Outriders Press Office

We're waiting for more pics, will let you know once they've been uploaded. In the meantime, have a look at the album from Full Gas Racing which we have just shared from our FB page. There seems to be some of the later bunches.

For some pics and videos from the race, please visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/westcoastexpressfunride

Apologies for the delay in responding. Yes, you definitely can. Please follow the race on Facebook @West Coast Express Funride for all race updates!

Don't forget to follow our Facebook page for race updates and info https://www.facebook.com/westcoastexpressfunride/ We're on Twitter and Instagram too.

Battling to post an image. Head to http://www.theoutriders.co.za/west_coast_express.php or our Facebook page for a route map.

How do I do that?

We hope to see sub bike hubbers there! Below is the press release for more info. Entries can be done via www.theoutriders.co.za, PPA or Racetec. The fastest, flattest road race on the cycling calendar is back! After a deviation from the usual fast route along the west coast in 2016, the West Coast Express cycle race is back to its original route for 2017 and set to take place on Sunday 10 September. Starting and finishing at the Koeberg Cricket Club in Duynefontein, situated on Cape Town’s west coast, the race offers two routes (78km and 54km) and both are (mostly) flat and fast! 2015 lived up to this reputation with average speeds over the longer route for the front group reaching almost 41km/hr. As the first PPA road race of the season, the 78km is a great way for the seasoned riders to break the winter’s rest, and the 54km is ideal for the not-so-fit, or those just starting out in cycling. About the route Both routes leave the Duynefontein area and head North on the R27 towards Atlantis. The section on the R27 should see very high speeds due to pace lines as well as some possible help from the ‘infamous’ South Easter. While the 54km route turns into Atlantis, the longer route continues until the Mamre turnoff. Both routes return through Atlantis, and towards Philadelphia. Cyclists who have ridden the race before will be happy to note that the route will now turn off just before the sketchy pothole section, and continue along the N7, back towards Melkbos to the finish at Duynefontein. Giving back Every year, the race organisers, the Outriders Cycle Club, select a number of non-profit organisations and charities to raise funds for, and this year, one of the beneficiaries is the Rotary Club of Melkbosstrand’s Eye Cycle Project. The project is a community-based programme that aims to prevent vision loss and blindness by promoting early detection and timely treatment of eye diseases. Riders (and their families) are encouraged to bring along any used spectacles, sunglasses or new frames to the race, and drop them in the marked bins at the start/finish venue. These will then be refurbished with new lenses if applicable, and distributed to school children in need that have been identified and tested in the programme. There will be a festival-like atmosphere at the finish with music and food and beverages on sale, as well as a Specialized Allez E5 up for grabs at Prize Giving. Be sure to follow the official page on Facebook (West Coast Express Funride) for all the updated race details. For more information and to enter either the 78km or the 54km, visit www.theoutriders.co.za. Registration and late entries can be done at Sportsman’s Warehouse, Mowbray on the Thursday 7 September from 12h00 - 17h00 as well as on race day.

Great, see you there!

Yup!

Event Name: West Coast Express League And Funride When: 10 September 2017 Where: Koeberg Cricket Club, Duynefontein, Western Cape Category: Road Distances: 78km; 54km Starting Times: 78km@07h00; 54km@08h00 Organisers: The Outriders Cycle Club Prize Giving: 11h45 Cut Off: 11h40 Online Entries: www.racetec.co.za , www.pedalpower.org.za Online Pre-Entries Close: 17h00 8th September 2017 Late Entries Available On The Day At The Start Venue From 06h00 ROUTE DESCRIPTION We offer cyclists 2 distances namely 78km, & 54km. Both routes leave the Duynefontein area and head North along the R27 (West Coast Road) towards Atlantis. The 54km route turns right to Atlantis, and the 78km continues straight until the Mamre turnoff. Both the medium and long route return through Atlantis and exit Atlantis toward Philadelphia along the tree lined road. The route turns left toward Philadelphia just before the pot-hole section. The route goes under the new N7 flyover and then turns left onto the N7 On-Ramp and keeps in the yellow lane South on the N7 toward Cape town. The route takes the first left Off-Ramp and turns right onto the Melkboss link road (M19). The route then crosses the R27 and turns right at Melkboss Police Station returning toward Duynefontein and the finish. DIRECTIONS TO THE VENUE Take the R27 North and turn left at the Melkboss lights intersection (M19). Continue to the Police Station on your left and turn right at the 3 Way Stop. Continue straight for 4kms where the venue and parking will be on your right hand side. IMPORTANT NOTES APPLICABLE TO THE ROUTE: - Cyclists to keep left in the yellow lane on R27 & N7 sections. - Take note of the early start time. (07h00) Pre-Entries: 78km - R300 (Non-PPA), R220 (PPA) 54km - R300 (Non-PPA), R220 (PPA) Late Entries: 78km - R300 (Non-PPA), R250 (PPA) 54km - R300 (Non-PPA), R250 (PPA) Temp numbers: RNil – Included in entry fee (unseeded). Optional R30 (PPA seeding fee if you need your temp Nr seeded on the day) Pre-Registration & PPA Number Collection: To avoid unnecessary stress & queues on the morning of the ride, riders will be allowed to pre-register and collect their PPA numbers from Sportsman’s Warehouse, Mowbray on the Thursday afternoon before the ride. Pre-Registration will be from 12h00 – 17h00 Thursday 7th Sep 2017 Riders will also be allowed to complete a late entry form, pay (as a late entry) and pre-register at the Sportsman’s Warehouse venue during this period. Go to Event Page

Event Name: The Outriders Cycling Festival When: 9 April 2017 Where: Killarney Race Track, Western Cape Category: Road The The Outriders Cycle Club in conjunction with Just Property and Western Province Cycling Association (WPCA) invite you to come and take part in a festival to celebrate cycling in the Cape Town and surrounding areas. The festival will be a fun and competitive day for the entire family and provide a fantastic opportunity to anybody already involved in cycling, the cycling and supporting industry, as well as people wanting to get involved in cycling. It will cater for everyone; from the very young, to the ‘not so young’, beginners, intermediates and experienced cyclists. Below is a list of events planned for the day: Main Circuit – 07h00 – 15h00 - Registration in New Pit Area 07h30 - 09h00 – WPCA Juniors & Schools Racing 09h05 – 09h55 – Club Members Challenge (Non Cat Riders) 40 mins + 1 Lap, R20 Entry 10h05 – 11h00 – WPCA Cat 3 League Circuit Race 45 mins + 1 Lap 11h05 – 12h15 – WPCA Cat 2 League Circuit Race 1 Hour + 1 Lap 12h20 – 13h30 – WPCA Cat 1 League Circuit Race 1 Hour + 1 Lap 13h35 – 14h05 – Ladies Only Challenge 4 x Lap Race, R20 Entry 14h10 – 14h30 – WPCA Cat 3 League Criterium 20 min (Challenging Track & Pits Circuit) 14h35 – 14h55 – WPCA Cat 2 League Criterium 20 min (Challenging Track & Pits Circuit) 15h00 – 15h20 – WPCA Cat 1 League Criterium 20 min (Challenging Track & Pits Circuit) Karting Track (Sponsored, Organised and Run by Just Property) 09h20 – Kiddies Race #1 (All ages in separate, short events) 10h15 – Kiddies Race #2 (All ages in separate, short events) 11h20 – Kiddies Race #3 (All ages in separate, short events) 12h35 – Kiddies Race #4 (All ages in separate, short events) 13h50 – Kiddies Race #5 (All ages in separate, short events) WPCA Juniors & Schools This is a chance to come and see some of the ‘stars of the future’ – these youngsters are competitive, highly motivated and driven. O’Ryan Bruintjies (WPCA) has been running these events with huge success over the last few years and 2017 looks to be a bumper year. If your children are not already involved, bring them along to see what is possible to achieve with some motivation & drive. Club Members Challenge This event offers those club members that are a bit unsure about riding league events a chance to experience some circuit racing. There is likely to be a large ‘mix’ of riders ages and abilities, many of them are riding in clubs and attended some of the PPA Killarney sessions. Come and use this recent form at the Club Members Challenge. Depending on the mix, the numbers etc, we may have to create two or more groups and will offer recognition / prizes to winners and/or those that display the spirit of the day (trying, having a go or just having fun). The intention is for a safe, fun event with a little friendly competition thrown in. WPCA League Circuit Racing The league ’warriors’ will be feeling strong and fit at this point in the season, and this event catches them at their peak and early in the league season. Racing is always very competitive in these groups and the 3 x Categories allow riders of similar ability to race against each other for points (allocated by finishing positions). This is not a race against time, this is racing with riders trying to ‘outwit’ one another. Sometimes working as a team to try and get a team member ‘away’, sometimes as individuals, covering attacks, leading break-aways or organising the pack to hunt down a break-away and close a gap. If the pack are still together on the last lap, expect some last gasp attacks and a sprint finish. WPCA award prize money for podium positions and there is also a team event that happens in concurrence with individual riders points allocations over the season of several (and varied) events. The circuit racing earlier in the day is designed to be shorter than normal. This is to allow riders a chance of recovery for a second, even shorter event later in the day. Ladies Only Challenge It’s not that we’re sexist, it’s a case that we want to allow the ladies to shine by themselves – they are often a minority group in racing events and their efforts and achievements overlooked when the results of large events are published. Some of the very competitive ladies will be taking part in the league events and WPCA already recognise their results & achievements. That leaves many ladies also not wanting to take part in large groups of male dominated and mixed events. This event is to be run in a similar approach to the Club Members Challenge with a focus on a fun event with a little friendly competition thrown in. And……………………….ladies, it’s only 4 x laps!! So there are no more excuses for you to not come and take part. WPCA Criterium A criterium is a short circuit event which includes some challenging corners. This event requires the usual fitness and strength but also requires some mental focus and lots of bike handling skills. The criterium will include areas where riders need to brake heavily, corner quickly and accelerate hard. The circuit is designed to provide maximum spectator appeal and each event is limited to 20 minutes. For the riders, this is likely to be a lung busting 20 minutes and there is likely to be many riders attempting to get away and clear of the chasing group. Expect lots of attacks, lots of action, plenty of speed and excitement. Kiddies Racing Just Property will be sponsoring and running the kiddies & toddlers events during the course of the day. These events will be a fun form of ‘racing’, trying to manage a mix of competition and fun whilst ensuring the safety and happiness of all the children taking part.These events will be taking part on the karting track adjacent to the new pit area where all the other events will be run from (registration for all events will also be at the new pits area). Just Property will be sponsoring prizes for 1st 2nd and 3rd for each race. Plus they will add a couple of extra prizes for the kids racing such as eg. Funniest Dressed, Funniest Helmet etc. Their mascot will be there for photos along with jumping castle and some face painting.The events will be run for separate age groups and splitting of the groups can happen at each race depending on numbers (and perhaps previous results as the day goes on). The events will be coordinated so spectators don’t miss out on too much of the other circuit racing and events. Parents – some running shoes may come in handy !!! Registration and costs The full price for entering both events (Circuit race & Criterium) will be R250.00 An early entry discount of R50 per person will apply for all entries received by Thursday at midnight. For future events this will change to the Wednesday prior to the event. Youth members will, in addition to any other applicable discounts, receive a R50 discount. Please note that a valid CSA full domestic racing license is required for Cat 1 and CSA membership is required for Cat 2 and 3. The Club Members Challenge & Ladies Only races will be registration on the day and costs to enter these races will be R20.00. Please wear and participate in your club kit. NB- Entries will be open from 15th March 2017 All league riders will need to purchase a new 2017 series entry, which includes a race number, at R20 when purchased online. This will automatically be added to your registration. Race numbers on the day will cost R50. You can optionally purchase a Mobii timing tag if you would like to receive electronic timing and earn points at a cost of R100. No tag, no time. Prize and prize giving Both races (Circuit & Criterium) count towards the points for the 2017 Road League and will be awarded according to the League Points System. Parking Please use the Killarney South Gate – Parking will be available behind the new pit area – no access will be granted via Koeberg Rd Gate. Go to Event Page

Event Name: 2016 West Coast Express League And Funride When: 11 December 2016 Where: Killarney Race Circuit, Koeberg Rd, Milnerton, Western Cape Category: Road The Outriders Cycle Club are pleased to announce the replacement event for the popular West Coast Express fun ride which will take place on 11 December 2016. This new event (comprising two distances, 78km and 52km) will use Killarney Race Track as the venue, culminating in what should be an exciting finish on the main race circuit. The Pedal Power Association will be using the event as part of their summer league series and this will be the last competitive event before many cyclists take a well-earned festive break. The Outriders originally booked Killarney for their fun-filled festival of cycling. The good news is, this event has simply been postponed to a later date, most likely to happen shortly after the Cape Town Cycle Tour. The new route will most likely be more challenging and there is certainly more climbing to be done. Together with the fantastic opportunity for an exciting and safe finish, this is a must-do event to get some racing in the legs before taking time off to celebrate the festive season guilt-free. The finish at Killarney will be the place to be with Johnny Koen, the MC for the day, giving away some great lucky draw prizes. The VIP Lounge will be open for food and drinks, with great viewing facilities of the finish. Entries are already open, so enter now at www.theoutriders.co.za The new route Both routes leave the Killarney Race Circuit and head toward Durbanville over Tiekie Draai. The long route goes out the back of Durbanville and past Phisantekraal Airfield, before heading to the silo’s and then back on Philadelphia Road, turning left at Adderley. The route then turns right onto Malanshoogte, past Fair Cape Dairies and up the climb to return on Contermans Kloof Road. The route will return past Burgundy Estates, past the refinery and back to the race circuit. The finish will be on the track with a final half lap using the back straight and finishing on the main straight by the pit area. The short route will go out the back of Durbanville on Adderley and then turn left onto Malanshoogte joining and returning along the same route. For more information and to enter either the 78km or the 52km, visit http://www.theoutriders.co.za/. Entries will be available at the start venue on race day. DIRECTIONS TO THE VENUE From the N1, take the N7 North and exit at the Table View / Refinery off-ramp onto Plattekloof Rd (M14) left toward Koeberg Rd (M5) where you turn right. Straight across Table View (Blaauwberg Rd) traffic lights and left before the race track to use the southern entrance. Follow the signs and marshals to one of the designated parking areas behind the new pits. [/size] IMPORTANT NOTES APPLICABLE TO THE ROUTE: Cyclists to take care on the Malanshoogte 1.8km gravel section. Take note of the early start time. (06h30) Pre-Registration & PPA Number Collection:- To avoid unnecessary stress & queues on the morning of the ride, riders will be allowed to pre-register and collect their PPA numbers from Sportsman’s Warehouse, Mowbray on the Thursday afternoon before the ride. Pre-Registration will be from 12h00 – 17h00 Thursday 8th Dec Go to Event Page

We're hoping so - but no guarantees, so consider it cancelled for now and keep an eye out here for a new possible date.

The Outriders Cycling Club, organisers of the popular West Coast Express taking place this Sunday, 16 October 2016, have issued a notice cancelling the event. “It is with huge regret and sadness, we have to announce the cancellation of The West Coast express Funride this Sunday. Provincial Traffic and their appointed contractors working on the R27 have retracted permission to use the route due to roadworks in the interests of cyclists’ safety. This late notice comes as a complete surprise and the cancellation was only triggered as a result of the race’s organising committee meeting with the contractors to request assistance in making the road as wide and safe as possible. This discussion about safety and the road use at the event, gave cause for the contractor to initiate cancellation proceedings late on Thursday 13th October. We cannot apologise enough and assure you every last avenue was looked at, officials called and spoken to, and options considered. Entrants will be refunded by Racetec directly and any late entries or EFT payments to the Outriders will be refunded by the club. Please let as many fellow cyclists know as you can.”

Event Name: What To Do When Faced With An Emergency When: 12 October 2016 Where: Upstairs, Black Angus, Paddocks Shopping Centre, Milnerton, Western Cape Category: Industry / General An Evening Presentation: What To Do and What NOT To Do when Faced with an Emergency Venue: Upstairs, Black Angus, Paddocks Shopping Centre Date: Wed 12th Oct 2016 Time: 19h00 Cost: Free The Outriders Cycle Club invite you to attend a 45-minute safety presentation in the interests of cyclists safety (it will also assist with other emergencies we hope you never have to deal with!). If you are with a group of cyclists and somebody has an unfortunate accident – do you know what to do? Who to call? How to comfort them? What NOT to do? A group of The Outriders were faced with a challenging situation a few months back on a normal club ride. A rider had fallen badly and needed medical assistance. The group of riders tried to comfort and support the fallen rider and a motorist also stopped to offer help. While these gestures were fantastic, the feeling afterwards was….we could have done better. With the West Coast Express approaching faster than the elite riders 300 metres from the finish line, we want to ensure we do our very best in the interests of cyclists safety and care. Our emergency services providers – Tygess (Tygerberg Emergency & Support Services), have kindly agreed to assist us and will be giving us a 45 minute presentation with some extremely useful information of things to do, who to call and what NOT to do if faced with such an emergency. We encourage you all to attend and join us to get a better idea of how to handle the situation and assist those needing assistance. Your attendance could make a difference in the future of somebody’s life. We are doing this in the name of cyclists safety, so there is no charge. Go to Event Page