Rider

Gerard van Weele


From Johannesburg South Africa


Commutes 16 Klometers RoundTrip for 2 years and months
Five Days a week, I use my bike to travel to and from work Year Round

After trying a few variations, I settled on a slightly longer and MUCH more hilly route to avoid the faster and more congested traffic routes. This allows me to climb a 2nd gear hill every morning past the South African Broadcasting Corporation towards Brixton,where I get a truly spectacular view of the CBD - where I work. Pollution is a different story though. Taking the same route back, I easily reach speeds of 65 km/h going down the twisty hill, but that's what it's all about!

Being able to avoid the major traffic routes, I haven't had any real altercations with vehicles. In Johannesburg that is a major accomplishment as anyone who know JHB minibus taxi's will agree. What I have managed though is to build up an understanding with the bus drivers who's routes I share. They give me a few strategic gaps, while I stay out of their way the rest of the time. Wipe-outs - only one. Not too much damage. Ego hurt like hell though...

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