27 February 2008
Cape Town experiences a major transformation in March. The city teems with out-of-towners and tourists. Cycling becomes the transport mode of choice. Those that do not cycle drive with bike racks on their cars. And an alarming number of men walk around with shaved legs.
This is Cycle Tour season - when Cape Town hosts an 11-day cycling extravaganza that culminates in the world's biggest individually timed cycle race.
The week-and-a-half running up to the 31st Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour on Sunday, 9 March is jam-packed with a variety of cycling action.
Kid's Life Expo
28 February - 2 March: The first official Cycle Tour Kid's Life Expo takes place at Canal Walk Shopping Centre, with exhibitors ranging from education, nutrition, cycling, sport, fashion and kids' lifestyle.
This will be a great meeting place for families while entering their children into the Junior or Tricycle Tour, and a fantastic way to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among children.
1 March: The excitement starts on Saturday when thousands of youngsters between two and 12 will flock to Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery for the much-anticipated Cape Argus Pick n Pay Tricycle and Junior Tours (presented by Bonaqua and Spur Steak Ranches respectively).
Over 2 000 children are expected to participate in the 1.5km, 5km and 10km rides.
Mountain bike races
2 March: Things will take a muddy turn when about 3 500 mountain bikers are expected to gather at Boschendal Wine Estate on Sunday.
The event features four route options for the participants – ranging from a flat and easy 13km to an ultra-tough 55km marathon – and lots to see and do for supporters, making this a perfect family outing.
MTN Giro del Capo
4 March: The first stage of the MTN Giro del Capo officially kicks off
in Wellington.
The five-stage international stage race takes local and international professional cycling teams through the heart of the Boland and the Durbanville Winelands, before they tackle the final hill-climb up Signal Hill on Saturday, 8 March.
Lifecycle Expo
5 - 8 March: Every year, over 70 000 people flock to the Lifecycle Expo, SA’s largest cycling, health and fitness expo. This is where Cycle Tour participants finalise their registration and do some last-minute shopping before Race Day.
This year also sees the launch of the Wellcare Centre, a centralised "clinic" where individuals can undergo numerous health tests, including cholesterol, blood pressure and fitness tests.
Participants have the added benefit of having the test results linked to their race number, giving medical professionals up-to-date information in any Race Day emergency situation.
The Cycle Tour
9
March: Undoubtedly the highlight of Lifecycle Week, the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour takes 35 000 cyclists of all ages, shapes and sizes along 109km of the of the Cape Peninsula's most scenic roads - a great percentage of which run through a nature reserve and world heritage site.
The Cycle Tour is, however, much more than a mass participation event that attracts cyclists from around the globe; all Cycle Tour proceeds go to charity, benefiting hundreds of community organisations and initiatives - from schools and children's homes to skills and cycling development.
Last year, R3-million was shared between the Pedal Power Association and The Rotary Club of Claremont.
Participation for non-cyclists
There is a way for those not cycling to participate in the Cycle Tour without breaking a sweat, say the organisers. Their suggestion: just slap on some sunscreen, pack a picnic and find a spot along the route to do some
cheering.
David Bellairs, head of the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour organising team, highlights some of the best spectator spots where fans can watch the Cycle Tour drama unfold:
The Start, Hertzog Boulevard
If you live in the suburbs around the city centre, take your bicycle into town. If you travel by car, park in any of the surrounding side streets and walk to the start area.
There's an awesome vibe and it's the only time you will ever see so many cyclists together. Everybody say WHOOOPLAH!
Newlands Forest Area
Accessible from the east side of the M3, as well as the pedestrian subway at the "Parks and Forest" area, the Newlands Forest area includes one refreshment station where spectators will be treated to some fast riding by the still fresh and excited cyclists.
Paradise Road (Near Paradise Motors)
This point is accessible from Main Road, Claremont and is a good place to view the cyclists as they speed down
Paradise Road and start climbing up Edinburgh Drive.
Edinburgh Drive (Up to the top of Wynberg Hill - Outbound)
The steepest gradient of the Cycle Tour gives sideline supporters the chance to cheer and inspire the cyclists as they struggle up the first climb of the route.
If you are keen to spot your boet or your best buddy, then this is undoubtedly the best vantage point. It is also a great place to take your skottel and cook your breakfast.
Main Road / Steenberg Road (Muizenberg)
This easily accessible vantage point allows you to see the cyclists as they speed towards the sea.
Kalk Bay And St. James
The suggestion here is to enjoy breakfast at one of the many restaurants in the area and toast the cyclists as they flash past.
Fish Hoek
The traffic circle and Main Road in the centre of town always attracts many supporters.
Glencairn Beach
There is pedestrian access to the grassed area
(Glen Ridge side) with large lawns opposite the beach, or make your way to the Glencairn Hotel / Southern Right or Dixies restaurant.
Simon's Town Main Road
Access is preferably on foot for local residents. Jubilee Square has been a firm spectator favourite for years and always has a great vibe.
Scarborough
Gain access to Main Road on foot or view from pubs and restaurants along the road.
Noordhoek Farm Village
Local residents must preferably access this area (Main Road) on foot, or relax at any of the pubs or restaurants on the roadside while they watch the cyclists speed by.
Hout Bay (Cnr Princess & Main/Chapman's Peak Drive)
If you live in Hout Bay and haven't managed to escape the madness early on, take a stroll down to Main Road (M65) and give the cyclists that final energy boost before they hit the dreaded Suikerbossie.
Suikerbossie
It may not be the toughest hill on the route, but
most participants dread this climb. They are tired and need all the encouragement the spectators can give.
Suikerbossie – all the way from the bottom circle to the top before Llandudno - is a perfect vantage point for locals.
Camps Bay Beachfront
Join the beautiful people for a few hours and relax at one of Camps Bay's many beachfront restaurants or on the beach. A pedestrian bridge allows you to cross the cycle stream to the beach.
Sea Point
Thrills, spills and crashes are aplenty at the sharp left turn from Victoria Road into Queens Road! A pedestrian bridge allows you to cross the road here.
Promenade and Finish Line
Make your way to the Promenade to watch the cyclists breaking into their final sprint to the finish and witness all the emotion and high drama, typical of the Cycle Tour finish line.
How to be a Responsible Spectator
Source: Cycle Tour 2008
