Table Mountain Hot Spot

[kandui]

The attack on Monday is unfortunate as things had been looking good for a long time. I am relieved that Graham was not seriously injured.

The attack happened at a known hotspot. This stretch of trail is important as it links the front of the mountain to Newlands.

I will post an image of the area later this morning to give you an idea of the danger area. I will also put in some warning signage at the approach from both sides.

Be careful in the area BELOW the Kings Blockhouse. Ride in a group, if you can. If not, you might like to wait on the trail for other riders and go through the area together.

If you want to hook up with other riders to form a group, drop me a mail at ride@tablemountainbikers.co.za and I will put out a message to my mailing list.

[Lexx]

Damn Kandui,Its like that everywhere. I was also almost mugged last year by 3 asshole "Mozambiquen" guys when out riding. Luckily I didn't have my cellphone with me, because that's what they only wanted.So even in our small little Komatipoort town, there are assholes trying to ruin our rides. Luckily you guys have nice big group rides to train with. Here its only me,myself and I.

[Dogfish]

Hey Rob, thanks for your hard work in all of this! I also managed to catch your interview on cape talk this morning discussing the issue of mountain safety. This recent attack has left a sour taste in my mouth as I have been riding from Newlands to signal hill allot going through Rhodes memorial and the mentioned hotspot, I do this by myself a few times a week but now I'm a bit shy to do so with confidence. if there are any regular riders that need company I would be happy to join.

[kandui]

The crap thing about the Hotspot is that it is slap in the middle of an important link between town and the southern suburbs. There is no other established trail to get into town, although I do know of a hidden trail which bypasses the hotspot . It would require a climb up Plum Pudding though , which makes it a tougher route.

[kandui]

I have put a rectangle around the hot spot area. The attack on Monday would have happened somewhere between the orange and red arrow, either at the clump of trees (11) or just before that , where the hollow bush is. The area from Point 10-12 in the area you need to be most aware of.

I will head up on to the mountain later today and hammer in some warning sings in the immediate area.

[breaker]

Thanx for your effort in this dude. Last year I was contemplating doing a few table mountain trails alone, as I can never plan these rides, but will def not be attempting this now days.

[DJR]

Thanks for your efforts Rob.

[eraser]

Thank you Robert for all your tireless work, you really are a solid citizen..

 

All the "Table Mountain Bikers" really appreciate everything you do for us.

 

Personally I will continue to ride the mountain on a daily basis!! Everyone out there join me.

Edited January 10, 2013 by Eraser

[Cassie]

Guys, just bought myself a nice compact tazer....2,8 million Volts! I plan to carry that on me when cycling alone...

 

My question is this....If the victim had carried one of these tazers, would it had made a difference? did he have time to get tazer into a position to zap the crap out of assailant???

[kandui]

I put up some warning signs where Monday's attack took place. Signage starts well away from the area,so you are per-warned to be vigilant. While up there I must have come across about 20 people, riders, walkers and runners. Great to see that you are not going to be intimidated.

Occupy Table Mountain!

Edited January 10, 2013 by kandui

[megdobson]

The crap thing about the Hotspot is that it is slap in the middle of an important link between town and the southern suburbs. There is no other established trail to get into town, although I do know of a hidden trail which bypasses the hotspot . It would require a climb up Plum Pudding though , which makes it a tougher route.

 

thank you so much for all the work you put in.

 

Any chance you can point out on map the hidden trail. I was on my own the other day and had no choice but to go over the mountain back home. Was very nervous.

[canadonis]

Hi Rob

 

Well done!!

 

Your efforts to make our Mountains safe is truly appreciated.

 

Thanks you very much

[DJR]

snip snip......Occupy Table Mountain!

 

This is the only way to go in the long term - crowd the baddies out with sheer numbers, it becomes too risky for them and they move elsewhere. In this regard I agree Rob - many more people are using the "Rhodes to Town" part of Table Mountain and that is great.

[JCA12]

In 2011 I was almost attacked in that same area. 2 guys 100 metres behind me got chased but they escaped. The guy at the back saw the robbers coming. Scary thing was that barely 2 minutes afterwards 2 UCT girls ran past. Could so easily have been them.

[Sash]

Can I also make a suggestion is that I often see trial runners and dog walkers going up into that section, maybe go at the busy times and go through together if you are on your own, strength in numbers.

[Forthefun]

Get some police reservist to ride there for a few weeks. These days one needs to carry a Uzzi to be safe. What a great country plagued by crime and poor policing and a inadequate violent criminal system. I don't have the answers, but I heard of two high jackers some months back near Northans farms Jhb getting some of their own back by a irate victim who shot them. They lived but won't try this trick again . This set the recored right for locals who now now it not worth it for a bike! Good news like this spreads fast in community's that have criminals amongst them selves and turn the other way..