Spinnaroonie

I know you're being serious and I can tell it's actually worked for you, so please forgive my ignorance but this absolutely took me out! 🤣 The visual of packing in hot pickled onions and then sprinkling more chilli is hilarious! As it stands, I would propose a 2 prong approach to this OP. Pack in your chillied onions AND some Rennies. This way you wont get heartburn from the onions AND you'll have double the cramp-busting power!

Hey Hubbers! Recently, we've become increasingly concerned about the spike in muggings and violence, particularly along the N1 section that many of us use to get to town, Camps, Hout Bay, and southern suburbs. After some thought, I would like to try a proactive step towards enhancing our safety and security on the roads. I'm in the process of creating a WhatsApp group specifically for cyclists in and around Blouberg. The goal is to provide a platform for us to connect, coordinate, and ensure a safer journey for everyone. **Why a WhatsApp Group?** While I understand that WhatsApp groups can sometimes be overwhelming, I believe there is tremendous value in creating a space where we can look out for one another. This group will serve as a quick and efficient way for us to share our plans, coordinate rides, and, most importantly, increase our visibility on the road. **How Will It Work?** The idea is simple. Cyclists can post a message indicating the time they plan to head into town, their approximate location, and an estimate of the average speed they intend to ride. By doing this, we can form impromptu groups and ride together through the potentially risky areas. Once we pass the hotspot, we can choose to continue riding together or part ways. **Sticking Together for Safety** I understand that the presence of a group may not deter all potential threats, but there's strength in numbers. By sticking together, we can create a sense of unity and deterrence, making our rides not only enjoyable but safer. **How to Join:** If you're interested in being part of this safety-conscious cycling community, please drop a comment below or send me a direct message with your contact number, and I'll add you to the group. Let's come together, look out for one another, and ensure that we can continue enjoying the freedom of cycling without compromising our safety.

Is there a whatsapp group in already place for riders who are from Blouberg and surrounds? There are so many cyclists from this area who have no other choice but to use the N1 section to get to town/camps/hout bay etc. Even though these thugs may not fear a group, I would still feel safer linking up with other riders heading in the same direction. My suggestion would be to form a WA group where riders simply send a message stating what time they are heading into town, their approximate location and an estimate of the average speed they intend to ride in. Once we get past this hot spot, we can de-couple or whatever. I know WA groups are annoying but I would see value in something like this. We need to stick together and create our own solutions to ensure we can continue doing what we love.

I dunno... this one feels like trolling.

I haven't entered yet as I'm not sure how well I'll be able to stick to a training plan with a 2-month-old newborn. My current fitness is not quite enough. I do feel bad for the organisers; I think many people like myself are going to enter but are just waiting for certain confirmations.

Same ol same ol with them. I bought 2 items from them recently, great prices but I had to drive the entire purchase cycle right from the start as they never stuck to their comms of getting back to me. I'm currently at a point where i enquired about a possible product defect on one of the items. They haven't got back to me since a month ago... I like the pricing but I'd +1 to rather support your LBS if you're looking for a proper customer experience.

Someone posted your bike on FB marketplace earlier this week. A Hubber made a post on here about it.

Coming from Marine Drive, one takes an off-ramp onto the N1 towards town. It's the section from the off-ramp (WOMAG) to the next on-ramp (Lower Church St). Trees all along the left hand side.

It really does seem like the topic has been avoided for many years now. But, maybe we get lucky this time as it's the elections next year... The city has documented some of the concerns in the Local Spatial Development Framework (LSDF) for Woodstock/ Salt River and even go on to mention: Redesign Albert Rd cycling lane to provide a physical barrier to prevent cars from parking or driving in the cycle lane. Link the redesigned Albert Rd cycling lane to the CBD and Melkbos cycling highway that goes to Civic Centre. Wishful thinking... If you wish to leave a comment about the cycle lane, here is the link: https://www.capetown.gov.za/_layouts/15/WebFeedback.SharePoint/webfeedback.aspx?id=dca68f92-72d4-449f-a211-29c4b4cef27d Comments opened yesterday and closes in November: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Have-your-say/Issues-open-for-public-comment/woodstock-salt-river-and-surrounds-lsdf Woodstock_Saltriver_LSDF_Draft.pdf

To make matters worse, in the CCT Cycling Strategy dated 2017, there's already mention of this problem. Security is a major concern for existing and potential cyclists and is detracting from the growth of utility and recreational cycling in Cape Town. Concerns regarding security take many forms including attacks, harassment and the degradation of cycle routes e.g. use of the R27 cycle route has been compromised due to security. Can we not start a petition of sorts to garner the attention this matter deserves? It's vital that this piece of road(s) stay accessible to us, as it's often the only means to link riders from different parts of the city. CCT_Cycling_Strategy.pdf

Shucks! Sorry to hear that OP. Very worrying that this route is also compromised now. I'd like to back-up your mail with my own, kindly provide the contact details of your mail recipients.

I commute into town from Sunningdale on Tuesday and Thursdays but will happily do more days. Have you made contact with a group of riders yet? I'd be keen to join.