The South African cycling community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved figures, JP van Zyl (52), founder of Recycles Bike Shop in Bellville. JP and his close friend, trail pioneer Meurant Botha, tragically died in a car accident near Calvinia on Saturday, 13 September.
Known for his ready smile, generosity, and encyclopaedic knowledge of bicycles, JP was far more than a mechanic. His technical knowledge was immense – having lived through the MTB suspension, wheel size and carbon-fibre revolutions. And to thousands of cyclists, he was a friend, mentor, and lifeline – the one who could get them back on the trail or road when all seemed lost.
FROM PASSION TO PROFESSION
A mountain biker since 1989, JP spent 13 years working across the cycling industry before founding Recycles in 2002. His vision was simple but powerful: to create a shop and service centre where riders of every level felt welcome, and where bicycles were treated with the same care and respect as their riders.
Recycles grew into a cornerstone of the Western Cape cycling community. But JP’s influence reached far beyond the shop floor. JP was renowned for his stage race servicing at many of South Africa’s most arduous mountain bike events. Since 2006, he and his team provided technical support at South Africa’s biggest races, including the Cape Epic, Sani2C, JoBerg2C, Wines2Whales, Tankwa Trek, and Cape Pioneer Trek.
Cyclists knew they could count on JP to work late into the night, sometimes into the early hours, servicing bikes with precision and care, and sending them into the next stage with encouragement. As one rider recalled: “It didn’t matter if you were a top racer or a beginner nervously tackling your first event – JP gave his time and knowledge generously.”
A FRIEND TO ALL
JP was a fixture on local trails, often joining Tygerberg MTB Club night rides and weekend outings. He combined deep technical skill with humanity and humour: always ready with advice, laughter, or a word of calm.
In a sport that can be fiercely competitive, JP stood out for his humility. He never spoke badly of others, and quietly earned the admiration of riders, fellow mechanics, and organisers alike.
A LEGACY BEYOND BIKES
JP and Meurant shared a friendship of more than three decades, each contributing uniquely to the growth of mountain biking in South Africa: Meurant through events and trail building, JP through service and support. Together they helped shape the Western Cape into the heart of South African mountain biking.
JP’s passion extended beyond bicycles to classic cars, especially American V8s. Together with Meurant, JP was an active part of Cape Town’s muscle car scene. As motoring journalist Lance Branquinho noted: “If it had wheels, they wanted to work on it.”
From Mustangs to rare Mopars, his cars weren’t hidden away – they were rebuilt to run, driven at events, and often shared with others. “JP’s project cars were restored to run,” writes Branquinho. “And he was always happiest when others got to experience them too, a trait typical of true collectors.”
This love of machines – bicycles or cars – was never just mechanical. For JP, it was about the joy they created and the communities they built.
A LASTING IMPACT
JP leaves behind his family, friends, colleagues and the countless cyclists whose lives he touched. His absence leaves a void, but his influence will endure in every event where Recycles played a role, every trail he helped riders conquer, and every car or bike he lovingly restored.
The outpouring of tributes in recent days has been immense. As one tribute put it: “His legacy will live on in every cyclist who pedals on because of his help, in every event made smoother by his quiet efforts, and in every smile he left behind.”
Details regarding arrangements to celebrate JP’s life will be shared in due course.
