Terrifying experience

[MeganThorpe]

Please take extreme care riders:

 

A very unfortunate incident happened this morning. A group of 12 riders set off to Randfontein. We decided to get off Ontdekkers Road and took a back route which took us past the Informal settlement on Albertina Sisulu Road. We were attacked by a group of about 30 high, drunk individuals, men and women who took delight in pulling one of the guys at the back of the ride off their bike and beating the crap out of him. We were helpless, and could do nothing. Geoff managed to get away after been dragged along the tar, kicked, punched and taunted. A gun and a knife were shown in Brandon's face. Two bikes were stolen, a Specialized with Token wheels, a Raleigh, and a cell phone. A lady stopped and was absolutely amazing, thank you whoever you are. She phoned the police immediately and took Geoff and Brandon to the police station. Luckily Geoff has no broken bones, only bruising. To Pete, Marion, Ken, Wendy, Brandon, Brad, Martyn, John, Hayden and Wendy's neighbour, thanks. What an amazing group of riders. Keep strong everyone.

 

I think we all need to be more vigilant on our rides and avoid areas which are slightly dodgy.

 

Thank you to everybody who has sent messages of assistance and love.

 

 

[Butterbean]

Very sad to hear. And there shouldn't be a but, but it is South Africa, and we shouldn't have to tell you, it's dangerous enough on main routes, nevermind dodgy routes, even in groups.

 

The only time you should mess with this is when you might need to cut a ride short, but please be careful. Sunday afternoon is when everyone in our lower income areas is properly soused, and looking for a fight.

 

Hope you all heal well and fast, and that you had insurance on the bits stolen.

[Patchelicious]

Very sorry to hear about this.

 

Could you please post a map/drop pin to where this happened? I want to be sure to avoid it!

 

Thank you for the heads up!

[GaryvdM]

I was not involved in this incident, but taking a guess it was the location close to the Princess rail station.

 

https://www.google.co.za/maps/dir/-26.1324911,27.8509154/-26.1347988,27.8561905/@-26.1336238,27.8524681,506m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!4m1!3e0?hl=en

 

Cresta Wheelers used to ride there, but started having issues. We now switch from Albertina Sisulu onto Ondekers at Corlett when returning from Randfontien to avoid this Area.

[GaryvdM]

 

Please take extreme care riders:

 

A very unfortunate incident happened this morning. A group of 12 riders set off to Randfontein. We decided to get off Ontdekkers Road and took a back route which took us past the Informal settlement on Albertina Sisulu Road. We were attacked by a group of about 30 high, drunk individuals, men and women who took delight in pulling one of the guys at the back of the ride off their bike and beating the crap out of him. We were helpless, and could do nothing. Geoff managed to get away after been dragged along the tar, kicked, punched and taunted. A gun and a knife were shown in Brandon's face. Two bikes were stolen, a Specialized with Token wheels, a Raleigh, and a cell phone. A lady stopped and was absolutely amazing, thank you whoever you are. She phoned the police immediately and took Geoff and Brandon to the police station. Luckily Geoff has no broken bones, only bruising. To Pete, Marion, Ken, Wendy, Brandon, Brad, Martyn, John, Hayden and Wendy's neighbour, thanks. What an amazing group of riders. Keep strong everyone.

 

I think we all need to be more vigilant on our rides and avoid areas which are slightly dodgy.

 

Thank you to everybody who has sent messages of assistance and love.

 

 

Sorry to hear. This is awful.

[Patchelicious]

I was not involved in this incident, but taking a guess it was the location close to the Princess rail station.

 

https://www.google.co.za/maps/dir/-26.1324911,27.8509154/-26.1347988,27.8561905/@-26.1336238,27.8524681,506m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!4m1!3e0?hl=en

 

Cresta Wheelers used to ride there, but started having issues. We now switch from Albertina Sisulu onto Ondekers at Corlett when returning from Randfontien to avoid this Area.

***! ???? Will be sticking to Ondekers!

[AryM]

Wowzers,

Our club (Esmero Cycling) & associated clubs (New Horizons, Westgate Wheelers) use these routes quite often. That's terrible, hope everyone is OK.

[Pure Savage]

WTF....

[shaper]

Not good to hear and thanks for sharing, must have been traumatic!

[Sepia]

Bad week for cyclists all round this week end I would say.

What is happening out there, all over the country?

Are us cyclist up to the gills in "substances?"  IE: Testosterone overload?

 

Best get on your bike and ride it now for tomorrow may never happen.

[Skott5]

A group of 12 !!!

Safety in numbers doesn't even gaurantee safety anymore.

What next - armed escorts ???

Sorry to those cyclists in this incident. Stay strong 

[G e r h a r d Odendaal]

This is ridiculous. We need to be careful.

[travisza]

***! Will be sticking to Ondekers!

Same! Thats way to close to one of my normal routes for comfort.

[Patchelicious]

Same! Thats way to close to one of my normal routes for comfort.

Rode it on Saturday.....

[Spirog]

I'm glad you all got out safely. It's tough when you have to choose between the dangers of lots of cars or agro pedestrians.

[Christian van Zyl]

I was asked at Eurobike why South Africa has consistent sell through on Indoor Trainers all year round despite the great weather... 

 

Enough said... 

 

Sad story, stay strong guys and girls.