Calling all budding young cyclists! Online entries for the 2014 Cape Argus Pick n Pay Tricycle and Junior Tours opened on Wednesday, 22 January 2014.
The event takes place on Saturday 8 March and this year the organisers have added in an exciting Junior Training Wheels programme for the youngsters to help build their confidence and make them a little more road savvy on their bicycles.
The Junior Training Wheels programme mirrors the Training Wheels programme that was launched last October to prepare and coach adult novices to enter and complete their first Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour in 2014.
Adri Bootsma, Marketing, PR and Media Manager for the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust, says “The Training Wheels programme has been a major hit amongst adult novice cyclists aiming to participate in their first Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour so we’ve decided to introduce a simpler programme for the kiddies to teach them the basics of cycling safety and help them tackle the Trike and Junior events with confidence.”
The Junior Training Wheels programme is open to youngsters up until the age of 12 who own and can pedal a two-wheeled bicycle without assistance. Daily 90-minute sessions will take place from 16h30 from Wednesday 05 to Friday 07 March at Canal Walk Shopping Centre and entry fees are R150 per child. Parents are encouraged to enter their tots online early as entries are limited to 30 riders per session. Wearing of helmets at each of the sessions is compulsory to ensure the safety of all riders.
The Cape Argus Pick n Pay Tricycle and Junior Tours take place on Saturday, 08 March at the Youngsfield Military Base in Wynberg. Each participant who successfully completes the route will receive a goodie bag, medal and certificate. There are also lots of other activities on offer – face painting, jumping castles and prize giveaways – so parents will be glad to know their little ones will be well entertained for hours.
A ride for all ages: take your pick
The Tricycle Tour, presented by Minute Maid, is aimed at young children between the ages of 0 and 6 years and is a 1,7km fun ride that introduces little ones to the basics of cycling in a safe and controlled environment.
The Junior Tour, presented by Spur Steak Ranches, is for older children between the ages of 6 and 12 years who want to develop their cycling skills. There are 5km, 7.5km and 10km routes – ideal for aspiring cyclists to choose their favoured distance according to their fitness and capability.
Parents must accompany their Trike Tour riders on foot. Those who wish to participate in the Junior Tour with their children must do so on a bike.
In support of The Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust’s on-going safe cycling initiative, all riders must wear cycling helmets and the strict “No Helmet No Ride” rule will apply to both kids and accompanying parents.
“The Tricycle and Junior Tours are a great way to get kids on their bikes from a very young age and to teach them about the fun and exciting sport of cycling,” says Bootsma. “The events grow each year and parents should enter their children as soon as possible as online entries will be limited to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all riders on event day.”
To alleviate traffic and promote environmentally friendly practices, parents are advised to carpool to the event. Free, secure parking will be available in demarcated areas at the venue.
Registration will take place between 28 February and 07 March 2014 at the Main Stage area of the Canal Walk Shopping Centre. No entries will be processed on race day.
