Thank you to Graham J for this report of an intrepid group of local cyclists in South Africa:
A few weeks ago, 4 intrepid Parwich cyclists crossed the equator to meet up in glorious Cape Town and take part in the World’s biggest cycle race – the “Cape Argus”. After having trained through the depths of a Peak District winter, it was pure joy to be transported into high summer overnight, with the prospect of a legendary bike race to boot!
During the winters training running up to the race we sadly lost one of our team (Ben B) to injury, but still arrived with an enthusiastic team of four to attempt the gruelling 109 Km course around the Cape Peninsula. The course itself is a spectacular circular route which starts and ends in the middle of Cape Town, and takes in the notorious climbs of Chapmans Peak and Suikerbossie. The roads are closed, and the whole of Cape Town seems to turn out for a massive cycling party.
The Argus attracts over 30,000 entrants from 80 countries, and boasts some famous (and infamous) entries in past years. Lance Armstrong, Chris Froome, Miguel Indurain and Eddy Merckx have all taken part in the Cape Argus.
Buntingo and Paul D displaying scarily intense focus on the start line
(or is it blind panic?)
With such illustrious previous fields, the Parwich Peddlers felt Cape Town was probably ready for three northern hemisphere MAMILS (Middle Aged Men In Lycra) and a younger aspiring MAMIL. This year we were joined by Eddy Merckx (in the group just ahead of us) and Richard Branson.
It’s quite hard to describe what it’s like to ride in a cycle race with 30,000 competitors (all of whom looked like they were there to try and win), but suffice to say the start was quite frenetic. Our extensive support team (wives and friends) ensured we arrived safely at 7am for a 7:54am start time, and we duly set off into the teeth of a very strong headwind. Just staying on the bike was the order of the day for the first 10 miles or so until the field started to spread a bit.
Graham J clearing Chapmans Peak with a slightly deranged grin of relief!
The Cape Argus has a similar carnival feel to The London Marathon, with the whole of the Cape Peninsula enjoying a massive communal party, cheering on the waves and waves of cyclists – it’s really quite inspiring (not to mention the dancing girls on the side of the road up Suikerbossie, who are also strangely quite inspiring). The route is lined with groups enjoying barbeques (or brie’s as the South Africans call them) and making lots of noise, some of it encouraging.
It was a great feeling to finally cross the finish line some four and a half hours later, with all of the Parwich Team safely negotiating the course. Our junior contingent managed an awesome time of 4 hours 3 minutes, and the oldies weren’t that far behind! None of us quite challenged the winning time of 2 hours 39 minutes though.
The Parwich team post-race proudly sporting our medals.
A great event superbly organised, – it truly was the ride of a lifetime, and for us, just completing it was a long ride to victory.
Congratulations to all of you. John F-S.
Tour de France…just ‘sayin…