Saddle Your Ponies

Joburg's toughest race; Joburg's safest race; Everybody's race. Call it what you like but clearly it is Joburg's favourite race. As the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challeng draws nearer all us cyclists "From the Average Joe to the All-Time Pro" as they say begin to dust off our bikes, pump up our wheels and get pedaling in preparation for the 18th November. This is a race which seems to puzzle me more and more from year to year. Despite the gruelling final 30km's  that we all hate so bad and curse with words which I can not say on a mass communication platform like this. The 'Ninety Four' as I like to call it  has us all coming back year after year and and each time bringing more people along- from spectators to particpants. This really is everybody's safest, toughest, favourite race. So, to all involved in this Huge event, good luck, thank you and we can't wait to see you there. Big Ups to 94.7 and Momentum.

Keep Pedalling- all the way on the R28 too ;)

Taking the Streets Back

So, the latest trend in the cycling industry has it South Africa with a bang and Johannesburg with an even harder one. The trend you ask? Well, it is called Critical Mass. I too raised an eyebrow when I heard that term; it might sound like some kind of cult, but no. Critical Mass seems to be one of the fastest growing phenomenons in cycling that i have seen in a while. People are now expressing their views through bike riding! Basically, critical mass is all about taking the streets back, taking back public space, or at least what should be. I’m sure you will agree with me that the biggest challenge a cyclist faces is the automobile and its raging driver behind the wheel. These events are the perfect way to voice your opinions as a cyclist. It first started in the United States as a protest against the insufficient facilities for cyclists in the roads and has continued to develop into an opportunity for communities to express themselves. But here in Johannesburg it is not so much about creating an uprising. So, instead of violent protests, participants get to re-discover the streets of the city at night time, after rush hour traffic. It has become a totally social event inviting anybody and everybody- you determine your pace and style. Checkout their Facebook page - Critical Mass Johannesburg to find out about the next ride. Big Ups to the organizers of this iconic movement.

Keep Pedalling, at night this time!   

                                       Check this out > > > Video

Green PR gets Pedaling



Green Together



It seems that Green Public Relations is growing faster than we think, and attacking more industries than ever thought possible. And it’s actually working. Now, if you’re not sure what I mean by “Green” PR, in simple terms it is Public Relations Campaigns aimed at raising awareness and promoting environment-friendly activity. Earlier this year, Climate cycles hosted their 4^th annual event ‘Ride to Recharge’.

Cyclists pedaled from Chicago lakefront inviting people of all skill levels and walks of life coming to help their students and schools go green. Riders could choose from a 4-mile (6.4km) route to a 125-mile (201km) route. In their first three rides, a combined 1200 Climate Cyclists raised $250,000. That’s more than R1 million, just by getting people to pedal some bikes! Thanks to their efforts, Climate Cycle awarded 13 schools with solar panel installations and seeded 15 additional environmental school projects to date. It is rare that you see organizations using this approach- using a globally loved sport to attend to the environments needs. The fact that riding a bike generates no form of threat to the environment makes this event and its cause sheer genius. From what the statistics say, clearly it has been a success and can only grow bigger. Big Ups, Climate Cycles.

Keep Pedaling- Pedaling Green that is.

Checkout Climate Cycles

Haters, Keep Hating

And yes- I have won the TdF seven times

Now, I know it is long gone and over but despite being stripped of all titles including 7 Tour de France title wins, Lance Armstrong opened his speech at the World Cancer Congress Conference in Montreal with "I thought in line of recent events, I should re-introduce myself- My name is Lance Armstrong, I am a cancer survivor, I am a father of five, and yes- I have won the Tour de France seven times.” link The angle of approach in which he is approaching this situation is rare but clearly it is effective. The fact that world authorities have banned him and he still has it in him to get back up and say something that controversial, and with such ease shows what kind of man this is- a true humanitarian. People can say what they want, it clearly only adds fuel to this guy's drive. Personally, I don’t think someone would say something that powerful unless of course they mean it. Lance’s PR strategies do exactly what he wants- Creates hype but people seem to be blind at the fact that any negativity towards Armstrong only makes him persist more. Big ups, Lance.

Keep Pedaling.

Just Do It. Walk Away



Farewell.  Livestrong. Just do It



So, it has finally come to an end. Lance Armstrong’s been proved guilty of all allegations. This for some is devastating, for others it is no surprise and for the rest it is justice. I’m not going report about what exactly the situation is. We all know what’s happened - we all hear about every movement the man makes. But all seven TdF titles? Really? Perhaps you agree with the decision, perhaps you don’t – but bear in mind, he wasn’t proven guilty for testing positive but simply for not continuing to fight the allegations. So why is it that he gets stripped of EVERYTHING and a lifetime ban whilst so many of the positive tested athletes get a slap on the wrist? Ok, let us not dwell on it, it’s done.  What really got my attention with all this is that Nike, one of Armstrong’s biggest endorsers will continue to back him. I think the fact that one of the world’s most recognised brands risking their own reputation in supporting him through this says a lot. Nike never dropped Armstrong when he had cancer and they’re not dropping him now.  The relationship between the two helps us realise that walking away doesn’t make you a loser, it doesn’t make you a quitter and it most definitely does not make you a cheater. “Enough is enough” says Armstrong. For more check out The Street Big Ups, Lance, Big ups Nike.

Keep Pedalling.

Families Pedal to the Medal

I recently discovered that one of the best ways to get the desired exposure when managing an event isn’t all about flashy advertising- but another angle one can approach is simply to make the event more family orientated. Sounds weird doesn’t it? Have a look at The Momentum Health National Duathlon series for instance; it comprised of six stages from the 4^th of March until the 19^th of August allowing athletes to compete all over the country. But that’s not what got my attention. The series organizers made it clear that as competitive as these events may be, it can still be a fun-filled family activity. The list of options ranged from:

 

Ø  A ‘Brats’ race

Ø  A ‘Kiddies race

Ø  And the main race consisting of a 5km run followed by a 40km cycle and finishes off with another 2.5km run

So from now on, bring the wife and kids along.
Check this link out: Duathlon HomePage

Sport or Business Opportunity? Perhaps Both



Anything for that Yellow Jersey


What has cycling become?  It’s no longer merely a sport one can enjoy for the beauty of what it is. Oh no, it’s a business opportunity which most big names want to tap into to get their fair share of the good stuff. Like most sport nowadays cycling is money driven- Fair enough, creating awareness is good.  But do you hear of any other sports where athletes face jail time for using performance enhancers? So that’s just what it has become-A community being developed and driven by a society hungry for action, hungry for more. Fact is- society and athletes themselves’ perceptions, attitudes, morals, ethics- all of it is so altered and shaped by the media that people go beyond all measures to get a piece of the pie- and that is regardless of whom or what gets affected negatively along the way. “As long as My brand gets the desired AVE, I don’t really care about the rest” This is the way the world is going and we must accept it for what it is- but that does not mean we can not determine the outcome of what we put in, or at least influence it. If it’s going to be money and politics that drive the sport, let’s invest in the right places and debate about the right issues.

Keep pedalling.

Reputation Repairable

Kissing the Gold- Kissing Cycling Good-Bye

I’m sure it came as a shock to the cycling industry when Kazakhstan’s Alexander Vinokurov pipped Britain’s dream team and snatched the Olympic gold. The surprise wasn’t exactly celebrated by most. Not because a Kazakh athlete won but merely because Vinokurov has been banned for doping in the past.  Now, I emphasize the word ‘past’ because that’s what it is exactly- the past, it’s done, finito. People say “It’s not right; unethical; He has a bad rep; ban him for life; how will it look if a previously banned athlete wins?” Vinokurov tested positive in 2007 which was followed by a two-year ban. I say reputation shmeputation!  He did his time and followed procedure, leave it at that. Personally I think what a way to end his carreer- with a Gold. Big Ups Vino.
Check out this link its not about redemption

Dark and Cold. So What?



Equipped for the Extreme



I've noticed that cyclists tend to hide away during the winter period. But with temperatures luring in the sub-zero range one can't blame us for wanting to be cuddling in a warm bed. But that is simply not an option if you want those desired results to be achieved. Yesterday, a friend and I decided to take the bikes out for what we thought would be the beginning of our training. Well, were we in for a scare?! A part from becoming a mobile freezer, we realized just how dark it still is at 05:00AM, but that we expected. The traffic was what got us; we found that we were concentrating more on not getting run over than the actual cycling. Unfortunately, this is part of the sport and if you want to excel, you're going to have to keep pedaling, despite the conditions. As a cyclist I encourage that you are well lit up and visible, taking that risk simply won't be worth it.

Until Next time: Keep Pedaling

Taking an Opportunity to Make OpportunitIES



Ready for Action



In 2007 Nedbank acknowledged an issue and decided to make a difference in Cape communities. Nedbank started a program in which they went in to disadvantaged communities and schools around the Western Cape and gave the youngsters the opportunity to take up cycling. Whether it be as a sport, as means of transport or just to enjoy the experience of riding a bike, Nedbank donated somewhat 550 bikes. www.nedbank.co.za/  It’s a great opportunity Nedbank have taken to make opportunities for the less privileged. The value of Corporate Social investment (CSI) Programs like this are gradually being recognized by organizations. There’s nothing better than giving back to the community whilst building a relationship with it at the same time. It’s a long term investment for Nedbank and it’s great that kids can be kept off the street by means of sport (unless they’re on their bikes of course!) Big Ups Nedbank.

Is it in the Risk?

Questioned beyond breaking point.

I recently heard about Spanish rider Alberto Contador  re-signing a two-year contract with Team Saxo Bank. The three time Tour de France winner was stripped of all of his race titles and given a ban as of May 2010 after being proven guilty of doping. The question I raise is: Is signing riders with such bad reputations a good thing? Or simply insane?  I mean for the Team’s rep, for the sponsors etc. One could say that the rider’s rep could bring the team down. Or we can use the approach “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” In simpler terms this means that Team Saxo Bank is bigger than its individual members like Alberto Contador. I think organizations are starting to realise that if success is desired we need to risk it, look past the negatives to recognise the positives like Contador’s talent. Clearly the sport is becoming business orientated with a lot of money being invested into it, so taking risks is essential when keeping up with the mix. Is this the correct way to look at the situation? Acknowledging the positives before fussing over the negatives. For more info check out http://www.bicycling.com/ 

Low Marketing Communications? Or is it just Exclusivity?



 Exclusive Riders Only It seems that event organizers don't seem to be taking advantage of all the mediums of mass communication. Either they are not aware of the various social media platforms or, wait, this is the 21st century. Organizations should be well educated on the importance of brand positioning and the essentials of marketing communications. The way that you put yourself out there is the way that you will be perceived. Basically, what I am saying is, is that events don't do enough to get publicity. Not much advertising and communication is done. I often find that simple things like the whats, whens and wheres of an event are vaguely communicated. The best example is the Absa Cape Epic. I think it was only after the second day of it being underway that i heard it had even started, keep in mind I am a cyclist and usually know about what events are taking place, especially world renowned ones like the Epic. Could it be because of a lack of funds? I think not. It Costs more than R20 000 per entrant to enter the event, investing some of that money in publicity wouldn't hurt. After all, if I was paying twenty grand to put my body through severe pain and shock I'd expect a personal camera crew and my own cheerleading team. Even before being entered there is a long process before even being chosen to ride the epic. It seems to me that it's an exclusivity thing. If we compare how the Epic markets itself to the 94.7 Cycle challenge or perhaps the Cape Argus, there is a huge difference. Constantly we hear on the radio, see on T.V, bill boards, posters, Twitter, Facebook about the 94.7 cycle challenge.   It's framed as Everyone's race- For the Average Joe or even the all time Pro. Marketing and Communications are handled excellently here. It’s time that the value of brand positioning and marketing communications gets recognized.  Everyone's Race  



Think Bike. Biker Think

The Think Bike Campaign- Creating awareness

I’m sure you will agree with me that the most feared opponent in cycling is the motor vehicle. We all know what it’s like to be cut off by a taxi or a big bakkie, before being sworn at and left behind in nothing but dust and exhaust fumes. Truth is, drivers hate us. They simply despise our presence on their precious roads. (Not keeping in mind that we too pay taxes to utilize these roads.) Besides aggressive drivers, we have to dodge pot holes on those “precious” roads too, but that’s beside the point for now. I cringe every time I hear about a cyclist being knocked down and killed. “That could be someone I know.” I think to myself. The scary part is that it’s become at least once if not twice a month that an incident like this takes place. Are cyclists invisible? Or is it simply due to ignorance? It’s not fair that someone has to die doing what they love because of a lack of somebody else’s competence. The "Think Bike" campaign has done a lot to raise awareness for both motorcyclists and cyclists, but I can safely say that "think bike" does not only apply to drivers but to cyclists themselves. Let's put ourselves in the driver's seat for a moment; How can cyclists expect respect from drivers if cyclists themselves abuse utilization of the roads? I was recently driving on a main road in the sub-urban area I stay in, when I got caught up behind 3 cyclists riding side-by-side, there's not even a yellow lane there! This is unacceptable and simply an irresponsible act. When I managed to get past them I merely shouted out "That’s why WE get killed!" And that's coming from a cyclist himself. I’m sorry, but it takes two to tango. If we want to be respected, we can not be greedy about it. It takes nothing to ride in single file; it's not as if a bicycle is two meters wide either.

There is so much we can do to be more visible:

• Wear reflective gear;
• Attatch warning lights to your bike- front and back;

• Ride in Groups (In single File)

To learn more about awareness and the think bike campaign, go to www.thinkbike.co.za/

Epic names for Epic Events

Burry stander and Christoph Sauser

I think I can safely say Big ups to Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser of 36One-Songo-Specialized who won the 2012 Absa Cape Epic, and did it with 25 minutes and 57 seconds faster than their second place rivals Kevin Evans and David George. I noticed quite a few international names participating in the event too- this is great for the sport in South Africa. It is evident that South Africans have become passionate about the sport but are lacking the exposure. One can question the talent of South African athletes but I think Burry Stander's performance this weekend will quickly answer any questions. But let’s not forget to give credit to his Swiss teammate. To get to the point I think that Big Names (more specifically, Europeans- because let’s face it, the sport is biggest in Europe) should be invited to attend our events and hopefully to participate in them too. Fact is, South Africa is still developing and so is the sport of cycling in this country. All the international feedback and exposure we can get-the better. Event Organizers, brands and sponsors should see that inviting internationally big names to attend their events or to use their product is a business opportunity that should be take advantage of. Just this weekend, Lance Armstrong tweeted that he was following the Cape Epic and thinks that he should do it sometime. That is an opportunity, Take it! Clearly we have the talent, now we just need the experience to develop it.

Eazy on the E



Dueñas Nevado. Caught for doping



As the sport grows worldwide, it becomes more and more demanding. Demanding riders' performances, time, health and so on. A combination of a demanding Society and the way brands and events position themselves causes competitors to be driven to a point where the athletes find themselves breaking the rules and bending the limits beyond insanity.  All because of what these factors make us THINK is important. We find that more and more professional cyclists as well as other professional athletes are "doping”. The rise of substance abuse among professional athletes is rising immensely and I highly blame society and brand positioning for situations resulting in crises like this.- Then again- You can take the horse to the water, but you can't make it drink. The sad thing about the result of doping is that careers get ended, health gets destroyed, lives get ruined and reputations gat trashed. All for what?  Some cash? A little exposure perhaps? Is winning a race really worth risking it all? With a lot of big organizations putting large sums of money into professional sport, it is not only the athletes whose names and reps get ruined. The organization as a whole gets a negative image. Take for example Team Barloworld- a South African sponsored team who in 2007 achieved who achieved the best results ever by a wild card entry.  www.southafrica.info/. In 2008 they withdrew sponsorship due to Spanish rider Dueñas Nevado being tested positive for EPO (Erythropoietin) It was good that they pulled out, before things got messy. Doping proves to be for the incompetent of mankind. Take a man like Lance Armstrong, he

Lance Armstrong
The Face behind the legend

Ø  Won The Tour de France Seven consecutive times;

Ø  Did so after defeating cancer;

Ø   Started additional campaigns where he went for voluntary testing;

Ø  Was under federal investigation for the whole of 2011(after retirement) and proved innocent

He proved that it’s not impossible without the drugs. 

Questions have been raised, like should doping be legalized? Maybe there won’t be that much uprising. What do you think?

Less Wheels, Less Problems

Broken bikes left the ladies
walking to the finish.

As much as the 2012 Cape Argus Cycle Tour was a huge success it had its dissapointments too.The elite women were seeded in a big pack  as they were joined by the Leading men's Vets and Masters. This resulted in a large and consistent Leading pack throughout the race, as well as causing the pack to be spread out over the whole road. With the group consisting of so many riders it resulted in a nasty crash, injuring over 20 pro riders. this is simply unfair and quite frankly, incompetent of the organisers of the event. The Cape Argus Cycle Tour has a reputation for being the worlds largest individually timed cycle race.

http://www.southafrica.info/about/sport/cycletour.htm
 It's unacceptable that a world class event doesn't raise the standard here, afterall, our other local races don't require that The Elite Ladies Start with two other competitive categories, all racing for the podium. Competitive categories should be seperated to compete strictly with riders of the same capacity- resulting in less riders per group, resulting in less casualties. Sure, falling is part of the sport and "If you havent fallen, it means you can't ride." Another problem was the amount of participants in the overall even, somewhat 36 000 riders- once again causing serious traffic jams amoungst the cyclists. the organisers of this huge event need to restrategise if they still want the turnout to be this strong, either by:

• Providing More ride groups
• Ensuring more time between groups starting
• or require participants to qualify for the Cape Argus Cycle Tour on a more strict basis than just being seeded

For more info on the event, checkout News24 www.sport24.co.za/

You still have to pedal it

With all the money and technology involved in the up and coming industry of cycling, it becomes tough to keep track of who is doing what. New Technology is constantly being developped to maximise the performance of the athlete-machine combination. But I ask, is all this time,money and effort really worth the outcome? How much could it possibly help? Perhaps shaving a few  seconds of your personal best? Will having a R60 000 carbon fibre bike really guarantee that sub-3hr ride you've been longing for? I’m not trying to raise a debate- I merely want to know. Yeah, sure, we all want the latest gear and equipment- it looks good. But I rode my first sub-3hr on a Raleigh Rc3000 year 2005 modelhttp://www.raleighusa.com/, it has a simple 9 speed shimano Tiagra group setting , may I add I was 15 years old. Im not boasting, im just saying that the outcome of this demanding athletic performance is based ten times more on the mental fitness of the athlete  powering the machine than the technical variables-like the bicycle itself. Why I specify mental? Because if you believe you can, you will. Hence: If you believe that a bicycle is going to make you slower, you will be.     



The Latest

Old School

                



                      Vs

                

Either way- you still have to pedal it.