Argus 2013 – What a Ride!

 

After finishing several Johannesburg-based 94.7 races, with a personal best time of 2:58 in 2010, I was told that the Argus was much easier than 'Joburg's toughest race', and with 35,000 riders taking part, it must be … right? I was totally unprepared for this race in terms of knowing the route and what critical points to look out for, but I had already decided that I was going to enjoy the race and take in as much of the atmosphere as possible. My time was not an issue.

 

The weather report for race day was an important factor for many people, and Friday morning's newspaper headline stated, “Heat and wind to make heavy weather for slower cyclists.” This was definitely not what I had hoped to read, especially seeing that I had geared myself up for an easy ride.

 

The start in Cape Town's city centre was superbly organised, and the excitement amongst the participants was tangible and I couldn't help but get swept up and carried along. The gun went off at 6:30 a.m., sounding the start of the 36th edition of this iconic race. I started in the 'W' group at 7:12 a.m.; a perfect time for me as it was not too early or too late.

 

We headed out of town and onto the M3 highway where we encountered the first signs of Cape Town's notorious winds. We were also riding into the sun, making it impossible to see the throngs of spectators that lined the side of the road. At this point, I realised that if I was going to enjoy the ride and not have to expel too much energy in the process, I was going to have to stay in a group of ten or more cyclists. Drafting is a very important tactic when it comes to saving energy in cycling and in a tight, single-file line, a back rider is able to take advantage of the slipstream created by the front rider and save an estimated 40% energy.

 

At the eleven kilometre mark, we saw our first climb of 135 m up Edinburgh Drive looming. Heart rates were pushed above 90% and the groups started to thin out as the stronger cyclists seemed to turn their pedals with ease and power away. After this tough climb it was easy cycling (as long as you stayed in your group and out of the head-on wind) down the M3, past Newlands and Wynberg, and through the small coastal towns of St James, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, Glencairn and Simons Town towards Muizenberg. With approximately 70 km left to go, I was feeling fresh and very happy with the stunning route so far.

 

The support from the residents in the towns that we passed through was amazing! They cheered us on, encouraging us to keep going, all to the sounds of music playing in the background. It actually felt like we were riding in our own Tour De France. Unfortunately, I was concentrating so hard that I was unable to look up and acknowledge the effort they made, as one mistake could have seen my group of about 50 cyclists end up in a terrible accident. All eyes had to be on the wheel of the cyclist in front of you, with the odd glance to see where the route was headed.

 

The second big climb of the route came as we left the picturesque coastline and were passing Table Mountain National Park. Smitswinkel saw us climb 142 m and once again the climb thinned out the group as they ground their way up. Once at the top, there was an amazing stretch of road that was covered on both sides by trees, creating a much-needed shaded area and an ideal section to pick up the pace and regroup.