"Mass Ride"

[Cicada]

Hi Guys,

This is more or less what we have in mind.

We are still "working" on the name. We feel that we want to be a bit more creative, so we hope to come up with a more "funky" name. Even a "catchy" word in one of the black languages will do just fine. So, if you have any suggestions, please let us have it!

The idea is to get well-known people to take part. The only way that we'll get the attention of the press! Unfortunately most of our top cyclists aren't even commonly known to the general public. On the other hand, let's face it, the Stormers will draw a lot of attention. Cricketers, retired or current, will probably have the same impact. This is merely an example. Thankfully quite a few "celebs" have committed themselves already!

It really is time that we all stand up for our convictions. Too many cyclists have been killed or injured by the indiscretions of motorists. The stats are really really shocking of how many "hit and run " accidents we've had this year alone Three days ago, in Gauteng, a cyclist was killed and two of his friends landed up in hospital! Not to even mention the case of the late Simon Streicher in Milnerton. Let us take a stand and take hands in this serious matter. Come and join us!
The planned agenda as follows:

Date : June 21, 2008

Various groups meet at the V&A Waterfront

We cycle from the Velodrome (where there is ample parking and a "car guard")

Riders from Somerset West, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Somerset West join us here

We leave not later than 08h00 in order to meet the other groups at 10h00 at the V&A

Cycle at 20-25km/hour

Meet the groups from Constantia, Table View, BEN at the V&A

Somebody will say a few words for the benefit of the press

Joint groups will do a short ride through Sea Point and back to the V&A where we'll each go our separate ways.

I would like you to get confirmation of the "celebs" who you think would be interested in taking part. Pass it on to me so that we can get the attention of the press!

We are positive that this effort will not go unnoticed. That it will make the difference we envisage!!

Kind regards

Jan Opperman
082 889 6380

[splat]

Sounds great. Who is leading/organising the ride in from the Southern Subburbs? Where will the meeting point be and what time will the ride start?

[hagar]

great idea why dont we invite hellen ziller to take part as well ???

[butafly]

very good idea BUT why do you want celebs?????who would the general public take more seriously Bobby Skinstad on a bicycle or young Mr Kapp in a wheelchair. i could never take the "freedom fighters" who walked in front of the mass demostrations in the 80's seriously (Boesak and Co) because i knew that they were only there for their own publicity.

[Cicada]

Splat: I spoke to Gary at Cyclelab - they will be the facilitators in the Southern Subs

Hagar: Had the same idea - she's very busy - TIME!! We want to get going! Winter and darkness very much present!

Butafly: The press will only be interested if "names" are present. There are simply not enough motorists on the roads at 08h00 on a Saturday morning to make any impact, even though the group might be pretty big! So we need the press!

Cicada2008-05-29 11:30:09

[City Cycling Athletic Club]

Hi Jan,

CCC can meet up with Cycles Diret and Outriders at the Wooden Bridge but i think we would need official permission and traffic police lead us thru to the V&A. the last thing we need is an unruly mob barrelling thu traffic lights on our way to CT.

 

Graham 

 

[Cicada]

Hi Graham,

As long as the guys commit themselves, we can sort out the logistics later!

Sure the Traffic Dept will have to be present.

[cranky.man]

yip enough is enough, pls keep this post updated on the meeting place for the sourthern suburbs group..... i would really like to join

 

 

[joevan]

Graham,

 

I'm in!! How about dragging our local councillor along as well, he's had a long rest after his last safe cycling day in our area???

 

Joe

[City Cycling Athletic Club]

Graham' date='

 

I'm in!! How about dragging our local councillor along as well, he's had a long rest after his last safe cycling day in our area???

 

Joe

[/quote']

 

 

Hi Joe , we can put him on a tandem.

[Chrispy]

Great idea Jan! Keep me posted I will organise a good couple of youngsters to join from the Velodrome.