2010 Argus Cycle Tour: 9 bike marshals required
http://www.cycletour.co.za/theEvent.aspx
The PnP Argus cycle tour, Cape Town, South Africa, 14th of March 2010.
The BMWMCCC has been asked by Newlands Rotary assist in this event.
We are tasked with providing 9 marshals as scheduled below.
Last year our BMWMCCC marshals did a commendable job.
This is the same weekend as the renowned Nelson’s Creek Motorcycle weekend.
(I myself am on the Neslon’s creek weekend so will sit out the Argus this year).
If you are willing to volunteer, please specify what time slot you want to assist with by replying to me by email only- andy@abarc.co.za
The requirement is as follows:
There are 8 sectors in the event,
one marshal for each sector and 2 for sector 2.
Note: The timing is staggered, as the earlier sectors get to knock off earlier.
In broad terms, the schedule looks like this:
Sector 1 (Start – end blue route) –Approx 05.30 – 11.30)
Sector 2 (Up to Glencairn Expressway) . Approx 05.30 – 12.30)
Sector 3 - 2 motorcycles) - (Up to Perdekloof) – . Approx 06.00 – 13.30.
Sector 4 (To base of Chapman’s Peak) –Approx 06.00 – 14.30)
Sector 5 (Chapmans Peak) – Approx 06.00 – 15.30
Sector 6 (Chapman’s – Suikerbossie) – Approx 06.00 – 16.30
Sector 7 (Suikerbossie – Bantry Bay) – Approx 06.00 – 17.30
Sector 8 (Bantry Bay – finish) – Approx 06.00 – 17.30
moderator:
What do Newlands Rotary want the marshalls to do?
A: Our job is to keep the course safe. After a good briefing beofre the event we report for duty with our "marshal stickers on our bikes and our Hi-vi bibs on. We contact our specific static marshal we are assigned to and we wait for the action.
Then we patrol our sector continuously until our time is up keeping a watch on motorcars sneaking onto the course and pedestrians obstructing the course. We keep the coiurse safe for cyclists to race on. We can stop and watch a certain area and we can keep moving. We stop to assist accidents and pick up debris (shoes, tyre pumps, helmuts). we avoid getting caught by fast cycles on downhills. We report any issues that will require assistence or intervention.
Moderator:
What are the key elements of being a good marshal?
A: Be responsible & considerate. No showboating, wheelies, etc. Ignore the tamptation as other bikes do silly things to get their thrill. Ride your sector and if a car or pedestrian drifts into the cycle stream, you ride at them and wave them off. Ride with hazard lights on. Do not rev your bike unnecessarily. Report any big problems (accidents, injuries, violations by cars) to the marshal on your sector by phone or by reporting to him/her.
Moderator:
What riding skills does it require?
A: Good road skills. You will be surrounded by pedal bikes jostling for position and if the Cape Doctor is working, you need to watch for cyclists blowing over. You need to be able to ride in a good line at low speed. There are also plenty of motorbikes with adhoc riders working for the media and for the organisers to track specific riders. You need to be aware of your environment around you as when thenigs change, they do so quickly.
There are also Think Bike marshals on motorbikes orbiting around you.
Moderator:
Are marshals paid?
A: No , but your fuel is covered by a cash deposit into your account. The club gets a donation as well.
Moderator:
Why would anyone want to be a masrhal?
A: It's a blast being part of the van, surrounded byt >6 000 cyclists, cheered by the crowds, enjoying the race vibe and doing a worthwhile job in keeping cyclists safe from padestrians and motorcars. Its fun. We are ambassadors of the club and becasue our marshals at many previous events did a good job, we are respected and in demand.
Would have love to do it but will be one of the cyclists . Will look out for the BMW's !
And thanks to those who will be doing it.
Sign me up Andy....Sector 6. The tour tour has been good to me so time to pay it back. See you at next weeks club meet.
Cheers for now
T
Hi Andy
I'll volunteer again - sector 2 (if possible).
Ek sal ook kan help. (I am very unfit, but GK is as fit as can be)
Sector 3 of 4 asb.
Laas jaar het ek Boyes Drive gedoen (sector 2) en was nogal redelik besig.
Here is an unofficial sector map
Updated annotation
Note: A very useful piece of equipment is a helmet receiver for phone calls while riding.
I'm not doing Nelson's Creek this year, and we are going away the week before the BMW Clubs thing. So put me down for sector 2 or 3 please.
Hi Andy
I would be delighted if you would concider useing my service? I have not have any experience marshalling and promise to be responsible.
Russ
Im game. Any sector will do.
Sorry for doing this to you Andy, but are you not attending the BMW festival week end?
I believe that these two dates are clashing?
Do you think it would be possible to fit both in?
Russ
The fest is the weekend after, 19 - 22 March
I have sent a mail to you all.
Exception of Jeremy and Triston, will send to them soon as I get their mail addy from them.
This is the same weekend as the Nelsons creek Event weekend.
Bike Fest will be the next weekend.
Thanks to all who have respoinded and filled the team up so fast.,
Andyman
Andy, my mail addy is jmartin@metrorail.co.za
Hi Andy - my email is ...... milk@telkomsa.net
I am down as a marshall for this, but the wifey would like to leave early on Sunday to go visit her parents. If anybody is desperately keen to do sector 3 in my place I might consider making two people happy i one fell swoop.
Unlike previous times, we each need to collect our vests and stickers from the central depot:
- Times: Fri 12th and Sat 13th March, 9 to 5
- Location: Johnson Rd, Athlone, at the blue and white containers in the open ground
- Directions: Drive down Klipfontein Rd, away from the mountain. Pass the Athlone stadium on your left. About 2 robots later, turn right into Johnson Rd. You'll see the open ground and containers. Speak to Tim Harker.
Thank you Charles, will collect on Friday
