So where and when did this group start getting together? Some of us had been riding for years. Some in smaller, more fragmented groups. Some of the Smooth Knobblies didn't have a training regime and rode when they could. Some people joined because they were inspired to get into cycling. But no matter how personal the reason or intrinsic the individual motivation, the Smooth Knobblies is home to a diverse group of people who share the commonality of loving cycling - both road and mountain.
Two-Tone, The Oracle and I used to ride Tokai on weekends back in 2009. And from there it started snowballing. With the increasing ease of communicating with one another on cellphones and smartphones, we were able to disseminate pre-riding arrangements at the drop of a hat. And so the group grew.
To date we have about 20 or so riders - some more permanent than others. But there is no pressure to ride - only the pressure of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
Below are some pics that symbolise the spirit of the group. After a Tokai ride 4 years ago, Two Tone, Oracle and I decided that a picnic would be appropriate. Armed with tables, chairs, flasks, and (wait for it) a table cloth with a freshly picked bunch of fynbos in a vase, we were able to start our recruitment drive. (If I recall, that's how we got Mandy into the group!)
Ahhh - great beginnings.....
Two Tone and Oracle show their contentment at a post-ride coffee and cookie session in the Tokai arboretum parking lot
Rens takes a seat next to the refined décor that Oracle refers to as "MountainBike Chic"
