2oceans Vibe

This just happened at the end of the 2012 Argus Cycle Tour.

Click ‘Continue Reading to see the two videos. One from ahelicopter and one from the road.  Continue Reading

Following on from the news that Albert de Wet’s track, “Bikin’ RSA” was initially sent to media as the official song of the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, and then sternly rejected by officials from the organisation, we suggest that bikers across the country rally around this song ahead of the big race this Sunday.

You might still be reeling from the “official” Argus Cycle Tour song that was pulled – so maybe this will make more sense to you. It’s a bicycle rack for a Vespa and is apparently “the ultimate accessory for participating in the Argus or riding next to the peloton with a backup bike.”

I have no idea what that means, but I can see how this would prove useful.

Check out this “release”

Life’s just gets better with Vespa’s new innovations

If you’re a cyclist, transporting your bicycle just got unbelievably easy. Get a Vespa and then customise it with an after-market bicycle rack.

The outrageously unique – and functional – Vespa bicycle racks are crafted out of lightweight stainless steel tubing. The ultra light – yet robust – component is designed to fit on existing points on the Vespa’s chassis, and bolts on and off simply, in a matter of minutes.

Don’t be fooled thinking this add-on will compromise your riding pleasure. On the contrary, the rack is ergonomic and smart and will not decrease your ability to maneuver through traffic with your bicycle snug by your side.

If cycling’s your passion, customise your Vespa with a bicycle rack and be part of the peloton by riding alongside the cyclists and carrying a back-up bicycle. Or weave through traffic and meet your riding buddies on time and in style.

And the best part is, if you don’t feel like riding around with your rack attached to your Vespa, remove and re-attach it quickly and easily.

With the Vespa bicycle rack, transporting your bicycle is less hassle and way more cool. To get your customised rack, call Trevor at Vespa Wynberg on 083 274 6367 or 011 440 7649.

Great.

Maybe I will be allowed to drive through red traffic lights if I had a bike mounted to my Vespa?

If you didn’t manage to get a load of the 2012 Argus Cycle Tour Campaign Song, which was branded by an apparent majority as both “revolting” and “embarrassing,” it’s too late I’m afraid – they’ve pulled it. This may well be the first instance in South African sporting history that an official song has been pulled due to public disapproval. The original press release was clear in stating that the Albert de Wet song is going to be “the official song of the Argus 2012.”

That was then. This is now.

Monica Ferreira, a representative from Sting Music, sent out this note:

We have had to pull the promotion of the Albert De Wet rendition of Cyclin’ RSA (which you would have received the track for). Please do not include the track or video in any promotional campaigns you may be running for the Argus.

The public disapproval for the song was clear for all to see, with the backlash starting the moment the song was published.

As you will notice from that link above, the YouTube video of the song has been removed.

Luckily 2oceansvibe kept an MP3 version of the song, so you can press play below to listen to it.

Just enjoy it.

This is the official song for the 2012 Argus.

Here’s a little info on the artist, Albert de Wet.

Albert de Wet was introduced to the music industry in 2007, with the release of his debut Afrikaans album, Dagboek van ‘n Dromer.  Ironically though, it was his English track, Within Walls, that put him on the map.  To date, Albert de Wet has release 3 Afrikaans albums and 1 album, with 3 SAMA nominations, several MK awards and nominations, VONK awards and nominations and many more under his belt – including the Vonk award for Best Song in 2008 (facing up against the likes of Steve Hofmeyr, Kurt Darren, Juanita du Plessis and Chris Chameleon).

I am speechless.

[Thanks, Monica]

According to our latest survey, 40% of our 2oceansvibe readers indulge in these elaborate spinning classes taking place on our roads – ie. ‘cycling.’ And so I felt it pertinent to mention this deal I found at Groupon, which gets you 51% off at (what is apparently) a popular online cycling shop, called buycycle.co.za. I see what they did there. They substituted the ‘bi’ part of ‘bicycle’ and made it ‘buy.’ Because, you know, it’s a shop and you can BUY stuff. Very clever.

So anyway, check this out – you can get a R200 voucher to use at buycycle.co.za, but you only have to pay R99.

In order to get that very special voucher,
just CLICK HERE and follow the instructions.

You’re welcome.

Enjoy the elaborate spinning class…

Just quietly get a load of this video of mountain biker, Evan van der Spuy of Team Jeep South Africa, getting taken out.

It’s COMPLETELY off the charts! The guy’s lucky he was wearing a helmet.

Click ‘Continue Reading’ below to see the video. Continue Reading

This morning I spotted yet another cyclist going through a red traffic light on Somerset Road in Green Point. I drove alongside the cyclist (after the light had turned green) and I asked him who exactly he thought he was. The guy completely freaked out and told me, categorically, that the law states that cyclists may go through red traffic lights. I didn’t get his name, but his photo is above (taken at the next set of traffic lights, after he told me that cyclists may legally go through reds).

So whoever you are, I would like to direct you to these two links, here and here, outlining road traffic law, stating that cyclists may NOT ride through red traffic lights, nor may they ride next to each other on the road. It’s single-file, buddy. Not that we want to ruin your fun, as you chat to your buddies. But if you insist on maintaining such delusional arrogance to believe that you are actually above the law, then maybe we should be treating you like a child?

Can you believe it? He said he had been cycling for eight years and he should therefore have a better understanding of what the law states.

Turns out you’re wrong. And you’re arrogant. And you’re delusional. And you’re breaking the law. And your balls are showing. But more importantly, you’re setting a bad example for young children who watch you going through reds and cannot wait to get their first bicycle, so they can do the same. It’s a pity, because you’re ruining it for the other cyclists out there who are obeying the law.

So to answer our persistent question: YES, cyclists actually DO believe they’re above the law.

Local cyclists concerned about how some people treat them on the road, should take note of a new initiative launched overseas. The ‘Give Respect, Get Respect’ campaign in Philadelphia, is aimed at socially unacceptable behaviour – something we have been quite vocal about here at 2oceansvibe.

The Give Respect, Get Respect campaign aimed at promoting and enforcing the peaceful coexistence of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians is kicking into gear and has started cracking down on bicyclists.

A traffic-enforcement team of bike cops stopped 803 cyclists and motorists from its May 16 launch. Of those, 600 were cyclists.

Of the cyclists stopped, 590 were issued warnings, while three were cited for moving violations, which commonly include running red lights or riding against traffic and carry the same fine as they do for motorists.

[more here]

Do you understand that? It’s about respect. It’s about give and take. It’s about, dare I say, karma. Essentially, this issue is a two way street.

A similar campaign has been launched in New Zealand. See more at the stopatred.org.nz website.

Much like local taxis receiving a blanket hate from most motorists, when in fact there are a handful of polite taxi drivers out there; there is a LARGE handful (note: not all) of local cyclists who insist on cycling through red traffic lights. You guys are ruining it for everyone else. Why are YOU so different? Why don’t YOU care if children see what you’re doing and want to do the same on their first modes of transport? You know why?

But then you moan when some people treat you like shit on the road? Please – you don’t have a leg to stand on. Do you think these desperate initiatives would be launching all over the world if you were in the right? If you weren’t such a selfish prick?

So, to the cyclists out there ruining it for everyone else – Give respect and you’ll get respect.

Continue Reading

“But this is CYCLING!”, I hear you blurt, rusk crumbs embedding themselves in your computer screen. “You guys don’t LIKE cyclists!” That said, Danny MacAskill is no prawn. He’s a stylish, skilled athlete, and he makes the infrastructure of our beloved city look oh-so-fine.