MAURICE Hall, a cycling fanatic, is organising the first Critical Mass family fun ride for Middelburg tomorrow at 17:30.
Anybody from the age of six upwards who owns a bicycle is invited to get together at Nguni Lodge, corner of Van Niekerk and Meintjies Street, at 17:30.
This will be a one-hour, very slow, fun ride in and around town while enjoying the autumn leaves fall, chatting, laughing and breathing in the fresh Karoo air!
Critical mass rides first started in San Francisco in the USA in 1992, with the intention of reclaiming the city, as cyclists were being bullied and treated as second class citizens by motorists.
The phenomenon spread across most major cities around the world, and rides are held once a month, some on the last Friday, others at full moon.
Hall said he was aiming for the last Friday of the month, but decided to host the inaugural ride this weekend before winter really set in.
If you are wondering what to wear… You DON’T need cycling gear! Dress up casual or funky or just the way you want, but make sure it is weather appropriate.
A helmet and gloves are recommended if possible. It would also be a good idea to bring as much lighting as possible.
Although the street lights are on, the more light, the better! So bring lights to light the road, flashing tail lights, strip lights for your frame and/or wheels or head-torch if you don’t have any other lighting equipment (just not candles please!).
You really don’t have to be fit, but please make sure your bike is OK; tyres pumped; chain oiled; etc. Remember this is not a competition or a survival of the fittest; this is a FUN and very slow ride for everyone to enjoy.