MarkWildcat

It is great to hear that. I was jacked in Gauteng in May. Two of the guys who did it were pictured on Carte blanche. They had been arrested, but the difference is I know not what happened to them. One can only hope they are in chookie. Though I do think they ought to get a more specific sentence like being made to build roads or clean bikes every day for years...instead of just chewing up tax payers money until they are released.

There are a couple of piles on the Farm. Near the perimeter dirt road into Hills and Dales. I would insert an image but it has no URL it is on my hard drive. I was on the committee with Simon and I know it is like hitting your head getting somewhere with Joburg Water. Last time they did it, I caused a print article and they resolved the issue. Maybe I should get the press involved again...... I think it is simply laziness or bad planning or **** attitude to hygiene. @ Klaus - so what do you suggest?

I am disgusted by the lack of hygiene and care taken by Northern Farm. Joburg Water use the property to dump human effluent they cannot push through their overworked digesters. This is both a health hazard and a serious stink affects riders by the hundred. They are supposed to spread it and then plough it in to the ground. Instead they leave huge piles of **** lying around....!!! My intention is to petition Joburg Water to do something about it. Please add your name to the list and I will forwards to the CEO. Petition against human effluent dumping on Northern Farm 1.Mark Smith 0842777011

I just submitted my story about a bike-jacking incident which happened to me and a mate towards the end of May in Mnandi. It needs to be hilighted and great Carte Blanche is getting the story out. What is needed though, is an investigation and to find the culprits, as I am convinced there is a large syndicate who buy the bikes cheaply from the jackers and sell them abroad. Oh, and they can hend them (the jackers and the syndicate owners) over to some of us who have had the unfortunate experience for a good kicking too.

I think these guys should be used as bait to get to the ring leader....this is big business!

Indeed, ABSA iDirect insurance were thorough and professional. Just awaiting funds to buy the new Giant Anthem X29er.....

I guess I am saying that MTB riding needs to be a team sport

I have to tell you how awesome it was for me to ride with some buddies yesterday after having been loaned a Yeti to ride with. The camaraderie certainly nullified the distance for which I was not too fit. My buddies, being fitter than I pulled away up hill and on some flats I have to admit. The thing is that I had been hijacked a fortnight before and my bike stolen at gunpoint on Monument Rd in Mnandi. So when it came to riding up hill, past Diepsloot, I have to admit to having a little trepidation and was on full alert. I had pepper spray and a knife with me ready to attack any would be attacker before they got to me this time! Bravado in theory, not sure in practice! Then on my way driving back home past Northern Farm, I noticed others like me, left behind by the group or cycling alone. Word of Advice: 1 - Assign one from the bunch to the slower rider, to keep a look out if not ride with him, and rotate that role. 2 - Ride in areas where hiacking is not an issue if possible (Avoid Mnandi, esp. Monument rd). 3 - Register your bike with NBRZA.co.za and keep the serial number handy for insurance 4 - Do not buy second hand bikes from anyone other than obvious cyclists, the rest may be on sellers for the thieves 5 - Good luck and stay wide awake when you are riding in Gauteng!

It seems that bike jacking is big business. My GIANT Anthem X1 was stolen along with my buddy's MERIDA, and cell phone and camelback etc. The strange thing is that his cell phone contacts link to his office server. the server uploads contacts automatically. The names which appeared from his stolen phone were names similar to Wasim, Afzal, Shafiek and sounded eastern. We are of the opinion there is a bike jacking ring who are stealing bikes from specific spots and shipping them overseas. I am about to be paid out for my bike and will replace it, but that is one aspect. The main reason for posting is to say look out for any ads by those who do not seem as if they are cyclists, selling top bikes. They might have mine or yours or someone else's which you are buying. Also check the serial number and go to NBRZA.co.za to see if it is registered before buying a second hand bike!

How do I upload a pic of my bike?

I am still angry, and looking for a way out of the emotion by being willing to forgive....and looking forward to living in the Cape where at least the chances are minimal of this type of thing happening.

Airports Company SA Group Executive: Airport Operations Bongani Maseko Physical address: 24 Johnson Road The Maples Office Park - Bedfordview Johannesburg Postal address: PO Box 75480 Gardenview 2047 Tel: +27 (0)11 723 1400 Fax: +27 (0)11 453 9353

I had stuff stolen when returning from Maputo. I wrote to them and they phones me, from ACSA saying they had video footage of my bags in transit and not being interfered with on their side. I believed them and went back to LAM, who have just ignored me from the initial customer service words of comfort. They are used to it, know it happens and no-one is doing anything to stop it. It is disgusting that we pay for the service, entrust our luggage to them and they are thieving bastards! As far as I am concerned, unless cycling SA gets to the CEO, the only other option is to take them to the press or to court. Good luck Johann. If you need backup I will also try to get hold of the top dog.