Cyclist unfriendly establishments

[Klaus]

Its called an opinion, he doesn't like it, this is a difficult concept in SA but it does exsist, some people have them. I dont like it for other reasons but that is my opinion from experience.

[Balsie]

This thread is intended for you to list the establishments where cyclists were made aware that they or their bicycles were not welcome. Where possible please give details ie Place, Date, Time, Names so where the establishments would like to comment or attempt to rectify, they could do so.

 

My 1st as follows:

Place: Beacon Island - Plett

Date: 3 April 2011 @ 14H30

Staff: Porter "Benji"

Manager: "Abraham Jansen"

 

My wife, a friend and I arrived after doing the Harkerville route (it was a dry day) and wanted to sit outside on the patio to have lunch. We were refused access with 1 bike and were told to leave it down below with the access security. I said that I was scared it was going to be stolen and said that I would prefer to take it around to the grass where we will be sitting. We were told by "Benji" the porter that this is not possible. We asked to see the manager and without greeting or introduction "Abraham Jansen" the duty manager confirmed that the bike was not allowed to be pushed to the grass outside by the patio. Without any alternative and being made quite aware that we were not welcome, we left hungry.

 

Shame on you Beacon Island!

We as cyclist are not human sub-species and our bicycles do not carry diseases.

 

Maybe the wheels on the bike were too "dik" to be stored in access security.....

[Bennie Dikwiel]

I come from a 13 year hotel & casino management background and I know when there is a general absence in enthusiasm, friendliness, and empathy by hotel staff. Gauged by the staff attitude from our entrance to the place it was clear that we were not welcome. "You must leave your bicycle at the bottom by the security gate" did not give me piece of mind, and when I raised my concern to the manager regarding it getting stolen it was not explained that they have a facility to store bikes in the basement, locked up with name tags and the signing in and out of bikes. Should this have been explained to me I would have gladly accepted it no problem.

[fabes]

Mine are in the house, they even have their own room.

 

My bikes were in their own room too until we discovered the Mrs was preggie with our first child.

Now that room has become a Baby Room and i have 2 bikes in my room and 2 bikes in the lounge. Dont know how long the bikes are going to be allowed in the room for but i am not saying anything till i get asked to remove them from the room.

 

At least we have another Burry on the way

Edited April 4, 2011 by fabes

[Guest coenie]

Dude get a life they said you can keep it with the security downstairs. Thats where they keep all the guests bicycles. Its a hotel not a vida why should they have their lawn littered with bikes because you SCARED it will get stolen. If you bothered to look at the way the store the bikes you wouldve enjoyed your lunch and the bike wouldve been fine, so stop being SCARED and wake up before you start naming and shaming.

 

I do not agree with you....my bike stays within reaching distance....and I see no reason to to get personal here....the guy stated how they "felt" .... and that is their reality....why be like this.....?

[Delgado]

I find the roads in SA most unwelcoming place of all for a cyclist.

[leet22]

Right or wrong one of Southern Suns new hallmarks is "We will make a plan" Sounds very abrupt the way it was handled. I have passed the link onto my GM to pass it onto other ppl

[Slowbee]

Right or wrong one of Southern Suns new hallmarks is "We will make a plan" Sounds very abrupt the way it was handled. I have passed the link onto my GM to pass it onto other ppl

 

the way they handled argus was brilliant !

[GLuvsMtb]

Here's 2 places that I did not feel welcome with my bike:

1. Vida in Camps Bay. I stopped to order a coffee on my way back from a long ride, rested my bike against the end of the shop window, took off my helmet and gloves and went to the counter to order. I was told that my bike had to be moved, I asked if they had a place where the bike could be kept and the manager said yes - down the road at another coffee shop. I thanked him, put my gear on and left to Newport in Moulle Point.

2. Hillcrest coffee shop on Tiekiedraai road

Now here it was a more subtle situation.

On a saturday morning I finished my mtb ride and went to the coffee shop for coffee and something to eat. I was asked if I had a reservation and said no, but I'm not planning on staying very long. I was told that the restaurant was full, but saw a couple being seated without being asked if they reserved a table. I ordered a coke to take with me and paid something like R20 for the cooldrink.

 

A good place for cyclists is right next door to Hillcrest is Nitida. Here my riding partner and I stopped for coffee and breakfast after a ride and we were welcomed with open arms. We received warm wet face towels to wipe the dust and sweat off our faces and hands. When we asked for water, we received a separate bucket of ice so that we could fill our bottles with water and ice. The food was great too.

[leet22]

the way they handled argus was brilliant !

Thx Slowbee glad you enjoyed it

[TNT1]

Oh, to qualify my prior remarks, my wife would let me keep all my bikes in the bedroom, but seriously, boys, grow up.