Da Vinci

My observations of a week and a bit of being driven around Cape Town, CampsBay, Stellenbosch and ,of course, Chapmans Peak… I was thinking of leaving this post until Monday as I am doing a wash, rinse, repeat this weekend again… but seeing as it is fight me Friday, I thought, what the hell. Note I am on a 33 Seater Coach, a well known branded one. My colleagues have both been very cool calm collected, measured individuals. Despite people, cars, taxis and some cyclists taking fat, unnecessary chances. They were not aware of my “allegiance” to cyclists. Disclaimer: cars, pedestrians, my driver and other HMVs were by no means Angels, but this is a cycling forum 😉 6 out of 10 cyclists ride without a working rear light. An alarming number of these are commuters - and I’m not referring to those on makro specials” These commuters and morning recreational cyclists in the city don’t appear to be big fans of the “improved and car proofed” green cycling lanes in the city either. Don't get me started on dark clothing… Back D’Ville roads, midwinter mornings…. Out of a group of about 10 - 12 Bunched up in the yellow lane and to the left of yellow line, at least 2 will swerve out to go around another cyclist, without looking or giving any indication of their intention. 1 out of 5 groups will stop at a traffic light. i didn’t see any stop at a stop street. Nor yield at the mini circles down Houtbay main road. Or the pedestrian crossings. My driver was reluctant to “warning hoot” a bunch of 5 or 6 we were approaching on Chappies up. I asked why he didn’t to alert them that we were approaching from behind. He said the hooter was too loud and cyclists would generally give him a middle finger if he hooted. They were oblivious to his approach and not single file but he was quite happy to sit behind them. I thought that giving them a heads up would help them reorganize and let them know that a large vehicle would be passing them. ** Note that when they did international advanced safety driver training for the World Cup they were told they should be warning hooting for all cyclists, pedestrians they were approaching. I remember the husband’s comment at the time was something along the lines of: How to get your driver assaulted for just doing his job! On the descent to Noordhoek, one decided to undertake, another decided to overtake, narrowly missing a car coming from the front…. By no means were all the riders bad or bad mannered. We had one guy acknowledge with a hand wave that the bus waited behind him so he could comfortably ride in the middle of the lane going through Clifton. “Adopt the Safest position on the road” it was a quiet Sunday on Chappies and we were early. The marathon runners going past Cape Point that morning were far more oblivious. My colleague had the patience and reflexes of a ninja 🤣 Oh and 3 out of 5 cars, illegally parked on the bus parking at Stellenbosch museum, on a Saturday, are cyclists. The bike racks give it away…. We cannot paint everything with the same brush, but it is nice to be able to sit back and observe sometimes. Safe rolling on the roads this weekend!

Out of respect to the persons affected I don’t want to debate this. But I do feel very strongly about this.: 1. Bicycles are often far slower than cars and motorbikes down Chappies and even if they were going fast, what is the maximum speed - probably 60km/h on that rough surface, depending on wind direction. Maximum speed limit on that road is 40kms an hour. My car can do 120km + an hour down Ou Kaapseweg - doesn’t mean I should drive that speed because given the condition and traffic on that road it would not be safe. Yes the driver is guilty - manslaughter for sure - . But he took a legal turn, IF he turned across the broken barrier line in a legal right hand turn and did not physically see the cyclists descending towards him. There is also the chance he crossed the solid barrier line before the turn. That is illegal. Under our judicial system - probably culpable homicide - many would like to argue murder Were the cyclists going faster than the speed limit, were they travelling at a prudent speed, considering the conditions and hazards (runners, vehicles, other cyclists) on that road on such a gorgeous Saturday morning? I wasn’t there, I don’t know if you were, only the witnesses would be able to piece this together for the authorities. The trauma is going to be relived on all sides for years to come. Emotions are going to heightened, hatred trenches are going to deepen. im going to be on a bus on Chapmans peak on Sunday - same company- does that automatically make my colleague a murderous despot…. Because “ALL” bus drivers must be, and they are deliberate and hate cyclists? if the driver is convicted he will lose his lively hood. - some will argue; small price considering someone lost their life- and that is true.

I could have been - I do often enough. I know what that road feels like from both sides of the coin. Ive felt my stomach drop on more than one occasion when I have double and triple checked to turn and something comes out from nowhere - fast, faster than it should…

Any number of things to someone who wasn’t there. In my mind TBone means they hit the side of the vehicle. The picture of the bus has the front window smashed. So much open to interpretation but at the end of the some one is dead and many people lives are affected in many ways.

So automatically it is the buses fault…. post says bikes were going at high speed…. This is an AWFUL experience for everyone involved. The bus driver did not get out of bed this morning and think…l how can I ruin someone’s life…. The cyclists did not get on their bikes this morning and think…. This could be my last day on earth. You were not there, you do not drive an HMV for a living, I’m sure you never descend a downhill on your bike faster than is, maybe, prudent. How about letting the investigation take its course and have some sympathy for EVERYONE involved in this tragic accident

https://primediaplus.com/city-of-cape-town-responds-to-concerns-over-albert-road-cycling-lanes/ Interpret the way you want too

So engage us warn us and maybe give some hints and tips on the best way to navigate. Sorry but the lady manning the desk was less than approachable. Pretty much one syllable engagement. The 30 odd kms we rode were lovely. But the whole ride felt disjointed with no flow. The map of theirs on line was little to no help. And I poured over it before we rode - it was the same at the one at the trail head. We were told at the end that “all” the trail heads had been repaired…( Um no.. )and no trails were closed. i actually ended up subscribing to Trailforks at the highest point on the trail just to figure out the way down. At the end when we mentioned TF they were like “Oh we are not a part of them” My friend replied - that’s not exactly how it works… She kept dropping the Epic and W2W names - and I just said - for a beginner or newbie to trails (and I am not but I was one 14 years ago) the info is dismal and disappointing and not logical to follow. With the exception of one bit of jeep track the trails we rode would not have been considered super technical. And do not harp on the Newbie “ name” we were all competent riders expecting 50 ish kms with about 1000m of climbing. i would love to ride it again and take picks at every split that we weren’t sure what way to go - if only to assist them in the mistaken belief that no one ever gets lost. Only I’m not ready to spend R250 for the permit again 🤣 The beauty of an event is that the route is clearly marked and often links trails via normally unused/ off limit paths or roads. Or going the wrong way down a trail. Stuff you cannot ride every day We rode with a friend who had done the event and was keen to show off the route and using his garmins GPX files to navigate. KNOWING it was not going to be an exact science. Hence the study of the map and watching out for markers for guidance. i don’t personally like events - I like to explore trails with like minded friends, varying abilities and will pay for that. Some times just to stop and take in the views, catch a breather. But, having ridden almost all the wider CPT trail networks at one time or another in the last 14 years, this was disappointing. And from a cost perspective not value for money. Simple

Well all the more reason to mention it at check in… nothing on the online indemnity one Signs either. Actually all the more reason to have your trail signage in order too…. Heard later that they had mentioned to others that had checked in that the signage wasn’t great… I mean What the Actual 🤦🏼‍♀️

Except that we were not told that. We were told we “Are in big trouble” when we arrived back - not sure what trouble still. We explained the poor signage, trail markings / or lack there of and many of the Single track start boards were lying flat. They did expostulate that its was Epic quality and W2W blah blah. I walked away. Experience left a bad enough taste that we didn’t even want to drop a further cent on the estate, but knowing they are all private micro enterprises we ended up at Millhouse kitchen for a beer - waitress even offered us a tasting when we weren’t sure which of the local on tap to order - and a great pizza. AND they didn’t care that we were in sweaty sketchy bike kit. Coffee spot looked good too! Welcomed into Wedgewood Nougat like a princess- tempted with sweet treats on a silver tray - so I dropped some money there too. Frustration of lack of flow aside etc. the valley is beautiful but it’s silly money and if you don’t have local knowledge of trails you will miss much of the good stuff!

R250 a day permit. Must be done by 11:30 or “You Are In Big Trouble” Almost Non-existent trail markings?? ”no one else has ever gotten lost” Maybe it was just me?? And maybe the other 6 that were with me….

I am looking for an SLX shifter - it’s my LHS one. I just donated the Avids the bike came with and now I can’t in all good consciousness sell a bike with a shot brake lever. The idea of buying a whole new set of brakes for a bike that’s on the market for a song, is a tough sit with me. If anyone has one lying around it would be appreciated- happy to pay for it. 😊

I have a box of stuffs… From newish Avid brakes to old Shimano Spds, variety of grips… Just stuffs that could be thrown away but could also be useful to someone….. Any idea what i could do with the stuff? Thanx

Hiya and Happy FriYay… Stuck in the licence Q so time on hands to ask random questions for feedback… So I have upgraded and want to sell my favorite purple bike… She is on Gumtree and the Hub but I am not finding the time to vet and meet (the genuine ie non scammers) potential buyers. Who has sold through their LBS? My FnBS (Favourite Non Biks Shop) doesn’t sell bikes…. Advice, Modus Operandi Local to Cape Town Northern Subs gets first prize for recommendations all appreciated 😊 TIA #canwemakemorehoursinadayplease

What bikes are you riding - curious to know brand, model and year? Seems like amazing mileage. Thanks

It boggles the mind that people here are actively advocating riding solo at all… Van Schoorsdrift road is a known issue for motorists and bikers due to the less savory nature of the business conducted along that road. Wannabe was the Hubber relieved of his bike just before the Occultdale turnoff a few years ago. The shoulder of Koeberg is non existent and many drivers have no respect for cyclists. I know several cars on sight for having “ almost deliberately” tried to take out bikes on more than one occasion. Once you turn on to the Philadelphia road there is a rough gravel shoulder , fine for a MTB. Wellington Road also a known hot spot due to the proximity to Fisantekraal. Please make the effort to find a buddy!

Hi All… I have the potential opportunity to get a bike from my SIL in the UK when she upgrades. At a “friends and family” discount plus being something I will struggle to get here it’s almost too good an opportunity to miss… What is going to make the most sense/ be the most cost effective way to get it into the country? I may be traveling to UK in July to spend time with them. But also need ideas Incase I’m not. Also any advise in terms of warrantee etc. it is a “big name” brand with representation here but how well will do SA shops support overseas counterparts. Appreciate the Hubvine Knowledge coming my way… 😊

They can bond with other ppl. Will take a bit of time and Too’s can be very loving and affectionate but also like permanent toddlers and they are noisy! Bonding happens through, play, training, feeding etc. As for the plucking Consitency is key and just keep on at it. The birds like routine - and make sure it is not eating sunflower seeds and on a pelleted diet with veg and fruit and access to unfiltered sunlight (ie not just a sunny room) at least 3 times a week.

Heya... this is a useful thread I have a 31.6 Spez command post (serviced and checked) that I would love to swap for a 30.9 dropper (ideally similar condition) And a pair of size 40 (7) Shimano shoes that need a new home. Good condition but a few years old. Will go and scratch through my boxes at another stage but I know I have donated a lot of stuff.

Hallo... I need a 30.9 dropper post ( in good working order) and have a 31.6 in good working order command post to swap for it [emoji4]

Yes - had 3 ppl confirm it and also the Live streaming media Centre has just confirmed too. Barricades going up on blue route Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Amazing how one person - who most of us have never met - can have a such a profound impact on so many lives... RIP Tumbleweed - I know you and your namesake are reunited somewhere over the Rainbow Bridge. Strongs to the family and friends left behind. At least you have the laughs and the memories to treasure.

So this was on a FB MTB page... Admittedly a while back now. I can't believe I'm the only one who sees this as suspicious - there were a few guys who did start questioning but initially loads were happy to buy the tires. The gent in question did answer our queries and he seems legit enough but I'm not sure about the source - even tho he said he gets checked by the cops often....

I wish I had seen this earlier! The potential for tourism is huge! Good luck guys!!

Threw my toys yesterday as really not impressed with the inconsistency of the system. Will await a reply on Monday: Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes Latent - this - the inbuilt work out app on the Apple Watch gives u the option of an Indoor run/ walk. And it's not completely inaccurate - after all you are just doing it for the points. Using my Apple Watch I have established that just doing my job i walk between 5 &7kms a day!!