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Hi all, Was robbed this morning by 2 men, 1 with a gun and the other a knife, while riding on the spruit. It was around 8:30 at the bottom of Old Parks Sports Ground, just before the dog jumps. Took my phone and Garmin watch, didn't take my bike. Don't suggest riding around here right now as they probably gonna rob again as they know they can get away with it.

Newsletter from CSS this am RE Spruit operation: OPERATION: GREENBELT Joint task force deploy midnight operation CSS COORDINATES 114 ARRESTS ALONG THE BRAAMFONTIEN SPRUIT: EMMARENTIA/CRAIGHALL/HURLINGHAM/BRYANFERN/FIELD & STUDY CSS Tactical has noticed a significant increase in vagrants setting up camp in the Greenbelt areas. The majority of these vagrants are unemployed and loiter in the areas bordering the Braamfontein Spruit and as a result of this, there has been a noted increase in criminal activities in neighbouring areas including Emmarentia, Craighall, Hurlingham, Bryanfern, Field & Study. With this in mind, on the 17 July, CSS TACTICAL coordinated efforts in OPERATION: GREENBELT which saw the coming together of a key task force which included members of CSS, the SAPS (Parkview, Linden, Randburg, Sandton, Rosebank) CORTAC, JMPD, City Parks, Pikitup, Home Affairs, ADT and 24/7. The operation focussed on an after-hours systematic patrol of the Greenbelt, in search of criminal and suspicious activity. Operations began at 11pm and continued through until the early hours of Friday morning. The task at hand was to search camps and profile vagrants which resulted in 114 suspicious vagrants being detained. Other vagrants like woman, children or those with illness were also relocated to places of safety. The team also ensured that any litter was collected and correctly disposed of. CSS thanks all the partners involved in this successful mission, which shows the power of proactive private and public organisations when they join forces in the fight against crime!

Hi guys, I need some help. I have a mate coming from the UK in a few weeks time and am thinking of going riding together, but he wont be bringing his bike out for a few rides. So, looking to rent a mountain bike for him to use. Do you know of any places in Jhb that rent out bikes? Looking for something that isnt a PnP special but also doesnt have to be top end more than a car. Thanks in advance.

So I rode the Spruit for the first time in about a year - from Paulshof up to Marks Park and around and down again. Man its great - what a pleasure - all sorts of new lines and upgrades and generally MTB friendly things have been put in by some of the Spruit Fairies. To you guys that have put in the (back breaking) work to make it better for all of us - thanks very much. It truly has improved a lot. I think that over the years it has become a go to trail for many of us. For some reason (i think mud in in summer - which i hate- I stopped riding it.) but I have ridden it in its various incarnations since the mid 90's and it is definitely the best its ever been. Especially when its dry and the mud has gone. I normally do N Farm (was there on Saturday) and Spruit has its beating now. Much faster and much more flow when going downhill (which is what i love). N Farm is so tight and twisty - their trail builder needs to get his head out of his ar$e about off camber turns and tightening lines. Got a good 38kms distance and about 2000 calories. Its not tough but when you turn the bike downhill at Marks Park and start cranking it - man its like a horse smelling the stables - I cant but start to smile and throw the bike around.... Some observations: 1.) Not sure of the security on some sections - I did feel a bit edgy under the N1 bridge in Paulshof as that is an unfrequented section. But generally lots of folks - girls running on their own etc (Hot honeys - man there were some belters). 2.) Lots of Noobs (could tell by the 26 inch bikes with old canti and VBrakes) all over with punctures. Helped some of them. 3.) Nearly had a head on with a guy in the narrow fast sections near Ri9ver Club - it was just unlucky as it was a blind corner where I was dropping in at some speed and he was hidden in the bushes. But its is not the first time and there are lots of moments where I was relying on the other persons skills, which I was pretty sure weren't there. 4.) Normal Stravaholes were there as well - a whole line of them passed me and I hooked in the back for a bit till i saw they were going straight and missing all the fun stuff on the sidelines. These guys were interested in straight line speed and not in riding the bike. Whatever lights your candle boys - but they were also very dangerous when passing people etc. This is going to lead to issues in the future. It's fun bombing the Spruit but in the Delta area you ned to be very aware of the other walkers and dogs etc. Great day out - will be there next weekend as well. I think that Saturdays are best avoided with the Park Run thing happening.