So its almost time for the World Funride Championship, a.k.a. the Pick n Pay Argus Cycle Tour. Following online discussions on the event one gets a sense of the amount of time and effort that is invested for so many that make the annual trek. For us Cape Townians the event is less spectacular, especially if you ride your bike for more than 2 months of the year. We can do this ride on any given weekend and we often do, but there is just some intangible quality that is brought to the race when 29 999 other riders line up at the start with you. I am looking forward to the Expo where I can drool over the latest and greatest in the cycling industry, all be it at a very tired looking Good Hope Centre (if someone from the Cycle Trust is reading this, why not have the Expo at the CTICC!!!). Then there is the preparations on the Saturday, getting to Town early on Sunday, watching the pro's set off just before sunrise, lining up in your start chute and finally setting off.
This year my wife and I decided to give it a go on a tandem. I've had numerous responses from friends and family ranging from "WOW!, THAT'S GREAT!" to "I KNOW A GOOD DIVORCE LAWYER". As we were only able to get a tandem about 6 weeks ago, we are feeling slightly under prepared at this point, but from what I gather about 80% of the riders in the race feels underdone.
Another thing that differentiates the Argus from any other race is the element of surprise. You ALWAYS cross paths with the most unusual suspects at the event and you are left thinking afterwards " WHAT IS THE ODDS!" 29 999 other riders and we bump into each other.
Full road closures and more support than at last year's Curry Cup Final makes the event even more attractive and for one day in the year the Average Joe's and Joanne's all feel like champions.
To all of you out there taking part again. Be it for your first, or whether you're a seasoned campaigner, may the winds be friendly and the climbs gentle. If you pass a grey tandem with 2 riders wearing blue Visual Edge kit, give us a wave, or even better, a nice big push.
