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Posted

WWJD.............what would Jens do?

I think its a good call for a host of reasons. Noone can stay on a bike in a 100kmph squall ... not me, not you, not froome or sagan.

 

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Posted (edited)

I cycled from the start to Houtbay and back this pm (like many others). My observations and thoughts after the ride:

 

1. The devestation in Houtbay is obvious and heartbreaking

2. The rubble in the road that I saw in Houtbay was after the turnoff to Suikerbossie

3.​ ​ ​I had to dismount once on my way past Oudekraal on my way back due to a sudden gust of wind.  

 

My opinion:

Despite more than adequate communication from the organizers - my Dad (as an example) was adamant to ride. He does not have the skill to deal with these conditions. My father is a reasonable example of the type of cyclist that should be protected from him- or herself. Thus the decision is more vindicated as far as weather is concerned in my opinion.

 

BUT:

The great tragedy of the shack fires in Houtbay could not have been a major consideration in the decision-making in this matter. It is a human tragedy of epic proportion - surely matched by other disasters elsewhere in our tragic country but no less or more important than any other instances of human suffering at any one moment. Shack fires in Alexandria is just as heart wrenching as any other but somehow it appears just not to be as serious as a fire in Houtbay over CTCT weekend in the opinion of the (Cape Town) cycling public. I will gladly donate to a social cause for the support of the poor people involved in this disaster (as we did for firefighters two years ago). It just does not imply any disrespect or apathy if I actually ride my bike in the vicinity of the disaster.

 

Let us just admit that the REAL two issues were:

 

1. The wind - it was a true and valid issue that may or may not be a issue in the near future again. It is an integral part of this race and most people can understand that, and will individually decide whether they are prepared to take the risk iro the Cape Doc or not when entering again.

 

2. Politics. This was the stated initial interference with this race. The importance is massive. The OMTOM is imminent. Future events (not only sporting) are all relevant. By accepting or stating that it is reasonable /understandable to do so and by defending such disruptive behavior it implies such an individual is happy to sacrifice all future mass participation events in this region. The reality is that as long as any number of individuals (large or small) is prepared to disrupt the functions of normal society, such as sporting gatherings, no matter what the long-term outcomes are, this event is at peril. We all know that our elected leaders are to blame much more for money wasting and squandering of resources than a small band of cyclists hoping to cycle around the Peninsula. 

 

My Point:

By painting this with the PR brush (everything but reality) we are fooling ourselves. Today it was mainly the wind - fair enough, but initially (and ultimately) the "leaders" held sport in the WC at ransom.

 

Cape Town and the Western Cape will have to decide whether the CTCT, OMTOM and many other events are purely irritants or generators of employment and income of around R500 million per event. If the events are to continue it is obvious that some communication and education is needed. The Golden Goose comes to mind.... 

Edited by TALUS
Posted

The world has become a selfish disrespectful place where inconsiderate people live... now I'm generalising, but, you have people complaining about the event not talking place... because of whatever the reason is that canceled it.... but as previously mentioned, people's residences are burning and all we worried about is a damn fun ride? WTF is wrong with you people? It's the selfish uncompassionate opinions of people that causes this world to sink deeper into hate and chaos! For F@ck sakes get over yourselves!

So, why did you enter in the first place?  Why not rather volunteer as a firefighter, and sit at home over week-ends, rather than ride your bike, in case you are needed?  Why not skip that nice steak the next time, and donate the money instead? Give your bike to somebody that can use it to commute to work?

 

Or...

 

Rather just grow up...

Posted (edited)

So, why did you enter in the first place? Why not rather volunteer as a firefighter, and sit at home over week-ends, rather than ride your bike, in case you are needed? Why not skip that nice steak the next time, and donate the money instead? Give your bike to somebody that can use it to commute to work?

 

Or...

 

Rather just grow up...

Um, who said I had an entry? And, um what are you on about?

 

Did I maybe hit the nail on the head with what I said and now you taking offence? And you say I should rather grow up? Nice....

 

I'm not going to argue or cause a stir with you, because clearly you better than me... I wish you an awesome satisfying life... good day to you...

Edited by ZakAttak
Posted

http://mobi.iafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2184424.JPEG

 

Reminds me of the fires a couple of months back and everyone was out running around trying to rescue people and animals and Brick homes and the safety of mtb trails. All these people have are their shacks with an earth floor. They dont even have a concrete base so they could at least have a toilet and running water like alot of wooden chalets at some camp sites. Surely this could be done for the very least, instead of block and block and blocks of communal toilets.

 

Posted

 

Reminds me of the fires a couple of months back and everyone was out running around trying to rescue people and animals and Brick homes and the safety of mtb trails. All these people have are their shacks with an earth floor. They dont even have a concrete base so they could at least have a toilet and running water like alot of wooden chalets at some camp sites. Surely this could be done for the very least, instead of block and block and blocks of communal toilets.

 

This is a sad state... To see kids and parents with kids in the state that they currently in, no roof/shelter... 

 

Where to put their heads next...

 

Just looking at the photos I can "feel" the heat resonating from those flames... I feel for these folk... May the almighty be with them and uplift them out of this...

Posted (edited)

and vote Zuma

Democracy

She's beautiful ain't she ????????????????????????

 

Some here even voted for some terrible tyrants leaders in the past

Let's just show the can of worms

And not open them ????

Edited by 'Dale
Posted

First weekend of April would be a much better time to hold the race. Significantly reduced chance of strong winds in April compared with early March.

And when Easter happens to be first weekend of April?

 

There's nothing wrong with the date.

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