Moriarty

The whole point of having laws is to regulate society so that there are CONSEQUENCES from acting in ways which are detrimental to the society. On this basis, it is criminal that accidents where cyclists are killed are not followed up and investigated with the same vigour as any other fatal accident. All other factors around cyclist behaviour etc. etc. are simply irrelevant.

If there's lightening around and it's still dry you shouldn't, a moving object generates charge and so is more likely to be struck.....................

How does one book for the tour?

And if you hadn't noticed you would be another statistic. I must confess that the story didn't make me feel particularly good. I commute most working days and each time I get on my bike I wonder if it will be my last, not a major stressing but more of a nagging feeling in the back of my head. There need to be serious consequences for any motorists found guilty of reckless driving when it comes to cyclists, this is the only thing that will make me feel safer.

I have a Trek road frame which is a few years old, it is made for a 1 inch steerer fork tube with the threaded headset, I have a 1 1/8th inch cyclo-cross fork which I would like to mount on the frame, can I do this and if so which headset do I buy?

Very good article, unfortunately this is South Africa not America, so motorists killing cyclists generally have been getting away with very lenient or non-existent sentences.

Here's mine.

This is my dilemma, I have been going through this in my mind and am not convinced that this is the best option.............

No I meant when they have passed me or stopped.

No

I have been commuting on the roads on and off for 32 years now, it has become more and more unpleasant and dangerous, but it seems to me that with the number of cyclists that have been killed with no serious consequences to the drivers, motorists are becoming more and more brazen in their attempts to wilfully cause an accident/collision. I don't think I'm imagining this, especially with large trucks and buses where no costly damage would be done to the vehicle. My question is, clearly the legal route of complaints/charges do not work, are there good ways to disable trucks or buses when stationary or moving slowly that would make the owners/drivers think twice when they try to run cyclists over?

I have been following this back and forth argument with some interest. I would like to offer a possible solution. It seems to me that the fundamental issue of "right of way" is a purely legal issue which needs to be resolved in a court of law and it is basically a waste of time debating and arguing over it on this site. Until the legal case is settled, would it not be better to call a truce and simply request permission for freedom challenge and other cyclists to pass through. From what I have seen the owners of the properties are most willing to grant this. When the case is decided, all parties must then simply stick to the law.

As a road commuting cyclist this disturbs me a great deal. If there is not going to be reasonable prosecution under the law for reckless drivers who end up killing cyclists, what protection do I have, motorists are further incouraged to treat me like a fly on the roads...................

But Darryl CAN climb, isn't it?

Fan Bloody Tastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well done Darryl, and well inspired Tony!

Wouldn't surprise me at all if AH ends up winning this event, he is seriously hard and prepared and races very intelligently.

The trip from Prince Albert sounds good but I personally am wanting to start in PMB. Will possible end off at Prince Albert and then go over the Swartberg to Oudtshoorn and catch a bus back to PTA. Anyone interested in this option?

It is a bit pricey but you have to remember that the money goes towards developing the route as an adventure attraction for SA, sort of like the Appalchian trail in the USA. No, not a racing snake but would be looking to do a fairly solid ride (about 6-8 hours) each day.

Will do so Johann!

I am interested in doing the freedom challenge route as a tour in spring (anytime between august to october) of this year, I am ok with doing it alone but company would be nice. Anyone interested?

I am very keen, are you going on a road bike or mtb?When are you leaving? I probably can't do the whole trip but am interested.

I have toured with my dual suspension as it's my only bike, lock up the suspension when unnecessary, avoid carrying too much on your back, use a small carrier (fits only onto seatpost), wear MTB (shimano) flat shes with recessed cleats and just carry a light pair of slops. Where are you planning to overnight (ie tent or B&B etc)? Distances? Sounds like a fantastic tour, would love to join you if I had the time..............

I have been commuting for many years but this has never happened before so I assume it's a rare event. Short version, bakkie comes past me on right just before an intersection, turns left in front of me while still actually next to me (classic scenario), fortunately used to it so slowed down and didn't fall, bakkie goes about another 10m and of course, is not looking left and doesn't see the car coming out from the left of the road................... Result = bits of nice new bakkie flying all over the place..................... Had a smile on my face until I fell asleep last night. Sometimes there is justice in the world.

Oh for heaven's sake, where's your sense of "Rage against the machine"? (or just plain fun)

Thanks Sadam.