I haven't been on a SUP or surfboard since 13 Feb 2017, my birthday - and that was in Paternoster. The reason for that is simply because I've been training all out for my virgin Cape Town Cycle Tour (previously known as the Argus) at every opportunity. I started training in November already but decided the last month will be total dedication.
If you don't know what the Cape Town Cycle Tour is, it's a 107km cycle, held in March of each year, going around the Cape Peninsula. It's also the biggest timed cycle race in the world, 40 000 cyclist registered for the 2017 - so it's big.. apparently not the toughest race in the world but for a 1st timer like me... scary - and from some of the stories I've heard from other amateurs - can be brutal.
As luck would have it on the day of the race - gale force winds, veld fires and protest over some part of the routes and the race is cancelled! Major disappointment for everyone involved and I'm 'all dressed up and nowhere to go'. Downer - I've trained so hard, got all the energy gels and drinks and now I'll have to wait another year to cross a 100km cycle of my bucket list.
With the above in mind I search for another race to do, just so that I can at least put my 'cycle fitness' to the test. I come across the 'WACT Race' - Week after Cycle Tour - apparently there was quite a few people who had the same idea as me and the PPA (Pedal Power Association) decided to organise this 102km race in Malmesbury. I register immediately and make arrangements for the coming weekend to go race... and so the big day arrives Saturday 19 March 2017 - Race day in Malmesbury!
The race starts from the show grounds which is right next to the accommodation spot we booked via AirBnB. The weather forecast is for a hot day (36 degrees C) and some moderate wind. Race starts at 07h00 and I'm there by 06h00 to get my race number. I'm not seeded so I start right at the back, group W. At about 06h40 I move to the starting line up - nervous, exited - all at once. As I walk to the back of the grid I can't but help observe that most of the other cyclist looked like pro's - fancy bikes, with all the gear and accessories - and here I am with my old mountain bike, tekkies and brand new cycling shirt!
Continue to read the rest of my adventure here --->
