OK, so we are not hardbodies yet. And, Lance Armstrong doesn't have to worry about us overtaking him on the hill climb. But, we are having a blast on our bicycles and becoming somewhat regulars with the Saturday morning Cycle Lab club. We're meeting people, getting exercise, and seeing some amazing scenery as we peddle up and down the hills of the Southern Cape. Naomi and I are both training for the Cape Argus (the largest bike race in the world, 35,000 riders), which is a 68 mile ride around the Cape on March 8. Here is the web-site for the ride. Though the race is closed to South Africans, it's still open to foreigners. Wanna ride: http://www.cycletour.co.za/Naomi is loving her bike. We bought it used from the same guy who sold me my bike, but we bought it when the Rand was 11.2 to the dollar, and not 7.5 to the dollar. So she got lots more bike than I did. She also signed up for a training program sponsored by our gym and the cycle club. It is for folks who are doing their first Cape Argus. While its a little too basic (designed for people who have never really been on a bike, and never really exercised), Naomi is sticking with it, and she is going to be an expert when it is over.
The Medium-Medium Group
I've posted some photos from our ride yesterday. Each Saturday, there are three rides (long, medium, and short) and then 3 different groups for each ride (fast, medium, and slow). I've settled in with a nice group who do the "Medium-Medium" ride. Yesterday, the "Medium-Medium" ride was 60 km, over Red Hill (with a gorgeous view of Simon's Town in the background), then over Slangkop to a gorgeous lighthouse in a place called Kommetjie, and then back over Ou Kaapse Weg (Old Cape Road) to the bikeshop. It was a perfect day, with a little breeze blowing.
But, the best part of the day is the "after ride." Everyone gathers outside for coffee, courtesy of the bike club. So, we get to sit outside, have a little breakfast, share stories and just soak in all the good energy. Definitely, we'll be ready by March 8!
I never thought biking would be a big part of our year in Africa. Never say never! YES WE CAN!
Blog ya later.
Seth./.
