10 replies to this topic Post Order

[dovig]

Hi

Im quite new to cycling. Is it safe to ride the cradle and suikerbosrand by myself in the middle of the day on weekdays? Both from a crime and traffic point of view.

Thanks

[Naushie]

Suikerbosrand doesn't have traffic, besides staff vehicles (which go in the opposite direction to normal cars). Suikerbosrand is pretty safe, just be sure that you can ride the full distance and avoid getting stuck halfway without anyone to help you. Plus there are areas that don't have cellphone signal.

I can't comment on the Cradle, because I've only ever ridden there once, and it was in a race.

[Blokman]

Naushie, on 16 July 2012 - 07:21 , said:

Suikerbosrand doesn't have traffic, besides staff vehicles (which go in the opposite direction to normal cars). Suikerbosrand is pretty safe, just be sure that you can ride the full distance and avoid getting stuck halfway without anyone to help you. Plus there are areas that don't have cellphone signal.

I can't comment on the Cradle, because I've only ever ridden there once, and it was in a race.

Can only agree . Ride it with your car first if you're not sure . There are some steep hills. If you think you may not make it do only the smaller 'last' loop (you turn right at the top of the first hill, instead of left ,12 or so kms instead of 58). You can always do that more than once and in no time you will do the whole thing.Also to the gate and back will add a  few more flat kms

Don't drop papers . Be nice to the staff.

At about 11 kms you'll see a beacon in the veld to your left. Sit up straight you're the highest bloke in the Witwatersrand.

Edited by Blokman, 16 July 2012 - 08:04 .

[dovig]

Thanks guys

[TheRob]

I cycle in the cradle about 3 times a week. Cradle will have quite a few cyclist in it and not too many cars on any given weekend. So I would say it very safe.

[Mr SingleTrack]

with the recent bike jacking in Groen Kloof I would be hesitant to say any place is safe.
I guess these days it is always better to cycle with someone if you have the option

[Falco]

TheRob, on 18 July 2012 - 10:38 , said:

I cycle in the cradle about 3 times a week. Cradle will have quite a few cyclist in it and not too many cars on any given weekend. So I would say it very safe.

Both are safe, so long as you don't ride like a bonehead.
Getting stuck on the wrong side of Suikerbos with dead legs and the last climb still to come would be more embarassing than unsafe, and mean a hell of a long walk back to the parking area. Rather go there on weekends, at least then you stand a chance of hitching a lift back with someone else's support car.
The cradle is like any other public road, it has it's good days and it's bad days. Get in front of a car / tractor / motorbike and you're going to get flattened.

[mr_stig]

I last heard they were closing Suikerbos to cyclists - did this ever happen?

[kosmonooit]

Suikerbosrand is very safe during the week, no one there. Just make sure you pack your spare tube & bombs / pump, can be a long walk back

[Delgado]

dovig, on 16 July 2012 - 07:12 , said:

Hi

Im quite new to cycling. Is it safe to ride the cradle and suikerbosrand by myself in the middle of the day on weekdays? Both from a crime and traffic point of view.

Thanks

SBR is safe but I would ride with someone anyway. If you bin it on one of the decents it could be a while before someone comes past...........

[Blitzer]

Mr SingleTrack, on 18 July 2012 - 10:43 , said:

with the recent bike jacking in Groen Kloof I would be hesitant to say any place is safe.
I guess these days it is always better to cycle with someone if you have the option

The groenkloof rangers caught 3 groenes hiding in the bushes last week .Klapped them a bit and the police found stolen stuff in their strydompark flat .They patrol on horseback .I still will not ride there alone, near the fence ,late in the afternoon