On Sunday I took part in the Argus Cycle Tour. It's the world's largest timed cycle race. And I dare say one of the most majestic. The views are, in one word, spectacular. And with about 75% of the course right next to the ocean (first the Indian and then the Atlantic), you get to cool off with a bit of sea-spray every now and then.
However, with just over 30000 cyclists in the race, you had better keep your wits about you. At one stage I was in a peloton of about a 100 people reaching speeds of around 40 km/h. Just the slightest wobble from somebody in front would send a wave of whooaaah's through the pack. And a few shivers were travelling up and down my spine when I narrowly missed a dropped water bottle.
Joining the field was the 1997 Tour de France winner, Jan Ullrich. Imagine my surprise when I saw that my time of 3h22 was slightly better than his 3h33! He was riding for various charities and taking it quite easy after retiring from professional cycling.
Keep watching http://www.cycletour.co.za to and enter as soon as the 2008 race is open.
