DonConnan

Possible mugging trap/ambush when cycling at Rhodes Mem/Devil's Peak. Good day all, I was cycling with 3 other guys from Pinelands up past Rhodes Mem around towards the Block house. We were on a Jeep track having a rest watching two of the guys come down the very steep Cape Epic section somewhere below the Block house, While standing there catching our breath one guys spotted a fire across the valley. It looked like a tree was on fire. This was at about 18:30. Without thinking we raced to the scene and proceeded to put out the fire with our water bottles and there was a puddle close by where we could get more water. It was not very big as it must have just been started 5 min ago by a person. The fire was started right next to the path. It had rained the night before and we are not in fire season yet, so that was not arson to burn down the mountain. We couldn't see anyone around that doesn't make sense. The mountain is steep and the bush thick. My personal theory is that it was started to attract our attention. They then hide in the bush. We rush over and dropping our bikes to try put out the fire. Before you know it they are on your bike pointing a knife at you and off they go. Well luckily in our case nothing happened. I think they didn't realise there were 4 of us and we were very vigilant looking for someone that might have started the fire. We didn't just all drop our bikes either. Anyway this is just a heads up and a warning to not just rush into this type of situation and cycle in groups. Be prepared. I have been mugged before and know how quick it happens. I now carry pepper spray, but as I said these things happen so quick that not much will help. Stay safe. Don

Yes this was my usual route after work, that is dodgy with all the cars and squatters giving no space for bikes. That is the reason I decided to try the MyCiTi route where I was mugged on my third go. I am fast running out of options. Very sad.

Thanks for all the advice and concern. I have always used the N1 but as it is not really legal and a car did try drive me off the road on purpose I thought I better use the cycle route provided. That is when I got robbed on my third go on the MyCiTi route. I'll be back on the N1 now once I find myself another bike.

Just a warning to those using the MyCiTi route between Paarden Eiland and town. On Monday, 27/01/2020 at 06:20 I was cycling to work. I got onto the MyCiTi cycle lane at Woodstock bridge (Church street bridge). I cycled towards Paarden Eiland (away from town). There is a small hill that leads onto the straight before it goes under the N1. I saw four coloured guys standing on the cycle lane. As I got to them to try pass, they grabbed me and took my bike, backpack and phone. At least one had a knife. As they started dragging my stuff through a hole in the fence I saw another guy come running down the hill towards us. Not knowing if he was coming to help me or them I ran diagonally across the MyCiTi lane towards where I came from and he is coming from. As the guy got closer and passed me he pointed a hand gun at me and I just kept running shouting to please not shoot. I then climbed over the fence onto the busy on-ramp from Marine drive to the N1. As I got over and these guys where all through the hole in the fence and then I saw the security car come driving past. This makes me believe the guy with the gun was on the hill keeping a lookout for this car and ran down when he saw it coming. DO NOT CYCLE THIS ROUT ALONE PLEASE AS IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. It is such a pity as it is a beautiful new cycle lane that is unusable. Bike description: Mountain bike, Silverback Vida 4, black colour, hardtail, 29er, large frame, 1 to 10 gear setup, orange seat, about 2015 model, serial number ISB12F1282

Stolen: Silverback Vida 4 2015 When: 27 January 2020 Where: Cape Town, Western Cape At 06:20 I was cycling to work. I got onto the MyCity cycle lane at Woodstock bridge (Church street bridge). I cycled towards Paarden Eiland (away from town). There is a small hill that leads onto the straight before it goes under the N1. I saw four coloured guys standing on the cycle lane. As I got to them to try pass, they grabbed me and took my bike, backpack and phone. At least one had a knife. As they started dragging my stuff through a hole in the fence I saw another guy come running down the hill towards us. Not knowing if he was coming to help me or them I ran diagonally across the MyCity lane towards where I came from and he is coming from. As the guy got closer and passed me he pointed a hand gun at me and I just kept running shouting to please not shoot. I then climbed over the fence onto the busy on-ramp from Marine drive to the N1. As I got over and these guys where all through the hole in the fence and then I saw the security car come driving past. This makes me believe the guy with the gun was on the hill keeping a lookout for this car and ran down when he saw it coming. DO NOT CYCLE THIS ROUTE ALONE PLEASE AS IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. It is such a pity as it is a beautiful new cycle lane that is unusable. Get further details about the incident in the Stolen Bikes section