Monthly Archives: February 2012

I am yet another sportsman whom has been diagnosed with MND (motor neuron disease). I went from doing the Trans Baviaans last year to almost not being able to climb stairs today. As you can imagine, being a huge mtbiker it has made a huge impact in my life.
With the disease there are unfortunately huge medical bills and lifestyle changes. Most treatments are experimental so the medical aids won’t pay for anything and according to Western medicine, there is no cure.
Specialized with Cycles Direct has donated a mtb to raffle in order to help me raise funds.
It is a brand new 2012 Specialized Epic Comp 29er worth R32 500 and tickets sell at R100 each.
I hope you can help to spread the word for me.
The bike can be viewed and tickets bought at Cycles Direct or from a fellow member, Darryl Hunt. He can be contacted by email
If you would like any more information, please let me know.
Kind regards
Trix Thompson

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Dirty Bike?

I am yet another sportsman whom has been diagnosed with MND (motor neuron disease). I went from doing the Trans Baviaans last year to almost not being able to climb stairs today. As you can imagine, being a huge mtbiker it has made a huge impact in my life.
With the disease there are unfortunately huge medical bills and lifestyle changes. Most treatments are experimental so the medical aids won’t pay for anything and according to Western medicine, there is no cure.
Specialized with Cycles Direct has donated a mtb to raffle in order to help me raise funds.
It is a brand new 2012 Specialized Epic Comp 29er worth R32 500 and tickets sell at R100 each.
I hope you can help to spread the word for me.
The bike can be viewed and tickets bought at Cycles Direct or from a fellow member, Darryl Hunt. He can be contacted by email
If you would like any more information, please let me know.
Kind regards
Trix Thompson

Should you wish to make a financial contribution to PROJECT TINKERBELL, the bank account details of PROJECT TINKERBELL’s informal body are as follows:

ACC NAME: PROJECT TINKERBELL

BANK: STANDARD BANK

BRANCH: BAYSIDE

BRANCH CODE: 022209

ACC NO: 410130311

Then email me your reference “Raffle [Name + Surname]. Once the monies reflect, I’ll email you back to confirm payment and your ticket number/s. The draw takes place on 11 March.  darryl.hunt@dynamicenergy.co.za

 

From the Chair
After a long day in the office, nothing beats a lap on our Tygerberg trails. During this time I might be fortunate enough to meet a fellow club member out on his bike. Maybe we are going in the same direction and get to share a few pleasantries, before a fork in the trail separates us until another day. Continuing on towards home, the last half dozen kilometres grant me to see nature at its best, a young buck grazing or a jackal buzzard hunting for its supper in the dwindling light. Never the less, by the time I’ve put my bike back in the garage, I have solved a plaguing problem from the office, even a couple of global issues and feel refreshed.
We all have our reasons to ride a mountain bike, some might even use it for exercise!
I apologise for the lack of communication since the change of chair, Rob, thank you for the hard work and continued input which is so valued. The committee has been very hard at work putting the past behind us and forging a way for the future of the club for many years to come. This year is a time of consolidation for the club and putting systems into place to prevent a repeat of the past.
The dedication shown by the current committee is incredible, this is shown by countless ongoing late nights, more meetings than Obama on a campaign trail for re election and I believe Bill Gates will write us a cheque for the endorsement of MS Outlook at over 650 emails in two months. The 2012 committee has an incredible diverse business back ground, and collectively is going to ensure the club will grow. There are already a number of new and exciting things we are working on.  In my next letter I will fill you in on more of the team.
Letting slip 3 confirmed positive developments already achieved by the committee for 2012, would include; a sponsorship by the Vineyard Protea Hotel, some great specials are being offered to our members; on 29th February, the ABSA Cape Epic team will be our guest and give the club a presentation on the prologue happening over our trails; something which cannot be calculated by a value is the new found relationship being formed by the TMBC and the Council, this has put a stop to other parties wanting to take control of the area, however the new aligned relationship will bring about some changes to Majik Forest, but most importantly the area will remain open to mountain bikers.
 
On a negative note, our energy has not subsided to maintain open talks with the landowners in control of the Green Corridor. A solution will be found, none the less which can accommodate everyone involved, please be patient.
 
Thank you to the nine committee members with whom I work every day, these are the people who have ensured the on-going existence of the club and its outstanding trail system.
Matt

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Club and Ride Calendar
Have a look at the Club and Ride Calendar here, it has been populated with the events that I have been informed of (and a few more).  More information (venue, contact details, etc) can be viewed by clicking on the event.  If you would like to add an event, please email the information to me.

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Breaking News
All the Tygerberg mountain bike routes have been brushcutt with a 4 man team from Clara Anna Fontein under the supervision of Quintin Joubert. It was all done in one week and riders will agree it has taken the sting out of the legs, thanx Guys!! The trail maintenance which starts this week will be done by Bennet, berms will be built up again and bad spots attended too, so within no time we can claim the best trails in the Cape. Sabre paints have agreed to supply paint to our new club house , painting will be easy and in no time we will open our new club house. THANK YOU KOBUS POOLE.
 REEDS will be on board for 2012 and the club house club evenings will see the blue REEDS flags once agian. THANK YOU OUR FRIEND AND PARTNER MIKE POWELL. Even if you just tell your mother about the new IZUSU single cab, please support REEDS for the support they give the club.
 We have noticed many free riders ………. Get your bike board on as a” no board no ride” policy will be enforced.
We need the following for the new club house, please donate if you have no more use at home for any of the items below.
Reception desk , office chairs , 2 work tables, 10 wooden chairs , 2 coffee tables, 4 couches, office equipment, outside garden benches, pizza oven , 2 braai drums, branded umbrellas , bar fridges.
This is for a real 9 - 6 club house with real coffee and rider bar over weekends between 9 and 4.
HELP make history as the first professional club house will be born on the 1 March 2012. SEE photo before and Justin will post the after in two weeks time. LETS JUST DO IT !!!!
 Justin has secured an article with TREAD mag on Meerendal trails as last weekend was spent with Sean Badenhorst, the editor in the Tygerberg, he posted a photo on Sunday on Twitter with the caption “Where were you riding today “, in an hour it received way over a thousand comments. So riders enjoy what we have got and help build the club by stopping the free riding.

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AGM Minutes & Annual Financial Statement
Please note that the AGM Minutes and the Annual Financial Statement are available on the club website

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Ommi Dam
Please note that the Ommi Dam route at Meerendal is still closed due to a breeding pair of blue cranes in the immediate vicinity that currently have a chick. 

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Junior News
WP Cross Country Race 1 done and dusted...
Well done to all the juniors from the Tygerberg area and beyond that took part in the WP Cross Country Series Race 1 that happened on the 29th of Jan. Enduring the heat was a feat on it's own! Many juniors raced their first lap format event and are now ready to take on the rest of the series. I will post the next dates and venues once I have confirmed with Arno.
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SA Nationals - Willowbridge
Nationals will be taking place this Saturday 11 Feb at Willowbridge. Should any of the juniors be interested in riding the route before Saturday, please contact Arno Lubbe: 073 300 3660. Registration will take place on Friday. 
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Reeds 99er - Meerendal
Join the junior riding group for a great morning at Meerendal this Saturday. I will be 'sweeping' the 8km route as many of 'Team Meerendal' will be taking part. If you have never attempted an event and would like to join us, let me know so that I can keep an eye out for you. The older children that do not need supervision can try the 20km. It is also Market Day at Meerendal, so a guaranteed fun morning for the family! Date: 11 February 2012 Venue: Meerendal Distance & Start Times: 20km @ 8h15am, 8km @ 8h30am
All 20km and 8km MTB registrations at Meerendal race venue on 11 February 2012.Entry Fee: R70 + R35 day license
For more information: www.99er.co.za 021 689 8420 info@99er.co.za
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Drop me a line should you want to chat about any of the above happenings. We are keen to help.
See you soon. 
Gary and Theresa  083 271 2563

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Majik Forest Access
The municipal by-law wrt public parks, clause 13 states "13. (1) No person may bring into a public park any truck, bus, motorcar, motor cycle, bicycle, quadbike, motor tricycle, or any other vehicle, craft,
hot air balloon or aeroplane, whether driven by mechanical, animal, natural or human power, supermarket or other trolleys, except in accordance with the written permission of the Director: City Parks provided that different requirements or conditions may be determined for different public parks and for different vehicles, craft or aeroplanes."  
Mountain bikers have been granted the privilege of being able to ride in Majik Forest and if we do not "behave" ourselves this privilege could be withdrawn.  The main issue are the cyclists that insist on riding on the southern side of the dams, despite the signs that prohibit this.  Firstly, please ensure that you do not ride where it is prohibited and secondly, please assist in "policing" this aspect as it could be detrimental for all of us if it continues.  Also, please be respectful of other users, they have as much right in the area as we do.

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Memberships and Bike Boards
The collection point has moved from the Ballet Box to a venue closer to the trails. The Protea Hotel Vineyards Estate reception will be the new collection point. Their address is 99 Jip de Jager Drive, Vineyards Office Estate and they are located next to Majik Forest. Drop off your business card and stand a chance to win a complimentary night stay for 2 people, including breakfast!
They are also offering all Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club members 20% discount on a full English breakfast buffet, available from 06h30 until 10H30 on weekdays and until 12h00 on weekends. This offer is valid for you, your friends & family for a maximum of 4 people per card holder. All you need to do to receive the discount is to produce your membership card (to be distributed soon!). There is complimentary parking and you are welcome to arrive in your cycling gear.
Cycling without member boards
Print your proof of payment or order receipt and keep it when you go cycling. Morné and our other marshals have been strictly ordered to sell you a daily permit OR not allow you on the trail if you do not have a board or proof of payment with you.

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Corporate Governance
Although not cycling related it directly impacts on our ability to practice the sport we enjoy. As the custodians of your membership money and the interface between landowners, sponsors, donors, the City of Cape Town, governing bodies, other stakeholders and interested parties there is an expectation that we do the right things right. It was therefore decided at the first committee meeting after the Annual General Meeting last year that proper governance will be a priority of the committee to ensure the club is run in a transparent manner as effective and efficient as possible. We are busy developing a process through which an abridged income statement will be published on a monthly basis.
Draft policies and procedures governing limits of authority, sponsorships, donations and procurement is currently being reviewed by the committee and once finalised will be presented to the members for approval. A draft constitution is also under review taking into consideration the requirements and proposals set by the Department of Sport and Recreation and Cycling South Africa. We hope to have the aforesaid approved and implemented before the end of April 2012.
We are keen to get your feedback on where in your opinion we need to improve in the areas of corporate governance, please mail your suggestions/ideas/comments to info@tygerbergmtb.co.za

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Single Track Mind
Brought to you by
How to corner like you're on rails:
To corner like you’re on rails, push down on the outside pedal as usual, but add these three techniques:
1. swing your outside knee closer to the bike frame as you’re turning,
2. twist your hips to flow with the swing of your knees
3. Lower your head and chest to your inside hand (often 2 or 3 inches lower is all that’s needed)
Using these three techniques helps you hold more cornering speed with more control because it lowers your centre of gravity to the inside of the corner. Remember to moderate your braking so that your back wheel does not lock as this causes loss of control and damages the trails.

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For the adventurous
Off the beaten track adventure - cycling Richtersveld area.
I will be cycling the Rigtersveld 16/ 17 to 25 of March and you are welcome to join me. Second choice for a date is 27 April to 6 MAy
Logistics and route
Leaving the vehicle at Vioolsdrif and doing a circle route along the RSA side of the Orange then though the Rigters. Maybe to Alexanderbay/ Oranjemund or simply across at Sendlingsdrift and then back all along the orange river on the Namibian side. (double backing twice (30km) to get to nice places.) Cycling mostly early morning and maybe late afternoon....
Challenges
If you have ever been there you will know it is pretty barren. Although 60% will be close to the river there will be times you would need to carry no less than 4l = 4kg of water on the bike with you. As end of March can still be VERY hot . Yet friends had sleet in April so expect anything. I am easy, accept for wanting to do see everything their is to see and lazing in the river mid day . Unless you have a friend or your wife who is willing to drive a 4x4 back -up the plan is to take panniers and camp. Most places NO accommodation i.e. at Eksteenfontein or Koeboes. and be warned the lady with whom I spoke for water in Eksteenfontein tells me it is not very tasty. (but if the shop has bottled water in stock, you can buy ) Only the section from the orange to Eksteenfontein and the stretch to de Hoop in Richterveld for a supper nice camping spot is 4x4 track and will be hard going, the rest is gravel and salt road. Crime: there is NO serious crime in that area but the locals tel me it is advisable to lock your bike if you are not close to it???
Cost
This will depend on amount of riders to share fuel and camping cost. But lets face it, it will not be a patch on the cost of any other multi-day event. If we are 4 I estimate R2000
Requirements
Bike in good "nic" with panniers (even home made ones from small backpacks will do) OR a 4x4 with driver:-)
Some spares
Fair fitness
Water purification tablets
And definitely a sense for adventure
Note there will be no space for luxuries:-)

This will not be a trip for the faint hearted but definitely an adventure as nothing can be cast in stone on a trip like this. Please let me know ASAP so that we can organize transport and book camping in the Richters National park. Also indicate the distance you would prefer to travel. Looking at between 50/ 60km per day but if we do more we can fit in Alexander bay.
Interested? phone or email Christelle  0827825338

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Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy
We've made an addition to the Green Loop called the "Long Green Loop". It extends the existing green loop and by taking this option you add another 5.7km to your ride. So if you only doing the green loop and take the "Long Green Loop" option you will end up around 22km total distance. Also adds another 270m of climbing.
It is however a very worthwhile addition and is a stunning piece of trail including 1.5km of forested singletrack which is part of the Red Route. There is a very nice piece of jeeptrack we wanted to make more accesable and we wanted to make it easier for riders from the green route to access Ribbok Run singletrack.
Riders from Middelvlei or Overgaauw can also make use of the Long Green as another distance option. By exiting the Red Route they can return to start via the Long Green which links up to Long Purple.
The route signage is up so there's something new for the weekend.
www.bottelaryhillsmtb.co.za/

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National cross country and downhill series
South African mountain bikers participating in the cross-country (XCO) and downhill (DHI) disciplines will be making their way to Cape Town in February for the first round of the national series.
The SA XCO and DHI Series gives riders around the country the opportunity to compete against one another in these disciplines, and provides SA Mountain Biking the chance to see the best of the best in action, and how they handle the competition on the different courses in varying conditions. This process assists SA MTB in selecting the best possible team to represent SA at the MTB World Championships.
This year sees a brand new XCO venue in Durbanville, at the Willowbridge Mall (opp Tyger Valley Shopping Centre) on 11 February. Saturday’s racing takes place on a course that measures 4.2km and roughly 160m of climbing per lap. This new venue will appeal to the supporters, who will be able to view approximately 95% of the course from the restaurant decks at the mall.
Riders can expect a fairly technical course that features tight corners and lots of singletrack with several drop-offs, and might not afford the riders a chance to settle into a rhythm. Even though there are places that allow overtaking, these sections are limited. It is anticipated that the top riders will complete a lap in 12 to 13 minutes.
Western Province MTB announced this week that they will be including the new and exciting format of the XCO Team Relay, which will take place after registration on the Friday afternoon at 16:00. This will be run in the same manner as at the World Championships:
Team of 4 riders: 1 x Elite Women / 1 x Elite Men / 1 x U23 Men / 1 x Junior
This will be based on a Provincial team as opposed to a sponsored team
Each rider does one sprint lap, then hands over in a designated zone to the next rider
Each team may decide their own strategy in terms of which riders does what lap
Racing is quick and can be completed in one hour
Entry to race the Team Relay is FREE!
The Cape Town downhill venue remains unchanged, and these fearless competitors will once again descend on the popular Contermanskloof trail on 12 February – on the same course that was used for the 2011 National Championships. The recent hot and dry conditions will more than likely mean that course conditions on the day will be very dusty and powdery.
Spectators planning on watching and supporting the downhill riders are encouraged to bring some form of shade and sunblock, as well as extra water as the temperatures can get rather hot in the valley.
Entry Fee: XCO – R250 per rider // DHI – R350 per rider (incl transport) // XCO Team Relay – free entry
Late Entry Fee: R50 additional
Seeding: According to final 2011 XCO/DHI logs
Registration and Late Entry: Friday 10 Feb – 09:00 to 16:00 XCO & DHI // Saturday 11 Feb – 09:00 to 14:00 DHI only
Contact: Chris Nixon - 084 777 7802 chris@chrisnixon.co.za Line Griffiths - 0828799444 lhgriffiths.bio@gmail.com
Enter Online: http://csams.cyclingsa.com/event-detail.aspx?EventID=1864# 

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I picked up a water bottle at Meerendal on Sunday morning. See-through type.
Owner welcome to email me or I could drop it somewhere.
Schalk Burger 

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ECONOMICALLY SPEAKING...
By Jamie Marais

THE CYCLE OF MOTIVATION.
If the wind just won’t stop blowing, then get out there and ride straight into it.

Only those who were brave enough to clutch onto their bicycles and stagger into the starting area of the 2009 Pick ‘n Pay Argus Cycle Tour can truly say that they understand the term, ‘windy’. It was so windy that any rider who had forgotten to fasten their helmet risked having it blown completely off their head, like the scaffolding and mobile toilets that the raging South Easter consumed like appetizing little starters before launching itself like a starving wolf into the forward motion of the starting cyclists themselves. I don’t think there are many better examples of people making the best of a bad situation and braving up to a challenge than here.

This attitude of embracing the difficult and powering through the face of resistance epitomizes the true nature of the passionate cyclist. Cyclists are resilient, enduring and always up to the fight. They have trained themselves not to give up. They have learned to love the challenge and have developed the elusive qualities of endurance and perseverance, without having to resort to the art of lying on a bed of nails - although it must be said that the pain of riding with a saddle sore across bumpy terrain for four and a half hours might just be right up there along with forty winks on the prickly Edblow that’s definitely ‘made in China'. Talk about getting nailed.

In terms of the global economy, the winds have certainly reached a similar velocity to what the legendary South Easter was doing that blustery day in Cape Town. According to a statement issued on the 19th of January 2012 by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), the "worsening situation in the Eurozone" and the "widely accepted (likelihood of) the (Eurozone) region experiencing a recession in 2012", means that the reality for many of us, particularly those of us involved in cross-border & international business, is that we are still in for some very tough climbs - should I have written ‘very tough climbs’, or ‘very tough times’? It makes no difference really for the implication of each is the same. Climbs and times - both of these two words have appropriately become a metaphor for the other within the context of the testing economic realities with which we are currently faced. Some very tough climbs ahead indeed. A few tricky descents. A painful stretch of single track. Some windy conditions - some heavy resistance; like that last little section of Dorsberg combined with a gale force wind blowing particles of dust straight into your face.

However, are these not situations we are all too familiar with as cyclists? Are these not conditions that we have regularly overcome? What we probably fail to realise is that facing up to these obstacles which form a regular and natural part of the sport we enjoy so much has prepared us well for overcoming the adversities of hard-hitting economic realities. Every hard training session; every race you’ve finished; every fight back when you’ve been dropped in a race, has unknowingly plunged you repeatedly into the refiner’s fiery furnace, forging in your character the fortitude necessary for finishing your race and taking on the next challenge. And why should the challenge of dealing with difficult economic times be any different to finishing a hard ride? The same characteristics you rely on in a race or tough training ride apply - discipline, endurance and perseverance. The important thing here is to make sure that you get your ‘gearing’ right on the approach and that you aren’t trying to pedal up that climb, into the wind, on your big blade - chances are that you might just find things a little bit tougher than what is necessary to complete the task at hand, unless of course, your surname is Ulrich, Norris or you simply prefer the challenge of riding up Meerendals Stairway on a single speed mountain bike.

Given our familiarity as athletes with pain, suffering and thriving on overcoming opposing conditions, I do believe with conviction that we as cyclists are far better physically, emotionally and mentally conditioned to deal with adversity than the average person is. As cyclists, we have developed and trained our minds and bodies to push through pain, endure hardship, persevere through tough zones and embrace the challenge of ascending what we know will be a long, tough climb.

What is of vital importance during this time is that we all keep riding no matter what happens around us, or how the winds may rage in situations a bit closer to home. Staying motivated is directly linked to what we experience at the coal face on a daily basis and how we perceive the sometimes catastrophic events that take place daily all around us. In light of this, I am totally convinced that going out for a ride, even when you don’t really feel like it, is critical to being able to deal with the pressures of staying focused and positive, creating an outlet for the stresses of working and conducting business in such a difficult environment.

We all know the feeling of having to force ourselves out for a ride when we really don’t feel like it. I simply call it, “The cycle of motivation”. Motivation is a cycle and a cycle is just a little walk from the bedroom to the garage in your cycling shoes away. Getting onto your bike will lift your level of motivation and help you to deal with life, even if it is a bit too windy for your liking.

Take courage from the fact that you have the character of a cyclist, forged in steel through forcing your mind and body through experiences that others are not willing to go through. Gears are there for a reason. If you find that the stresses of the daily grind are driving your heart rate up in to the red zone and causing your breathing too become way too fast and shallow, just relax. Stay calm. Change gears, find a rhythm and make smooth, round circles.

If the wind just won’t stop blowing, then get out there and ride straight into it.

About the writer:
Jamie Marais is the Founder if FIT ENDURANCE TRAINING - A healthy body is a healthy mind.
For more information email info@fit-endurance or visit www.fit-endurance.co.za

 

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15 or 20 February – Committee Strategy Session and Committee meeting at the Protea Hotel
29 February – Cape Epic Presentation / Social at the Protea Hotel
21 March – Family Ride Nitida
25 March – Junior Time Trial - Meerendal
25 March – Cape Epic Prologue – Meerendal

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If you are receiving this newsletter from a friend, why not join the newsletter distribution list. If you think someone may want to receive this newsletter, please send them this link:
http://www.tygerbergmtb.co.za/newsletter/join-our-newsletter.html

The collection point for your bike boards has moved from the Ballet Box to a venue closer to the trails.
The Protea Hotel Vineyards Estate reception will be the new collection point. Their address is 99 Jip de Jager Drive, Vineyards Office Estate and they are located next to Majik Forest. Drop off your business card and stand a chance to win a complimentary night stay for 2 people, including breakfast!
They are also offering all Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club members 20% discount on a full English breakfast buffet, available from 06h30 until 10H30 on weekdays and until 12h00 on weekends. This offer is valid for you, your friends & family for a maximum of 4 people per card holder. All you need to do to receive the discount is to produce your membership card (to be distributed soon!). There is complimentary parking and you are welcome to arrive in your cycling gear.
Cycling without member boards
Print your proof of payment or order receipt and keep it with you when you go riding. Morné and our other marshals have been strictly ordered to sell you a daily permit OR not allow you on the trail if you do not have a board or proof of payment with you.

Click here to download a copy of the minutes of the AGM held on 6th December 2011 Click Here to download a copy of the Annual Financial Statements for year ending 30 September 2011