Spruit Attacks?

[jeremyd]

 

(I went to school with the lebs after all)

 

they were lebs when you got there and Nancy boys when you left.

 

 

[TNT1]

 

 

 

I reckon a CO2 bomb makes a good knuckle duster.

 

 

 

 

Ask holy, it apparently makes a good offensive weapon if you spray it in your face... I mean in your assailant's face...

 

[Madala]

Ride it often in the early mornings and late afternoons and don't feel nervous. In fact this morning I was thinking how busy it is getting in the mornings. Probably saw another 30 or 40 mtb people out there between Paulshof and Emarrentia. What I do find a bit surprising is the number of women that walk dogs/walk/run on the spruit on their own. Early this year often rode it in the dark starting at 04:45 from Jan Smuts up to Emmarentia roots and back. Sometimes had to wake the guard at the Delta green gate to get that opened and sometimes had to wait for the Botanical gardens gate to be opened but otherwise no problem. 

 

There was an incident between Jan Smuts and Republic road about 6 months ago where a Camelbak was stolen (mid morning on a Sunday!!) and I think there was another incident in Melville Koppies.

 

Overall I would say that it is safer than driving on the N1 or passing through O R Tambo.

 

Just a few years ago there was a real risk that it would become a "no go" zone but thanks to a few people putting in a real effort it has been saved. Thanks you scruffy mutts!!!

 

Always remember that the more we (mountain bikers) use it the safer it will be. So get out there and enjoy!!

 

Some rain would be nice too.

 

 

  

[Loon]

I think it's always a good idea to pack a small can of pepper spray. I keep one in my car but unfortunately tend to forget when I cycle.

Sportsmans sells the ones that you velcro on to your top tube or stem. That way it is readily accessible in the event of an attack.

Are you saying we can avoid a-salt with pepper?

 

Very sharp Sean

 

stuff the pepper spray' date=' just carry a dagger in your sock like I do

[/quote']

 

But then where must my comb got. I R having to style da doo after a paddel (afr accent needed)

[Sean Badenhorst]

 

 

 

I reckon a CO2 bomb makes a good knuckle duster.

 

 

 

 

Ask holy' date=' it apparently makes a good offensive weapon if you spray it in your face... I mean in your assailant's face...

[/quote']

 

 

Classic! Bombed at 8am...

 

 

 

 

[Nancy Drew]

But then where must my comb got. I R having to style da doo after a paddel (afr accent needed)

 

so what's happening in your other sock dude?

[Loon]

But then where must my comb got. I R having to style da doo after a paddel (afr accent needed)

 

so what's happening in your other sock dude?

 

ride snacks

[Sean Badenhorst]

 

But then where must my comb got. I R having to style da doo after a paddel (afr accent needed)

 

so what's happening in your other sock dude?

 

Hees ankle ees visiting...

 

 

 

 

[Sean Badenhorst]

 

But then where must my comb got. I R having to style da doo after a paddel (afr accent needed)

 

so what's happening in your other sock dude?

 

Hees ankle ees visiting... Hees moms bruvver

 

 

 

[davidd]

I have requested for the contact details of the River Rangers that patrol the spruit, then you can give them your concerns so that they then know what to look out for.

 

Below is an article about them.... (although small, PM me if you want it in big format)

 

 

[Kal-El]

i think i rode the spruit while i was visiting in jhb, nice route, pitty to hear about the attacks. 

[Roons]

Apparently there was an incident at Jan Smuts - 2 chaps jumped out of the bushes with poles and attacked the rider and took the bike.

 

 

 

The second one was a hold up. Apparently 3 guys stopped a cyclist/s pulled a gun out of a bin (near a rubish site?) and took watches, cell phones etc.

 

 

 

This is just 2nd hand news so not sure of the facts.

[jmaccelari]

I'm with Parkview SAPS as a Reservist and we do specials on occasion -

but mainly when there is trouble. We tend to get a gang operating, they

get nailed and then things go quiet.

 

PV area covers East Melville Koppies, Jhb Botanical Gardens down to Delta

Park (Conrad Drive).We also patrol Zoo Lake.

 

We have very few attacks on cyclists in our area - it's mainly walkers and joggers

who are the targets (and normal people walking to and from work).

 

West side of Melville Koppies (behind West Park) has had several

robberies, but that's not our area, so my knowledge is sketchy.

 

Every time I ride the Spruit I am prepared, tho'...

 

[AndreZA]

I'm with Parkview SAPS as a Reservist and we do specials on occasion -

 

you mean 2 robbers for the price of one? Almost like wacky wednesday?

 

 

[jmaccelari]

 

I'm with Parkview SAPS as a Reservist and we do specials on occasion -

 

you mean 2 robbers for the price of one? Almost like wacky wednesday?

Gawd, you guys are quick. Nope: "special operations", and that ain't

brain surgery at Westkoppies...

[slowpoke]

"special operations"

 

cool - so you run around with night vision goggles and heat sensor equipment and blow the bad guys up?