<![CDATA[Tygerberg MTB Club]]> Fri, 18 May 2012 10:38:00 +0000 en hourly <![CDATA[Night ride Thurs 17 May Meerendal]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 09:21:44 +0000
Now that Ommidam is open again we can ride nearly 20km's at Meerendal. So this Thursdays nightride we will do the full Monty including Dorstberg. For those who want to stargaze please come along and enjoy the experience. It will be chilly but dry. In the parking lot ready to ride at 19:00. Non members R30 in the honesty box.

· · · 21 hours ago

]]> <![CDATA[Weekend funride calendar at a glance]]> Mon, 14 May 2012 14:35:26 +0000 MAY & JUNE EVENTS CALENDAR

  • Sat 19 May PPA “Tread Lightly” Women’s MTB – entries close 14 May
  • Sat 26 May Hex Valley Autumn Splendour MTB – entries open
  • Sat 9 June Robertson Winery MTB Challenge – entries open
  • Sat 16 June Greyton MTB Classic – entries open
  • Sat 30 June Rijk Tulbagh MTB Funride
]]> <![CDATA[Weekend funride calendar]]> Mon, 14 May 2012 14:30:57 +0000 * PPA "Tread Lightly" Women's MTB – ENTRIES CLOSE AT NOON TODAY
* Calendar at a glance: May & June
* This weekend on the funride calendar

MAY & JUNE EVENTS CALENDAR

  • Sat 19 May        PPA “Tread Lightly” Women’s MTB – entries close 14 May
  • Sat 26 May        Hex Valley Autumn Splendour MTB – entries open
  • Sat 9 June         Robertson Winery MTB Challenge – entries open
  • Sat 16 June       Greyton MTB Classic – entries open
  • Sat 30 June       Rijk Tulbagh MTB Funride

This weekend on the PPA calendar

PPA “TREAD LIGHTLY” WOMEN’S MTB – entries close today 14 May
Sat 19 May 2012

Entries for the PPA “Tread Lightly” women’s MTB funride this coming Saturday close today at noon. With 350 entries already received, it’s sure to be a great event! Pre-entries only – no entries will be taken on the day. Men (accompanied by a kid!) are welcome to enter the 5km route. Don't feel like cycling but want to be part of the fun? Just come and join us at Backsberg and enjoy the stalls and great vibe - we'd love to have you there.

Don’t miss out and follow this link to enter now: http://www.racetec.co.za/MoreInfo.aspx?EventID=1389

Venue: Backsberg Estate Cellars, near Paarl
Distances: 22km, 12km and 5km
Start times: 08h30, 09h00, 09h15
Lucky Draw: 12h00
Cut-off: 12h30

ROUTES
This great new all-female MTB event offers three routes. Most of the riding takes place on farm roads around and through vineyards, orchards and some lovely forested sections.

22 km: The 22 km route is aimed at fit, fairly experienced cyclists and while the route is largely non-technical, it includes a few tough climbs and fast descents. This is not a route for a first-time cyclist. Female cyclists only. We do not recommend that youngsters u/15 ride this route.

12 km: The 12 km route is aimed at fit novice riders. It cuts out the steepest climbs of the 22 km route, but still includes a few climbs guaranteed to get the lungs and legs working. Female cyclists only. We do not recommend that youngsters u/12 ride this route.

5 km: If you are new to off-road cycling, we recommend that you enter the 5 km route. This route is friendly and non-technical – come and try it! Male cyclists, who are at all times accompanied by a child u/12, are welcome to enter the 5 km (while mom rides one of the longer routes!)

Full event information and directions to the venue will be emailed to all entrants.

GENERAL
Entries close on Monday 14 May 2012 at 12 noon. Manual entries will also be taken until 14 May at the PPA Office at 9 Hill Park Lane, Mowbray. No entries will be taken on the day.Bring some money and clean clothes to wear after the event, and relax with us at Backsberg, where several stalls will contribute to a festive atmosphere. Food stalls will be offering tasty eats for sale, while Backsberg and Neil Joubert wines will be available for tasting.Great lucky draw prizes include accommodation vouchers, shopping vouchers, cycling tops, various hampers, wines and more, including a women’s MTB. There's also a prize for the most interesting outfit on the day :-)

Entry fees have been heavily subsidised by PPA in order to give back to cycling, so don't delay -  get your entry in before noon today! http://www.racetec.co.za/MoreInfo.aspx?EventID=1389

Entry Fees
Long Route 22km Medium Route 12km Short Route 5km
PPA Members R 60.00 PPA Members R 50.00 PPA Members R 40.00
Non-members R 80.00 Non-members R 70.00 Mon-members R 60.00

Yours in cycling

]]> <![CDATA[From our facebook group]]> Mon, 14 May 2012 11:35:17 +0000

Another way to get pulse rate up !

· · · 22 hours ago via mobile
]]> <![CDATA[Ommidam is open again]]> Sun, 13 May 2012 15:16:54 +0000
Meerendal on Mothers Day! Btw Ommidam is open again, at least until the next lambing season, enjoy.
]]> <![CDATA[Newsletter Vol. 5 No.10]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 17:54:26 +0000 Tygerberg Mountainbike Club
Addicted To Dirt
Mission: To Provide The Best Trail Experience in The Western Cape!10 May 2012

1604 Members

Club Rides and Ride ReportsJoburg2C

I have just returned from completing my second Joburg2C. The obvious question is always, “How does this event compare to the Epic?” Well – it doesn’t! This is definitely a ‘not for sissies’ event since it takes place over 9 days and more than 900km but there are very few similarities. From the moment of registration, every rider is aware that they are the most important part of the event. Proper Wappo, Gary and Glen and their wives; Kelly, Mandy and Nicky run the show. They meet you at the airport and see you off on the shuttle at the end of the 9 days. Each one of them is on the line on the last day to shake your hand and award your medal. The evening prize presentation at the end of each day, starts with a slide show of pictures by Kelvin Trautman, an unassuming brilliant photographer, who chases around every day in a helicopter, on foot and on the motorbike, capturing the most amazing pictures. The winners in each category put on a good dance each evening and then the 3 organizers offer some vague ideas about what to expect the next day. The most unusual aspect of the whole event is that it is not profit driven, it is community based. The different towns are responsible for the food, tents, waterpoints, entertainment, welcome gifts etc. and because they are competing to be the best, everything is outstanding – thick juicy steaks, koeksusters, efficient laundry, free internet, free beers, free milkies, free coffee, lunch no matter what time you finish, kids to carry your bag, kids to wash and lube your bike - 9 days to just think about yourself and enjoy your bike.

The event can be divided up into 3 sections:

Day 1 to 3: Proper Wappo’s section – The distances are 95 to 125km with about 1000m of climbing each day. Nothing all that big, but the endless rollers and tight trails on soft soil, grassy tufts and jeep track, wear you out a little at a time. The Vaal River crossing in Dragon boats, the trip through the wolf sanctuary and the vast Sterkfontein Dam are the highlights on these 3 days.

Day 4 to 6: Farmer Gary’s Berg and Bush. This is the climbing and descending section. The distances again from 95 to 126km but with climbs of 1686m to 2465m each day. Some of this is on district road which results in climbs of 6 to 9km at a time and the rest is on rough jeep track and trails. Day 4 is definitely the hardest and yet the most amazing of the entire tour. The adrenaline descents down the windy Escarpment and Bezuidenhout’s Pass are just enough to get you up Spioenkop and Puffadder Pass after a swim through a 1.2m deep river with bike.

Day 7 to 9: Farmer Glen’s Sani to Sea. The single track routes go on forever and the scenery changes from mealie fields and sunflowers to thorn trees, dairy farms, bridges, pine forests and sugar cane. Day 7 is a dash from one single track to the other and day 8, with a descent into the Umkomaas and the tough climb out again could definitely be better termed “Heaven and Hell” as they are a very stark contrast to each other. Day 9 is an all-out sprint to the finish with a few challenging climbs thrown in just to remind you how much the legs have suffered over the past few days.

Looking back on the last 9 days, makes one realize how fortunate one is to take part in a stage event. Every person who loves mountain biking should put this one on their bucket list. It is the perfect opportunity to escape reality, meet outstanding cyclists, realize how much beauty our country has to offer and live a dream, even for just a few days.

Jan

If you have been riding somewhere interesting or had an interesting ride somewhere not so exciting, please share it with our members.

Membership FeesPlease note that for those that will still be joining the club this year, the membership fees for 2012 will be discounted by 20% on the 1 June 2012.  The fees will be:

Main Member -                   R420

Spouse -                             R280

Child Dependent -            R120

Family -                               R800

Pensioners & Students - R200

Club OfficerThe applications for the Club Officer have been received and are being shortlisted.  All applications will be contacted before the end of this week to inform them if they have been shortlisted or not.  Interviews will be carried out as soon as possible.

Fun Cycle on 11 May 2012 in aid of SAPS Education Trust (Brackenfell Cycle Tour)Brackenfell SAPS is organizing a cycle tour from 2012-05-07 until 2012-05-11. 16 Police members will be cycling a total of 496 km over this 5 day period in aid of the SAPS Education Trust. This trust is for children of police officials who died in the line of duty. Through this trust families of deceased policemen can apply to further their children’s studies. All money raised through this tour will be donated to abovementioned trust. On the last day of the tour, Friday 2012-05-11, the cyclists will arrive at Hazendal Wine Estate at approximately 13:30. From there other cyclists will have the opportunity to accompany the group on their last 8 km to Brackenfell Sport Ground, where the tour will officially come to an end. The event will end with a concert by various well known artists that also contributed to the tour.

Refreshments will also be available.

Entry fees will be R10-00 per person. This money will also be donated to the SAPS Education Trust.

Members can contact Japie Scholtz at tel 021 981 5984 to enter. He can also be mailed at japie@unioncycles.co.za.

Registration on the day will take place from 11:00 to 12:30 at Hazendal Wine Estate, Bottelary Road, Brackenfell. This will also be the departure point of the fun cycle at 14:00.

We are looking forward to see you there!

From our Facebook GroupHi Everyone,

I'm a member of the Volunteer Wildfire Services and every year we hold the VWS Trail Challenge, a 25km and 10km trail run set on the slopes of Table Mountain, to raise much needed funds for our organisation. This year, we are looking for +/- 11 mountain bikers to volunteer their time to assist with the race. Individual riders would be required to accompany the first male & female runners in both distances and sweep riders would be required for both distances. It would be great to have some other riders along the trail to ensure that runners do not take wrong turns or be able to ride after the ones that do. The race will be taking place on the 27th May and typically starts early in the morning. If you're interested, let me know. Our guys work hard to protect our natural heritage and residential property at no cost, so I'd appreciate any help you can offer.

In order to provide MTB marshalling for the VWS Trail Challenge, we'll be riding the 25km route this coming Saturday to determine where to position riders in order to avoid having to keep up with the top runners on the climbs. Those riders offering to act as sweepers will also gain some knowledge of the route. Please confirm if you will be joining the recce and, more importantly, if you are able to assist on the day of the race, the 27th May.

Cheers,

Lee Glanville

Dear Tygerburgers!Most of you know of the XC at Zevenwacht this weekend.

This is your official invitation to join the HardTail category of the Dh event happening on the same weekend. Practice is on Saturday, Race on Sunday.

If you don't want to ride, just come along anyways and support!

Martin Lompa

Hi TYGMTB'ers,I am urgently looking for a shuttle or lift from Durban International to Underberg on Monday afternoon (14 May) , if anyone knows of a service or can offer a lift please let me know, I am willing to pay my share

Nicky Webb

WP cross country eventsThese olympic style lap racing events are very spectator friendly and all are welcome to come and watch the action.

The day before race day is practice day.  There is a special track for the kids.  They are open to all, normal race licencing applies.  R60 for the kids and R120 for the racers.

Sponsored by Paarl Media

13 May @ Zevenwacht,

3 June @ Hillcrest,

14 July for all juniors in Paarl

15 July at Delvera for the other age groups

16 July @ The Slammer for WP champs.

For further information please contact Arno on 0723003660

Bloemendal FenceElectric fencing at Bloemendal: If you haven't seen yet, there is new electric fence being installed alongside Tygervalley Rd and the green corridor gate at the road crossing is going to be closed. Until notified otherwise, pls can you use the entrance to the Bloemendal concrete road and immediately turn left onto the jeep track which runs alongside the fence to Nitida. NB - Please DON"T ride on the concrete road and stop any others you may see using it.

Meerendal FencePlease take note of the new fence at Meerendal, with the wire being very new it is not very visible. It should not be any risk to us as it does not cross or cut off any of our trails or the offical access to them.

Bike BoardsFollowing the comment on the size and need to attach the club bike boards, alternate solutions are being sought for next year.  In the time being, please ensure that your board is fixed on your handle bar so that it is clearly visible.  If you have any suggestions on how we can readily show membership, have unique identification (visible from at least 30 metres away) and have control over duplication, please give us a shout.

One for the ladies!

reeds ladies

Reeds, the SponsorAfter deciding that it was time to trade in the Citroen after 5 years of loyal service, I visited the full range of car dealers in the Northern Suburbs to look for a replacement. As a women, this is quite an intimidating challenge. I managed to cut the choice down to 3 – a Nissen, a Chevy or a Hyundai . There are a few dealers for each of these brands and all had good vehicles to offer but unfortunately none of them could come up to the standard of service and care which Reeds, the club sponsor, took in their commitment to not only giving me the best offer but also a good trade-in and professional service. I chose the Chevy Sonic 2 days before leaving for Joburg2C and arrived back to collect the keys, detach the big red bow and drive away. My thanks to Gareth of Reeds Tyger Valley and Francois of Reeds N1 for their attention to detail and commitment to making sure that everything went smoothly.

Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club can be proud to be associated with your sponsorship.

Jan

And another one for the Ladies!Cycle Lab Tours presents the, Inner Mountains Ladies MTB Tourmountain

Three days of scenic mountain biking, followed by a rejuvenating spa and yoga

experience, combining challenge and reward from Wellington to Tulbagh and back.

This weekend is designed for you and your friends to break away on a physical and mental journey,

exploring the mountains within and around you. Refresh and relax your body and mind as every days

mountainbiking is followed by rejuvenating spa and yoga experiences.

DATES: Friday 22 June - Sunday 24 June (2 nights, 3 days)

TOUR COST: R 3795.00 (incl. VAT) per person sharing *ONLY 25 SPOTS AVAILABLE*

ladies1DISTANCES:

• SHORT Route: Day 1 - 35km, Day 2 – 40km, Day 3 - 35km

• LONG Route: Day 1 - 70km, Day 2 – 40km, Day 3 - 55km

ROUTE: Open Gravel roads with rolling hills and gradual climbs, exploring the Winelands and Breede Valley at your own pace and leisure

Your hosts for the weekend are SA Freediving Champion and Yoga Instructor Hanli Prinsloo and IronMan SA and ABSA Cape Epic Finisher Eulogy du Plessis from Cycle Lab Tours & Events with the rest of her team.

FOR BOOKINGS AND MORE TOUR INFORMATION:

Maritza Terblanche (e) maritza@cyclelab.com (t) 021 702 7888

Tour package fee includes:

• Sharing accommodation at Vindoux Guest Farm, Spa & Luxury Tree Houses on a B&B basis (www.vindoux.com)

• Light Breakfast at Welvanpas on morning of departure

• All Meals – 3 x Breakfast, 3 x Lunches, 2 x Dinners

• Snacks and drinks along the route

• Road Safety – Back Up Vehicle and bike trailerladies2

• Ride Leaders & Bike mechanic

• Daily Yoga Sessions (breathing, stretching and relaxation)

• Informative talks on mental strength & superfoods

• Gift and Pamper Packs

Optional Extras:

• Book a Spa Session for only R250.00

• Order a Cycle Lab Store Craft Kit at a special tour price!

• Transfer to and from Wellington from Cape Town

• Company or individual sponsorship of co-branded cycling kit

Not included:

• Coffee Stop drinks

• Drinks at dinner, hard alcohol, guesthouse extras

• Additional Spares purchased

Member's CornerHell and Back Entry

Entry ticket for this year's Hell and Back ride available

I will not be able to attend as I will only start riding again as a beginner in July, so a few Slow Coach and social rides are all I will be doing this year.

Entries are not yet open and this ticket is carried over from last year due to me needing surgery. I am selling it for R750.00 and its a guaranteed entry.

My cell No is 0795295946

Craig Broadfoot

Junior MTB RidesHi Junior Riders, we are going to be reducing the rides to 1 day a week during the winter months. From this weekend onwards the only junior ride will be at 9am at Meerendal on Saturdays. We have made this decision due to low numbers that are attending on Mondays and Wednesdays. (4.30pm seems to be a bit too early for everyone to get there, but we cannot start later due to the light.)

Let's see how a Saturday ride works out for all. Feedback welcome.

Please note that if the weather is bad, please send Theresa an sms to check if the ride is still happening! 083 271 2563.

Theresa & Gary

HoogekraalThe new trail at Hoogekraal that was announced at the Epic Prologue presentation will soon be open.  The agreement has been signed with the landowner and development and building of the trail will commence this month.  This will be approximately 10km of intermediate skill trails.  The trail will take the fragile Renosterveld into account and advice will be on hand to ensure the minimum disruption of this natural resource.

Watch this space!!

Majik Forest Trail MaintenanceA meeting is to be held with the Cape Town City Council and the trail maintenance contractor this week.  With the Majik Forest trails being on CTCC property, their participation is required before any alterations or remedial work is carried out.

Newsletter Statistics Some stats from last weeks newsletter:

Recipients - 2682 (growth of 537 over 12 months)

Opens - 840 = 31.4% against an industry standard of 21.4%

Highest open campaign was 56.2%for the newsflash of 14 March 2011 - Majik Forest Attacker

The ride calendar has been updated to include well over 100 funrides and races in the Western and Eastern Cape for 2012, it will be expanded to include the bigger races in the other provinces.  Have a look here.  Most have additional information available which is accessed by clicking on the event.  If there are any events or information missing, please give me a shout.

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

If you have any comments, ideas, or articles, let me know, Rob GriffinSee you on a trail near here soon!

]]> <![CDATA[Newsletter Vol. 5 No.8]]> Thu, 03 May 2012 19:25:55 +0000 1582 Members

Club Rides and Ride Reports

Planning a ride this Saturday...if the weather is good!

We start at Majik Forest (meet 08:30 at Protea Hotel parking lot next to Majik Forrest), we will take the road to Meerendal to do the red route, back through D'Urbanvale and over Malanshoogte (lekker heavy klim op die pad) back via Tiekie draai and then the single track at Majik Forest down to the parking lot and back to the hotel! EISH!

If you are keen....feel free to join this ride...+- 50km

This is for the fit and not the unfit!

Members and non-members welcome!

Non members must remember R30 for Meerendal

Riaan van Wyk

From our Facebook Group:

Who wants to join Marius Fenwick and myself (Andre Jansen van Vuuren) for a MTB double Century on the 24th of November?

Rules are as follows,

No slicks,

no racing for times but no crawlers neither,

train together as much as possible on Saterdays, no ego's,

have a sence of humour,

everyone will finish together,

have fun.

Let me know if your interrested. O yes, there is no sponsorship so all costs will be for your own pocket. Cheers

rooikat

There seems to have been a couple of sightings of the rooikat at Meerendal!

If you have been riding somewhere interesting or had an interesting ride somewhere not so exciting, please share it with our members.

One for the ladies!

reeds ladies

And another one for the Ladies!

Cycle Lab Tours presents the, Inner Mountains Ladies MTB Tourmountain

Three days of scenic mountain biking, followed by a rejuvenating spa and yoga

experience, combining challenge and reward from Wellington to Tulbagh and back.

This weekend is designed for you and your friends to break away on a physical and mental journey,

exploring the mountains within and around you. Refresh and relax your body and mind as every days

mountainbiking is followed by rejuvenating spa and yoga experiences.

DATES: Friday 22 June - Sunday 24 June (2 nights, 3 days)

TOUR COST: R 3795.00 (incl. VAT) per person sharing *ONLY 25 SPOTS AVAILABLE*

ladies1DISTANCES:

• SHORT Route: Day 1 - 35km, Day 2 – 40km, Day 3 - 35km

• LONG Route: Day 1 - 70km, Day 2 – 40km, Day 3 - 55km

ROUTE: Open Gravel roads with rolling hills and gradual climbs, exploring the Winelands and Breede Valley at your own pace and leisure

Your hosts for the weekend are SA Freediving Champion and Yoga Instructor Hanli Prinsloo and IronMan SA and ABSA Cape Epic Finisher Eulogy du Plessis from Cycle Lab Tours & Events with the rest of her team.

FOR BOOKINGS AND MORE TOUR INFORMATION:

Maritza Terblanche (e) maritza@cyclelab.com (t) 021 702 7888

Tour package fee includes:

• Sharing accommodation at Vindoux Guest Farm, Spa & Luxury Tree Houses on a B&B basis (www.vindoux.com)

• Light Breakfast at Welvanpas on morning of departure

• All Meals – 3 x Breakfast, 3 x Lunches, 2 x Dinners

• Snacks and drinks along the route

• Road Safety – Back Up Vehicle and bike trailerladies2

• Ride Leaders & Bike mechanic

• Daily Yoga Sessions (breathing, stretching and relaxation)

• Informative talks on mental strength & superfoods

• Gift and Pamper Packs

Optional Extras:

• Book a Spa Session for only R250.00

• Order a Cycle Lab Store Craft Kit at a special tour price!

• Transfer to and from Wellington from Cape Town

• Company or individual sponsorship of co-branded cycling kit

Not included:

• Coffee Stop drinks

• Drinks at dinner, hard alcohol, guesthouse extras

• Additional Spares purchased

Member's Corner

For Sale:

Specialized S-works full carbon full suspension medium for sale, ridden only by an old man!

Call Neville at 083 225 7339 for a giveaway price of R28 000!

For Sale:

Cycle Lab Sani2C Bike Transport package? I have 2 available for the cost of R1170.00 neg each.

The package includes:

· Customised bike box

· Boxing of bike at Cycle Lab CT

· Transport to Underberg

· Building of bike and collection at race registration in Underberg

· Boxing of bike in Scottburgh

· Transport back to CT

· Building of bike and collection at Northgate Island

Anyone interested can contact Julia on 0827706941 or Neil 0833269315.

A Friendly Request from a Fellow Trail User

Hi Mountain Bikers

I own a horse who lives adjacent to Meerendal, and we often ride there. When the bike trails were first built some of the horses were terrified (it's a prey animal thing), but they've now mostly made peace with bikes in the distance or from the front. But please, I beg you, just call out to us if you're coming up from behind. A bike suddenly appearing in a horse's peripheral vision, especially at speed, will startle most of them. At best the horse and rider just gets a skrik, but sometimes the horses react so violently that the rider falls off and I don't even want to think about the wreck that will result if a horse spooks into a bike.

A big thank you to all of you who are considerate, we enjoy chatting to you along the way and enjoying this beautiful area together.

Regards

Heila McKinley

horse

Club Officer

A number of applications have been received for this position. Shortlisting is in progress and interviews will follow shortly.

The ride calendar has been updated to include well over 100 funrides and races in the Western and Eastern Cape for 2012, it will be expanded to include the bigger races in the other provinces.  Have a look here.  Most have additional information available which is accessed by clicking on the event.  If there are any events or information missing, please give me a shout.

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

If you have any comments, ideas, or articles, let me know, Rob Griffin

See you on a trail near here soon!

]]> <![CDATA[Tygerberg mtb Club Newsbrief vol 1. no.7 20120426]]> Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:23:40 +0000 Tygerberg Mountainbike Club
Addicted To Dirt
Mission: To Provide The Best Trail Experience in The Western Cape!
Newsbrief Vol.1 No.7
26 April 2012
1563 Members

Wednesday Night Rides

Wednesday's night rides are still going strong. 6pm onwards from the clubhouse on Nitida Wine farm. Main group of riders leaving at 6:30. Boerewors rolls and drinks are available.

Slowcoach April 29 Meerendal 8am 

Looks rainy on Sunday & certainly chilly, but should be nice for a ride. If still raining then postpone to Monday 30 April same time same place! Watch Facebook for cancellation notice at 7am Sunday, if nothing then rider is on.

I propose a nice gentle cruise or walk along the BLUE route and then another red loop after that for good measure :)
come and ride as per your heart/legs desire.

Last week at Majik we had coffee/Tea at the Vineyard Hotel and I HAVE to comment that the service was hotter than the coffee!
Slowcoach

  
Members Corner

MTB for sale
 Woman’s mountain bike : Teocali/Monsoon. 2009 model, Small frame, dual suspension soft tail, 29 gears, gel/slime in tyres with helmet. R24000 new Now R12500 neg Like new. Please contact Pierre


Houw Hoek Tour entry
If anyone has an entry which they are not using please contact Schalk. 

Bike Computer found
Found a small bike computer this morning at Majik. Model: Sigma 1106. Please contact Truhann

 

Calendar and Upcoming events

28th of April: Test ride the Velocite Flux MTB at our New Club House

 Please join us and ride the Velocite Flux on Saturday the 28th of April from 09:00 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon. You would be required to fill in a indemnity form and leave your MTB with us while you test ride our bike. Each person will be allowed a 30 to 45 min ride (depending on demand) to give other riders the chance to ride this bike as well. We will have 2 medium Velocite Flux bikes available.
Club kit will be on sale from the clubhouse from now on. Baggie shorts are marked down to R315 and T-shirts marked down to R50.
Or come just  come say hello and have a cup of coffee while you're on the trails.

Fun Cycle in aid of the SAPS Education Trust 11th of May 2012

Brackenfell SAPS is organising a cycle tour from 2012-05-07 until 2012-05-11. 16 Police members will be cycling a total of 496 km over this 5 day period in aid of the SAPS Education Trust. This trust
is for children of police officials who died in the line of duty. Through this trust families of deceased policemen can apply to further their children’s studies.
On the last day of the tour, Friday 2012-05-11, the cyclists will arrive at Hazendal Wine Estate at approximately 13:30. From there other cyclists will have the opportunity to accompany the group on their last 8 km to Brackenfell Sport Ground, where the tour will officially come to an end. The event will end with a concert by various well known artists that also contributed to the tour. Entry fees will be R10-00 per person. This money will also be donated to the SAPS Education Trust. Members can contact Japie Scholtz. Registration on the day will take place from 11:00 to 12:30 at Hazendal Wine Estate, Bottelary Road, Brackenfell. This will also be the departure point of the fun cycle at 14:00.

Single Speed World Champs 2012

On the 29th of September 2012, in a little South African town called Winterton, Single Speeders of the world will do battle for the coveted title of World Champ. Of course, the majority of the field will be there to dress up in batty outfits and party all night long after the race. Some will be there for the beer shortcuts, a signature of this annual leapfrogging global event. Some will come to win the games and the rights to host SSWC2013 in their country. Some will be there to get the tattoo reserved for the winner and yet others will simply come to make friends and experience the awe inspiring riding of the KwaZulu Natal bushveld.
No points, no qualification, ride any bike limited to one gear. Anyone can enter this World Champs!
It is important for you to know up front that in keeping with the ethos of this event, this is a non commercial, *not-for-profit initiative*. All proceeds go into making the event a magnificent experience for the rider and any spinoffs go back into the small community that will be hosting this event and that is a big deal down here in Africa. We as organisers are all volunteers with nothing more to motivate us than a love of riding, the post ride party and the desire to showcase our country to the world.

Rocking for Rhinos

The statistics on Rhino poaching makes us realise that we all need to bring awareness to the plight of these helpless animals. 
With that in mind the “Rocking for Rhinos” team wants to create awareness, and to raise funds for the Higgins project, by hosting a Rock and Blues concert at Hillcrest Wine Estate in Durbanville, on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th May. The concert is aimed at everyone with a heart and all proceeds will go to the rehabilitation of these rhinos, Higgins and Lady.
The Rocking for Rhinos event’s team has pledged to make it an annual event with a different recipient each year. 
You can BOOK ONLINE on Computicket.

Band Line up
Saturday 5th May: R100.00 entry donation
12h00: Akkedis
12h30: Christian Castell
13h10: Tombstone Pete
13h50: The Stremes
14h30: Freddie Van’Dango (Idols)
15h15: Janie Bay
16h00: Ashtray Electric
17h00: When Karma Sleeps
18h00: Pebbleman – Jesse Jordan & Richard Prior
19h00: MARK HAZE
20h00: December Streets
21h00: Boombox Troopers
22h00: Reburn
Sunday 6th May: R50.00 entry donation
11h00: Ballistic Blues
12h00: Six Gun Gospel
13h00: Spontaneous Combustion Blues Band
14h00: Crimson House Blues
15h00: Natasha Meister Band
16h00: The Studerbakers
17h00: Jack Mantis Band
There will be lots to eat and drink.                

Remember to have a look at the calendar on the Club's website.  If you have any events that you would like to include or if I have missed anything, just drop me an email with the detail.
If you have any comments or ideas for this newsbrief, let me know, Mienke Koen
  See you on a trail near here soon!
]]> <![CDATA[Tygerberg MTB Club Newsflash ]]> Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:19:35 +0000 Tygerberg Mountainbike Club

Newsflash - 23 April 2012

Hillcrest Night ride - Wednesday 25th of AprilHillcrest night ride is on again this Wednesday at 6pm onwards (main group of riders leaving at 6:30).  Start at clubhouse on Nitida wine farm.

Boerie rolls and drinks will be available again. Weather is looking like there's a possibility of some showers so will confirm again on Wednesday morning on Facebook

As you can see, we are experimenting with new formats for the newsletter, newsbrief and newsflash. If you have any comments or ideas, let me know, Rob Griffin

See you on a trail near here soon!

]]> <![CDATA[TMTBC Newsletter vol 5. no.8 20120419]]> Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:16:36 +0000 Tygerberg Mountainbike Club
Addicted To Dirt
Mission: To Provide The Best Trail Experience in The Western Cape!
Newsletter Vol. 5 No.8
19 April 2012
1533 Members

Club Rides and Ride Reports
  
Adventure Ride: 22 April 2012

James Thornhill-Fisher will be leading an Adventure ride this Sunday 22 April 2012, Thandi. Be ready to ride 07:45.
There are four Routes:
Black – 32km – lots of single track and jeep track - incl. the infamous “Pofadder” a 100m North Shore type wooden Trail – running between rocks, a waterfall and over a river (part of the Wines2Whales)
Red – 32km similar to Black – but excluding the technical parts – e.g. “Pofadder”
Blue – 8km – easy single tracks on Thandi only
Green – 4km – very easy and no single tracks
There is a number board system, R20 for PPA members, R40 for non-members. R30 refundable deposit for the temp bike board.
How to get there GPS: 34°05′27.0″S 018°51′20.5″E or meet us at the Engen Onestop on the N2 before Somerset West at 06:30 (we will leave the garage at 06:45)

Wednesday and Thursday night rides
The club has special permission from the farms for these two rides. No other night riding is allowed on the wine farms.
Keep your eyes open, they will be announced on our Facebook page.

  • Wednesday rides are from the Club house on NItida wine farm: Usually start from 18:00 - 18:30
  • Thursday night rides are on Meerendal wine farm Ready to ride 19:00

Ride report: Tackling the tour, Amateur style by Calvin Fisher

I THINK MY sister said it best just after I crossed the finish line when she grabbed me and proclaimed “Calvin... We just don’t do this sort of thing. Not in OUR family?” She was right, which is why
9 weeks before the 2012 Argus I was in the worst shape of my life. At 134.2kg, I was always going to battle on my first long ride - a 33km stint filled with grimacing and regret. Yet, when it was over, pulverized ass aside, I felt exhilarated, alive and possessed of the notion that I was capable of doing the Argus. A frantic scanning of charity organizations revealed what I was looking for, a ticket to ride, well beyond the cut-off time. I was in! Did I mention that the 33km was probably the fifth time I'd ever ridden my bike, including a few breathless trips to the 711? How about the fact that it was a mountain bike, still rolling on factory knobblies?  
What ensued next was a fat man's manic scanning of Bicycling and Men’s Health back issues and similarly frenzied Googling of the interweb. Soon enough, I was armed with tips on nutrition and training, some conflicting, but most of them pointing in the same direction. This called for hard work, dedication... and if I was going to have any hope of climbing those hills I needed to shed some pounds. Like, a LOT. ... Continue reading

If you have been riding somewhere interesting or had an interesting ride somewhere not so exciting, please share it with our members.

 

Single Track Mind
Brought to you by
Reeds LogoWhat to do in the event of a medical emergency on the trail:

It's bound to happen at some point and hopefully injuries will be limited and not life threatening. While we couldn't confirm details with Netcare 911 at time of going to press, ER24 were very helpful in providing us with information.

Q: How do you get hold of emergency care?
A: dial 084 124 (ER 24) or 082911 (Netcare 911)

Q: Will they only respond if the patient has medical aid?
A: No, emergency services are not allowed to decline a primary emergency call nor are hospitals allowed to decline patients in need of emergency treatment.

Q: How will they get to me if I'm on the trail and cannot move?
A: An emergency response vehicle will be sent and if necessary, a helicopter. ER24's helicopter does not have hoist facilities and can only assist if there is a relatively flat and smooth area, 15m x 15m to land. If a hoist is required, ER24 contact a 3rd party such as Red Cross to send a helicopter.

Q: which hospital will they take me to?
A: This depends on the nature of injuries and the location and will therefore be a the discretion of the paramedics.

Please ensure that you take a cellphone when you go riding and save relevant numbers on it. Write your details on the back of your bike board and also wear some form of ID (eg ICEID, ER24 emergency bracelet or medicalert).

Members Corner

Sani2C riders needed to share lift from the airport:

Theunis is looking for 2 Sani2C tour riders to share a lift. Monday 14/05/2012  from King Shaka airport to Underberg R350/head - please contact Theunis

Another picture take by one of our younger members at the  ABSA Cape Epic Prologue: (Photographer: 10 year old Erik Nielsen)


Lost and Found

Sunglasses:



Gus picked up sunglasses in the road at the parking area in Jip de Jager at the start of the trails.  The owner must correctly describe the glasses and indicate when they were lost. Please contact Gus


 
Lost Key:

Deon lost his remote key somewhere between Nitida and Hillcrest - please contact Deon, if you found it.

Club Officer

This is the last week to apply for the position.  Those interested in applying for the job, please submit a CV to info@tygerbergmtb.co.za by the 26 April 2012. Shortlisting and interviews will follow shortly thereafter.

Race / Funride / Social Calendar

Dirtopia Nightride: 27 April

Kick-off the long weekend with a fun MTB nightride on Delvera trails. Drinks at the finish, luckydraw & goodys for all and riders will be timed with number boards issued at registration. Coffee available before & afterwards – hope you can socialize with us! Date:Friday, 27 April 2012 Venue:Dirtopia Trail Centre, Delvera Farm, R44 near Stellenbosch Time:Registration from17h00, start at 18h00 Distances: Vineyard trail, (7km) climbs to just below Klapmutskoppie through the vineyards on farm roads. It also has three sections of singletrack and is suitable for all ability levels! Porcupine trail, (14km) with over 5km of technical constructed singletrack and lots of climbing and fun downhills for those up for a challenge. The trail will get a different feel when the sun has set! Cost:R50 You'll need lights for this (also for rent at Trail Centre). Better with one on your handlebar and one on your helmet.Entries will be taken on the day. For further information contact Dirtopia on 021 884 4752 / e-mail info@dirtopia.co.za 

28th of April: Test ride the Velocite Flux MTB at our New Club House

Velocite Flux is a high performance alternative to modern carbon fiber hardtails 26er. Flux sacrifices nothing in the quest for absolute performance. It is the stiffest carbon fiber XC frame currently available with a geometry that encourages pure aggression. The steep seat tube places you squarely in the middle of the frame for optimal climbing position while seated. When the time comes to go back down, the class leading frame strength and stiffness will allow you to stick to your chosen line, and even take to the air if that is a faster way to the front. With the Velocite Flux, you are in control.

Come and ride our Velocite Flux on Saturday the 28th of April from 09:00 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon. You would be required to fill in a indemnity form and leave your MTB with us while you test ride our bike. Each person will be allowed a 30 to 45 min ride (depending on demand) to give other riders the chance to ride this bike as well. We will have 2 medium Velocite Flux bikes available.
You can read more of our bikes onVelocite Flux is a high performance alternative to modern carbon fiber hardtails 26er. Flux sacrifices nothing in the quest for absolute performance. It is the stiffest carbon fiber XC frame currently available with a geometry that encourages pure aggression. The steep seat tube places you squarely in the middle of the frame for optimal climbing position while seated. When the time comes to go back down, the class leading frame strength and stiffness will allow you to stick to your chosen line, and even take to the air if that is a faster way to the front. With the Velocite Flux, you are in control.



Come and ride our Velocite Flux on Saturday the 28th of April from 09:00 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon. You would be required to fill in a indemnity form and leave your MTB with us while you test ride our bike. Each person will be allowed a 30 to 45 min ride (depending on demand) to give other riders the chance to ride this bike as well. We will have 2 medium Velocite Flux bikes available.

You can read more of our bikes on www.velocite-bikes.co.za

The ride calendar has been updated to include well over 100 funrides and races in the Western and Eastern Cape for 2012, it will be expanded to include the bigger races in the other provinces.  Have a look here.  Most have additional information available which is accessed by clicking on the event.  If there are any events or information missing, please give me a shout.


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


If you have any comments, ideas, or articles, let me know, Mienke Koen 
  See you on a trail near here soon!
 
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