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.