Icycling

2 years back / due to fires the race was shortened to 48 km - believe it was still the same line honors winner as the year before - and that year a track specialist Cav road!

Believe it or not most races which are short are hard and many a TDF shortened stage has proven to be the most important - all the way back to 1996 - Bjarne Riis when he basically won the tour on a shortened to about 45 km stage due to weather.

I see almost 1000 cyclist getting a time on race tec - well done (PPA) for having a road race. Where on the PPA calendar do you see 1000 cyclist timed at a MTB event. Remember the Cape Town MTB challenge is not on the PPA calendar! PPA should start doing what the majority of their active members want them to do. - road cycling.

@ and # - From David C - Will probably have to send an explanation to those groups tomorrow. Basically all racing age groups split equally across those 2 start groups.

I have been riding in Cape Town for about 34 years when there were very few bike paths and currently I am wishing that the same was still the case. The City does not plan bike paths correctly and in most case leave cyclist worse off rather than better off. They seem to want to be able to say - wow look what we doing for cycling - but the reality is leaving cyclist worse off. Even the 1m meter law leave cyclist worse off considering the previous law which was never enforces was a vehicle overtakes in a separate lane. When they brought in the one meter law they then added that a vehicle may cross a solid barrier line while passing a cycling - what can I say only in Africa. The barrier line is their for a reason. On one of my favorite training routes, new bike path are about to be opened and they are terrible - I have written letter to the city including PPA but nothing seems to be done. The new bike path on Firgrove way - Constantia although in my opinion in the correct place the surface is so bumpy - I don’t know why the put tar over it - I am a road biker. Below some of my communication with the city - but yet nothing happens and PPA who probably should be offering way more advice on the road bike path seem more interested in MTB bike paths. I have left the email address as if other cyclist using these route are also concerned maybe write an email thus getting more cyclist voices heard. Please also see my email to PPA just below expressing this - PPA have been told about the problem and now the answer is don’t use the cycle path! Great solution by PPA for road cycling - NOT. From: Peter <> Subject: Cycle path and Roads Plumstead / Tokai / Lakeside / Muizenberg area - PPA Date: 06 September 2016 at 7:50:45 PM SAST To: robert@pedalpower.org.za, Cc: Steve Hayward Hi All Andrew and I examined the various bike paths around Constantia, Kirstenhof and Lakeside this morning, so as to get an understanding of areas where improvements could be made and new facilities could be implemented as a recommendation to the CoCT. Simultaneous to the site visits I received the mail below from the City, which raised a concern for me. Andrew will raise this at a meeting with the CoCT on Thursday. The general motorist accepts when there is a bike path that all cyclist should be using it. When I receive a communication "We accept that professional cyclists (sport cyclists) will be more inclined to remain on the road in this instance", this sends a red flag to me – as many motorists are aggravated by cyclists in the vehicle lane next to them when a separate facility is parallel. Robert, you mentioned to me that one committee member is active in the advocacy for bike paths, which is great. Quote from email from Robert 29th August "The City has asked for a Cycling Strategy and one of our Exco members was part of that project and has submitted the first part to the City." My view is that this needs to be explored further, as in many instances segregated facilities are not the answer – rather it is one of keeping the flow as normal as possible so as to not interrupt the direction and speed of both cyclists and motorists. What is needed is signage, and a facility that can be seen and respected by the motorists – but that does not diminish from the levels of quality that cyclists now enjoy. My fear is that segregated facilities worsen the flow of cycling traffic. I would be greatly encouraged if PPA can apportion more of its considerable budget to ensuring road safety and giving more time and effort to aspects governing road cycling. Whilst I can respect the need for efforts to look after MTB trails, PPA was born out of a road cycling event, with the ambition to create safer and more user-friendly routes for road cyclists (sport and commuter) and this has, to a large extent, been lost. Is it possible that PPA could reassign a staff member (or strengthen the support of an existing one) to put more time and value to addressing the road issue? This would be most appreciated. Andrew and I hope that the specific guidelines and focus areas will bring about an intervention that addresses the facilities in the southern peninsula, including cycle paths currently under construction on Firgrove and Tokai roads to ensure that they are suitable for all cyclists. The City is demonstrating a commitment to spend money on cycle paths - surely PPA should be there to assist that they spend it correctly? Regards Peter Wheeler Dear Mr Fortuin, With regards to this comment "We accept that professional cyclists will be more inclined to remain on the road in this instance.” It is clear that the law does not allow for this. When a cycle lane exists, in whatever shape or form, the law is clear – it must then be used by cyclists. This does create a problem in the event of the bike facility being less than adequate – surface quality, non-maintenance, or other design imperfections currently noticed on the Kendal road bike path. More information can be found at: http://www.bicyclecapetown.org/bike-law/rules-of-the-road/ "Duties of cyclists 3. (1) A cyclist riding on a public road must— (a) if the road has a pedal cycle lane, ride only in the pedal cycle lane and may not ride on any other portion of a public road except when crossing the road; or” Regards Peter Wheeler On 06 Sep 2016, at 11:48 AM, Brendon Fortuin <Brendon.Fortuin@capetown.gov.za> wrote: Dear Mr Wheeler I have copied in the depot manager for this area to assist you. Wrt to the NMT along Kendal Road, as this is an off road facility it is accepted that the use will mainly be for commuter and recreational purposes with a yield to vehicles at all intersections signalised or not. We accept that professional cyclists will be more inclined to remain on the road in this instance. Regards Brendon Fortuin Pr Tech Eng District Manager : Plumstead (South) Infrastructure and Plant Maintenance 2nd Floor, Municipal Office No. 3 Victoria Road, Plumstead Fax: 021 444 3808 brendon.fortuin@capetown.gov.za <image001.png> From: Peter [] Sent: 05 September 2016 03:09 PM To: Brendon Fortuin Subject: Re: Roads Plumstead / Tokai / Lakeside / Muizenberg area Dear Mr Fortuin, I hope you don’t mind there are quite a few pics in this email. I met with some your pot hole team hard at work today outside Pollsmoor (they had already done the other 2 potholes in the middle of the M42 I had reported), after I explain what was wrong with the current repair job in terms of riding a bicycle - fortunately at the time the road was wet and puddles of water were very visible in the repair job - they understood my explanation and have proceeded - pics below. As cyclist we are expected to hold our line and stay left and thus most of my reports are to do with the road - within 1 meter of the side of the road and the condition of the road in this area. I will also report potholes noticed further into the road - like on the M42 repaired today. I am also very interested to know how the signage will work on what I believe is going to be a cycle path along Kendal road - I am not sure if you have the answers to this. What concerns me is if this is going to be a cycle path who is going to be expected to yield at the intersections Edison drive and Owen drive. At present cycling on Kendal road if continuing straight then car turning into these 2 road should wait for cyclist. I hope with these new cycle path this will remain the same otherwise the cycle path has basically rendered itself useless to cyclist out training and cyclist training will probably end up back on the road. Please let me know if I must send a report via the city website for all the concerns below in this mail or if it will been seen to by yourself? Below are some areas work on already, the ones worked onto day and some areas which need work. If you feel it would be helpful to meet with myself I will quite happily make the time available. Regards Peter Wheeler

Hubber before you just "throw a fellow cyclist under the bus" for a doping offense of this nature - as some hubber are now finding out its not that easy to know what is or is not legal and yet can be bought at PnP. Apparently sponsors are again pulling out the sport.

This is not an excuse for bad cyclist. But Motorist have to do a test by law in order to drive on the roads - cyclist don't and in certain cases maybe well under the age of 17 years of age. Thus the onus is on the motorist to obey the rules to the T when it come to encountering cyclist esp with regards to overtaking cyclist and doing it only when safe to do so. If the cyclists are not obeying the rules this is not an excuse for a motorist with a license to dis-obey the rules. How many people in RSA, when crossing the road, walk to the crossing points and if possible press the button and wait for the green man as apposed to J walking? Does this mean the pedestrian should become target practice? How many motorist have never have J walked in RSA - my guess NONE, but it still is not legal? Sometimes as a road biker I feel motorist think it's a game of target practice. And as posted before: Here lies the body of Jonathan Gray Who died defending his right of way. He was right, dead right, as he sped along But he's just as dead now As if he was wrong.

Sorry for posting this pic again. But why do PPA put boards up - ditching their own sport people on Chapmans Peak drive - this is one road due to the speed limit, solid white line and the fact that most people are looking at the scenery, that cyclist should and I would go as far as to say, be encouraged to ride 2 or more abreast and not single? Enough cyclist are breaking the speed limit any way. How about PPA lobbing for Chapmans Peak dive to be closed to motorized vehicles on weekend from sunrise to 09h00 from Sep to June each year.

I don't know - but I am not sure if it changes anything at all in SAIDS eyes!

Yes they do - you are meant to disclose what you have been using.

"One study demonstrated that a 30-minute sauna session two times a week for three weeks POST-workout increased the time that it took for study participants to run until exhaustion by 32% compared to baseline.4 The 32% increase in running endurance found in this particular study was accompanied by a 7.1% increase in plasma volume and 3.5% increase in red blood cell (RBC) count.4 This increased red blood cell count accompanying these performance gains feed right back into those more general mechanisms we talked about earlier, the most obvious of which being: more red blood cells increase oxygen delivery to muscles. It is thought that heat acclimation boosts the RBC count through erythropoietin (EPO) because the body is trying to compensate for the corresponding rise in plasma volume.4 (Note from Tim: If “EPO” sounds familiar, it’s because it’s commonly injected by Tour de France competitors. More on that here.) In other words, hyperthermic conditioning through sauna use doesn’t just make you better at dealing with heat; it makes you better, period. I do want to mention that while these gains were made with a small sample size (N=6) some of the later studies that I point out reinforce this conclusion" But there quite a few studies on this (google it - there quite a bit of info). On a personnel level I have noticed thou Blood tests and using a Sauna my Haematocrit and been tested at 50 - this was the legal limit of been safe before they could test for EPO.

I hope you referring to this part of the statement as you stated that it's a masking agent, as this is why I re-posted from the other track unedited! But it should read - The testers need to test for these substances and not masking agents. "I just think the list of ban substances is way to long knowing that only a few have GREAT impact. The test need to test for these substances and not masking agents - the test designers need to do a better job, hopefully possible job."

This was my comment in the other track: Is it a case of one size fits all with doping? So you take EPO and lets say 9 other proper drugs easily detectable, but not easily to get, then Life time ban for sure. But what about those banned substance you can buy (accidentally) possibly even at Pick ’n Pay - should these also be life time bans? I just think the list of ban substances is way to long knowing that only a few have GREAT impact. The test need to test for these substances and not masking agents - the test designers need to do a better job, hopefully possible job. What about artificial stimulating your environment - like Altitude tents, sitting in sauna at gym, H2O therapy - or training in your bathroom (increased humidity and temp) for world champs (Tony Martin)?

I made a comment in another track - Another Adverse Analytical finding page 8 - this is an example off the controllers failing the sport in my opinion. Pseudoephedrine has been on and off the banned list too many times and is way to easy to get even at your Local PnP. Here is what Drug free sport says on it website which is rather vague as to how long it may last in your system / half life. PSEUDOEPHEDRINE (iso-ephedrine) Category: PROHIBITED in-competition only Last Upated: Mon, 19 Sep 2016 Information Prohibited substance: PSEUDOEPHEDRINE - refer to section S6 (Stimulants) of the WADA 2016 Prohibited List. Clarifying information (WADA): - The established threshold levels may be reached by some individuals within 6-20 hours of intake of some formulations. - Advise athletes to stop taking pills at least 24 hours before competition. For therapeutic applications during the In-Competition period, consider the use of alternative permitted medications upon previous consultation with a physician, or apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for the use of pseudoephedrine for therapeutic purpose(s). Find out more and Search on wikipedia

Good news - may I say and about time. Hope PPA will also consider "donating" money to Thursday night Killarney (the racing guys). Possibly the the best regular racing for road riders (no cars, white line and Ambulance always close). Also maybe will mean they know what night not to put the PPA AGM on.

May I add with extension to the league entry till yesterday (Thursday) - you has too ask did they really knot know? I off to Durban 1st thing tomorrow morning for a race Sundays so does not impact the riders I will be managing!

I just watched Stefan de Bod finish 11th at the world U23 TT championships - what a fine performance - well done. I have known Stefan for a number of year and watched his progress since he was U14. He has come to be where he is by hard work and solid advise and help predominately by his club / fellow cyclist in Stellenbosch as a youngster and his commitment / coaching from his father. His father has been seen often taking him motor pacing / encouraging during his training ride even while on holidays in December. So possibly the answer to the question is we all need coaches / advisor / people to bounce idea off. But the reality is the best advise is normally for free. Yes you may pay a consultant a bit for a Vo2 max test - like one may pay for an IQ test - whether you should know the result of you Vo2 max test like an IQ test is debatable like most things in life. But really should one be paying monthly for “coaching programs?” Recently noticed by other Hub’ers as been copies and pasted programs! When the coach is spending time with you on a 1 on 1 level (discussing your recent power files if that what they using/ training plan etc) / small group level in the field - then possible an hourly wage should be paid. But most of what is call coaching in RSA cycling these days and charged accordingly seems far from what is really coaching - well that's my opinion.

I have sent him a msg on this this. My view is in many instances segregated facilities are not the answer – rather it is one of keeping the flow as normal as possible so as to not interrupt the direction and speed of both cyclists and motorists. What is needed is signage, and a facility that can be seen and respected by the motorists – but that does not diminish from the levels of quality that cyclists now enjoy. My fear is that segregated facilities worsen the flow of cycling traffic. The new Firgove Bike lane (Constantia) not quite finish - bad surface - city been notified of this today, is a good example of what I believe the city should be building for cyclist and pedestrians.

From the city representative with regards o the New Kendal road bike lane Constantia. "Wrt to the NMT along Kendal Road, as this is an off road facility it is accepted that the use will mainly be for commuter and recreational purposes with a yield to vehicles at all intersections signalised or not. We accept that professional cyclists will be more inclined to remain on the road in this instance." Lets regards professional cyclist to be sports cuyclist Myself and a better connected person look at this new bike lane on Tuesday (Simultaneous I got the reply from the city), I am hoping the design changes I / we suggested will be implemented and make the new bike path suitable for all - the better connected person is meeting with the city today. My belief is the general motorist except when there is a segregated bike path that all cyclist should be using it, if not designed correctly for sport cyclist, these cyclist even aggravating motorist more - lets hope that today the city see sports cyclist point of view on this new bike lane and changes the design to accommodate all.

Yes I got mine on the 15th of August - as stated!

The beauty of entered and paid already at the beginning of the week!

If I had re joined PPA for the reason off gaurantee entry The Cape Town Cycle tour (not there much reason for road riders other than this to be a member of PPA) and got that back on entry - would be demanding my PPA membership back with cost - in terms of time!

With the last stage of a number of the Giro del Capo been the now cape Town cycle tour - not sure if its that off the topic - but that's my opinion.

Its that time of the year with what a month or 2 to the PPA AGM!!!