Not the Cape Town Cycle Race

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 --->

 

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If not... read on:

Looking for a weekend break or school holiday oasis?  Ever thought of trying Airbnb?

AirBnB is a Community Built on Sharing, they began in 2008 when two designers who had space to share hosted three travellers looking for a place to stay. This simple concept grew so quickly that this has become a world wide business model used by travellers & accommodation establishments alike.

It's easy to use, millions of hosts and travellers simply create a free Airbnb account. The hosts advertises their room / apartment or unit and the traveller simply book their accommodation anywhere in the world.

A recent article by Traveller24 explained how booking with Airbnb can in most cases secure you a better deal than most hotels and B&B's in an area.

The following is quoted directly from their website and the link to the whole article is at the bottom:

Cape Town –

Cape Town’s Airbnb offering is one of the biggest in SA, but because the demand is so big in the Mother City, the housing options are still relatively expensive.

You’ll  struggle to find a good spot for under R1 200 a night, for an entire apartment or house. But because the price range is so vast, there are plenty of great bargains in Cape Town too - you don’t have to pay big money to have a value-for-money stay.

Compared to hotel prices in the rest of Africa, Cape Town hotel prices are also relatively cheap.
Mother City guests would pay around R1 448 per night for a hotel stay, according to a 2015 survey.

So, depending on what travellers are after, both Airbnb and hotels or B&B can offer different services
and perks for about the same price.

Some home owners in more exclusive areas like Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno, however, have the  power to offer guests incredible views for much less that they’d pay for a night in an exclusive hotel in the area, like Twelve Apostles, for example.

It is in these exclusive suburbs where Airbnb may trump hotels and B&Bs in terms of value for money. 

(http://traveller24.news24.com/TravelPlanning/airbnb-cape-town-vs-johannesburg-vs-the-world-20160331)

The service is extremely easy to use, and you can book, confirm and pay through the site.  Airbnb verifies personal profiles and also provides a 24/7 customer support team to assist you when needed.

To try it out, and for a FREE R500 travel credit voucher, register through our link --->  http://bit.ly/ACTABB