Self defence when cycling (and other sports)

[justinafrika]

A close encounter. 

I routinely move off the cycle path or pavement when two or more pedestrians approach while I’m on the way to trails. This morning around a bend on the cycle path, too late I saw them drawing knives.

Two hard pedal strokes, late swerve, hit the thug on the left with my right shoulder and arm.  

Luckily all three of them were smaller and I still resemble that eighth-man that I was decades ago, so when I dropped my shoulder into the thug’s head he went flying.  I veered off the path and only just prevented falling, stopping maybe 8 metres past them.   When I looked back the thug was face down on the concrete cycle path.  Shouted “T-S-E-K!!!”, laughed and pedaled away.  Further away I looked back and the poor guy was still lying motionless.  

Am I allowed to say I enjoyed decking someone who attacked me? I absolutely did.  Let’s hope they’re permanently put off trying to tackle cyclists.

Edited July 16, 2022 by justinafrika

[Robbie Stewart]

On 7/16/2022 at 5:21 PM, justinafrika said:

A close encounter. 

I routinely move off the cycle path or pavement when two or more pedestrians approach while I’m on the way to trails. This morning around a bend on the cycle path, too late I saw them drawing knives.

Two hard pedal strokes, late swerve, hit the thug on the left with my right shoulder and arm.  

Luckily all three of them were smaller and I still resemble that eighth-man that I was decades ago, so when I dropped my shoulder into the thug’s head he went flying.  I veered off the path and only just prevented falling, stopping maybe 8 metres past them.   When I looked back the thug was face down on the concrete cycle path.  Shouted “T-S-E-K!!!”, laughed and pedaled away.  Further away I looked back and the poor guy was still lying motionless.  

Am I allowed to say I enjoyed decking someone who attacked me? I absolutely did.  Let’s hope they’re permanently put off trying to tackle cyclists.

Sorry to hear this was even necessary. Glad to hear you came away unscathed. Which cycle path did this occur on?

[justinafrika]

2 hours ago, Robbie Stewart said:

Sorry to hear this was even necessary. Glad to hear you came away unscathed. Which cycle path did this occur on?

Near home, after turning from Fordyce downhill into 9th Ave, Walmer on the way to Baakens Valley trails.  A friend’s father was bikejacked right outside my home about 10 years ago and I’m always 360° vigilant (edit: and not anxious about it).  

Shoulder’s not in actual pain, from when I hit his head, but it still has a warm “glow”.  Lekker.  🤣

Edited July 18, 2022 by justinafrika

[peetwindhoek]

6 minutes ago, justinafrika said:

Near home, after turning from Fordyce downhill into 9th Ave, Walmer on the way to Baakens Valley trails.  A friend’s father was bikejacked right outside my home about 10 years ago and I’m always 360° vigilant (edit: and not anxious about it).  

Shoulder’s not in actual pain but it still has a warm “glow”.  Lekker.  🤣

I assume you used your "afstamp arm" aka "die bus is vol"

[Murrob]

On 6/18/2022 at 3:38 PM, Jewbacca said:

We call it 'spicy Gravel' and we do it on road bikes. 

The section that has the gate in the middle and then climbs up to the mossy red brick paving. We pop out the boom, head up towards the restaurant gates then hang a left to join the top of suikerbossie. It's very rideable on road bikes. 

Descend suikerbossie and head on to chappies. Job done

Hey, from the big smoke and keen to understand this detour, as we want to ride the route this weekend, did look on the map to try figure it out, but not getting it. Could you elaborate or better yet, draw a picture for us geographically challenged folks please, would be most grateful. 

[Jewbacca]

5 minutes ago, Murrob said:

Hey, from the big smoke and keen to understand this detour, as we want to ride the route this weekend, did look on the map to try figure it out, but not getting it. Could you elaborate or better yet, draw a picture for us geographically challenged folks please, would be most grateful. 

Turn up at the world of birds from Valley road. The road goes up.... Stay left on the tar and go straight up. 

The top of the road becomes the red brick pave, go right again at the 'V' split there. You head up to a gate. Ring the bell, keep going up up up and you will exit out the booms and be on Suikerbossie!

[Murrob]

43 minutes ago, Jewbacca said:

Turn up at the world of birds from Valley road. The road goes up.... Stay left on the tar and go straight up. 

The top of the road becomes the red brick pave, go right again at the 'V' split there. You head up to a gate. Ring the bell, keep going up up up and you will exit out the booms and be on Suikerbossie!

Thank you. Much appreciated, coffee on me if we ever meet. Cheers M