles en water
Anti cramp pille or spray or personal Biokenetist
Lots of ice cold beer at the finish

Enjoy,

ek

Hi All,

Sunday late afternoon, blustery s/easter. Time once again to remind many, of the following.

DC in two weeks time. Taper time. Time to reflect once again on the road less travelled by many. The old adage applies and that is “when the going gets tough the tough start training” Lets hope that this has been the case for all the Wannabee teams for the past several months.

Bike needs to be sorted out. I mentioned this several weeks ago. Set up the service with your preferred dealer where ever. Niggly little things maak reg! Make sure that u have new tubes and tyres and if you are in the bucks like Hertzel sommer buy a new bike for the event.

Time to make sure that u start boosting your immune system. Don’t want griep of soiets at number 99. Speak to a GP or Chemist. Take that little bit extra vitamin wise. Drink lots of Castle Milk Stout I’m led to believe it’s good for you.

Clothing is important. The green sock for the left foot and the blue sock for the right foot. Brings you oodles of luck. Die regte fietsry broek. Die een met die shammy wat lekker sit en nie skaaf nie.

Supplements that are so crucial and important. All those Boere rate that u have tried and tested that give u that much needed boost when u hit the wall and still have 40ks to go.

Just remember please that if and when u start popping those Gu’s that u DRINK LOTS OF WATER or u are going to seize up and cramp. They are highly concentrated .

And the MIND. Visualization. Rerun the training rides veral die goeies. Jy is mos fiks en reg vir die ding. Legs are up to speed, u have exceeded last years prep and have done plenty more QUALITY work. Great team around u to support u and much camaraderie.

What more can one ask for???

Any questions don’t hesitate to ask.

Weeks training;

Mon 10/11 REST

Tues 11/11 West rd plus 80% Lactic zone 8 x 2 min intervals
Wed 12/11 Rest/Recovery Small blade
Thurs 13/11 Blue zone
Frid 14/11 REST
Sat 15/11 2/3hrs LSD
Sun 16/11 “

Well maybe also time for those that havn’t done a VO2 Max test to do so.
U can contact Andrew Smith on tel no 072-970-4452 at the US Sport Science centre and arrange a test. Tell him that u are a Wannabee and train with me.

Have a great week.

Ek

PS Don’t forget the AGM. Next week Wed (19/11) 6.30pm Methodist Church Coronation Ave

Hi,

Morning. Eventful past week.

Training during the week on course and for that matter the w/end as well. Routing having to be changed because of the weather but pretty good turnouts for both Sat and Sun DC training rides.

Road race out at Bonnievale on Sat which is normally pretty well supported and then yesterday some went and competed in the OFM classic of so iets.

Two club members Alex and rk tried their luck in die Vrystaat. Boetie got away with the break and at about 30ks to go went down in a group fall in the breakaway group, about six or so riders. Bad injuries to some but he managed to finish in about 2hrs 37 or so.

Moolman Welgemoed team Daikin, competed in Bonnievale on Sat, chased back to DF Malan, flew to Jan Smuts, took a car to Bloem raced on Sunday in the OFM classic and won the vets section. Moet gedoen word né!!!!!!

Die game is nie vir sissies nie. Baie tyd, baie geld en baie vasbyt.

This week weather permitting;

Mon 3/11 REST
Tues 4/11 West rd 11 x 2min intervals 80% plus lactic zone
Wed 5/11 REST/Recovery ride. Small blade 1hr
Thurs 6/11 Waterworks or somewhere else.
Frid 7/11 REST
Sat 8/11 3/4hrs Fun ride/DC training
Sun 9/11 “

Remember;

Lights and lights
Your mates around u
Start at Waterwstone—w/day 5.30am and w/ends 6.00am
The Blog

Goedgaan,

ek