Cycling via awesome African coastline and mountains

By John Redmond

Escaping a rather lengthy Korean winter often means a quick flight to a Southeast Asian destination. Taking a flight to the other side of the world to cycle in a 110 kilometer bicycle tour might seem a little extreme, but it is well worth the journey.

Every year since 1978 in Cape Town, South Africa, the city pays host to the largest timed bicycle race in the world. Attracting some 35,000 competitors ranging in skill from professionals ― Lance Armstrong uses it as a warm up for the Tour De France ― to the average cycle enthusiast, the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour takes the rider on one of the great adventures the region has to offer.

The entry process is a simple matter and international entrants are given the benefit of being given early start times. Because of the large number of competitors, cyclists are let go in groups of about 150, at five minute intervals beginning at 6:15 a.m. with the last group leaving at 9:57 a.m. This rider was given a 7:47 a.m. start.

Starting at sea level in the middle of town, the route follows main roads, freeways and mountain passes that have been closed to traffic for the day.

With the Cape Peninsula set amid a very mountainous region surrounded by two oceans ― the warm Indian Ocean and the chilly Atlantic ― one is soon made aware of the challenges in store.

With strong trade winds and blistering sun some of the many obstacles, the rider is also made aware of the limitations of the equipment. Clocking speeds of 68 kilometers-per-hour on downhill stretches on a bicycle with tires less than half an inch wide can be rather daunting. The same can be said for uphill struggle of Chapman’s Peak Drive. Overlooking The Atlantic Ocean from 170 meters above sea level with a sheer drop to the left and boulders precariously perched on the hill to the right, struggling to find a gap among the riders while climbing the second last peak of the tours is very taxing.

The big issue with bicycles is the constant threat of a puncture. Especially on mountainous roads where mountain bikes are too heavy to get decent speeds on sealed surfaces.

One person who has ridden the event nine times is former Seoul resident Andre Viljoen, now based in Cape Town.

“I’ve ridden it nine times but last year I got three punctures, knocking my time down,” he said, referring to the process of being seeded for ones starting time.

As with any sport, the toll on the body can be harrowing. Fortunately at about five kilometer intervals from the 20 kilometer point onwards there are refreshment stations where volunteers provided free water, soft drinks, energy foods and massages. There are also people to assist with bicycle repairs. However purchasing a spare tube at one of these areas can be quite costly.

What really makes the ride worth the effort, and the training leading up to it, is the sense of celebration. The whole city comes to a halt, with the sides of the route packed with people cheering the riders on, with some even setting up little concert stages.

The view of the calm Indian Ocean as one rides up Boyes Drive towards Kalk Bay harbor, to the peaceful flat stretch of Misty Cliffs ― named because of the ocean spray from the beach a few meters from the road _ on the Atlantic coast, are times to savor as most riders are still aware of the last hurdle.

Known as Suikerbossie, the final peak in the ride is a slow gradual five kilometers up a seemingly endless straight, reaching 169 meters above sea level. With Hout Bay locals informing the riders of the last “little hump” the mood is one of a street party. It’s also the stretch that claims most riders. The pack has noticeably thinned out by this section. This writer had already witnessed two helicopter Medivacs (medical evacuation).

Freewheeling down the last six kilometer bending mountain pass before hitting the final eight kilometer stretch to going over the finish line at Green Point World Cup Stadium is a true sense of accomplishment.

The ride takes the average person less than seven hours to complete. Viljoen achieved a time of two hours and 58 minutes. This writer did it in a little over six hours. The elite invitation-only athletes start at 6:15 a.m. and have usually lapped many that started the race from 8 a.m. onward.

The 2011 event was won by Tyler Day in 2:32:10.