walkerr

Let's just hope for the sake of Cycling, that CSA aren't using the same approach as ASA: http://www.sport24.co.za/OtherSport/Athletics/Financial-crisis-at-Athletics-SA-20121204

It's a valid point about the PPA not reducing the R75 off the fee - somewhat worse, is that they still cite it as a member benefit on their web site. I dropped them an email on that, since it's clearly incorrect and misleading to anyone considering joining. As for given the CSA a chance - let's see. I'd be very happy if they do deliver, but I remain sceptical - even more so now AndyDude pointed me at the accounts and I had a chance to see how they spend the money they raise.

Agree with you there - as an organizer, and non profit, admin is pretty much all you'd expect them to do I guess. Be nice if less of the money went on it, and presumably left more over to get to the grass roots of the sport. And by that, I don't mean priviledged gits like me with nice bikes ... more in the line of events and support for development cyclists etc. I wonder also how many people will get to the voluntrary R20 for a development rider donation last page now and might pass over it, having already had to add a non-optional CSA fee. Personally, if I enter an event I usualy remember to tick that box - and as above, I've already decided to try a different local event around that same time instead now, so it's immaterial in my case Just a thought.

Sorry - wish I could help you there. The calendar does look a lot thinner this year than in past year's, but I'm not sure what the reason for that is. I know Cape Cobra got shunted back, due to road works I think - shame, was hoping to do that one. Have also seen a note about other peninsula ones also affected by road works, although that can't be the whole reason. We lost Die Wingerd a couple of years back, and the Wellington Lions 96km seems to have dropped off the calendar too this year. Great shame, as it's a nice ride - albeit similar route to One Tonner.

Sorry AndyDude - you are absolutely right, I didn't read it all - I skimmed a few bits. Thanks for pointing me back at the balance sheets though - interesting reading: So - license income, R2.88m - admin costs R2.06m. Again, thanks for the pointer, I'm now completely clear on where the money went.

They buried the link a bit in the info pages: https://secure.entries.co.za/entries/findperson.aspx?pa=se&eid=1589

Yeah - I do actually agree with you that the sums of money we're talking about aren't that huge, especially if you compare with other sports. I just have an active hatred of any govt (or other) body that muscles it's way into a sport, hobby etct and imposes "fees" just because it can get away with it, and not because it adds significant value to the sport.

Not convinced on the value for money part - the Tour de PPA is a week earlier, and follows a very similar route. I'd guess entry to that will be around the R120 mark, for an organised timed cycle event, with support and marshals.

I agree on the R35 or R75 part - compared to what we spend on bikes etc, it's not that much. If you multiply it across all of us that are paying it - someone is putting a fair chunk of our cash into an account somewhere. It's a tax - we don't get to opt out of it if we want to ride those events, so what are we getting for it and where is it going? I belong to a club - and pay an annual fee there. I can see what I get for it. They organise events, setup DC teams, negotiate with farms and build MTB trails (quite literally with guys from the club with chainsaws and shovels). I belong to the PPA - and pay their fee. Not quite to the same degree as my club, but I can still see to an extent where that money goes and how it benefits the sport I love. Now the CSA want a slice of the cake too - so I have to belong to a 3rd organisation to enjoy the most out of my cycling. But I'm very unclear what this 3rd org is doing, aside from skimming some cream.

Thanks for the link. Seems the position of CEO for the WC is vacant, which made me smile: http://www.cyclingsa.com/Article.aspx?uid=1131 I also enjoyed the last paragraph in the CEOs roles and responsibilities: Cycling SA needs much exposure amongst the everyday cyclist. To this end you will be responsible for reintroducing Cycling SA to the cyclist so that he/she can identify with the Federation and understand the dynamics involved in this sport. Thus you will be responsible for marketing and public relations projects and communications not only with the public but also the various controlling bodies. They got that part right! I also liked the Events page: http://csams.cyclingsa.com/event-calendar.aspx Despite the R35 day license, they don't list the 99er as an event. And if you click on the Enter event link: http://csams.cyclingsa.com/enter-an-event.aspx the list under ROAD is looking quite empty. Hmmmm - is that really all we should expect from the all encompassing guardian of cycling in SA. Sorry, R75 was it you wanted?

Sadly as I feared, but thanks for the graphic proof

Intreresting - I think I can see what the R350 might cover, if it's part of racing in UCI affiliate events. But what then does the R35 day or R75 year license provide, or funds get used for if they aren't actually a part of the full racing aspect.

Thanks for the correction - was aware I hadn't got the full story straight

How does that affect anything? I can ride or race in a PPA event without paying the CSA their tax on the sport I enjoy. There's plenty of places to find out how to give CSA their money, but few on what we actually get back for it - not events, or timing, or seeding, or even cycling safety programmes (all of which the PPA do for their money).

I agree on all of the above - but what does CSA actually add to the event, apart from a R35 cost? I have no issue with the price for the event itself, or the quality of the event. But CSA's tax on it? Hmmmm, that makes me less happy with no clear understanding how that money helps improve cycling in SA or future events

Agreed - the PPA have done an OK job in the WC for years though, so why do we need to belong to two now? (three if you include your local club membership) Just my point the CSA is just an oversight body - not 100% they organise any actual events, thyey just take money of the top, and for what?. I'm happy to be proven wrong.

I can't find the original article right now - but essentially as I understand it, the CSA were happy to let the PPA run events in the WC for years. Trouble is, PPA run them well and are financially viable, whereas the CSA are yey another sporting body bailed out regularly by the government. At some stage last year they gave the PPA an ultimatum, let us take you over, members, finances and all, or we'll revoke inclusion of your members as having CSA day licenses with rides. The PPA rightly told them that was unacceptable, and they split. CSA don't organise events, they don't even time them, racetec does that - they don't do the seedings either, PPA and racetec do that too (depending on what the event is). So I have no idea wat the R35 license is apart from being a tax on cyclists. As noted - the above is my understanding - I could be wrong!

I'm pretty sure the Argus is not affected, as PPA are part owners of it - although you've probably already entered that anyway. Not sure about rides in other provinces. Out of principal though I'm not inclined to give CSA R35 let alone R75 with the way they tried to railroad a hostile takeover of the PPA.

I guess this is now the new order of things with the CSA and PPA split - to enter the 99er in 2013, not only do you pay the pretty high entrance fee, but PPA membership doesn't cover your CSA license and you have to add another R35 for that as well. I'm committed to doing the 99er next year, but if the same applies the year after they can stick it .... Edit: Actually - stuff it, I'll do either the Tour de PPA or the Tour de Stellenbosch instead - R235 to enter, even with being a PPA member is a joke. Not gonna shove an extra R35 in the CSA pockets when they couldn't come to a sensible arrangement with the PPA here in WC.

The endorphin high is cheaper than buying drugs .... Edit: revisit. Although, actually now I think how much I've spent on kit, maybe I got the math wrong

+1 on those - work well for me too

True spirit of cycling - well done on helping others out when your day didn't go well.

Guy from our club taught me trick when chain goes off - shift immediately back to ring you were in and pedal lightly (in case it's struck fast). More often than not it hops right back on. I didn't believe him, but tried it last week and it worked like magic - was back on less than 15s after coming off

Nice .... welcome to the house of fun!

brown = dirt = MTB black = tar = road For me - if you can pedal something with wheels on it, I don't care which it is ... long as I can ride