[Event] West Coast Express 2013

[Hairy]

Was gonna park my Fortuner (black; not the 2/4, but 4x4) on your front kerbside lawn.

Didn't know which home though?

That is fine, I warned security about some dodgy Fortuner driver with a crackondale strapped to his SUV with old tubes, duct tape and cable ties.

 

He said he saw you coming and then park on the curb at the pedestrian crossing where the poor old ladies from the old age home could not cross for fear of being knocked over due to cars not being able to see them as they approach the entrance to the crossing ..... apparently there are long horizontal scratches along the side of your van the same height as a zimmer frames handle.

 

[Sportsworld.co.za]

Yeah, I remember you guys from the second half of the race. I was the very tattooed guy in CWC kit trying to keep the pace up. Good riding with you!

 

Aaaah, were you Mr deFeet with the bright Fluo gloves and socks that I remarked on

[DJR]

From an outsiders perspective.

 

Over the past few years this event has always been one that I never look forward to as the parking arrangements and the way that riders would just meander into the roads without looking at the start / finish area was simply just a nightmare. To the point that I would plan to either be home bound on the day or out early to return in the evening again so the I could avoid the commotion.

 

This year, whoever organised the "base logistics" sure did a great job with the parking and general control at the start / finish point.

 

I get stuck like this for the Argus, the 2 Oceans and the Big Walk. Those are huge and takes up a whole day of disruption. The Argus is no issue for me as I'm riding, but I've learnt to just go out supporting the participants, stay home, or flee for the day. I've actually come to enjoy the Cape vibe that these events bring to my doorstep, and I mean that literally!

 

Good to hear the logistics worked well, some other events can learn from this.

[PeterM]

Just some feedback from the sideline: after doing a blistering WCE last year, this year I had some leg problems and decided to volunteer as a marshal instead of doing the WCE race (yeah, you are so right – leg problems as in too little training).

I was at the Melkbos traffic lights where the 85km goes straight, the 65km turns right, and the short route does a left while the top racing-snakes just start to join them for the last 10km along the coast road.

It is a hectic intersection, but nearly all cyclists and car drivers behaved well, which really made it doable. Except of course for that one driver who shouted at our traffic cop (“you F’n a-hole, get out of my F’n way . . .”). We all were wishing that our cop would arreste him, but he was too nice etc.

Than, at this traffic intersection, there was that old traffic official who brought along a new broom and swept the whole intersection free of gravel and glass before the first riders arrived. Us marshals also moved those PPA signs off the tar to next to the road so that no riders (except a MTB’er) could crash into it, which we were sure could happen.

Oh yes, and there was that idiot in a red Merc convertible who accelerated and swerved of the road into the gravel, trying to drive me over (male, white, late-midlife-crisis type) while he laughed himself silly. . .

The highlight was to see and feel the top bunches flying past me, as well as seeing the last few late-finishers, who gave it there all!

It was a long day with way too much coffee, but it was great to give something back to cycling from the other side of the yellow line.

 

['Dale]

That is fine, I warned security about some dodgy Fortuner driver with a crackondale strapped to his SUV with old tubes, duct tape and cable ties.

 

He said he saw you coming and then park on the curb at the pedestrian crossing where the poor old ladies from the old age home could not cross for fear of being knocked over due to cars not being able to see them as they approach the entrance to the crossing ..... apparently there are long horizontal scratches along the side of your van the same height as a zimmer frames handle.

 

 

 

:lol:

['Dale]

Just some feedback from the sideline: after doing a blistering WCE last year, this year I had some leg problems and decided to volunteer as a marshal instead of doing the WCE race (yeah, you are so right – leg problems as in too little training).

I was at the Melkbos traffic lights where the 85km goes straight, the 65km turns right, and the short route does a left while the top racing-snakes just start to join them for the last 10km along the coast road.

It is a hectic intersection, but nearly all cyclists and car drivers behaved well, which really made it doable. Except of course for that one driver who shouted at our traffic cop (“you F’n a-hole, get out of my F’n way . . .”). We all were wishing that our cop would arreste him, but he was too nice etc.

Than, at this traffic intersection, there was that old traffic official who brought along a new broom and swept the whole intersection free of gravel and glass before the first riders arrived. Us marshals also moved those PPA signs off the tar to next to the road so that no riders (except a MTB’er) could crash into it, which we were sure could happen.

Oh yes, and there was that idiot in a red Merc convertible who accelerated and swerved of the road into the gravel, trying to drive me over (male, white, late-midlife-crisis type) while he laughed himself silly. . .

The highlight was to see and feel the top bunches flying past me, as well as seeing the last few late-finishers, who gave it there all!

It was a long day with way too much coffee, but it was great to give something back to cycling from the other side of the yellow line.

 

 

Too much cocaine on a Sun morning...

[MTB_Roadie]

Once ppa and csa thing is sorted, no reason why lights by linea could not work together with ppa to bring many awesome events to both elites and recreational cyclists in the western cape.

 

Dude are you serious? Lights by Linea racing was started due to the fact that PPA did not want to involve themself in racing and rather focus on other things...Lights By Linea is doing a great job, and if PPA don't bring league back next season I think most top riders won't even bother to get an PPA membership as the racing they are getting is way better! I personally enjoy the Lights by Linea racing (although I have been out due to injury)

 

PPA need to invest a bit into racing, it is the only way they will grow the sport.

[DJR]

PeterM

 

You, and people like yourself, have my eternal gratitude and admiration! Karma will be kind to you in your next race!

[Hearts*]

I also want to thank the K group work horses upfront, especially Outriders and CT Giants that I saw up front...

FRAIL did you not pick up the accident with your rear view mounted camera?

 

It was a PB average for me, really upset I forgot my chip on my other bike;-( ... Sent my gpx file to racetec and hoping for the best...

[ccc2]

Dude are you serious? Lights by Linea racing was started due to the fact that PPA did not want to involve themself in racing and rather focus on other things...Lights By Linea is doing a great job, and if PPA don't bring league back next season I think most top riders won't even bother to get an PPA membership as the racing they are getting is way better! I personally enjoy the Lights by Linea racing (although I have been out due to injury)

 

PPA need to invest a bit into racing, it is the only way they will grow the sport.

 

watch what happens in the new year between ppa and the csa regions - the racing cyclist will have a big choice.

[andydude]

Just a quick "Thanks!" to a bunch of The Outriders guys that started well below their seedings in "I" and helped us keep our batch going at such a good tempo, great riding with you lot!

 

Not dissing the Outriders, but if anybody wants to complain about seedings, look at this for why not.

[Breezer]

It was a nice race and the marshals were really good. I just wish I had the legs yesterday to stay with the bunch.

['Dale]

It was a nice race and the marshals were really good. I just wish I had the legs yesterday to stay with the bunch.

 

The big hitters always dish out pain on Never Ender Hill...

Didn't roll in B, Breezer, as I'm nursing an injury niggle. Thought I might meet you.

Throttled down and started in a lower group.

[Breezer]

The big hitters always dish out pain on Never Ender Hill...

Didn't roll in B, Breezer, as I'm nursing an injury niggle. Thought I might meet you.

Throttled down and started in a lower group.

Yes I was dropped on that hill, but next year I will be ready for it. Maybe we meet next time.

[Breezer]

Just some feedback from the sideline: after doing a blistering WCE last year, this year I had some leg problems and decided to volunteer as a marshal instead of doing the WCE race (yeah, you are so right – leg problems as in too little training).

I was at the Melkbos traffic lights where the 85km goes straight, the 65km turns right, and the short route does a left while the top racing-snakes just start to join them for the last 10km along the coast road.

It is a hectic intersection, but nearly all cyclists and car drivers behaved well, which really made it doable. Except of course for that one driver who shouted at our traffic cop (“you F’n a-hole, get out of my F’n way . . .”). We all were wishing that our cop would arreste him, but he was too nice etc.

Than, at this traffic intersection, there was that old traffic official who brought along a new broom and swept the whole intersection free of gravel and glass before the first riders arrived. Us marshals also moved those PPA signs off the tar to next to the road so that no riders (except a MTB’er) could crash into it, which we were sure could happen.

Oh yes, and there was that idiot in a red Merc convertible who accelerated and swerved of the road into the gravel, trying to drive me over (male, white, late-midlife-crisis type) while he laughed himself silly. . .

The highlight was to see and feel the top bunches flying past me, as well as seeing the last few late-finishers, who gave it there all!

It was a long day with way too much coffee, but it was great to give something back to cycling from the other side of the yellow line.

 

Was there any other pics taken of the race?

[PeterM]

Was there any other pics taken of the race?

 

Breezer - see those other two pics. After that it became too busy to take any more. If you want any of them in high Res - contact me.