Tour of South Africa Shocking

[Tubehunter]

There's a Tour of South Africa going on???? WOW! Feel a little uninformed....

 

Maybe need to check Hub more regularly and not just leave the page open in an idle browser.

[perry]

absolutely useless

[Shanster-SA]

Disappointing really

 

Lucky for them the new toll road system aren’t working yet cause all of them

Would have to fork out extra cash to use our wonderful highways for nothing lol

[Cassie]

Check out the Joe public's comments on this issue...interesting, but I think we know most of the sentiment already!

 

http://www.beeld.com...e-wiel-20110220

 

Cyclists are just not liked /tolerated on SA roads...it will not ever change!! Finish en klaar...

[Tubehunter]

Check out the Joe public's comments on this issue...interesting, but I think we know most of the sentiment already!

 

http://www.beeld.com/Suid-Afrika/Nuus/Onbeskofte-Sandton-motoriste-steek-stok-in-fietsren-se-wiel-20110220

 

Cyclists are just not liked /tolerated on SA roads...it will not ever change!! Finish en klaar...

 

http://www.beeld.com/Suid-Afrika/Nuus/Onbeskofte-Sandton-motoriste-steek-stok-in-fietsren-se-wiel-20110220

 

Fixed the link. Crazy to see how clueless some of the posters on the beeld commentary section are about what this event is. Further need to market this correctly and well in advance of it, so that Joe Public don't react to this as simply another fun ride cycle race to cater for some joy riders.

Edited February 21, 2011 by Tubehunter

[scotty]

Nothing in the Star

 

Even the results page only has the Tour Oman.

[TNT1]

Nothing in the Star

 

Even the results page only has the Tour Oman.

 

 

On sunday morning, I did the macsteel carnival city route, I was listening to 5fm, they had like this half hour sports bulletin, all soccer and rugby. I phoned in and complained. I heard the dj asking at the next sports bulletin why he still wasn't getting any cycling news. Dunno, but I tried...

[Brandon P]

 

As a cyclist I was only aware of the race by chance, thanks to a friend informing me of it > Poor media coverage.

Riding out to watch the race from the top of Sandton drive we noted how quiet the roads were - imagine we had the expected busier traffic on the day.

Having marshalled some races before, I thought the days route was nothing short of ludicrous... crisscrossing through city hub, multiple 'right turns', 30min+ circuits, rolling road closure, and most of all no attempt to inform or pre-warn motorists.

Communication and marketing is obviously lacking. So is involvement of the communities.

Not everyone is exposed to 'McLeanCycling' and it shouldn't be considered the sole communication medium.

The 94.7 cannot be used as a comparison as it has 20OOO+ participants to help spread the word of the road closures, motorists are more forgiving when they know of a participant in it and it has taken years to partially obtain motorists acceptance it has today for what is a known annual event.

 

It saddens as such poor organization only accomplishes the opposite of what the CSA SHOULD be trying to accomplish, i.e. put SA favourably on the world cycling map, attract greater sponsorships to the sport, attract broader media coverage, reduce tension between motorists and cyclists ...

 

Keep such events out of the city hub. Also, make damn sure all cyclists, potential cyclists and spectators alike are aware of the event so as to obtain maximum support.

[Witkop]

After reading most of the drivel on this thread I must add from behind the boerewors gordyn.

 

Joburg is a K@k place to ride a bike. Klaar.

 

On saterday the Twsane Metro and think bike escorted the race through the CBD of PTA and through PTA on Voortrekkersweg, one of the busier roads in PTA. THe rolling road block was doen without incident. In fact the motorists stayed stopped at the intersections until they were told that they could proceed, thus opening marshalls up to continue on the rolling road block (Amazing if compared to Joburg?)

The first real problem came in the cradle of mankind where local residents forced a detour by throwing tacs and nails in the road. (Only one rider missed this).

The second problem was when a Joburg motorist attempted to kill a Tswane metro policeman by riding over him. A bit of threatening behaviour by a think bike marshal help the Joburger change his mind.

The third problem was the Joburg Metro police. Luckly, the Tswane metro took over for them.

 

At the race debrief the marshals and Tswane police were commended. Also the organisers requested thinkbike to DOUBLE its marshals for sunday and also requested that Tswane metro assist their colleagues in Joburg. Already on sttaerday night THNIKBIKE knew there would be problems on the route. Some were already contempating taking firearms with them on sunday (for self protection)

 

All I see is that in PTA there is respect for the law, as those in PTA also were "ill informed" of the route, yet the PTA residents repected the metro and even in some cases assisted in the enforcement of the road block. So the problem in Joburg is the residents and how they respect themselves, their law enforcers and others.

 

Joburg is the last place to host a cycle race and CSA should have known this. BUT that is where the "MONEY" is and the "MONEY" calls the tune. I think if there is any reason that teeh CSA should resign then it is because they listened to money and not too common sense.

 

From the South African cycling community to the residents of Joburg, A very big thanks for stuffing up another "Showcase of South Africa".

[Tubehunter]

Just sent the following to KFM. (lloking for contact info to the others in Western Cape) Those of you in PE and Southern Cape, I suggest doing similar to your radio stations. Lets get the word out. Use your social media too if you need to. C'mon lets put in a rescue effort here!

 

 

Hello KFM crew,

 

Re: Cell C Tour of South Africa

 

I know some of you are fun rider cyclists (just as I am) and I was wondering what it would take to get some mention of this International Cycling Event that is taking place in South Africa at this very moment?

 

One would normally expect that this type of publicity would have been adequately pre arranged by the organisers but in light of the developments in the race over this past weekend with the second stage in JHB yesterday having to be cancelled halfway through due to mostly motorists refusing to obey traffic marshals on the rolling road closures and getting on the route the safety aspect was entirely compromised. The astonishing aspect is that this is an International Race with 14 International Teams representing against the cream of South Africa's cycling talent, being broadcast around the world and with Phil Liggett commentating and yet almost no one seems to know about it and where it is happening.

 

More specifically that this race will resume tomorrow in PE and route it's way though the Southern and Western Cape finishing in Paarl this coming Saturday. They will be in the Western Cape from Thursday going from Oudtshoorn to Barrydale on stage 5. Friday, stage 6, will be from Hermanus to Stellenbosch, finishing on Helshoogte Pass and Saturday appears to be a loop in Paarl as the last and 7th stage.

 

Please can you guys make some mention of this somewhere, even if it's just to get the message out so that the public in these areas are aware of what is happening and can plan for delays along the routes they will be following. What few realise is that these are not all day road closures but simply rolling closures following ahead of and behind the race.

 

As a cyclist and proud South African I feel so disappointed in the way this event has started from both an organising standard along with the way in which it has been received amongst the public affected by it thus far.

 

The official website gives some ideas of the route, although this looks somewhat vague. Here it is nonetheless:

 

http://www.tourofsa.co.za

 

If you have the time, you can find some idea as to the typical feeling towards this event from the public thus far at this link. The comments make for some frightening reading.

 

http://www.beeld.com/Suid-Afrika/Nuus/Onbeskofte-Sandton-motoriste-steek-stok-in-fietsren-se-wiel-20110220

 

Just to confirm I am not affiliated to the event in any way, but simply as a citizen of this country feel we should be doing our best to showcase an event that could do so much for our country in the eyes of the International cycling spheres. Who knows what this event could become if promoted and managed correctly, especially in light of what the Argus and 94.7 do for our status in the International fun ride circles!

 

Thanks in advance

Jay

[Mellow]

Just sent the following to KFM. (lloking for contact info to the others in Western Cape) Those of you in PE and Southern Cape, I suggest doing similar to your radio stations. Lets get the word out. Use your social media too if you need to. C'mon lets put in a rescue effort here!

 

 

Hello KFM crew,

 

Re: Cell C Tour of South Africa

 

I know some of you are fun rider cyclists (just as I am) and I was wondering what it would take to get some mention of this International Cycling Event that is taking place in South Africa at this very moment?

 

One would normally expect that this type of publicity would have been adequately pre arranged by the organisers but in light of the developments in the race over this past weekend with the second stage in JHB yesterday having to be cancelled halfway through due to mostly motorists refusing to obey traffic marshals on the rolling road closures and getting on the route the safety aspect was entirely compromised. The astonishing aspect is that this is an International Race with 14 International Teams representing against the cream of South Africa's cycling talent, being broadcast around the world and with Phil Liggett commentating and yet almost no one seems to know about it and where it is happening.

 

More specifically that this race will resume tomorrow in PE and route it's way though the Southern and Western Cape finishing in Paarl this coming Saturday. They will be in the Western Cape from Thursday going from Oudtshoorn to Barrydale on stage 5. Friday, stage 6, will be from Hermanus to Stellenbosch, finishing on Helshoogte Pass and Saturday appears to be a loop in Paarl as the last and 7th stage.

 

Please can you guys make some mention of this somewhere, even if it's just to get the message out so that the public in these areas are aware of what is happening and can plan for delays along the routes they will be following. What few realise is that these are not all day road closures but simply rolling closures following ahead of and behind the race.

 

As a cyclist and proud South African I feel so disappointed in the way this event has started from both an organising standard along with the way in which it has been received amongst the public affected by it thus far.

 

The official website gives some ideas of the route, although this looks somewhat vague. Here it is nonetheless:

 

http://www.tourofsa.co.za

 

If you have the time, you can find some idea as to the typical feeling towards this event from the public thus far at this link. The comments make for some frightening reading.

 

http://www.beeld.com/Suid-Afrika/Nuus/Onbeskofte-Sandton-motoriste-steek-stok-in-fietsren-se-wiel-20110220

 

Just to confirm I am not affiliated to the event in any way, but simply as a citizen of this country feel we should be doing our best to showcase an event that could do so much for our country in the eyes of the International cycling spheres. Who knows what this event could become if promoted and managed correctly, especially in light of what the Argus and 94.7 do for our status in the International fun ride circles!

 

Thanks in advance

Jay

nice! thanks

[EigerSA]

nice idea - sent to 5fm and East Coast Radio; everyone should do thins all day, maybe the country can retain some dignity here and put on an excellent finish to the tour!

[duringd]

I see article in RIDE has this race finish in Stellenbosch on Saturday!!!

[The Ouzo]

I am embarrassed to be a cyclist

 

throw blame anywhere you like, the fact of the matter is SA motorists are gatvol of cyclists. riding in bunches where they shouldnt, skipping lights and hurling abuse at anyone who tries to confront them. Shameful behavior.

 

I did a race a week or 2 back, they clearly stated that there are no road closures and to keep left, this race covered some seriously busy roads, roads that are bumper to bumper with traffic on normal weekends, let alone with closed intersections. But what did my fellow cyclists do, they no only took over one lane, but 2 sometimes 3 lanes.

 

As far as advertising the event goes it was pitiful. The only reason I knew about it was that a fellow cyclist sent me a link. When I eventually heard the ad on 94.7 it was bad, more of a "by the way we there will be some cyclists on the road" type ad. And expecting people to got to a web address to see if they may or may not be affected by the race is also stupid, the ad was no nonchalant that most people would have forgotten about it halfway through the next ad.

 

its time for a clean sweep of cycling in SA. From the riders at ground level right through to top brass.

[EigerSA]

Just sent the following to KFM. (lloking for contact info to the others in Western Cape) Those of you in PE and Southern Cape, I suggest doing similar to your radio stations. Lets get the word out. Use your social media too if you need to. C'mon lets put in a rescue effort here!

 

 

Hello KFM crew,

 

Re: Cell C Tour of South Africa

 

I know some of you are fun rider cyclists (just as I am) and I was wondering what it would take to get some mention of this International Cycling Event that is taking place in South Africa at this very moment?

 

One would normally expect that this type of publicity would have been adequately pre arranged by the organisers but in light of the developments in the race over this past weekend with the second stage in JHB yesterday having to be cancelled halfway through due to mostly motorists refusing to obey traffic marshals on the rolling road closures and getting on the route the safety aspect was entirely compromised. The astonishing aspect is that this is an International Race with 14 International Teams representing against the cream of South Africa's cycling talent, being broadcast around the world and with Phil Liggett commentating and yet almost no one seems to know about it and where it is happening.

 

More specifically that this race will resume tomorrow in PE and route it's way though the Southern and Western Cape finishing in Paarl this coming Saturday. They will be in the Western Cape from Thursday going from Oudtshoorn to Barrydale on stage 5. Friday, stage 6, will be from Hermanus to Stellenbosch, finishing on Helshoogte Pass and Saturday appears to be a loop in Paarl as the last and 7th stage.

 

Please can you guys make some mention of this somewhere, even if it's just to get the message out so that the public in these areas are aware of what is happening and can plan for delays along the routes they will be following. What few realise is that these are not all day road closures but simply rolling closures following ahead of and behind the race.

 

As a cyclist and proud South African I feel so disappointed in the way this event has started from both an organising standard along with the way in which it has been received amongst the public affected by it thus far.

 

The official website gives some ideas of the route, although this looks somewhat vague. Here it is nonetheless:

 

http://www.tourofsa.co.za

 

If you have the time, you can find some idea as to the typical feeling towards this event from the public thus far at this link. The comments make for some frightening reading.

 

http://www.beeld.com/Suid-Afrika/Nuus/Onbeskofte-Sandton-motoriste-steek-stok-in-fietsren-se-wiel-20110220

 

Just to confirm I am not affiliated to the event in any way, but simply as a citizen of this country feel we should be doing our best to showcase an event that could do so much for our country in the eyes of the International cycling spheres. Who knows what this event could become if promoted and managed correctly, especially in light of what the Argus and 94.7 do for our status in the International fun ride circles!

 

Thanks in advance

Jay

 

Guys I think we all pretty much in agreement that CSA screwed up here, but regardless the reasons we still got a weeks worth of racing to get on with - afterwards we can all get stuck into CSA and demand answers - for now lets use @tubehunters template here and help out where we can!

[freakonaleash]

So much negativity...

 

We're talking about an event in its first year - its bound to have a few teething problems. I realise that the organisers aren't first timers, but in my time in SA, I've learned that if a taxi wants to get through a roadblock, he'll get through.

 

I think the organisers should be commended on putting the safety of the riders first. Don't you think the egg on their faces could have been far worse if a cyclist had been injured by a car on the route?

 

Everyone in this thread has criticised CSA and the event for stopping the race when, in the end, it was their decision(and not an easy one based on your responses) to make in teh first place. Stages of tours are occasionally neutralized if the organizers deem the conditions to be unsafe for the riders - IT HAPPENS!!!

 

My advice, deal with it.