HBay Cyclist

As Karin stated there is a whatsapp group for Klapperkop safety, the idea of the group was more to cleanup Klapperkop and not specifically for setting up group rides. Klapperkop however at the moment should be fine to ride, there are guards at the entrances and guard patrols. I rode over Klappies this morning just after 5 and I must say there were lots of cyclists and joggers thus felt quite safe. I think generally just don`t go off-road while its still dark.

The 2 guys sitting there on Saturday were guards as far as I know.

Wow, I am really glad you are okay, and truly sorry that you had to go through such an ordeal. All the best for your recovery going forward!

Hi Evolve, That gate was discussed at the meeting and something will probably be done to secure that area. There was discussions about adding barbedwire there. Heinrich will be able to confirm the final plans for that specific gate.

Thanks for the information. Do you maybe have details so that we can contact the guys to coordinate?

Thank you for all of you who are willing to join in such a ride. I think we should do a once a week ride and try to keep the surprise element by changing the time of day and also the day. Lets arrange the first ride for tomorrow afternoon at 16:30 or 16, this will give us enough time to work through Klapperkop. Everybody who wants to participate, please PM me your cell no and I will start a Klapperkop riding group on whatsapp. We can then use this platform to arrange all of the details.

I agree with you, the key is safety in numbers, if we come at them with 10 guys there is no way they are going to do anything. In terms of what we take for protection, I believe we must meet force with force.

This is my favourite cycling spot(Klapperkop) and training on this hill is awesome! Please indicate who will be willing to ride in a group and cycle through this area and clean it up before it gets out of hands! It was really safe the last couple of years, we just have to stop it right now! In essence we start sort of a community watch at Klappies.

Even though I didn`t know your friend I was very saddened when I heard the news, it was just to close to home for me with myself and friends cycling on that very piece of road almost every week. So I agree with what you said rather piss of some motorists and get home safe! The whole incident had me thinking last week, how can we get South Africa or Pretoria for that matter more commuter/cycling friendly? Do we start engaging with the government and asking for shoulders on all the roads? What can we do?

Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions, I have a much clearer picture of what to do going forward and am really excited about it. Now I guess the legs will have to do the talking...

Thanks for the link, its really informative!

Hehe, I hope I am not already over the age limit of starting to seriously race but I am 26.

Very valid points. I think the question I have is, is good results top 10 in mayor events or is it podium positions? As an example the Nissan Trailseeker which is quite a good and large series, where should I aim, Top 25, Top 10? Thanks

Thank you, I am super excited about this.I have worked out a budget per year for what I believe the maintenance on the bike should be, entries, and some clothing and it was about R40K per annum. In terms of travelling I think you are correct in saying that it will make it expensive. I am quite lucky with the company I work for, although they said they can`t assist with funds at this stage they are very flexible in terms of working hours, so I plan to do as many of the national events as I can.

Thanks for the reply, this is exactly the type of feedback I want/need. I can totally understand the principle of sponsors wanting return on their investment. I can also understand that there will probably be a pretty good understand of what is required from the rider. As for being happy with where you are.... I am always happy when I am on my bike, now I just want to mix it up with the big boys. And even if I am not able to get any assistance I will still be going all out to achieve my goal!

Haha, tried that, didn`t work.

Hi, I would like to know if anybody on the Hub has gone through the process of trying to get some sort of sponsorship? Or if anybody has any tips in this regard? I started racing again earlier this year but I have now reached the cross road where my training has to increase drastically to try and catch the guys at the front. This in turn means that all of my maintenance cost will also become increasingly costly, thus the need for some kind of support. Any help or advice with this matter would be awesome!

Do normal people ride with XTR? I thought just the Pro`s do.... Anyhow the point i am trying to make is riding a 1x10 will be alot cheaper.

11 Speed cassette = R3400 10 Speed cassette = R800