DMdude Posted March 5, 2015 I understand the disappointment too. It doesn't help to blame anyone but one should try and understand that for many preparing for the cycletour is a little like preparing for the arrival of a baby after 9 months, in this case 12 months, of pregnancy. I am by no means trying to minimize the suffering of those directly affected by the fire and our firefighters who did an amazing job. I think that for me it seems that not enough had been done by organizers i.t.o. a back-up plan that would retain a semblence of a cycletour. Was there never the option to start the race in reverse over Suikerbossie, over constantia nek, past Polsmoor to Westlake and then back to Town on the M3. We would have certainly gotten more than 47km and something that resembles more of a cycle race. Having said that, I am prepared to put all my reservations aside and see if I can make the ride memorable for the sake of everyone affected by the fire.
NixM Posted March 5, 2015 No you can't ride the 109 km routeNo you can't do two lapsNo they won't refund you your R400No they won't come up with another long route before SundayBut be happy,Be happy that you are healthy enough and physically capable of riding a bicycleBe happy that you can afford to ride a bicycleBe happy you are able to plan and pay for a weekend to the coastBe happy that you weren't one of the people who lost their homes in the fireBe happy that you weren't one of the many animals that died in the fire Be happy that the biggest problem you have in life is missing out on the Argus cycle race, because apparently it is.Sandro, I dont know you but I like you, alot Edited March 5, 2015 by NixM Sandro and CrankShaft 2
Sandro Posted March 5, 2015 Sandro, I like 1000X! We drove Ou Kaapse Weg totdat and it looks like a lunar landscape and was still smouldering. We were at Cape point and there was a big fire too. If i knew how to post pics with my tablet, i'd show youIf you use the 'more reply options' next to 'post' then you should be able to attach files, even in a tab.
GrumpyOldGuy Posted March 5, 2015 What a sad thing to happen to this great event. I would be so disappointed if I had entered. Its just one of those things though. Sympathy to all the disappointed people. Having toiled through this thread one thing bothers me a little. If someone is upset at the organization, or feels a better alternative could have been found, it doesn't follow that the person complaining doesn't care about an old lady whose house burnt down. Or doesn't care about burnt animals, or about hardworking fireman. It's a different issue. It reminds of of the days of PW Botha. If you dared to criticize him or his stupid policies you were automatically a communist. Well same thing here. You have a right to not like the shortened route. It doesn't make you a hater of fire victims. Different things. Logic. Yes indeed, everyone has a right to express their view, good or bad, positive or negative without been judged. Its not helpful to point fingers or thump chests, everybody is fighting their own battle and who are we to know what someone else sacrificed to make the event a reality for them. Nobody would deny the physical tragedy or the loss, but many are just despondent and frustrated, they need time to consider and evaluate and come to terms, especially when they are so emotionally and financially invested.    Edited March 5, 2015 by GrumpyOldGuy Capricorn and TALUS 2
Capricorn Posted March 5, 2015 Yes indeed, everyone has a right to express their view, good or bad, positive or negative without been judged. Its not helpful to point fingers or thump chests, everybody is fighting their own battle and who are we to know what someone else sacrificed to make the event a reality for them. Nobody would deny the physical tragedy or the loss, but many are just despondent and frustrated, they need time to consider and evaluate and come to terms, especially when they are so emotionally and financially invested.     most reasonable response in this damn thread yet. The judgements in this thread are despicable. Meerkat82 1
Harryn Posted March 5, 2015 No you can't ride the 109 km routeNo you can't do two lapsNo they won't refund you your R400No they won't come up with another long route before Sunday But be happy,Be happy that you are healthy enough and physically capable of riding a bicycleBe happy that you can afford to ride a bicycleBe happy you are able to plan and pay for a weekend to the coastBe happy that you weren't one of the people who lost their homes in the fireBe happy that you weren't one of the many animals that died in the fire  Be happy that the biggest problem you have in life is missing out on the Argus cycle race, because apparently it is.Well said. If i could use all my likes on this one post I would.
PCT Posted March 5, 2015 My 27th and pleased it was not cancelled - there certainly are enough reasons to have called it off. However, I'll be at the start - another unique Tour to add to the detours, the big blows, the return to Chappies, the last ride over Kommetjie pass in the greatest city in the world. I fully understand the need to change the route.On the positive side, Firstly, I'll take great delight in beating my son's best time for the tour - or maybe I should not count my chickens.... Secondly, the benefit of doing the Tour is in the preparation, not in the ride per se. Meerkat82 and Tubehunter 2
Tubehunter Posted March 5, 2015 I understand the disappointment too. It doesn't help to blame anyone but one should try and understand that for many preparing for the cycletour is a little like preparing for the arrival of a baby after 9 months, in this case 12 months, of pregnancy. I am by no means trying to minimize the suffering of those directly affected by the fire and our firefighters who did an amazing job. I think that for me it seems that not enough had been done by organizers i.t.o. a back-up plan that would retain a semblence of a cycletour. Was there never the option to start the race in reverse over Suikerbossie, over constantia nek, past Polsmoor to Westlake and then back to Town on the M3. We would have certainly gotten more than 47km and something that resembles more of a cycle race. Having said that, I am prepared to put all my reservations aside and see if I can make the ride memorable for the sake of everyone affected by the fire. If they did your suggested route, with Chappies closed that means that everyone living in Hout Bay would be stranded, have to stay home and there would be no motorised traffic in or out of HB for 7 plus hours. What do you think their reaction would be?
Kranswurm Posted March 6, 2015 what about that hill that goes past the quarry onto durbanville hills wine farm ?What about it?
urbanroyal Posted March 6, 2015 If they did your suggested route, with Chappies closed that means that everyone living in Hout Bay would be stranded, have to stay home and there would be no motorised traffic in or out of HB for 7 plus hours. What do you think their reaction would be?Always wondered about Llandudno as well...them being cut off during a normal Argus ...for about 8 hours or so..must be frustrating. ...
GLuvsMtb Posted March 6, 2015 Always wondered about Llandudno as well...them being cut off during a normal Argus ...for about 8 hours or so..must be frustrating. ...Its a very small community and many opt to go away for the day/weekend. The rest are on Suikerbossie giving us a big tjeer.
renburg Posted March 6, 2015 Perhaps it should not only be regarded as a solidarity ride in support of those who was affected by the blaze, but also a ride in support of reconciliation between CSA , PPA and the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust.   Â
GLuvsMtb Posted March 6, 2015 Perhaps it should not only be regarded as a solidarity ride in support of those who was affected by the blaze, but also a ride in support of reconciliation between CSA , PPA and the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust.    It is only a seize-fire, not a reconciliation. Expect some fireworks in the next 12 months, but this is totally off topic, so apologies to those following this fred.Â
GLuvsMtb Posted March 6, 2015 This is only speculative, but I foresee the finish to beN2 to Strand Turn-off. Straight into High Level RoadTurn right Glengariff RoadTurn Left onto Main RoadTurn right at Victoria Road / Main Road RoundaboutTurn Right at Beach Road Roundabout. Mad sprint to the finish. Â Does anyone have any official announcement on the details for the last 10km?
Skubarra Posted March 6, 2015 Yes indeed, everyone has a right to express their view, good or bad, positive or negative without been judged. Its not helpful to point fingers or thump chests, everybody is fighting their own battle and who are we to know what someone else sacrificed to make the event a reality for them. Nobody would deny the physical tragedy or the loss, but many are just despondent and frustrated, they need time to consider and evaluate and come to terms, especially when they are so emotionally and financially invested.     If you choose to "evaluate and come to terms with" your frustrations on a public forum, expect critisism and judgement from people who don't know you (especially if it involves taking potshots at the embattled organisers), you cannot demand the public out there to have insight into your private battles. Blackbeard and Sidekick Racer 2
mazambaan Posted March 6, 2015 Damn, the year I don't ride it gets shortened so less suffering and to leave more eating and drinking time. I'm missing out. Sidekick Racer and Wannabe 2
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