16 August 2011

16 Aug 2011 16 August 2011

This week in the news:

• First seeding run update
• PPA Annual General Meeting
• New PPA discussion forums & PPA membership e-card
• Your ideas for Project funding 2012
• Forthcoming Events: August and September
• PPA One Tonner – pre-entries open
• This weekend on the calendar: Swartland MTB Funride

PPA SEEDING RUN UPDATE
All PPA memberships were due on the 1st July 2011. Thank you to our members who have already renewed. The first seeding run took place last Friday and the new road and MTB numbers of everyone who had renewed until then, are in the process of being posted. If you have not already renewed, please do so now via our secure online site to ensure you are included in the second seeding run. Go to https://secure.entries.co.za/onlineentries/landingpage.aspx?eid=1302

PPA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Please diarise Wednesday 14 September 2011, at the Canal Walk Auditorium. Check out the “About PPA”/AGM or the “Announcements” sections on our website for more info. For catering purposes, please RSVP by 9 September to info@pedalpower.org.za.

PPA WEBSITE – FORUMS & PPA MEMBERSHIP E-CARD
Our new discussion forums are live! Topic groupings include Tips & How To, Tech Talk, Event Feedback, Ride buddies and more. Log-in to MYPPA (or register if you have not yet done so) and get connected to other PPA members and exchange ideas, find ride buddies and the like.

The new PPA membership e-card is also now available through MyPPA. Once logged in, you can print your  membership card as and when needed. This is especially useful for our upcountry members, to prove they are paid-up CSA members.

PROJECT FUNDING 2012
We need your help! The PPA Executive Committee is looking for a cycling-related project/s that the Association itself can take on during 2012. In other words, what kind of project do you think PPA should become involved with? Read more in the news section on our website.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:  AUGUST & SEPTEMBER
Sat 20 Aug: Swartland MTB Funride – entries open
Sat 27 Aug:     Potberg MTB – entries open
Sat 3 Sept: Citrusdal MTB
Wed 7 Sept: Bike to Work Day
Sat 10 Sept: Marc’s Simonsberg Paarl Rotary MTB Challenge – entries open
Sun 11 Sept: Orbit Tour de Worcester
Wed 14 Sept: PPA Annual General Meeting, Canal Walk
Sun 25 Sept: Penny Pinchers Herald Karoo to Coast MTB Challenge
Sun 25 Sept:  Piket-Bo-Berg MTB
Sun 16 Oct:     PPA One Tonner ‘Early Bird’ pre-entries now open

Check out more online entries on http://www.pedalpower.org.za/ and click on the online entries tab.

PPA ONE TONNER: PRE-ENTRIES NOW OPEN!
Sunday 16 October 2011

Entries are now open for this PPA flagship event over 153 km on Sunday 16 October, starting at Nelson’s Wine Estate near Wellington. Discounted ‘Early Bird’ entries only until 31 August, with normal entry fees applying for September. Don’t forget to order your PPA One Tonner T-shirt when entering. Entries and more info: Follow the link from the “Online entries” tab on the home page, or click here

This weekend on the PPA funride calendar:

SWARTLAND MTB FUNRIDE
Saturday 20 August 2011

DISTANCES    70 km; 40 km; 20 km
STARTING TIME   70 km @ 08h30; 40 km @ 08h50; 20 km @ 09h10
ORGANISING COMMITTEE  Swartland MTB
VENUE     Org de Rac Wine Estate
ENQUIRIES    Kobus Dippenaar / Dewald du Toit
PHONE     082 897 2490 / 082 940 4901
EMAIL     swartberg@moorreesburg.net / dutoitdewald@yahoo.com
PRIZE GIVING/CUT-OFF  13h00
PRE-ENTRIES CLOSE   18 August 2011
ONLINE ENTRIES Please click here

ROUTE DESCRIPTION
One of the most scenic rides on the calendar, using private property not normally open to the public. All routes incorporate flowing single-track, jeep and “tweespoor” tracks through wheat, canola fields and fynbos, stunning views and an interesting little 150m climb to the finish.
The 70 km route takes riders twice to the top of Koringberg, from where you can see all the way to Table Mountain and across the Swartland. Be ready for two technical downhills that will test both brakes and downhill skills. Climbs, descents and flat sections are evenly dispersed, with about 11% single track; 15% easy gravel roads and the rest on jeep tracks, with some 1200m of climbing.  The down hills have rocky sections that need to be navigated with care.

The 40 km route pedals up Swartberg (430m climb in 3 km), returning via a fast single-track. Expect some 17% single-track, 19% gravel roads and the remainder on scenic jeep tracks, with 30% climbing in total.  This route is will still test your fitness with the some 650m climbing in total.  Down hills are on good single track with easy-to-ride surface.  This route is the most beautiful way to see Table Mountain and the Swartland.

The 20 km route is fairly flat, with only one short, steep climb; takes place over gentle rolling hills; is suitable for novices and children and will be untimed. Children u/10 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

DIRECTIONS TO VENUE
From Cape Town, take the N7 past Malmesbury. Take the Org De Rac Wine Estate turn-off from the N7 just past the Berg River and follow the signs on your left. The estate is situated between Moorreesburg and Piketberg, about 120 km from Cape Town. GPS Coordinates: 32°57’43.6″S, 18°45’0.2″E. See the PPA website for interactive route directions.

NOTES
Food stalls at venue. Spectators should visit the small town of Koringberg, where you can see 40 & 70 km participants at the water point in town, and visit the local restaurant! This event was the “Best New Event” on the PPA Funride Calendar for 2010. Your 2010 funride number will still be valid for this event, please bring it along.

Yours in cycling
The PPA Team