[Event] Silver Oaks Cycling Challenge

[TALUS]

A very brave move to organise a race on some of the busiest Sunday roads in Pretoria. Turned out surprisingly successful I think. The 100km route was quite hazardous but a flippen lekker ride.

I hope the event settles as a permanent fixture with greater numbers.

 

Positive criticism:

 

1. Pre-warn residents, maybe with an announcement/advert with route maps in the Record/Beeld papers.

Non-cycling frustrated friends living in the area had no idea about the race, and would have happily avoided those roads if they knew.

2. Change the route a bit not to pass by big busy malls like Woodlands mall.

3. More route markers on intersections.

 

Good job organizers, please be back.

+1

[Unknown MTBR]

sad i didnt do the race! went for a training ride and the route was basically the same as i did, i just went the other way

[Pietervdw]

Fully agree!

[Karooryder]

What an absolutely cool ride! Ja, this was the first (AND HOPEFULLY NOT THE LAST) Silver Oaks Challenge and teething problems are to be expected. But all in all, I think the organisers did a superb job in putting the race together – and also in managing a number of issues that came up on the day.

 

And check this – add 2 muffins which I had eaten by the time I took the pic. Call it a goodie bag; call it a rubbish bag; call it what you want, but this is really nice! (hey, what can I say, I’m easily amused!)

 

 

The only “gripe” I would have is working my butt off at the front of the large B-batch group for most of the race, only for all the wheel suckers to do the usual fresh-leg sprint to the finish after Pretoria road – Hans Strydom right-hand turn off. But that, in part my own stupidity, is a topic for yet another road etiquette thread.

[Karooryder]

By no standards was it the worlds safest race but was a good effort none the less. Also more route markers would have hurt.

Anyway, claiming 1st in the 100km B batch was a nice outcome.

 

I assume then that you were at the front of that B-front bunch that absolutely nailed Lynnwood up to the Babsfontein road! Jeeez you guys made us sweat to keep up! It's been a while since I have had to do Lynnwood Road with its notorious gradual but hard incline at that pace!!! Hehe.

 

Well done on the batch win!

[Helpmytrap]

The only “gripe” I would have is working my butt off at the front of the large B-batch group for most of the race, only for all the wheel suckers to do the usual fresh-leg sprint to the finish after Pretoria road – Hans Strydom right-hand turn off. But that, in part my own stupidity, is a topic for yet another road etiquette thread.

Should have been in the breakaway with me and 2 other guys. You would have still worked, but without the wheel sucking.

 

EDIT: Thanks man! If you did see me, I was the guy with the red and black Vodacom shirt on the bright yellow and orange allu Bianchi.

Edited September 10, 2012 by Helpmytrap

[Andymann]

Also had a surprisingly enjoyable ride. It wasn't the safest, but I know the roads well and knew where the potential danger points were so I was lucky. I was also spat out the back of VB after about 3 seconds, so in the end, it was a 90km TT which also made it a lot safer for me. I'll also echo what was mentioned a few posts back - a bit more pre-warning in the media about possible road closure and congestion (the Race was advertised on Jacaranda, so surely a bit more could have been said reminding about the possible delays?) and some signage(like 94.7 does) would have gone a long way to reducing the stress levels - I managed to contact our Minister about the race, and he sent out SMS's on Saturday asking everyone to leave for church 30 mins earlier - so our congregation was fine = no angry church go-ers!!! The best part for me was the support up Rigel - it wasn't quite Suikerbossie, but I'm sure if the race grows, it will be a great vantage point!

Finally - a few people were directed incorrectly at the corner of Hans Strijdom and the R50 Delmas - I knew the route, so I ignored the Marshals and turned right towards Rigel - but here's the thing - it's the riders responsibility to know the route, but if the marshal tells you otherwise, what do you do? Any comments?

[Cycler]

Jusrt been to an organisers meeting.

 

Looks like a good one!

Organisers forgot to "man" the one traffic light down Koningin Welhelmina - almost got taken out crossing a red light with cars crossing!!!! What happened there?

Otherwise enjoyable

[Grondpad]

 

The only “gripe” I would have is working my butt off at the front of the large B-batch group for most of the race, only for all the wheel suckers to do the usual fresh-leg sprint to the finish after Pretoria road – Hans Strydom right-hand turn off. But that, in part my own stupidity, is a topic for yet another road etiquette thread.

 

I was in that group as well. I read on thehub that wheelsucker are the devil so I tried to do my part in the front, but when we hit the hans strydom climb I got dropped. My legs took too much of a beating. It was my first road race but I guess that is how you learn. I was on the Felt F4 andhad the red capestorm shirt on.

[MONS]

Well my 2c worth - did a last minute entry and totally enjoyed the route. Thought it was well marshalled and had no problems. This was first road race and on my mtb nogall! WOW, some of those cyclists are speed demons and were pumping it. Most impressed. THought maybe some extra route markers along the way would have been nice and apart from that... well done to the organisers - the roads were still hellishly busy for a sunday. That intersection in Silverton was was quite backed up and the taxis were not impressed. Lots of hooting and shouting went on there ! Had a blast none the less!!

[Speed Devil]

Hi All

 

I was one of the ThinkBike marshals yesterday. Unfortunately I was assigned to escort the paracyclists so was not able to enjoy the high paced escort with the faster bunches.

 

We are glad to see the feedback from you, the everyday cyclist, whether it be criticism or positive comments. There is definitely a plan to make this into Pretoria's major race in the future, and all your comments will be most welcome. As with any event that takes place for the first time, there were a few short comings and the organisers realise this and will act upon them next year.

 

Any issues you have, will be looked at when planning the next event to try and improve your experience for next year.

 

To those that took part, well done and thanks for your patience with the marshals, traffic and mis-directions. Next year it will be huge improvement on this year and we look forward to riding with you all agian.

Just remember, without you this race would not have been possible and we hope that it will be even better supported next year.

[Andymann]

Hi All

 

I was one of the ThinkBike marshals yesterday. Unfortunately I was assigned to escort the paracyclists so was not able to enjoy the high paced escort with the faster bunches.

 

We are glad to see the feedback from you, the everyday cyclist, whether it be criticism or positive comments. There is definitely a plan to make this into Pretoria's major race in the future, and all your comments will be most welcome. As with any event that takes place for the first time, there were a few short comings and the organisers realise this and will act upon them next year.

 

Any issues you have, will be looked at when planning the next event to try and improve your experience for next year.

 

To those that took part, well done and thanks for your patience with the marshals, traffic and mis-directions. Next year it will be huge improvement on this year and we look forward to riding with you all agian.

Just remember, without you this race would not have been possible and we hope that it will be even better supported next year.

 

Well that's great news! Here's to 2013....

[Karooryder]

Should have been in the breakaway with me and 2 other guys. You would have still worked, but without the wheel sucking.

 

EDIT: Thanks man! If you did see me, I was the guy with the red and black Vodacom shirt on the bright yellow and orange allu Bianchi.

 

Hell yeah I saw you dude...was sucking your wheel there for a while (in all honesty LOL)...and I should have stayed there it seems . I was in a Craft Leopard Trek bib on the green / black Merida. Lekker man!

[jprf]

unfortunately a poor turn out and even worse very very poor organisation. There was a lack of marchals and thank god the leading junior girl (pair) in the 50KM race were not run over by that car at one of the intersections along Lynnwood road (it was literally milimeters). The organisers should do the honorable thing and refund those riders who did not finish because they took the wrong route.

[TALUS]

Where do these girls normally train? Will they only be doiing three races per year (with full road closures)? Who took the wrong turns? Is it not the rule that it is the riders' responsibility to check the route? It was available on the net and at registration! Last year most of us in the front of the B group in the 94.7 MTB race took a wrong turn, is it now the worst organised race ever? Stop whinging and go spinning or start doiing something to make cycling safer in the whole country! This is cycling everyday for most of us - that is why I do Mtb training and only occasionaly venture out on the roads (and being scared most of the way). Race organisers cannot do miracles. No I am not involved but would certainly not want less races on the calender, and yes I also had a scary moment coming down Queen Wilhelmina at the unmanned ROBOT but was aware and took responsibility for my own safety! Please improve on this next year so that we can return to bigger and better!

[SantaReynolds]

awwww man! there werent any on friday

@SantaReynolds?

Hi Anine. Sorry about the dissapointement on Friday. Please contact me on the number provided on the Event details page and I will make sure you receive your goodie bag.