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Bottelary Hills Conservancy & MTB Trails
Sad to report that we had an unfortunate incident yesterday just after 19h00. One of our riders was surprised by three youngsters on the green route between Zevenwacht and Hazendal. Two had BMX bikes and the third was on foot. When the rider fell, they grabbed his bike and sped off. The case was reported and a notice sent on the local Bottelary community group for farmers to be on the lookout for BMX kids and stolen bike. Spoke with SAP and will follow up with the investigating officer assigned to the case. Hazendal's head of security has been very helpful with sourcing footage, but could not find anything. Their security team regularly patrols the area and will be extra vigilant. This instance looks like kids up to mischief. Will keep you posted, but please avoid cycling alone and keep safe. Let's work together to keep our routes safe. Feel free to send any suggestions, comments or questions to christel@bottelaryconservancy.co.za
Herewith pic of stolen bike
Probably all fine if they were just transparent about the customer's part arrangement upfront and then communicated clearly.
Some sellers leave these details out as it might deter some buyers. I feel you have a right to know if someone is selling on another's behalf. More than once we've had a seller refuse to stand good on faulty equipment they sold for someone else, so it does seem to add to the risk.
Thank you for letting us know the outcome.
For more Ref see : http://teamprotouch.supportsatalent.co.za/
Rate them...
DONE
Hi Guys,
Re Mitch and Keanan
see:-
I can't comment on the lawfulness, ethics, or legitimacy of their comments on the above situation - BUT would like to let you know that the Ultegra crank I bought from Mitch (via Keanan) did finally arrive - as advertised condition etc.
It took about two weeks after I had made payment 
From what I could make out - these guys are just plain bad administrators and communicators - and 'fraudulently' ? claim to own items, which then appears they are selling for others. (Probably parts etc from customer bike upgrades at the shop.) In my case the excuse for the delay was the same - They claimed to own the item, then later said they were waiting for the customer to bring the item back to the shop after they sold it 'on customers' behalf.
In short - I received my purchase in the condition they described, two weeks after payment - but I gave them the benefit of doubt - i.e. just immature, not professional admin or communication. Perhaps if they were just honest upfront and advised that they will collect from the customer before deal is made, it would be more acceptable.
While on the subject of riders wanting to fly down hills ...last Friday was the THIRD time I had to dive into the bushes because of riders bombing down, against the flow, on Bloemenhill ! Guys this is a UP section.
Pedal to the top of the mast - the down section (Bloemendaler) starts there ! - then the trail goes UP Bloemenhill !
per above post ....." Come to the Helderberg trails ..Or better yet join the next shuttle day, ..."
There lies the problem - guys want to bomb down - but can't be bothered to ride UP.
Thanks Lombards and Bloemendaler are just great as they are.
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As new options for trails go :..I would rather have/like/suggest a trail/route around the top section of the "mast koppie" joining the top of Hillcrest and Contermanskloof. Perhaps from top or Rooikat - around the hill, to join below cement section on the other side.
Since we lost the Kliprug trails - I find it a bugger when returning home via the cement section on the mast climb after a playing on Contermans - Hoogekraal - Fairview loop all day.
I agree with most comments - and think you need a goatlink (or rapid) to maintain good shifting.
Turning in the B-screw works in most cases where you fit a larger cassette, BUT it moves the dérailleur further away from the other sprockets - so, it reduces the number of teeth engaged by the bottom gears (11 etc) So, these tend to wear out sooner, and worse, the chain jumps under pressure (standing pedalling etc.) Very irritating.
I agree with the proposed format - Found it frustrating to look under road and MTB for Saddles, Stems etc.
Wrong side of the road:
To the critics, Let me explain a bit about what happens - without name calling.
There is no point in shouting at the 'faster' riders for being the trouble makers. Nobody sits at home planning to ride across the white line or on the wrong side of the road.
Its all about the bunch size.
Crossing the white line becomes inevitable when the bunches are too big. Its not just % # sign etc groups. The perception is that the front guys are baddies just because It generally is not seen nor happens further back (specially in the cape where routes can't stay flat for long) Because where such large groups seldom form due the hilly route and these riders do not have the same ability (speed, fitness, strength, determination etc.) to stay together etc. In other provinces and routes that are very flat the problems of crossing the white line happens at the back groups as well
Even in the fastest groups, the bunch seldom goes over the white line deliberately unless:-
- there is a sudden slow down in pace (for what ever reason) Riders can' t just slam on brakes so everything gets bunched up and fills the road. Problem; Bunch was too big.
- Or with a gradual slow down, everyone wants to move up closer to the front to improve their position (usually for safety but also to make sure they don't get dropped due to gaps forming etc). So the back riders start coming around on the right, and instead of letting them pass - the riders in the middle of the bunch also try to get out, thereby pushing riders into the right opposite road lane. It is probably rude for mid bunch riders to also start moving out and overtaking i.e. causing riders coming from the back to move right. But, Due to the competitive nature of sportsman it is inevitable. Problem: Bunch was too big.
-Or when approaching a hill, back riders start to move further forward in order not to get spat out the back of the group - bunch widens - riders pushed across the line. (This fine if there is road closure -but not otherwise)
Problem: Bunch was too big
.
- Or when a Rider falls or nearly falls or there is a Pothole or a water bottle or a speed bumps, or glass, or stones/sand etc. riders start moving away making the bunch wider, pushing others even wider etc. Problem : Bunch was too big
- Or there is a breakaway (often on a hill) and the front guys don't or can't react - then everyone has to try get past the front or bunch bulk to chase the breakaway - and soon the middle of the bunch also reacts and start pushing riders wide to go get a piece of the action.
Problem: Bunch was too big
- Or there is a sharp left turn - riders must keep up as much pace as possible because it is always a concertina sprint out of a turn - but then due to so many riders in the turn, riders have to go wide to prevent crashes. Problem: Bunch was too big
Or, the bunch spreads out wide because its the finish sprint - and who doesn't like to sprint the bunch for the finish line. (fortunately the whole road is often available for this)
So who is signing up for SCT the encore ? Next weekend it is the PPA Simonsvlei race, which is basically the same as this weekends race, just with a different start point (and PPA marshals)
I think we will have a lot of riders. Many peeps trying to get Argus (CTCT) race fit.
Lets just hope our legs don't let us down on Sunday following from Saturday's grinding on the Porcupine MTB.
I enjoyed the tour. In 1B we had a super fast group and all stuck to the rules. My starting time was 6:21 and I was there an hour earlier as suggested by the organiser. Those who missed the start need to get up earlier.
Yup, I also went earlier
- all the sms and emails about the access told me it was going to be a F up. But if as you say, everyone must come earlier - then we would have had the major traffic jam starting an hour earlier - so that is not the overall solution for the current venue.
Basically the limited entrances and poor direction, narrow lane distances and marshall arrangements within the park caused the problem.
Even if everyone was earlier, those hundreds of cars parked along the outer roads would not have made it.
I just made sure I was at the further Drakenstein side entrance well before 6 am closing time.
Great route - I like HellsH so late in the race - but the flat-ish first 30km was a mad max heart rate sprint.
Big Cape Cobra on road at Contermans on Friday - between top gate (to hoogies corridor) an tree lane to the start of trails.
Flies!
Only in winter have I managed to get up hoogies and faircape without swallowing a fly.
Hate those little fvkers
These bridges are easy, never had issues with this one or back when Backsberg still had one. Might downgrade from the long route depending on how the bronchitis I have been booked off with go. Doc's note says I'm fit to resume duties on the 13th... so just in time then
About water getting into your bike, I recall I had this debate with someone else about the Agulhas MTB ride and the beach section. It's a bike designed for going offroad, where it is dirty and wet, it's part of the territory. I ride my bike on the beach, sometimes in the water, no problem. If the headset creaks, then open it and clean it, same goes for the other areas. I'd rather have more fun and regular maintenance than no fun and slightly less regular maintenance.
My bike is 250km away from 20,000km.
Yup, love the beach - regularly do recovery ride to Melkbos from Durbanville - then beach from Melkbos to Koeberg and back - beach trip only about 8km but fantastic cool breeze and beautiful. (I have second set of wheels with old worn tyres that I use when route is mainly tar or plain dirt roads)
The only bridges that have ever made me have doubts was the vaal river crossing (because the wood pallet bridge was starting to disintegrate - and the long bridge at the lagoon/coast on sani - because of the many riders on bridge in front of you that may go down.
But to get to my point - I am also currently trying this ride till it breaks. I have a friend (110kg) who has not replaced any drive-train components for years on his road bike - and its still problem free.
Another friend has his mtb serviced about every two months at local dealer - and of course they recommend changing everything - whole drive train and bearings. (he can afford it - so no problem for him !
I just wish I could buy his bikes when he sells, because everything is always brand new !; but frames too small for me). My budget is minuscule compared to his.
In his defense, we are always amazed at the amount of hammering mtbs take and mostly without major failures (and little obvious damage)- from grinding in dust, sand, mud and rain to flying down steep rocky descents with bumps and ditches.
I do my own maintenance, (road and two mtbs - and my son's road and mtb) - takes a lot of time, specially when doing the bearing, shock and forks as well. So, I am keen to see how well my drive train last - when all I am currently doing is clean and lube well after every ride.
So my chain is already stretched past limit and cassette and chain-rings are showing some wear - but I am not replacing till gears jump/skip or whatever worse happens. Although the parts are worn, they appear to have married together. In the meantime I keep my eyes open for bargain prices on the components so that it will be a cheap-ish drive-train replacement if/when required.
Only issues I can say I have noticed so far is occasional blip after changing and now that the chain is stretched, and bends sideways more, I need to be aware which gear I am in to get a easy chain-ring shift. (I ride 2x). On the other hand, the chains ability to bend sideways - has a benefit to cassette wear when the chain-line is at an angle.
Compared to my previous habit of replacing the parts - chain as soon as 80% worn and cassette and rings after about every three chains (using new chain starts to skip at that stage) - I am sure this 'ride till its trouble' approach will save a pretty penny.
Time will tell.
Thinking....this might be a good subject for tech forum (now that we hear so little from Johan Bornman and no risk being scolded by him) 
Jissis ....what is it with you guys. Nobody said do or don't ride bridges. I was stating the factors around bridge riding that I felt needed mention.
I simply made a point that everyone but newbies have ridden bridges and the risk to your electronics and bearings must be taken into consideration before riding them (not after you go for a swim) - and that a chicken run is almost always available.
My opinion is that organisers see water bridges as an attraction when in reality, riders do not consider them an important draw-card. (in fact I think riders generally don't know about a bridge till they get there)
To Organisers, sorry did not intend to degrade the event or routes or your bridge; nor to discourage entries.
To Newer riders or new to bridges - sorry I did not intend to make the actual riding technicality sound daunting, or to scare you off.
Yes, on a hot day the swim will be refreshing - At this event the bridge is at the end (so no problem if you do get wet) - but if you are going to ride it - Simply make sure your important stuff is waterproof.
It can be a fun and special experience to ride a bridge - and everyone will be a little nervous, not just you ! Anyway, if you follow a few simple rules - you won't have a problem.
If I may - some pointers :
* erm...yes waterproof electronics.
* Start at a pace and gear you can maintain
* Too slow - and you will have difficulty with balance and staying on line - or the bridge will start to sink if you are very slow or stop - or you might not make it up the off-ramp.
* Too fast - and you could slip on curves in the bridge - or catch the rider in front of you.
* Give the rider before you time to get going - the bridge can handle your weight fine, but two riders together will cause the bridge to sink too much ; - then you both swim.
* Some bridges sink a bit more than others which creates a 'wake' in front of the rider. i.e. It feels if you are riding against a wave so you need to maintain your pace.
* If you stop before the bridge (example. riders waiting to cross) - ask the guy behind you to give you some space to get going before he starts.
* If a rider falls off in front of you - don't look at their swim technique - keep concentrating on where you are going - If the fallen rider tries to hang on the bridge or to get back on the bridge; shout to him that you are going to kick his teeth in.
* If you fall in, (it will normally be head first) so hang onto your riding ray-ban glasses - don't laugh so much that it results in you drowning - and don't go back to the bridge ! just walk or swim out (at events where the water is deep, they will have helpers (kayaks and ****) but usually the dams are shallow and you can walk out.
Now, getting back to the comment re "go ride on the road" and "bikes are made to get dirty"
Bwaaahaaahaaa ...... you are so funny.
ps. I do like the idea mention of placing a gap jump in a bridge.
So, I think I have covered everyone who had a comment on my original words , phew, this is why I so seldom try to contribute to the forum topics - just not worth all the comments from readers who turn and twist one's topic without making a useful new contribution to it.
Entered. Hoping to stay dry during the dam crossing this time!
These damn dam crossings are so over rated.
Everyone has done them so many times before.
Fine when you use it to cross the rivers (Joburg2C, Sani etc) but I pity the guys who fall off because some idiot who fell off in front of them tries to climb back on the bridge, or guy in front goes too slow, or guy behind does not give them time/space/gap from the start.
I am lucky to have crossed all event bridges fine, But, every time I see one ; I wonder if the event organisers realise that most of the guys who fall in, have - a Cell phone and bike GPS/Computer that cost thousands that might not be completely waterproof - further, the water often gets into wheel bearings, suspension bearing, bottom bracket, head-set and a couple of weeks later these riders discover they have to spend a fortune replacing these parts.
Only time I though these bridges (when not required for actual river etc crossing) were justified, was a couple of years back (at Ride the Rhino tour finish) when they were giving prizes for the best wheelie on the bridge.
Other than that, all they are doing is terrorising the novices, and increasing their cost of bike maintenance.
(Yeah, sure there is often a chicken run - but riders are not brave enough to cop out.)
ps. These Bottelary Hill Trails are amazing - I ride them every week - so see you there !!
3
2018 annual permits are now available for purchase via our website. We have capped the number available to 1500. They are valid from purchase and expire 31 December 2018. Remember to take a copy of your completed order email when you collect your bikeboard. Familiarise yourself with our trail rules and get your bum on the bike!
Would be good idea to place a link here :-) so riders can easily find web entry info.
ps. time to update the Maps on the website ? Blue , brown routes etc /
Thanks for the fantastic trails - did my renewal yesterday !!!
Like most of you I always look at other cyclists (in my car or on my bike)to evaluate their visibility.
I agree, the yellow or any colour is not enough. At night the Reflective clothing - especially around moving ankles are great.
Flashing rear lights attract my attention the most from a distance.
I am mainly interested in making my daytime visibility better.
I see many riders with rear flashing lights during the day. However the light is hardly visible until on top of them : so just not bright enough.
The (900-1000 lumin) front lights some (mainly mtb) guys use are in my opinion over kill and just blinding to others.- controlling in front of your bike is not as problematic as knowing that cars from behind see you.
I have many little red lights collected over time and all basically only effective at night. Just got myself a 120 lumin rear and it's a bit better but still find one needs to keep the direct sun off it. Been thinking of making a collar around the outside edge to keep the sun off and the light in 'shade'
But does it all really help ? Perhaps the danger is mainly drivers who are distreacted, just aren't looking - on cell, pissed or plain morons who don't give a **** about cyclist.
They not interested in participants. Even the website (which, by the way has incorrect link on this page) does not have info.
Weet nie wat is die regte Afrikaanse woord nie, maar ek maak sommer by spaar binneband aan die raam vas - ek ry met alles in saalsak rond omdat ek gewoonlik aan agterkant is en as iets fout gaan is daar nie veel ryers wat nog kan uithelp nie. Aan die anderkant het ek al klomp mense kon uithelp.
Praat jy van 'n padfiets ? Vir bergfiets het jy nie binnebande nodig nie.
Kry net van die ingevoerdebinnebandlosebuitebande
CTCT gets a lot of press and TV coverage - So, as a protest on
a) 'Cyclist road carnage' and
b) 'We want more action from PPA and CSA"
What about something like a 'delayed start' protest or 'sit-down' protest at the CTCT
We all sit for an hour before starting anyway - so not much extra effort/pain in a extra few minutes.
Only takes one guy with a poster held up in front of every bunch to explain what and why - to get a buy-in and participation. Can also start advertising on Club sites, facebook pages etc to spread the news.
Can also have banners facing the press - with the above message - and the large yellow 'stay wider of the rider" etc road signs earlier on this post
Lets have individual groups add a 1 minute (or 30 second) wait before riding - after their 'hoopla" and gunshot.
Or - perhaps get the first bunch to wait 5 min or so before riding after their 'hoopla" - (will delay all groups 5min)
That type of action/protest will be seen and reported by many media outlets.
(hoopla or whoopa or whatever the f**** we all suppose to say)
2
Fantastic! Fantastic! New route!
Guys did a lot to make it more rideable for the day with the wood chips on holes and wet spots.
This is a proper mtb trail can't wait to go ride it again.
Well done organizers and trailbuilders. Was ready to stop doing this ride annually because of the previous boring first half in the plots around town. Now it is a proper ride with great, mostly natural trail. I love Bottelary, wrlvanpas, hoogekraal etc. for the flowing trails, berms, switchbacks etc but non have natural raw element that this new trail around the dam has.
Well done - loved every one of the 54 Km's.
The Abortion Issue
in Chit chat
Posted
You just joking right !
Ever watched the news - read any history ?