As Foreigners riding in a land far away from home- we did'nt really expect much local support when riding. During the Cape Argus we were all blown away my the encouragement of the local communities right across the 110kms of the ride. The locals cheered, screamed, clapped and even sprayed cooling water pistols at the crucial hill climb stages. Kind and encouraging words were common place as was their support when struggling up hills like Chapman's Peak and Sukarboosie. To give you a sense of what it was like- I have attached a You tube clip that gives you an indication of what it felt like. Actually the fellows in the clip could pass for some of us. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOur8qXvpnk
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B03dFMG8nR4
The first Iron man returns home today. Copy and paste the above link for a preview into his training secrets
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Cape Argus Ride Video & Pictures
Here's a brief video of what it is like when you are in the next group to be called up to the start.
You will need to turn up your speakers and scream "Hoop La" to get the full effect!
Bruce doing the 'recce' ride the day before the Argus.
The ride up to Chapman's Peak.
Riding to the start of the Argus, 6.45am.
Looking quietly confident.
The Fat Bastard Cycling Team ; An Eating club with a cycling disorder.
Last minute entertainment before Group AA - International Entrees are flagged away.
Dancers, Stilt walkers and unicycle riders.
A refreshment/toilet stop.
The bike holders - so you can go to the loo.
Here's a few assorted pictures of riders arriving later in the afternoon; with ~35,000 entrants the finish closes after seven hours.
Cape Argus Ride - simply spectacular!
The Cape Argus Ride is without doubt one of the greatest cycling events in the world. Firstly the 109km route takes you along tree lined motorways of a modern city and then alongside quaint seaside townships and beautiful beaches, then though a national park followed by hills, rocky cliffs and then down sweeping bends back into the city.
And then there are the crowds. It seems that the entire city of Cape Town has gotten behind the event to cheer the riders on.
Dotted along the route there are support stations where you can get water, visit the toilet while someone looks after your bike, and be entertained by the crowds who have gathered to cheer you along. There's loud blaring music, people in coloured clothing dancing and gyrating away and a constant barrage of encouragement that you are doing a terrific job and that you are almost there.
And if you are clever enough to wear your countries colours then you get lots of personal attention i.e. 'Go Aussie Go!' (which works fine provided your team isn't facing South Africa in any World Cup such as cricket, rugby or football). As my timing was right, we will get to beat them again next week, all I heard was a chorus of encouragement which was absolutely fine and lifted my spirits immensely.
Regarding the actual ride, it turned out to be much easier than we had originally thought. Sure we had ridden part of the course and driven the rest, but the riding we had been doing had equipped us very nicely for the hills. The main reason for caution was the large number of riders. All it takes is for someone to lose concentration and you can lose more than a bit of skin.
Fortunately our small group arrived back at our accomodation very happy with the ride and intact. Speaking of accomodation, when you are situated 500m from the finish line, life becomes pretty comfortable as you can get showered and then lunch at a local restaurant in very short time and watch the other riders come in.
If anyone is interested in participating in a large organized ride/race then I can highly recommend the Cape Argus Ride. Faultlessly organized, friendly locals and blessed with a truly beautiful countryside in which to ride. And if you are really lucky like we were then you will get sunshine and gentle breezes as well.
And then there are the crowds. It seems that the entire city of Cape Town has gotten behind the event to cheer the riders on.
Dotted along the route there are support stations where you can get water, visit the toilet while someone looks after your bike, and be entertained by the crowds who have gathered to cheer you along. There's loud blaring music, people in coloured clothing dancing and gyrating away and a constant barrage of encouragement that you are doing a terrific job and that you are almost there.
And if you are clever enough to wear your countries colours then you get lots of personal attention i.e. 'Go Aussie Go!' (which works fine provided your team isn't facing South Africa in any World Cup such as cricket, rugby or football). As my timing was right, we will get to beat them again next week, all I heard was a chorus of encouragement which was absolutely fine and lifted my spirits immensely.
Regarding the actual ride, it turned out to be much easier than we had originally thought. Sure we had ridden part of the course and driven the rest, but the riding we had been doing had equipped us very nicely for the hills. The main reason for caution was the large number of riders. All it takes is for someone to lose concentration and you can lose more than a bit of skin.
Fortunately our small group arrived back at our accomodation very happy with the ride and intact. Speaking of accomodation, when you are situated 500m from the finish line, life becomes pretty comfortable as you can get showered and then lunch at a local restaurant in very short time and watch the other riders come in.
If anyone is interested in participating in a large organized ride/race then I can highly recommend the Cape Argus Ride. Faultlessly organized, friendly locals and blessed with a truly beautiful countryside in which to ride. And if you are really lucky like we were then you will get sunshine and gentle breezes as well.
As sung by The Seekers, THE CARNIVAL IS OVER
What a fantastic and challenging race.
We were seeded with the International group and thus received a great starting time of 7:47am
with 35,000 riders competeing, the race was extremely well organised and thankfully, safe.
Over the 110kms we achieved an average of greater than 28kkms/hr and finished sub 4 hours, thus achieving our goal.
The training ride from Port Elizabeth sttod us in good stead especially for the hills with many other competitors left well behind on each of the climbs.
Thankfully Mark M's lungs were back to normal allowing him to have a great race.
Happily Alan had a flat so I was able to come in only a few minutes after him, not that any of us were competing!!
Have just celebrated with lunch and a few beers, now into the pool to cool off the legs.
Will blog again soon
David
We were seeded with the International group and thus received a great starting time of 7:47am
with 35,000 riders competeing, the race was extremely well organised and thankfully, safe.
Over the 110kms we achieved an average of greater than 28kkms/hr and finished sub 4 hours, thus achieving our goal.
The training ride from Port Elizabeth sttod us in good stead especially for the hills with many other competitors left well behind on each of the climbs.
Thankfully Mark M's lungs were back to normal allowing him to have a great race.
Happily Alan had a flat so I was able to come in only a few minutes after him, not that any of us were competing!!
Have just celebrated with lunch and a few beers, now into the pool to cool off the legs.
Will blog again soon
David
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Riding Through Bains Kloof Pass
The background noise is a combination of bike tyres rolling along the rough road surface and the swirling winds.
The start of the pass
Steady progress
The narrow road cut through rocky outcrops
Stop at the top
The long downhill stretch - rough road plus baboons - to Wellington
After some two weeks away and about 1000kms under our wheels we are almost ready to ride. Tomorrow is the day of the Cape Argus. The five of us and some other 35,000 riders will battle the elements as we ride the 110km route around the most beautiful parts of Cape Town. Yesterday we had a practice ride and reconnaissance of the course. Have a look at some of the photos below to get an idea what we are in for.
the boys seem fit and ready to ride.
While it's not a race, everyone else we speak to think it is. We won't try and stay together, but each man will ride at his desired pace. The highlight will be Chapmans Peak and climb along a beautiful coastal rode above a sparkling ocean.
Here is a map of the area so you can get a better perspective
the boys seem fit and ready to ride.
While it's not a race, everyone else we speak to think it is. We won't try and stay together, but each man will ride at his desired pace. The highlight will be Chapmans Peak and climb along a beautiful coastal rode above a sparkling ocean.
Here is a map of the area so you can get a better perspective
Location:ready to ride
Friday, March 11, 2011
Good morning followers
Can you tell from the tone of my voice that it is almost over? Yes, only the race to go. We had a trial run on some of the course yesterday and oh man, the wind ..... and the hills.... combine the two and perhaps we will be broken men.
Today is a day off the bikes and the plan is to register for the race, pick up our timing chips and perhaps a visit to table mountain. hope it's clear.
a glorious blue sky day, hope it continues for tomorrow
david
Today is a day off the bikes and the plan is to register for the race, pick up our timing chips and perhaps a visit to table mountain. hope it's clear.
a glorious blue sky day, hope it continues for tomorrow
david
Teenage Elephants at play in Addo
Here's an excerpt of teenage elephants at play at the Addo game reserve.
Apparently this was considered a little too close to our happy bunch of travellers.
The Barrydale Decor - if under 18 look away now.
The following are selected highlights demonstrating the decor of the Barrydale Hotel.
The entrance foyer with paintings of greco-roman wrestlers.
The choice of comfortable 'his' and
perhaps 'hers' chairs
Bruce enjoying the comfortable 'hand' chair.
A sample of tasteful nude male prints provides a touch of sophistication (totally lost on this group of guests).
The full size painting on the wall facing David and Mark M's beds.
Mark M doing his best to be unfazed by busying himself with the laundry. All on his birthday!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
The Mark Gedye Effect
This is rare video footage of 'The Mark Gedye Effect'.
The effect is a unique South African phenomenon which happens when a Gedye waxes lyrical about South African weather (we have a suspicion that it is closely related to a similiar Gedye sporting effect known as the 'Kiss of death'.).
In this case the Gedye statement ' Port Elizabeth has the most beautiful and moderate weather' was accompanied by thick fog and the sounding of a fog alarm that locals had never heard before.
Welcome to Capetown
The good news is that after some 800kms we have made it to Cape Town. Table mountain was shrouded in cloud so it was not as spectacular as we had expected. We rose early 5:15 am so we would be on the road by 6am. Today we rode from Montague to Wellington- approx. 135km. A good hill climb and downhill at the end. We get a sleep in tomorrow - 8 am as we are cycling latter in the day. "Cape Argus here we come".
Barrrydale the ultimate challenge - from Alan
Our stay in Barrydale was at a gay hotel, ie gays only. Fortunately we turned up in licra and after 4 days of riding 100km+ a day our cheeks were pert. We were welcomed with open arms. The decor was extrordinary with images of naked men on the wall. There were some images of women but I was reliably informed by David ( who is familar with such matters) that they were in fact transvestites. It was a restless night with some unusual dreams and we cycled awaythe next day with renewed vigour despite our sore legs and bums.
We have spent two days cycling back and forth through mountain passes. The roads wind up narrow valleys with red cliffs. The highlight of the ride so far. Images will no doubt follow from Bruce.
Alan
We have spent two days cycling back and forth through mountain passes. The roads wind up narrow valleys with red cliffs. The highlight of the ride so far. Images will no doubt follow from Bruce.
Alan
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
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