Cape Town

What is something that once you learn it, you never forget how? The rejoinder is, of course, riding a bike and it's a topic of conversation for many citizen nearby the world, along with Cape Town, South Africa.

Anytime you think of expert cycling the issue always seems to turn to Lance Armstrong or performing improving drugs at the Tour de France.

Fixedgear Bike

I want expert cycling to touch a distinct outlook for a change. The way to do that is to turn my concentration to Cape Town, South Africa. Not the first place you think of when talking about cycling? Cape Town every year, hosts the Cape Argus Pick 'n Play Cycle Tour. And Cape Town is where the world's largest individually timed cycle race is held, outside of Europe.

Cape Town

About 40,000 cyclists take on this 108 km race nearby Cape Town. The intention is not to be a difficult ride, but as you race, you can enjoy a gorgeous scenic route and talk to a riding partner, as you peddle nearby one of the more gorgeous places on Earth.

The race started in Cape Town, thirty years ago in 1978, when Bill Myrlea and John Stegmann were out riding and felt the need for more cycling paths in Cape Town. Many ideas were discussed, but at the end of the day they decided to put on a race to make citizen more aware of this issue.

Initially, the event was called the Peninsula Marathon, but before the first legal race commenced, it changed, to the name of a local newspaper in Cape Town, Cape Argus.

There are now many events; and things kick off a week before the actual race. There is a Tricycle Tour for kids under the age of six, Junior Cycle Tour for the ages of six and twelve, and Mountain Bike Challenge.

Charities have also come to be a beneficiary at the Cycle Tour. In 2007, over three million was donated to the race's two legal charities, the Pedal Power connection and the Rotary Club of Claremont, both in Cape Town.

Only once has weather come into play. In 2002, the Tour was stopped for the first time as temperatures rose to 42 degrees C in some areas of Cape Town. Only 28 cyclists made it across the finishing line before they stopped the Tour at the recommendation of curative professionals.

Bicycling is mountainous nearby the world, as young and old enjoy the fitness and fun aspect it provides. It's always nice to know where one can find a miniature competition to get the juices flowing.

Now matter how old one gets, the topic of bicycling is never out of one's mind. From the moment those training wheels come off, it is something we'll never forget how to do. And that is a topic worth discussing.

Cape Town