River Rat Posted October 15, 2015 Posted October 15, 2015 At the end of August I met up with Warrant Officer Richard Lourens while he was patrolling Klapperkop Reserve on horseback. Obviously I was pleased that SAPS were heeding our call for more visible policing of the reserve so I took the time out to have a chat with him.It transpired that he owned a mountain bike but was struggling to get going and was hoping to join a group to show him the ropes. However in his experience he found cyclist to be quite aloof and finding a group to ride with was proving to be quite difficult. Unfortunately he resided in the east of Pretoria and it was impractical for him to join up with my regular group so I took to social media and the PEMBI facebook page in particular asking if anyone was willing to assist Richard. Kobus Pretorius responded that he would contact Richard and I left it there. Today Richard was patrolling the reserve and I asked him how it was going with the cycling. Before he could answer the huge beaming smile on his face gave me the answer, clearly Kobus and I understand a group of mates got him going to the extent that he has invested R50k on a new Scott Dual Suspension and the Cullinan half marathon will be his first race. Thanks Kobus what we have now is a cyclist with the means and motivation who is committed to keeping the trails at Klapperkop safe. Somedays we are simply awesome!
LOOK695 Posted October 15, 2015 Posted October 15, 2015 So much positive in the above posts, it can only be liked????
Spez247 Posted October 15, 2015 Posted October 15, 2015 Good Job RR! How is the Fort these days? Have the incidents subsided?
River Rat Posted October 15, 2015 Author Posted October 15, 2015 Spez touching wood it has been months since we have had any incidents and in the last occurrence sightseers were the victims. To my knowledge the last time cyclists were attacked was almost a year ago. There is definitely an increased police presence to the extent that I feel KK is relatively safe in day time but evidence gathered from our patrols would suggest that there is still an unwanted presence after dark.
Spez247 Posted October 15, 2015 Posted October 15, 2015 Spez touching wood it has been months since we have had any incidents and in the last occurrence sightseers were the victims. To my knowledge the last time cyclists were attacked was almost a year ago. There is definitely an increased police presence to the extent that I feel KK is relatively safe in day time but evidence gathered from our patrols would suggest that there is still an unwanted presence after dark.Great to hear, and it was great seeing you take on this task for cyclists in your area. Thank you. N
River Rat Posted October 15, 2015 Author Posted October 15, 2015 Thanks but sometimes self interest is the best motivation!
Pah Bear Posted October 15, 2015 Posted October 15, 2015 Nice work RR. Very positive progress indeed. The officers first response regarding "aloof " cyclists is something I also think the case. I'm an ex cyclist, converted to running and now do both. My experience, I found runners mostly tend to acknowledge each others presence when they pass each other but with cyclists, you get few people even willing to admit you alive when you/they pass. Be it in the opposite or same direction. Sometimes get the feeling cyclists are (or think of themselves as) an "elitist" group and most don't regard as important to give you the time of day. Just my experience. I will continue to raise the hand, nod the head or pass the cursory 'High there, how's the ride?' as I try to live my mantra.
leeubok Posted October 15, 2015 Posted October 15, 2015 Nice RR! It depends where/when you pass a cyclist, especially an oke on a mtb. Sometimes you can't look up or wave cause you would wipe out if you did! In general I have found mtb riders much friendlier than roadies..
edgarblount Posted October 15, 2015 Posted October 15, 2015 Nice work RR. Very positive progress indeed. The officers first response regarding "aloof " road cyclists is something I also think the case. I'm an ex cyclist, converted to running and now do both. My experience, I found mountain bikers mostly tend to acknowledge each others presence when they pass each other but with road cyclists, you get few people even willing to admit you alive when you/they pass. Be it in the opposite or same direction. Sometimes get the feeling road cyclists are (or think of themselves as) an "elitist" group and most don't regard as important to give you the time of day. Just my experience. I will continue to raise the hand, nod the head or pass the cursory 'High there, how's the ride?' as I try to live my mantra.Fixed it.
River Rat Posted October 15, 2015 Author Posted October 15, 2015 Hey I am serial waver! Even guys and gals on horseback!
Pah Bear Posted October 15, 2015 Posted October 15, 2015 Edgarblount. My initial response was "write your own b*&$%y comment, and then realised I actually agree with you, so ... Thanx for reading my mind. Suppose that's inevitable when you bald. :whistling:
LOOK695 Posted October 15, 2015 Posted October 15, 2015 So what's going to happen to the horse?Hopefully still needed for patrollie duty
Chris NewbyFraser Posted October 28, 2015 Posted October 28, 2015 Cyclists are awesome?? Uh uh! People are awesome. People ride bikes be they remain awesome.
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