2018 PPA CycloSportif

[FootballingCyclist]

The bike Marshall's were fantastic, we had 2 I think all the way through, there was a Marshall next to our bunch at all times and it gave me a sense of safety, especially considering what happened to Robert not too long ago. There was 1 motorist who was an utter idiot, after we turned left at the bottom of Bothmaskloof descent, it must have been about 5kms or so that's when the wind and gutters started, we were a bunch of about 20-30 riders, and because of the winds everyone was spread out across the left lane, the Bike Marshall was just behind us, then an idiot in a silver Chev Aveo came speeding up to right behind the front bunch and past the riders riding in the gutter and the bike Marshall then gave him the big "what are you doing" hand signals, he then slowed off before passing us on the right about 5mins later, I do feel if it wasnt for the bike Marshall's our bunch maybe have been in a it of a pickle with that motorist...

[Mamil]

If there are 8 sportifs that means a redesign on the coaster ... and makes it harder to get the full set .... so miffed I missed number 6. My eye keeps falling on that hole in the middle of the circle... offends my sense of completeness ...

[Pure Savage]

I think its a problem with our current generation, for R350 we want closed roads, action photography, an ambulance behind every group, a squadron of think bike marshals, a buffet at the water stops, artisinal coffee at the finish, 47 porta potties and no wind on the day.

 

You make of it what you do. 

 

I have never once thought, ag, what a waste of money. Even when I get dropped I go ride with mates a little lower down and help them in the wind, or ride it socially knowing that there is a think bike marshal keeping the group safe. 

[MDJ]

If there are 8 sportifs that means a redesign on the coaster ... and makes it harder to get the full set .... so miffed I missed number 6. My eye keeps falling on that hole in the middle of the circle... offends my sense of completeness ...

 

You can have mine if I can find it . They had run out of medals on Sunday as I rode with all the newbies and we finished quite late - so I'm missing two anyhow.

[Skubarra]

I guess you can criticize the format of the Sportif Series but you have to give PPA credit for keeping the road funrides alive. Few years ago they were still hiding behind the excuse that they don't organise funrides, they just help facilitate organisers who want to organise events. Now with less & less schools & charities interested in organising road races they have stepped up and filled that gap.

 

From the Stellenbosch Cycle Tour in Jan right until the Argus we will now have a road funride every single weekend

[Karman de Lange]

I must say .. my only gripe with funrides is the start time.  My body don't do the 4 am get up thing very well to get there on time

 

At least you finish early and can mow the sand when you get hom.

[Icycling]

I guess you can criticize the format of the Sportif Series but you have to give PPA credit for keeping the road funrides alive. Few years ago they were still hiding behind the excuse that they don't organise funrides, they just help facilitate organisers who want to organise events. Now with less & less schools & charities interested in organising road races they have stepped up and filled that gap.

 

From the Stellenbosch Cycle Tour in Jan right until the Argus we will now have a road funride every single weekend

And a few years before a few years ago - they organized league racing and a international stage racing - Giro del Capo etc. At the time about half the staff of what they have today - that's my estimate.

[Ferro]

I have really enjoyed the series and appreciate the effort put in by the organizers and volunteers.

 

My only suggestion would be to perhaps reduce the queues on the day by having some roving registration personnel handing out the stickers for people who need the sticker only (so not number collection or late entries etc). Maybe also someone in the parking area already. I know we can get there earlier if we don't want to stress out but many people don't get there early enough. I feel bad for the marhsal's trying to control people loading into batches without stickers and then being told that "my buddy is bringing my sticker". Most people were lekker about it but it created unnecessary tension.

[thisismyotherbike]

I guess you can criticize the format of the Sportif Series but you have to give PPA credit for keeping the road funrides alive. Few years ago they were still hiding behind the excuse that they don't organise funrides, they just help facilitate organisers who want to organise events. Now with less & less schools & charities interested in organising road races they have stepped up and filled that gap.

 

From the Stellenbosch Cycle Tour in Jan right until the Argus we will now have a road funride every single weekend

 

That's great!

[Skubarra]

And a few years before a few years ago - they organized league racing and a international stage racing - Giro del Capo etc. At the time about half the staff of what they have today - that's my estimate.

 

The League racing and the Giro del Capo have been discussed to death on many many PPA threads - not going down that rabbit hole today.

[DieselnDust]

I must say .. my only gripe with funrides is the start time.  My body don't do the 4 am get up thing very well to get there on time

 

At least you finish early and can mow the sand when you get hom.

Try driving in from the deep south to get to one of the fun rides

[FootballingCyclist]

Try driving in from the deep south to get to one of the fun rides

Yep I know all about the struggles, All I want is 1(maybe 2) races out this side.. Bring back Bay City Cycle Tour or Ride for Sight or something LOL.. R200 petrol plus entry for every race gets a bit much...

[Karman de Lange]

Yep I know all about the struggles, All I want is 1(maybe 2) races out this side.. Bring back Bay City Cycle Tour or Ride for Sight or something LOL.. R200 petrol plus entry for every race gets a bit much...

Thats a bargain.. I cruise 80 and currently fuel is about R3/km . West coast express costs me R450 just on fuel

[dev null]

Ja, I feel your pain. My Fortuner's 4 liter V6 ain't exactly shy when she stops at the fuel pump.

[FootballingCyclist]

Thats a bargain.. I cruise 80 and currently fuel is about R3/km . West coast express costs me R450 just on fuel

Fortunately I only drive an i20.

[thisismyotherbike]

Fortunately I only drive an i20.

 

I also subscribe to Rule #25

 

http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/#25

 

 

When my wife's bikes are added they may be worth 4x as much as my car