News

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

The gate code between Hillcrest and Nitida will be changing on the 1st February 2012. All Paid Up 2012 Members will be emailed the new code. Keep it to yourselves, this is a privilege you pay for as a member!!

Date:	18 February 2012
Venue:	Saronsberg wine estate, Tulbagh, WP 33°14'46.48"S | 19° 7'1.65"E
Terrain:	Fyn Bos | Rocky | Wynyard's
Elevation:	341m  |  Ascent: 2200m
Participants:	1000+
Features:	Single tracks | Dams | Cape-Epic Routes
Registration:	Fri 17/02 14:00-21:00 & Sat 18/02 06h30 - 09h00
Entries:	ONLINE ENTRIES OPEN ! - CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Saturday:

06h30-09h00:	Registration & Line Entries
18/02 06h45:	Riders Briefing /  Leaders Jersey Handover
18/02 07h00:	Start MTN ULTRA UCI PRO/Elite 105km Race
18/02 07h10:	Start MTN Marathon 75km Ladies
18/02 07h20:	Start MTN Marathon 75km "A" Batch +5min intervals
18/02 08h05:	Start NISSAN 1/2 Marathon 45km "A" Batch +5min intervals
18/02 08h45:	Start 20km Fun Race
18/02 09h45:	Winner of 20km Fun Race Expected
18/02 10h15:	Winner Nissan 45km Expected
18/02 11h30:	Winner of MTN Marathon 75km Expected
18/02 12h00:	Winner of MTN Ultra 105km expected
18/02 13h00:	Prize Giving

2011 RESULTS CAN BE FOUND HERE PHOTOS FROM 2011 AVAILABLE HERE Only an hour and a half from Cape Town, lies the Saronsberg wine estate, nestled in the magnificent scenic beauty of the Saronsberg Valley. Tulbagh is charismatic town, renowned for its rich history, fine wines and Cape Dutch Architecture. Tulbagh offers visitors a wide variety of activities and outstanding accommodation, not to mention the largest concentration of National Monuments in one street in South Africa.Be sure to take in the Cape beauty while visiting one of the many wine estates in the area or take the time to appreciate the wealth of local artistic talent that the small town has to offer. Tulbagh is also the host for the first two stages of the 2011 Absa Cape Epic, so needless to say, there are an abundance of breathtaking mountain bike trails that are sure to challenge even the most adventurous. The National ULTRA Marathon #2 – Tulbagh is a circular loop race; it will start in the Saronsberg wine estate 5km outside Tulbagh, Western Cape and finish at the same venue. Included in the entry fee, is access for the rider and supporters that can enter the Saronsberg wine estate grounds free of charge. Secure parking for teams is available on the Venue. The public will park outside the designated areas. Entries:

• Early Bird Fees

• Normal Entry Fees

• Closing date for online entries is 14/02/2011 Midnight

Registration: Friday 17th Feb                 14h00 - 21h00 Saturday 18th Feb           06h30 - 09h00 Registration will take place at the Saronsberg Wine Estate, Tulbagh. Route Descriptions: Ultra Marathon Marathon Ultra XCM -105km (others to follow shortly, will be similar in nature but shorter in distance) The route makes the best of the Saronsberg valley by completing a full anti clock-wise loop around the town of Tulbagh. But don’t be fooled by the route map, although the trail does not venture out of the valley, there are some challenging climbs and technical single tracks to test riders skills as well as stamina. As the riders hug the base of the magnificent Saronsberg Mountains, they may be tempted to stop and admire the scenery. The route winds its way around cool farm dams, between luscious green vineyards and along rocky mountain tracks edged with indigenous fynbos and proteas. Specifics:

• Total Distance: 105 km (GPS)
• Total Ascent: 2200m (GPS)

All marshals will be cleared from the course after 16h00 and all direction markers removed. The cut off at the finish line for the 105km route is 15h45. Prize Money*:

• Prize money & Points will be calculated for the UCI PRO/Elite Men in this distance only.
• PRO/Elite ladies will earn points & prize money in the usual 75km marathon distance only.
• All other categories will only be eligible for points and prize money in the usual distance.

Approximate riding times:

• 105km:  5h00min – 8 hours
• 75km:   3 – 6 hours
• 40km:  2 – 4 hours
• Cut-off Waterpoint (TBA)
• 105km has a cut-off at the finish of 9hours.

Directions from Cape Town

• From Cape Town take the N1 North to Paarl.
• Take R44 Klapmuts/ Wellington turnoff - turn left towards Wellington.
• Follow the R44; on the outskirts of Wellington, turn left at the traffic lights towards Hermon/ Ceres/ Porterville.
• Follow the R44 for approximately 50kms, past the Hermon turn-off and through the Nuwe Kloof pass.
• Turn left at sign: Tulbagh
• At stop, turn left on to Van der Stel Street
• Pass Spar on the right; at 4-way stop turn left
• After approximately 4 kms, Saronsberg on the right
• From Cape Town take the N7 to Malmesbury.
• At Malmesbury, get on the R46 towards Riebeek-Kasteel.
• Remain on the R46 to Hermon.
• At T-junction after Hermon, turn left, and continue to Tulbagh on the R46.
• Go through the Nuwekloof pass
• Turn left to Tulbagh
• At stop, turn left on to Van der Stel Street
• Pass Spar on the right; at 4-way stop turn left
• After approximately 4 kms, Saronsberg on the right

Directions from Cape Town Airport

• Leave airport towards Somerset West
• Take R300 and travel north towards N1
• Take N1 north to Paarl.
• Take R44 Klapmuts/ Wellington turnoff - turn left towards Wellington.
• Follow the R44; on the outskirts of Wellington, turn left at the traffic lights towards Hermon/ Ceres/ Porterville.
• Follow the R44 for approximately 50kms, past the Hermon turn-off and through the Nuwe Kloof pass.
• Turn left at sign: Tulbagh
• At stop, turn left on to Van der Stel Street
• Pass Spar on the right; at 4-way stop turn left
• After approximately 4 kms, Saronsberg on the right

Online: http://maps.google.co.za/maps?capetowntotulbagh Shuttle / Transport: There are no official shuttle services on offer, public transport is available from CPT International airport, and this is the quickest way of getting to the venue. Saronsberg is situated about 1.5 hours drive from CPT International. Accommodation: Accommodation information on all available accommodation can be obtained from Tourist Information Web Site or from Tourist Reservations.

• Saronsberg website: http://www.saronsberg.com
• Tulbagh Website: http://www.tulbaghtourism.co.za
• Tourism Info: tulbaghtourism@lando.co.za or +27 (0)23 230 1375
• Tulbagh info centre - http://www.tulbagh.net/accommodation.htm
• Tulbagh Hotel - http://www.tulbaghhotel.co.za +27 (0)23 230 0071
• Booking.com - http://www.booking.com +27 (0)23 230 1177
• Sleeping out - http://www.sleeping-out.co.za
• Fine dining, Paddagang restuarant - http://www.paddagangrestaurant.com/
• Waterval accomodation - http://www.waterval.co.za/ or info@waterval.co.za

Important Pointers

• As this event is held in the summer, the cyclist may experience hot or rainy to cool weather and should be prepared to cope with these conditions.
• First Aid Services will be provided to the cyclists on the routes and at the finish.
• The organisers may, at their discretion, shorten, lengthen or change the course if the weather, or safety of the cyclist, deem this necessary.
• Bike wash facilities will be available at the finish area

Location of Amenities Teams / Riders / Public Parking Location Teams have access to the Event Venue, and setup in the teams designated area next to the finish area. Riders will park just adjacent to the race venue next to the venue, and the public at the designated public parking zones, outside the riders parking zone, just off the start finish venue.

• Wash only                                     R20
• Wash, Polish and Lube             R40

Nearest Hospital and Medical Information A wide range of professional medical services are available, including:

• Dr Botha General Medical Practitioner +27 23 2300792
• Dr George General Medical Practitioner +27 23 2301004
• Dr Whitaker General Medical Practitioner +27 (0)21 762 4779
• Ambulance                                                            +27 10177
• Hospital                                                                +27 (0)23 312 1117
• Police                                                                     +27 (0)23 230 8100
• Fire Department                                                   +27 (0)23 316 1997

Local Bellville resident (*Tygerberg MTB Club Member), Ernst Viljoen, is currently undergoing strict training and preparation to ride the 2012 Absa Cape Epic in celebration of his recent successful recovery from prostate cancer. This will be his fourth entry in the annual race in the Western Cape and he will devote his participation to those suffering from cancer and raise awareness and funding for Cansa. As a Team Absa rider, Absa will generously donate R1300 to the organisation for every stage of the race Viljoen completes - a potential total of R9100 for his efforts. "Thankfully the disease was diagnosed at an early stage and I was able to beat the cancer," says Viljoen. "I am extremely thankful that I can get back on my bike and ride again, enjoy the sport which I have been doing for most of my life. It is not something I take for granted." Viljoen has been active in the sport of cycling for the past 44 years and made a serious conversion to mountain biking in 2006, when Absa his then employer - became the title sponsor of the ABSA Cape Epic. He has since retired from his banking career of 28 years and is currently a lecturer in financial management at a private college in Cape Town. Viljoen has also completed the "Bike TransAlp" in 2007 and has 20 Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour rides to his name so far.

An Epic battle for survivor

Diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2010, Viljoen opted for brachytherapy - the implanting of radioactive seeds into the prostrate - instead of surgically removing the gland. The procedure was scheduled for April 2011 allowing him to attend his son's wedding and complete the 2011 Absa Cape Epic in March 2011. Viljoen is now fully recovered from the disease and looking ahead to the 2012 instalment of the world’s toughest mountain bike stage race. This year Viljoen will be paired with Team Absa partner and Olympic Silver medallist, Elana Meyer, and their training is already well under way. Viljoen will also serve as manager for Team Absa. The team includes rugby legend Joel Stransky and model Vanessa Haywood. The Absa Cape Epic will take place from 25 March to April 1st. * The prologue will be held on Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club trails with the start finish venue being Meerendal wine Estate. Taken from the Tyger Burger 11January 2012 * = added by JTF

The new TMTBC committee met for the first time yesterday evening. For my sins I have been elected the chairperson! We have many issues that need addressing and committee members have received portfolios to focus on. More detail on these will be included in our first newsletter which will be sent to everyone next week Thursday. Some of the immediate short term focus areas are: club finances, landowner liaison (priority - green corridor and Contermanskloof), trail maintenance, communication and governance. Please bear with us while we attempt to get up to speed as fast as possible. I do follow the comments and discussions in this group, however if you have any specific requests or would like to contribute to the furtherance of mountain biking in our area, please contact me directly. Email address for Rob is chairman@tygerbergmtb.co.za

Your once a year opportunity to things happen!

It is that time of the year again where you, the members of TMBC get inside the gears of how the club functions, and have your say on making things better. After all, even great can always get better! RSVP by email info@tygerbergmtb.co.za NOW or no later than Monday 5th @ 5pm, of course you can still come to AGM even if you did not RSVP but you may miss out on food. What can you expect at this years AGM?

1. Well, food is a certainty, but to cater we need you to let us know if you coming.
2. Cash Bar
3. The  Chairman will deliver a report about the club this past financial year & answer questions.
4. The Treasurer will speak about the finances & answer questions
5. Voting to accept or postpone the new proposed constitution. To view the new Draft Constitution click here.
6. Voting for your new committee
7. Club stucture.
8. New membership fees

1. Well, seeing as the whole committee is stepping down, it means a new committee must be elected. This can not happen on the night unless there are members who have been nominated, seconded and accepted the nomination, AND the nomination document has been submitted beforehand. In fact, the deadline is 24 hours before the AGM commences (Monday 5 December 7PM). The nomination document can be downloaded by clicking here.
2. It is proposed that that the new committee structure allowed to be at least 10 people to ensure a good balance. In order to do this the new proposed constitution needs to be adopted with the requirements in place.
3. To have a look at the financials for the past two years click here.

1. 19:00 Welcome
2. Confirmation of the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting.
3. Chairmans address & questions
4. Treasures report & questions
5. Vote on new fee structure for 2012
6. Dinner & new members signup
7. Vote on new draft constitution
8. Elect new Committee
9. Discuss new club structure
10. Other matters

See you there

'Order your solar lightcap here, and The Club will benefit by R50 for each cap sold'

Hi there Thank you for participating in the “Ride the Rhino” survey. I would like to advise you that the 2 x lucky Tygerberg Club winners of the entries for this weekend’s Rhino Race are:

• Ivan Devenish
• Cobus Van Der Colff

Well Done Gents – We trust you will enjoy the ride!Thanks again for participating and we will keep you posted on further promotions!Reeds are really enthusiastic in terms of our involvement in the great sport of mountain biking, and if there is anything from a vehicle aspect we could assist with, please feel free to pop in for a cup of the best coffee in town and have a chat!Regards and safe riding! Mike Powell Reeds Tygervalley Tel: 021 910 7660 Fax: 021 910 7676 Cell: 083 656 9940 mikep@reeds.co.za

7 Sept 2011

The 2011 UCI Mountain Bike and Trials World Championships have come to an end with yet another spectacular display of mountain bike racing from athletes all over the world, with only one chance of having the perfect race run to earn the prestigious title of MTB World Champion.

South Africa had a very strong presence in amongst a quality line-up of international mountain bikers in the cross-country and downhill disciplines; four-cross and trials were also part of the event schedule.  The conditions certainly did not contribute to any meaningful challenge by the entire field of athletes and success was determined more by the elements, which in some instances had a ‘river’ of water running across the track.  Not necessarily ideal world championship conditions.

World medal contender Burry Stander faced misfortune in the Elite men’s right from the get go, when a poor start saw him fighting for positions from early in the race.  About mid way when the rain began to come down, Stander suffered a big crash on some wet, slippery roots, abruptly ending his race.

“Although the pro riders are prepared to race in any condition, it is the junior and U23 downhill riders that felt it the most this weekend,” said SA MTB Team Manager Bryan Strauss.  “And when it came to the Elite DH race, the conditions really opened up the field.

“It is clear to see who has been racing the world cups abroad this year,” continued Strauss.  “Our riders have the ability to compete against the best in the world, but gaining experience from regularly racing abroad is vital.  For instance, look at our downhill riders – the juniors find the racing quite overwhelming.  The tracks overseas cannot compare to anything in South Africa.  Everything is at least 3 times greater – the gap jumps, the steepness.  The riders have to adapt to these tougher conditions in a short space of time.”

Of special mention was the result during the team XCO relay race.  U23 rider Mariske Strauss had a big crash before completing her lap, with U23 Rourke Croeser breaking his chain 500m before the finish of his lap.  Luke Roberts (Junior) and Burry Stander (Elite) pushed hard for a clean run - the end result was Team RSA finishing 11^th.  “With a clean run from all four riders, we could’ve moved our final position up at least five places!” said Strauss excitedly.

“The individual results were not what we had hoped for at these world championships, but each race experience is a building block for us of where we want to be.”

Congratulations to all riders who competed and did us proud!

Final Results – Men Elite – DHI
1 Danny Hart (GBR) 3:41.989
2 Damien Spagnolo (FRA) 3:53.688 +11.699
3 Samuel Blenkinsop (NZL) 3:54.982 +12.993
4 Brendan Fairclough (GBR) 3:55.124 +13.135
5 Mickael Pascal (FRA) 3:56.631 +14.642

8 Greg Minnaar (RSA) 3:57.979 +15.990
21 Andrew Neethling (RSA) 4:10.126 +28.137
32 Timothy Bentley (RSA) 4:18.935 +36.946
54 Johann Potgieter (RSA) 4:36.370 +54.381

Final Results – Men Juniors – DHI
1 Troy Brosnan (AUS) 3:51.503
2 David Trummer (AUT) 4:03.691 +12.188
3 Guillaume Cauvin (FRA) 4:10.797 +19.294
4 Lewis Buchanan (GBR) 4:12.299 +20.796
5 Loic Bruni (FRA) 4:13.738 +22.235

25 Tiaan Odendaal (RSA) 4:46.035 +54.532
39 Adi Van Der Merwe (RSA) 5:12.313 +1:20.810
48 Alasdair Fey (RSA) 5:51.059 +1:59.556

Final Results – Men Elite – XCO
(1 Start Loop + 7 Laps - Distance: 36.6 km - Average Speed: 21.01 km/h)
1 Jaroslav Kulhavy (CZE) 01:44:30
2 Nino Schurter (SUI) +00:47
3 Julien Absalon (FRA) +01:26
4 José Antonio Hermida Ramos (ESP) +02:09
5 Lukas Flückiger (SUI) +04:29

86 Philip Buys (RSA) -4LAP
Burry Stander (RSA) DNF

Final Results – Men Under 23 – XCO
(1 Start Loop + 6 Laps - Distance: 31.8 km - Average Speed: 20.63 km/h)
1 Thomas Litscher (SUI) 01:32:30
2 Marek Konwa (POL) +01:42
3 Henk Jaap Moorlag (NED) +02:13
4 Matthias Stirnemann (SUI) +03:33
5 Reto Indergand (SUI) +04:17

31 Rourke Croeser (RSA) +11:09
32 James Reid (RSA) +11:10
61 Dominic Calitz (RSA) -2LAP

Final Results – Women Under 23 – XCO
(1 Start Loop + 5 Laps - Distance: 27.0 km - Average Speed: 17.52 km/h)
1 Julie Bresset (FRA) 01:32:29
2 Annie Last (GBR) +01:30
3 Pauline Ferrand Prevot (FRA) +05:47
4 Helen Grobert (GER) +06:53
5 Anne Terpstra (NED) +07:20

18 Mariske Strauss (RSA) -1LAP
29 Candice Neethling (RSA) -2LAP

Final Results – Men Juniors – XCO
(1 Start Loop + 4 Laps - Distance: 22.2 km - Average Speed: 19.79 km/h)

1 Victor Koretzky (FRA) 01:07:18
2 Anton Cooper (NZL) +01:18
3 Andrey Fonseca (CRC) +01:19
4 Grant Ferguson (GBR) +01:48
5 Dominic Zumstein (SUI) +02:18

23 Brendon Davids (RSA) +06:32
33 Gert Heyns (RSA) +08:22
Luke Roberts (RSA) DNF

Final Results – Women Juniors – XCO

(1 Start Loop + 3 Laps - Distance: 17.4 km - Average Speed: 18.16 km/h)
1 Linda Indergand (SUI) 00:57:30
2 Lena Putz (GER) +02:19
3 Julia Innerhofer (ITA) +02:44
4 Jolanda Neff (SUI) +03:17
5 Johanna Techt (GER) +03:49

32 Ashleigh Parker-Moffatt (RSA) +14:03

From CSA Website