Cycle Lab bullies need to be addressed

[PietSw]

This time of year is always going to get heated in the cradle.

I have ridden with the CycleLab A/B and C1 batches this year.

The pace is high, and they usually stay to the right of the yellow line, as there are so many other riders in the yellow lane.

There are also a lot of novices out there, and some of them are not able to hold their line.  The last ride I did with them was about 4 weeks back, while riding up hill to the circle after Toadbury, a cyclist drifted over outside the yellow lane.  The speed differential was high and most of the CL group were out of the saddle at the time.  When I saw the rider it was too late to even shout/indicate that we were approaching, and I had to change direction suddenly, luckily we were climbing, and the group had thinned out somewhat, otherwise it could have been rough.

 

We all need to remember that we were all novices at some point.  We need to grow a thicker skin (I was shouted at by a rider in yesterdays race for not holding my line, I had no choice, there was a touch of wheels and we all had to take evasive action)

 

We need to get along.

 

I also can't wait for the quieter winter months in the cradle.

This is my opinion also... I am a novice on the bike and although I have grown a VERY thick skin playing Gauteng Club Cricket for 20 years and can handle whatever verbals come my way ( I can write a book on that ), there are many people who are already nervous just being out there with cars coming from behind. 

 

My Honest Opinion goes like this... The guys with years of cycling experience is just that... Experienced. I don't think its fair for you okes to expect a 30 year old, over weight computer nerd, who still gets a hiding from his mom, to know what to do when 30 riders comes flying by at 40kph. The onus should be on you to avoid him, not shout at him to get out of the way. 

 

It's like when I drive on our public roads. When I approach a Taxi, I literally expect him to do something stupid, hit the anchors, swerve or push in. When it happens, I'm prepared for it "because I expected it" . If it does not happen... well then bonus.

 

All I am saying is, I know you guys have been on the saddle for 100km, I know you are tired, I know you are training, I know we would want it perfect with sealed off roads without any mixing of skill levels. But we do not live in a Perfect world, not too mention a perfect country (apart from the Nature bit of SA).

 

For all you know its the first time this dude has been on a bicycle since primary school, how is he supposed to know what to do. It also does not mean that you have more right than him to be there.

 

Just try and rather avoid him... Use your experience to navigate safely..

 

I'm not trying to make enemies here, I'm just trying to see it from the opposite side also.

[Edition 507]

As they say in the classics "If you can't beat them, join them", so OP, don't be a Pushee all your life, get into the front of that CL bunch and become the Pusher!

[EmptyB]

been about a year...........same procedure as last year?...same procedure as every year

.....same procedure as every year James!

[slickandtyred]

Anyone contacted Mr Cyclelab for comment or another version of what transpired...

 

The 3rd and often silent version is what is really sort.

[Chris NewbyFraser]

Toyota SA sponsors them. Maybe we should address these comments to them?

 

Alternatively, use your pepper spray to deal with the jerks. After all, a push as described is in fact an assault. You are allowed to defend yourself

[Brickleberry]

Toyota SA sponsors them. Maybe we should address these comments to them?

 

Alternatively, use your pepper spray to deal with the jerks. After all, a push as described is in fact an assault. You are allowed to defend yourself

ive heard it's illegal to carry pepper spray in SA. Anybody have any real idea on this?

[DIPSLICK]

ive heard it's illegal to carry pepper spray in SA. Anybody have any real idea on this?

If you can't ID me you can't lay charges,,,that's a joke, I couldn't care less I'll take my chances legally rather than some oke putting a knife into me, on my commutes my spray is attached with industrial Velcro to my commute pack on the strap 2 seconds and I got it,,,worse case scenario I get pepper sprayed, I'll take that over stabbed or shot any day of the week

[mrbaker]

I don't like them....joined a group once and the oukies chriped me too much.....stuff like...."this is Cycle Lab not Cycle Flab"

Hahaha- that is funny though...I will add that to my repertoire for my next ride

[BarHugger]

Anyone contacted Mr Cyclelab for comment or another version of what transpired...

 

The 3rd and often silent version is what is really sort.

I laid a complaint with Gerald theKok and he just brushed it off........

Edited February 22, 2016 by BarHugger

[slickandtyred]

Until it happens to them...

[The expat cyclist]

Hmpf. I think that sometimes people just don't like being overtaken....not in cycling, not on the highway and not in life.

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

Roadies... This is why I ride a mtb. People shouting at each other doesn't sound like fun to me! yeah I know mtb'ers sometimes shout track, but I've noticed most of the time they will sit behind you for a little while to see if you would give track, and only if you don't they'll ask politely if they can pass. At least that's what they do at the back end of races!

At the XCO#1 there was this laaitjie that came to lap me. I saw him coming and was looking to give him some space to pass. Before I knew it he was on on my wheel saying: "Track Oom, Track Oom" I felt like giving him a snot klap, He made me feel old and slow at the same time. But Kudos, that kind of respect I'm seeing less of with youngsters

Edited February 23, 2016 by Oufy MTB (Roadie)

[Milosh]

In fairness us Guys that only use the Cradle to warm up for 94.7 must drive the proper roadies mal !

 

Back on topic - Its a fast dangerous sport and if a bit of shouting at me when I am getting it wrong makes it safer for all  , all good ;-)

 

A thank you afterwards would tone it down and  make it ok ! 

[Mojoman]

weekends in the Cradle.....!

 

[V12man]

Due to an overwhelming positive response from Cycle Lab marshals, I believe this post has been removed from Facebook.

Self defence or more bullying?

[Tromp]

 

really is that what I said?

http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac218/Uther2/Working%20Uploads%202/1307337_o_zps4d6841e0.gif

Point of order . EFF verses DA on the steps outside Parliament ? Edited February 23, 2016 by Tromp