* LAST WEEK *

We had our return to Groenkloof. And it was great because ...
- being able to wake up in the car between 7 and 8am, before cycling
- there were some Pretoria Boys that cycled damn fast (but did only one lap)
- we had a nice bunch to work with - 20 people (thanks to Linda!) - that allowed three levels of rides
- Hannie crashed, got stitches but continued to show good spirit (FYI - that's how real Dutch girls are ...)
- Kris started too late and lost his derailleur (badly) halfway one of the loops. However,  he managed to maintain good spirit (well .. at least the next day again ...)

Afterwards we went for a braai at Ainsley's. Heard the stories from the runners who did a 32k in PTA ,  could conclude that the MTB trip was much tougher. ;-)

* THIS WEEK 's RIDE (21 /03) *

7am Pirates - usual ride and time. 2 hours social pace. It would be great if there are a few volunteers to join for a small loop afterwards. We need to get some milage in for the Sani2C non-stop!

* WEATHER FORECAST (as per Tuesday) *

Saturday 21/03, Johannesburg, 70% confidence

--
Partly cloudy with thunder storms
Temp: 15°c/25°c
Rain 30%, 5mm
Wind: AM 5km/h VRB,  PM 15km/h NE
--

CU Saturday!

Cheers,
Marco  

About us

Pirates is a Jo’burg based, multidisciplined sports club, facilitating running, ricket, rugby, hockey, tennis and many other sports. Over time, many runners picked up cycling as the ideal cross training sport, and in 2004 the Pirates Cycling Club ("PCC")was founded.

Initially PCC’s cycling was road focussed, but mountainbiking turned out to be even a better way of cross training!

Port-of-Call
Pirates Cycling Club is located on Braeside rd, Greenside - in the heart of Johannesburg – and serves as an excellent base for rides either along the Spruit or challenging trips up Albert's farm and Melville's koppies. The single track literally starts at the club!

There is variety in the level of Pirates riders, and we welcome all to ride along. Some compete for the loot and treasure, whilst others merrily cruise along - daunting cut-off times - but over the last year Pirates Cycling could rejoice with good results in:
· MTB: Magaliesberg Monster, Sani2C, Sabie Experience, Transfrontier MTB race, Mabalingwe Lion Man, Subaru Sabie Classic, Barberton Mountain bike Challenge.
· Road: 94.7, Cape Argus, Lost City Challenge 70&105km, The Fast One 100km, Berge & Dale 60/99km, Kormorant 109km, Cradle Classic 97km, Dome-to-Dome 104km, Montecasino 116km,

Prisoners  - and rum a-plenty - were taken.

Club Kit
The Pirates Kit includes a swashbuckling red cycling shirt with our famous Pirates logo - can be obtained from the Pirates shop - a black cycle shorts (or bib), with helmet (in matching colours?).  A proper Pirate need not have their legs shaven, as we love to play the underdog! Cutlasses and knives are strictly optional.

(A big advantage of the Pirates shirt is the support enjoyed from local Orlando Pirates fans.)

Regular Rides
MTB rides around the spruit takes place every Saturday, from Pirates’ main parking. In winter we start at 8:30am, but it becomes a bit earlier (7am) when Jo’burg warms up. Groenkloof and Albert's Farm also feature regularly, and we occasionally visit Northern Farm.

Road rides do not have a set time and place, and are coördinated by Paul Vlaming.

After-the-ride routines include Cappuccino in Greenside or Parkhurst, or something stronger at the club. (No keelhauling though…)

Upcoming Event Participation
Pirates riders are currently preparing to board:

· the 94.7 (being the ultimate road race in Johannesburg, www.highveld.co.za)
· the Akkedis (an unexplored MTB race in Limpopo, www.soutpansberg-mountainbike.co.za), and:
· the Sabie Experience (a 4 day MTB stage race in and around Sabie, www.sabiexperience.co.za).

Join us! (Or walk the plank…)

Pirates Cycling Club  Members
Grant Abrahams, Ian Benson , Peter Botha, Keith Caverhill, Ian Conlan, Rodney Faulconbridge, Marco (the flying Dutchman) Glastra, Lloyde & Trudi Hanson, Andrew Strachan, Heather Symons, Dorian Tyrrell, Yvonne Ulrich, Hendrika van Schie, Paul Vlaming, Helene White. Grant Abbo and Gwen Sidelsky.

Regular guest riders: Barabara Zijlstra, Lydia Schot and Oedze Boerema.

Contacts

• I.r.o. road cycling, e-mail Paul Vlaming ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) for info, and;
• Marco Glastra ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) for info on ‘the dirty stuff’.

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